Q2 2026 AMN Healthcare Services Inc Earnings Call
Operator: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the AMN Healthcare Q2 2026 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all lines are in listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. If at any time during this call you require immediate assistance, please press star zero for the operator. This call is being recorded on Thursday, 6 August 2026. I would now like to turn the conference over to Randle Reece, Vice President of Investor Relations. Thank you. Please go ahead.
Speaker #1: welcome to the AMN Healthcare Q2 2026 earnings conference call. At this time, all lines are in listen-only mode. Following the presentation, we will conduct a Q&A session.
Speaker #1: you require immediate assistance, please press star 0 for the operator. This call is being recorded on Thursday, August 6, 2026, and I would now like to turn the conference over to Randle Reece, Vice President of Investor Relations.
Speaker #1: you. Please go ahead.
Operator: Please go ahead.
Speaker #2: Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to AMN Healthcare's Q2 2026 earnings call. A replay of this webcast will be available at ir.amnhealthcare.com at the conclusion of this call.
Randle Reece: Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to AMN Healthcare's Q2 2026 earnings call. A replay of this webcast will be available at ir.amnhealthcare.com at the conclusion of this call. Remarks we make during this call about future expectations, projections, trends, plans, events, or circumstances constitute forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the company's current beliefs based upon the information currently available to it. Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements because of various factors and cautionary statements, including those identified in our most recently filed Forms 10-K and 10-Q, our earnings release, and subsequent filings with the SEC. The company does not intend to update guidance or any forward-looking statements provided today prior to its next earnings release. This call contains certain non-GAAP financial information.
Randle Reece: Good afternoon, everyone. Welcome to AMN Healthcare's Q2 2026 earnings call. A replay of this webcast will be available at ir.amnhealthcare.com at the conclusion of this call. Remarks we make during this call about future expectations, projections, trends, plans, events, or circumstances constitute forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the company's current beliefs based upon the information currently available to it. Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements because of various factors and cautionary statements, including those identified in our most recently filed Forms 10-K and 10-Q, our earnings release, and subsequent filings with the SEC.
Speaker #2: Remarks we make during this call about future expectations projections trends plans events or circumstances constitute forward-looking statements. These statements reflect the company's current beliefs based upon information currently available to it.
Speaker #2: Our actual results may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements. Because of various factors and cautionary statements, including those identified in our most recently filed forms 10-K and 10-Q, our earnings release and subsequent filings with the SEC, the company does not intend to update guidance or any forward-looking statements provided today prior to its next earnings release.
Randle Reece: The company does not intend to update guidance or any forward-looking statements provided today prior to its next earnings release. This call contains certain non-GAAP financial information.
Speaker #2: This call contains certain non-GAAP financial information. Information regarding in reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in our earnings release and on our financial reports page at ir.amnhealthcare.com.
Randle Reece: Information regarding and reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in our earnings release and on our financial reports page at ir.amnhealthcare.com. On the call with me today are Cary Grace, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Scott, Chief Financial and Operating Officer. I will now turn the call over to Cary.
Randle Reece: Information regarding and reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in our earnings release and on our financial reports page at ir.amnhealthcare.com. On the call with me today are Cary Grace, President and Chief Executive Officer, and Brian Scott, Chief Financial and Operating Officer. I will now turn the call over to Cary.
Speaker #2: On the call with me today are Carrie Grace, President and Chief Executive Officer; and Bryant Scott, Chief Financial and Operating Officer. I will now turn the call over to Carrie.
Speaker #1: Thank you, Randy, and good afternoon, everyone. We appreciate you joining us today. I am pleased to report that our Q2 results came in better than we forecasted, with five of our solutions growing year.
Cary Grace: Thank you, Randy, and good afternoon, everyone. We appreciate you joining us today. I am pleased to report that our Q2 results came in better than we forecasted, with five of our solutions growing revenue year-over-year. Q2 consolidated revenue was $673 million, 6% above the high end of our guidance range and 2% higher year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA was $73 million, or 10.9% of revenue, up 26% year-over-year. Adjusted EPS came in at $0.77 compared with $0.30 in the year-ago quarter. We ended the quarter with $362 million in cash on our balance sheet, providing us with the ability to invest in our long-term strategy, including acquisition opportunities. We used our strong financial position to make two small yet strategic acquisitions that extend and advance our capabilities.
Cary Grace: Thank you, Randy, and good afternoon, everyone. We appreciate you joining us today. I am pleased to report that our Q2 results came in better than we forecasted, with five of our solutions growing revenue year-over-year. Q2 consolidated revenue was $673 million, 6% above the high end of our guidance range and 2% higher year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA was $73 million, or 10.9% of revenue, up 26% year-over-year. Adjusted EPS came in at $0.77 compared with $0.30 in the year-ago quarter. We ended the quarter with $362 million in cash on our balance sheet, providing us with the ability to invest in our long-term strategy, including acquisition opportunities. We used our strong financial position to make two small yet strategic acquisitions that extend and advance our capabilities.
Speaker #1: Q2 consolidated revenue was $673 million, 6% above the high end of our guidance range, and 2% higher year over year. Adjusted EBITDA was $73 million, or 10.9% of revenue, up 26% year over year.
Speaker #1: Adjusted EPS came in at $77 cents, compared with 30 cents in the year-ago quarter. And we ended the quarter with $362 million in cash on our balance sheet, providing us with the ability to invest in our long-term strategy including acquisition opportunities.
Speaker #1: We used our strong financial position to make two small yet strategic acquisitions that extend and advance our capabilities. Our performance year-to-date demonstrated our effectiveness in balancing day-to-day execution while simultaneously handling large labor disruption events.
Cary Grace: Our performance year-to-date demonstrated our effectiveness in balancing day-to-day execution while simultaneously handling large labor disruption events. While there were some unique items in our results, I am very encouraged to report that our core earnings exceeded guidance with building momentum that lifts our Q3 outlook. With contingent labor rates at a historically low premium to permanent staff, more clients are using flexible labor to meet their increasing patient demand. There is also continued interest in broader workforce optimization and tech-enabled talent solutions to build sustainable workforces. As the leader and innovator in total talent solutions, AMN is well-positioned to support these market and client needs. Our Q2 performance was highlighted by revenue strength in our travel nurse, international nurse, allied, schools, and search businesses. Our Nurse and Allied Solutions segment drove the favorable surprise in the Q2 in several ways.
Cary Grace: Our performance year-to-date demonstrated our effectiveness in balancing day-to-day execution while simultaneously handling large labor disruption events. While there were some unique items in our results, I am very encouraged to report that our core earnings exceeded guidance with building momentum that lifts our Q3 outlook. With contingent labor rates at a historically low premium to permanent staff, more clients are using flexible labor to meet their increasing patient demand. There is also continued interest in broader workforce optimization and tech-enabled talent solutions to build sustainable workforces. As the leader and innovator in total talent solutions, AMN is well-positioned to support these market and client needs. Our Q2 performance was highlighted by revenue strength in our travel nurse, international nurse, allied, schools, and search businesses. Our Nurse and Allied Solutions segment drove the favorable surprise in the Q2 in several ways.
Speaker #1: While there were some unique items in our results, I am very encouraged to report that our core earnings exceeded guidance with building momentum that lifts our Q3 outlook.
Speaker #1: With contingent labor rates at a historically low premium to permanent staff, more clients are using flexible labor to meet their increasing patient demand. There is also continued interest in broader workforce optimization and tech-enabled talent solutions to build sustainable workforces.
Speaker #1: As the leader and innovator in total talent solutions, AMN is well positioned to support these market and client needs. Our Q2 performance was highlighted by revenue strength and our travel nurse international nurse allied schools and search businesses.
Speaker #1: Our nurse and surprise in the Q2 in several ways. Segment revenue of $422 million grew 11% year over year and was 12% ahead of the consensus estimate.
Cary Grace: Segment revenue of $422 million grew 11% year-over-year and was 12% ahead of the consensus estimate. Nurse and Allied revenue benefited from higher volume on increased demand, as well as higher than expected labor disruption revenue. Segment gross margin was 28.4%, with underlying margins in line with our expectations, along with several beneficial factors specific to the quarter. Travel nurse volume showed 6% year-over-year growth, and Allied volume grew 7%, both the highest growth rate these businesses have achieved in 4 years. Improving demand and strong fulfillment drove our performance. Year-over-year, travel nurse orders turned positive in May and accelerated in June. As of early August, the improvement continued, with orders up about 40% year-over-year and 20% higher than August 2024. As expected, international nurse had 23% year-over-year revenue growth in the Q2.
Cary Grace: Segment revenue of $422 million grew 11% year-over-year and was 12% ahead of the consensus estimate. Nurse and Allied revenue benefited from higher volume on increased demand, as well as higher than expected labor disruption revenue. Segment gross margin was 28.4%, with underlying margins in line with our expectations, along with several beneficial factors specific to the quarter. Travel nurse volume showed 6% year-over-year growth, and Allied volume grew 7%, both the highest growth rate these businesses have achieved in 4 years. Improving demand and strong fulfillment drove our performance. Year-over-year, travel nurse orders turned positive in May and accelerated in June. As of early August, the improvement continued, with orders up about 40% year-over-year and 20% higher than August 2024. As expected, international nurse had 23% year-over-year revenue growth in the Q2.
Speaker #1: Nurse and allied revenue benefited from higher volume on increased demand, as well as higher-than-expected labor disruption revenue. Segment gross margin was $28.4%, with underlying margins in line with our expectations along with several beneficial factors specific to the quarter.
Speaker #1: Travel nurse volume showed 6% year-over-year growth, and allied volume grew 7%. Both are the highest growth rates these businesses have achieved in four years. Improving demand and strong fulfillment drove our performance.
Speaker #1: Year over year, travel nurse orders turned positive in May and accelerated in June. As of early August, the improvement continued with orders up about 40% year over year and 20% higher than August 2024.
Speaker #1: As expected, international nurse had 23% year-over-year revenue growth in the Q2. While we continue to benefit from the forward movement in visa application cutoff dates, embassy appointments for visa applicants have not kept pace.
Cary Grace: While we continue to benefit from the forward movement in visa application cutoff dates, embassy appointments for visa applicants have not kept pace. Relief from the embassy backlog will influence how much this business grows in 2027. Allied orders showed modest year-over-year growth in the Q1 and accelerated through the Q2, with mid-teens growth rates in June and July. Allied demand strength is broad-based in terms of settings and specialties. Notably, our schools business is on track for another year of double-digit revenue growth for the upcoming school year. Our team is executing very well against this higher demand with high fill rates, which fueled the Q2 outperformance and continued volume momentum. Q3 guidance includes better than 10% year-over-year volume growth for both travel nurse and Allied.
Cary Grace: While we continue to benefit from the forward movement in visa application cutoff dates, embassy appointments for visa applicants have not kept pace. Relief from the embassy backlog will influence how much this business grows in 2027. Allied orders showed modest year-over-year growth in the Q1 and accelerated through the Q2, with mid-teens growth rates in June and July. Allied demand strength is broad-based in terms of settings and specialties. Notably, our schools business is on track for another year of double-digit revenue growth for the upcoming school year. Our team is executing very well against this higher demand with high fill rates, which fueled the Q2 outperformance and continued volume momentum. Q3 guidance includes better than 10% year-over-year volume growth for both travel nurse and Allied.
Speaker #1: Relief from the embassy backlog will influence how much this business grows in 2027. Allied orders showed modest year-over-year growth in the first quarter and accelerated through the Q2, with mid-teens growth rates in June and July.
Speaker #1: Allied demand strength is broad-based in terms of settings and specialties. Notably, our schools business is on track for another year of double-digit revenue growth for the upcoming school year.
Speaker #1: Our team is executing very well against this higher demand with high fill rates, which fueled the Q2 outperformance and continued volume momentum. Q3 guidance includes better-than 10% year-over-year volume growth for both travel nurse and allied.
Speaker #1: As demand increases, we are benefiting from our multi-year focus on process automation 24/7 business operations and AI enablement of recruiting. Resulting in higher fill rates across our MSP/VMS and third-party platforms.
Cary Grace: As demand increases, we are benefiting from our multi-year focus on process automation, 24/7 business operations, and AI enablement of recruiting, resulting in higher fill rates across our MSP, VMS, and third-party platforms. For Q3, we expect Nurse and Allied Solutions segment revenue to grow 9% to 11% year-over-year. Physician and Leadership Solutions segment revenue in Q2 was $165 million, lower by 6% year-over-year and in line with guidance. Segment gross margin was 26.5%, down year-over-year, though modestly up from Q1. We saw a positive inflection in Q2 from our search business, which produced 27% year-over-year revenue growth. New demand showed strong growth across physician and executive search. While the higher demand is being driven by executive turnover and facility expansion, growth is coming also from stronger positioning of AMN solutions in the market, with particular strength in academic medical centers.
Cary Grace: As demand increases, we are benefiting from our multi-year focus on process automation, 24/7 business operations, and AI enablement of recruiting, resulting in higher fill rates across our MSP, VMS, and third-party platforms. For Q3, we expect Nurse and Allied Solutions segment revenue to grow 9% to 11% year-over-year. Physician and Leadership Solutions segment revenue in Q2 was $165 million, lower by 6% year-over-year and in line with guidance. Segment gross margin was 26.5%, down year-over-year, though modestly up from Q1. We saw a positive inflection in Q2 from our search business, which produced 27% year-over-year revenue growth. New demand showed strong growth across physician and executive search. While the higher demand is being driven by executive turnover and facility expansion, growth is coming also from stronger positioning of AMN solutions in the market, with particular strength in academic medical centers.
Speaker #1: For the Q3, we expect nurse and allied segment revenue to grow 9 to 11% year over year. Physician and leadership solutions segment revenue in the Q2 was $165 million, lower by 6% year over year, and in line with guidance.
Speaker #1: Segment gross margin was 26.5%, down year over year though modestly up from the Q1. We saw a positive inflection in the Q2 from our search business, which produced 27% year-over-year revenue growth.
Speaker #1: New demand showed strong growth across physician and executive search. While the higher demand is being driven by executive turnover and facility expansion, growth is coming also from stronger positioning of AMN Solutions in the market, with particular strength in academic medical centers.
Speaker #1: We are leveraging our market leadership in healthcare search to broaden our capabilities into adjacent services. In June, we acquired the essential brand leadership assessment solution to support clients in leadership selection, evaluation, and coaching as well as succession planning.
Cary Grace: We are leveraging our market leadership in healthcare search to broaden our capabilities into adjacent services. In June, we acquired the Essential Brand Leadership Assessment solution to support clients in leadership selection, evaluation, and coaching, as well as succession planning. Locum tenens revenue in Q2 was $131 million, lower by 8% year-over-year and in line with guidance. We continue to see more locums demand growth in vendor-neutral third-party channels, which are the most competitive to fill. Our locums business is going through the same process and technology transformation that enabled our Nurse and Allied Solutions business segment to compete successfully across all demand channels. Interim leadership revenue was $22 million, down 3% from prior year.
Cary Grace: We are leveraging our market leadership in healthcare search to broaden our capabilities into adjacent services. In June, we acquired the Essential Brand Leadership Assessment solution to support clients in leadership selection, evaluation, and coaching, as well as succession planning. Locum tenens revenue in Q2 was $131 million, lower by 8% year-over-year and in line with guidance. We continue to see more locums demand growth in vendor-neutral third-party channels, which are the most competitive to fill. Our locums business is going through the same process and technology transformation that enabled our Nurse and Allied Solutions business segment to compete successfully across all demand channels. Interim leadership revenue was $22 million, down 3% from prior year.
Speaker #1: Locum tenens revenue in the Q2 was $131 million, lower by 8% year over year, and in line with guidance. We continue to see more locums demand growth in vendor-neutral third-party channels which are the most competitive to fill.
Speaker #1: Our locums business is going through the same process and technology transformation that enabled our nurse and allied business segment to compete successfully across all demand channels.
Speaker #1: Interim leadership revenue was $22 million, down 3% from prior year. New searches have been building over the past quarter, which is a reflection of our leading market position, increased investments in our sales team, and a growing wave of turnover and project-based needs in healthcare leadership positions.
Cary Grace: New searches have been building over the past quarter, which is a reflection of our leading market position, increased investments in our sales team, and a growing wave of turnover and project-based needs in healthcare leadership positions. We are optimistic about the direction of demand and our ability to pursue year-over-year growth in 2027. For Q3, we project Physician and Leadership Solutions revenue to be down 5% to 7% year-over-year. Technology and Workforce Solutions segment revenue was $87 million in Q2, down 15% year-over-year and in line with guidance. Segment gross margin was 48.6%, lower sequentially and year-over-year. Language services revenue of $70 million was down 8%, with VMS revenue of $15 million, down 20% from a year ago. Language services volume was flat year-over-year, while pricing was down 8%. Pricing will remain a headwind as we work through new client wins and renewals.
Cary Grace: New searches have been building over the past quarter, which is a reflection of our leading market position, increased investments in our sales team, and a growing wave of turnover and project-based needs in healthcare leadership positions. We are optimistic about the direction of demand and our ability to pursue year-over-year growth in 2027. For Q3, we project Physician and Leadership Solutions revenue to be down 5% to 7% year-over-year. Technology and Workforce Solutions segment revenue was $87 million in Q2, down 15% year-over-year and in line with guidance. Segment gross margin was 48.6%, lower sequentially and year-over-year. Language services revenue of $70 million was down 8%, with VMS revenue of $15 million, down 20% from a year ago. Language services volume was flat year-over-year, while pricing was down 8%. Pricing will remain a headwind as we work through new client wins and renewals.
Speaker #1: We are optimistic about the direction of demand and our ability to pursue year-over-year growth in 2027. For the Q3, we project physician and leadership solutions revenue to be down 5 to 7% year over year.
Speaker #1: Technology and workforce solutions segment revenue was $87 million in the Q2, down 15% year over year, and in line with guidance. Segment gross margin was $48.6%, lower sequentially and year over year, language services revenue of $70 million was down 8%, with VMS revenue of $15 million down 20% from a year ago.
Speaker #1: Language services volume was flat year over year, while pricing was down 8%. Pricing will remain a headwind as we work through new client wins and renewals.
Speaker #1: The rollout of our lower-cost, core-service tier continues to be well-received, helping us compete more broadly in the market and win new clients. We are expanding our workforce globalization for service delivery over the next several quarters to stabilize and improve gross margin.
Cary Grace: The rollout of our lower cost core service tier continues to be well-received, helping us compete more broadly in the market and win new clients. We are expanding our workforce globalization for service delivery over the next several quarters to stabilize and improve gross margin. In June, we acquired Jaide Health to extend our medically qualified language interpretation services with AI-enabled support for the patient before and after the clinical interaction. The Jade platform improves the ability of limited English proficiency patients to communicate through the intake and discharge processes, further strengthening our value proposition of enabling high quality and cost-effective patient care. We also continue to strengthen our WorkWise labor force management optimization and engagement platform. We are seeing increasing interest in data and analytics to help drive workforce optimization.
Cary Grace: The rollout of our lower cost core service tier continues to be well-received, helping us compete more broadly in the market and win new clients. We are expanding our workforce globalization for service delivery over the next several quarters to stabilize and improve gross margin. In June, we acquired Jaide Health to extend our medically qualified language interpretation services with AI-enabled support for the patient before and after the clinical interaction. The Jade platform improves the ability of limited English proficiency patients to communicate through the intake and discharge processes, further strengthening our value proposition of enabling high quality and cost-effective patient care. We also continue to strengthen our WorkWise labor force management optimization and engagement platform. We are seeing increasing interest in data and analytics to help drive workforce optimization.
Speaker #1: In June, we acquired Jade Health to extend our medically qualified language interpretation services with AI-enabled support for the patient before and after the clinical interaction.
Speaker #1: The Jade platform improves the ability of limited English proficiency patients to communicate through the intake and discharge processes further strengthening our value proposition of enabling high-quality and cost-effective patient care.
Speaker #1: We also continue to strengthen our work-wise labor force management optimization and engagement platform. We are seeing increasing interest in data and analytics to help drive workforce optimization.
Speaker #1: Last quarter, we introduced enhancements to our dashboards including supplier performance and insights, with third-party bill and pay rate intelligence that can be segmented by skill set, and geographic market.
Cary Grace: Last quarter, we introduced enhancements to our dashboards, including supplier performance and insights with third-party bill and pay rate intelligence that can be segmented by skill set and geographic market. We built our strongest solution yet to empower data-driven workforce decision-making. We continue to enhance the features of our market-leading Passport app, including adding AI-enabled search for clinicians. Passport adoption grew throughout the quarter and recently surpassed 400,000 users, up 33% year over year, providing AMN with one of the largest clinician networks in healthcare staffing. Importantly, monthly active users increased by more than 50% over the prior year. For Q3, we estimate Technology and Workforce Solutions revenue to be down 11% to 13% year over year. This quarter's financial performance has continued to improve our balance sheet strength.
Cary Grace: Last quarter, we introduced enhancements to our dashboards, including supplier performance and insights with third-party bill and pay rate intelligence that can be segmented by skill set and geographic market. We built our strongest solution yet to empower data-driven workforce decision-making. We continue to enhance the features of our market-leading Passport app, including adding AI-enabled search for clinicians. Passport adoption grew throughout the quarter and recently surpassed 400,000 users, up 33% year over year, providing AMN with one of the largest clinician networks in healthcare staffing. Importantly, monthly active users increased by more than 50% over the prior year. For Q3, we estimate Technology and Workforce Solutions revenue to be down 11% to 13% year over year. This quarter's financial performance has continued to improve our balance sheet strength.
Speaker #1: We built our strongest solution yet to empower data-driven workforce decision-making. And we continue to enhance the features of our market-leading Passport app, including adding AI-enabled search for clinicians.
Speaker #1: Passport adoption grew throughout the quarter and recently surpassed 400,000 users, up 33% year over year, providing AMN with one of the largest clinician networks in healthcare staffing.
Speaker #1: Importantly, monthly active users increased by more than 50% over the prior year. For Q3, we estimate Technology and Workforce Solutions revenue to be down 11% to 13% year over year.
Speaker #1: This quarter's financial performance has continued to improve our balance sheet strength. Our capital allocation approach remains focused on creating long-term shareholder value, reflected in this quarter with the two targeted acquisitions that enhance our solutions portfolio while also returning capital through modest share repurchases.
Cary Grace: Our capital allocation approach remains focused on creating long-term shareholder value, reflected in this quarter with the two targeted acquisitions that enhance our solutions portfolio while also returning capital through modest share repurchases. As the healthcare workforce services market continues to normalize, we are seeing increasing indications of industry consolidation. We believe our financial strength and market leadership position us well to be both an active participant and a beneficiary of these trends. We also welcomed two important additions to our leadership team with the appointment of a new Chief People Officer and Chief Commercial Officer. These proven leaders will help strengthen our talent strategy, enhance our technology-enabled and people-centered solutions, drive a more integrated go-to-market approach aligned with our long-term growth objectives.
Cary Grace: Our capital allocation approach remains focused on creating long-term shareholder value, reflected in this quarter with the two targeted acquisitions that enhance our solutions portfolio while also returning capital through modest share repurchases. As the healthcare workforce services market continues to normalize, we are seeing increasing indications of industry consolidation. We believe our financial strength and market leadership position us well to be both an active participant and a beneficiary of these trends. We also welcomed two important additions to our leadership team with the appointment of a new Chief People Officer and Chief Commercial Officer. These proven leaders will help strengthen our talent strategy, enhance our technology-enabled and people-centered solutions, drive a more integrated go-to-market approach aligned with our long-term growth objectives.
Speaker #1: As a healthcare workforce services market continues to normalize, we are seeing increasing indications of industry consolidation and we believe our financial strength and market leadership position us well to be both an active participant and a beneficiary of these trends.
Speaker #1: We also welcomed two important additions to our leadership team with the appointment of a new chief people officer and chief commercial officer. These proven leaders will help strengthen our talent strategy, enhance our technology-enabled and people-centered solutions, and drive a more integrated go-to-market approach aligned with our long-term growth objectives.
Speaker #1: Their appointments also underscore AMN Healthcare's position as a premier destination for top talent reflecting the strength of our platform, culture, and growth opportunities as we continue to attract experienced leaders who can help advance our strategic priorities.
Cary Grace: Their appointments also underscore AMN Healthcare's position as a premier destination for top talent, reflecting the strength of our platform, culture, and growth opportunities as we continue to attract experienced leaders who can help advance our strategic priorities. I'll turn the call to Brian for a deeper look at our Q2 results and Q3 outlook.
Cary Grace: Their appointments also underscore AMN Healthcare's position as a premier destination for top talent, reflecting the strength of our platform, culture, and growth opportunities as we continue to attract experienced leaders who can help advance our strategic priorities. I'll turn the call to Brian for a deeper look at our Q2 results and Q3 outlook.
Speaker #1: Now, I'll turn the call over to Brian for a deeper look at our Q2 results and Q3 outlook.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Carrie. I'd like to call out some details to expand on our Q2 financial results published this afternoon. Consolidated Q2 revenue of $673 million grew 2% year over year, and it was 6% above the upper end of our guidance range.
Brian Scott: Thank you, Carrie. I'd like to call out some details to expand on our Q2 financial results published this afternoon. Consolidated Q2 revenue of $673 million grew 2% year over year, was 6% above the upper end of our guidance range. The revenue upside came from labor disruption and strong performance in travel nurse, allied, and search. Our Q2 guidance had assumed $10 million in labor disruption revenue, while the actual reported revenue came in at $25 million. Reported gross margin was 30.6%, 210 basis points above the top end of guidance. Q2 net income was $21 million, compared with a net loss of $116 million in the prior year period, a net income of $62 million in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $73 million, or 10.9% of revenue. Adjusted EPS was $0.77.
Brian Scott: Thank you, Cary. I'd like to call out some details to expand on our Q2 financial results published this afternoon. Consolidated Q2 revenue of $673 million grew 2% year over year, was 6% above the upper end of our guidance range. The revenue upside came from labor disruption and strong performance in travel nurse, allied, and search. Our Q2 guidance had assumed $10 million in labor disruption revenue, while the actual reported revenue came in at $25 million. Reported gross margin was 30.6%, 210 basis points above the top end of guidance. Q2 net income was $21 million, compared with a net loss of $116 million in the prior year period, a net income of $62 million in the prior quarter. Adjusted EBITDA was $73 million, or 10.9% of revenue. Adjusted EPS was $0.77.
Speaker #2: The revenue upside came from labor disruption and strong performance in travel nurse, allied, and search. Our Q2 guidance had assumed $10 million in labor disruption revenue, while the actual reported revenue came in at $25 million.
Speaker #2: Reported gross margin was 30.6%, $210 basis points above the top end of guidance. Q2 net income was
Speaker #1: As $21 million , compared with a net loss $116 million in the prior year period . And net income of $62 million in the prior quarter Adjusted EBITDA was $73 million , or 10.9% of revenue Adjusted EPS was $0.77 .
Speaker #1: Our consolidated results benefited from several items that are not expected to recur in the third quarter , including a troupe of billing accruals from the large Q1 labor disruption events , a reserve reversal from a prior year event and other favorable reserve adjustments These Q2 items added about $27 million of revenue .
Brian Scott: Our consolidated results benefited from several items that are not expected to recur in the Q3, including a true-up of billing accruals from the large Q1 labor disruption events, a reserve reversal from a prior year event, and other favorable reserve adjustments. These Q2 items added about $27 million to revenue, 290 basis points to our consolidated gross margin, and 370 basis points to our adjusted EBITDA margin. Excluding these items, our Q2 revenue would still be almost 2% above the high end of our guidance range, and our EBITDA margin would be at the top end of our 6.7% to 7.2% guidance. Consolidated SG&A expenses in the quarter were $147 million. Adjusted SG&A, excluding certain items, was $135 million, down 4% compared to the prior year.
Brian Scott: Our consolidated results benefited from several items that are not expected to recur in the Q3, including a true-up of billing accruals from the large Q1 labor disruption events, a reserve reversal from a prior year event, and other favorable reserve adjustments. These Q2 items added about $27 million to revenue, 290 basis points to our consolidated gross margin, and 370 basis points to our adjusted EBITDA margin. Excluding these items, our Q2 revenue would still be almost 2% above the high end of our guidance range, and our EBITDA margin would be at the top end of our 6.7% to 7.2% guidance. Consolidated SG&A expenses in the quarter were $147 million. Adjusted SG&A, excluding certain items, was $135 million, down 4% compared to the prior year.
Speaker #1: 290 basis points to our consolidated gross margin and 370 basis points to our adjusted EBITDA margin . Excluding these items , our Q2 revenue would still be almost 2% above the high end of our guidance range , and our EBITDA margin would be at the top end of our 6.7 to 7.2% guidance consolidated expenses in the quarter were 147 million adjusted sG&A , excluding certain items , was $135 million , down 4% compared to the prior year , and included a $5 million unfavorable professional liability .
Brian Scott: SG&A included a $5 million unfavorable professional liability actuarial adjustment, partly offset by a $3 million favorable adjustment to the allowance for credit losses. The Nurse and Allied segment reported revenue of $422 million with a 28.4% gross margin and 13.8% segment operating margin. The previously noted labor disruption billing and reserve adjustments contributed 490 basis points to the gross margin and 600 basis points to segment operating margin during the quarter. Turning to our traditional staffing operations, performance was led by our travel nurse and allied business lines. Travel nurse volume grew 6% year-over-year and was 3% better than the high end of guidance. Allied volume was up 7% year-over-year and exceeded our guidance by 1%. International nurse revenue also grew 23% year-over-year.
Brian Scott: SG&A included a $5 million unfavorable professional liability actuarial adjustment, partly offset by a $3 million favorable adjustment to the allowance for credit losses. The Nurse and Allied segment reported revenue of $422 million with a 28.4% gross margin and 13.8% segment operating margin. The previously noted labor disruption billing and reserve adjustments contributed 490 basis points to the gross margin and 600 basis points to segment operating margin during the quarter. Turning to our traditional staffing operations, performance was led by our travel nurse and allied business lines. Travel nurse volume grew 6% year-over-year and was 3% better than the high end of guidance. Allied volume was up 7% year-over-year and exceeded our guidance by 1%. International nurse revenue also grew 23% year-over-year.
Speaker #1: Actuarial adjustment , partly offset by a $3 million favorable adjustment to the allowance for credit losses . The nurse and allied segment reported revenue of $422 million , with a 28.4% gross margin and 13.8% segment operating margin .
Speaker #1: The previously noted labor disruption , billing and reserve adjustments contributed 490 basis points to the gross margin and 600 basis points to segment operating margin during the quarter .
Speaker #1: Turning to our traditional staffing operations performance was led by our travel nurse and allied business lines Travel nurse volume grew 6% year over year and was 3% better than the high end of guidance Allied volume was up 7% year over year and exceeded our guidance by 1% .
Speaker #1: International nurse revenue also grew 23% year over year. Nurse and allied average bill rate was nearly flat year over year, a bit better than we had expected.
Brian Scott: Nurse and Allied average bill rate was nearly flat year-over-year, a bit better than we had expected, and average hours worked were up 1% year-over-year. Higher demand and strong capture of that demand drove revenue above expectations. Bookings momentum is a key driver of our Q3 revenue outlook, which calls for double-digit year-over-year growth at the midpoint for the Nurse and Allied segment. The highlight of our Physician and Leadership Solutions segment this quarter was search. Physician search grew new searches by 37% sequentially and 40% year-over-year. Executive search saw new searches increase 30% year-over-year, and leadership search volume rose by 60%. Our locum tenens revenue was flat sequentially, due in part to a negative sales adjustment that reduced revenue and gross profit by $2 million.
Brian Scott: Nurse and Allied average bill rate was nearly flat year-over-year, a bit better than we had expected, and average hours worked were up 1% year-over-year. Higher demand and strong capture of that demand drove revenue above expectations. Bookings momentum is a key driver of our Q3 revenue outlook, which calls for double-digit year-over-year growth at the midpoint for the Nurse and Allied segment. The highlight of our Physician and Leadership Solutions segment this quarter was search. Physician search grew new searches by 37% sequentially and 40% year-over-year. Executive search saw new searches increase 30% year-over-year, and leadership search volume rose by 60%. Our locum tenens revenue was flat sequentially, due in part to a negative sales adjustment that reduced revenue and gross profit by $2 million.
Speaker #1: An average hours worked were up 1% year over year . Higher demand and strong capture of that demand drove revenue above expectations Bookings momentum is a key driver of our third quarter revenue outlook , which calls for double digit year over year growth at the midpoint for the nursing and allied segment The highlight of our physician and leadership Solutions segment this quarter was search Physician search grew new searches by 37% sequentially and 40% year over year Executive search saw new searches increased 30% year over year , and leadership search volume rose by 60% .
Speaker #1: Our locum tenant revenue was flat sequentially , due in part to a negative sales adjustment that reduced revenue and gross profit by 2 million .
Speaker #1: Volume increased by just under 1% , which is below our typical seasonal uplift , which we called out on last quarter's call As Carey noted , we are actively engaged in several initiatives to get this business back to growth and our technology and workforce Solutions segment .
Brian Scott: Volume increased by just under 1%, which is below our typical seasonal uplift, which we called out on last quarter's call. As Cary noted, we are actively engaged in several initiatives to get this business back to growth. In our Technology and Workforce Solutions segment, while revenue was down 15% year-over-year, it was down 11% excluding the divestiture of Smart Square. Language services continues to navigate through the transition to our shared service strategy, which is enabling us to retain more clients. Minutes were up 3% sequentially and flat year-over-year, despite the pressures on the limited English proficiency population and nominal contribution from new clients. Price per minute was down 3% sequentially and 8% year-over-year.
Brian Scott: Volume increased by just under 1%, which is below our typical seasonal uplift, which we called out on last quarter's call. As Cary noted, we are actively engaged in several initiatives to get this business back to growth. In our Technology and Workforce Solutions segment, while revenue was down 15% year-over-year, it was down 11% excluding the divestiture of Smart Square. Language services continues to navigate through the transition to our shared service strategy, which is enabling us to retain more clients. Minutes were up 3% sequentially and flat year-over-year, despite the pressures on the limited English proficiency population and nominal contribution from new clients. Price per minute was down 3% sequentially and 8% year-over-year.
Speaker #1: While revenue was down 15% year over year, it was down 11% excluding the divestiture of Smart Square. Language Services continues to navigate through the transition to our shared services strategy, which is enabling us to retain more clients. Minutes were up 3% sequentially and flat year over year.
Speaker #1: Despite the pressures on the limited English proficiency population and nominal contribution from new clients Price per minute was down 3% sequentially and 8% year over year .
Speaker #1: Revenue in our VMs business was $15 million in the second quarter , and we expect this revenue to stabilize at this level over the second half of the year .
Brian Scott: Revenue in our VMS business was $15 million in Q2. We expect this revenue to stabilize at this level over H2, with prospects for sequential growth in 2027. Day sales outstanding for the quarter was 52 days. Excluding working capital effects from the large labor disruption events in Q1, DSO was 54 days, flat sequentially and two days lower year-over-year. While our earnings release provides additional balance sheet and cash flow details, I want to highlight that we ended the quarter with $362 million in cash and equivalents. This was above our expectation of $175 million, primarily due to favorable working capital impacts, including a remaining outstanding balance of strike-related client deposits of $117 million at quarter end.
Brian Scott: Revenue in our VMS business was $15 million in Q2. We expect this revenue to stabilize at this level over H2, with prospects for sequential growth in 2027. Day sales outstanding for the quarter was 52 days. Excluding working capital effects from the large labor disruption events in Q1, DSO was 54 days, flat sequentially and two days lower year-over-year. While our earnings release provides additional balance sheet and cash flow details, I want to highlight that we ended the quarter with $362 million in cash and equivalents. This was above our expectation of $175 million, primarily due to favorable working capital impacts, including a remaining outstanding balance of strike-related client deposits of $117 million at quarter end.
Speaker #1: With prospects for sequential growth in 2027 . Day sales outstanding for the quarter was 52 days . Excluding working capital effects from the large labor disruption events in the first quarter .
Speaker #1: DSO was 54 days flat sequentially and two days lower year over year While our earnings release provides additional balance sheet and cash flow details , I want to highlight that we ended the quarter with $362 million in cash and equivalents This was above our expectation of hundred and $75 million , primarily due to favorable working capital impacts , including a remaining outstanding balance of strike related deposits of $117 million at quarter end Even with Q3 cash flow , including a $20 million interest payment and higher cash tax payments , and assuming the remainder of the deposits are repaid this quarter , we would anticipate at least 225 million of cash at quarter end We ended the second quarter with total debt of $750 million , and our leverage ratio , as calculated per credit agreement , was 1.5 times .
Brian Scott: Even with Q3 cash flow including a $20 million interest payment and higher cash tax payments, assuming the remainder of the deposits are repaid this quarter, we would anticipate at least $225 million of cash at quarter end. We ended Q2 with total debt of $750 million. Our leverage ratio, as calculated per our credit agreement, was 1.5 times. During Q2, we repurchased 85,000 shares at an average price of $26.33. Going forward, assuming no other material capital allocation needs, we anticipate modest share repurchases, primarily to offset dilution from equity awards. Moving to the Q3 outlook, we expect consolidated revenue in the range of $640 to 655 million. Gross margin is expected to be 27% to 27.5%. Reported SG&A is projected to be 22% to 22.5% of revenue.
Brian Scott: Even with Q3 cash flow including a $20 million interest payment and higher cash tax payments, assuming the remainder of the deposits are repaid this quarter, we would anticipate at least $225 million of cash at quarter end. We ended Q2 with total debt of $750 million. Our leverage ratio, as calculated per our credit agreement, was 1.5 times. During Q2, we repurchased 85,000 shares at an average price of $26.33. Going forward, assuming no other material capital allocation needs, we anticipate modest share repurchases, primarily to offset dilution from equity awards. Moving to the Q3 outlook, we expect consolidated revenue in the range of $640 to 655 million. Gross margin is expected to be 27% to 27.5%. Reported SG&A is projected to be 22% to 22.5% of revenue.
Speaker #1: During the second quarter , we repurchased 85,000 shares and an average price of $26.33 . Going forward , we are assuming no other material capital allocation needs .
Speaker #1: We anticipate modest share repurchases , primarily to offset dilution from equity awards . Moving to the third quarter outlook , we expect consolidated revenue in the range of 640 to 655 million .
Speaker #1: Gross margin is expected to be 27 to 27.5% . Reported S and A is projected to be 22 to 22.5% of revenue . Operating margin is expected to be 0.2 to 0.8 percent , and adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be 6.5 to 7% .
Brian Scott: Operating margin is expected to be 0.2% to 0.8%. Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be 6.5% to 7%. Additional guidance details are provided in the earnings release. Now, operator, let's open up the call for questions.
Brian Scott: Operating margin is expected to be 0.2% to 0.8%. Adjusted EBITDA margin is expected to be 6.5% to 7%. Additional guidance details are provided in the earnings release. Now, operator, let's open up the call for questions.
Speaker #1: Additional guidance details are provided in the earnings release . Now , operator , let's open up the call for questions
Speaker #2: Thank you . Ladies and gentlemen , we will now begin the question and answer session Should you have a question , please press star one on your telephone keypad .
Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question-and-answer session. Should you have a question, please press star followed by the one on your telephone keypad. You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. Should you wish to cancel your request, please press star followed by the two. If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any keys. One moment please for your first question. Thank you. Your first question comes from the line of Jeff Silber from BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you. Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question-and-answer session. Should you have a question, please press star followed by the one on your telephone keypad. You will hear a prompt that your hand has been raised. Should you wish to cancel your request, please press star followed by the two. If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any keys. One moment please for your first question. Thank you. Your first question comes from the line of Jeff Silber from BMO Capital Markets. Please go ahead.
Speaker #2: You will hear a prompt that Johanna has been raised . And should you wish to cancel your request , please press star followed by the two .
Speaker #2: If you are using a speakerphone , please lift your handset before pressing any keys . One moment please . For your first question Thank you .
Speaker #2: And your first question comes from the line of Jeff Silver from BMO Capital Markets . Please go ahead
Speaker #3: Thank you so much Carrie , in your prepared remarks , you mentioned how your clients are seeing contingent percentage at historic lows Can you just kind of quantify that roughly where it is now ?
Jeff Silber: Thank you so much. Cary, in your prepared remarks, you mentioned how your clients are seeing the contingent percentage at historic lows. Can you just kind of quantify that, roughly where it is now? I know there's no such thing as normal, but what should we expect that to normalize at over time?
Jeff Silber: Thank you so much. Cary, in your prepared remarks, you mentioned how your clients are seeing the contingent percentage at historic lows. Can you just kind of quantify that, roughly where it is now? I know there's no such thing as normal, but what should we expect that to normalize at over time?
Speaker #3: And I know there's no such thing as normal , but what should we expect that to normalize at over time
Speaker #1: Yeah . Thank you Jeff .
Brian Scott: Yeah. Thank you, Jeff. I'll go through kind of the cadence of what that's looked like over the past cycle. Pre-COVID, you would have seen that premium of contingent to permanent labor be in the mid to high teens. During COVID, you got up to 100% premium just because of the significant spike in demand. We're now back down into the mid to high single digit. Some would put that in some markets at actually even lower than that. The effect of all that is coming out of COVID, getting back to permanent, and reducing contingent spend was part of the workforce cost containment strategy. If you look at where we are today, particularly with both the relatively limited premium and the flexibility it provides, it's actually an important part of how you solve for your workforce strategy.
Cary Grace: Yeah. Thank you, Jeff. I'll go through kind of the cadence of what that's looked like over the past cycle. Pre-COVID, you would have seen that premium of contingent to permanent labor be in the mid to high teens. During COVID, you got up to 100% premium just because of the significant spike in demand. We're now back down into the mid to high single digit. Some would put that in some markets at actually even lower than that. The effect of all that is coming out of COVID, getting back to permanent, and reducing contingent spend was part of the workforce cost containment strategy. If you look at where we are today, particularly with both the relatively limited premium and the flexibility it provides, it's actually an important part of how you solve for your workforce strategy.
Speaker #4: So if you look at and I'll and I'll go through kind of the cadence of what that's looked like over the past cycle .
Speaker #4: pre-COVID , you would have seen that premium of contingent to permanent labor be in the mid to high teens during Covid . You got up to 100% premium just because of the significant spike in demand .
Speaker #4: We're now back down into the mid to high single digit . Some would put that in some markets at at actually even lower than that And so the effect of all that is coming out of Covid , getting back to permanent and reducing contingent then was part of the workforce cost containment strategy .
Speaker #4: If you look at where we are today , particularly with both the relatively limited premium and the flexibility it provides , it's actually an important part of how you solve for the for your workforce strategy .
Speaker #3: All right . That's helpful . I guess I was thinking about the penetration rate , so to speak . You know , percentage of contract labor .
Jeff Silber: All right. That's helpful. I guess I was thinking about the penetration rate, so to speak, the percentage of contract labor. Any comments on that, how that's tracking in your clients versus what maybe pre-COVID?
Jeff Silber: All right. That's helpful. I guess I was thinking about the penetration rate, so to speak, the percentage of contract labor. Any comments on that, how that's tracking in your clients versus what maybe pre-COVID?
Speaker #3: Any comments on that ? How that's tracking and your clients versus what was maybe pre-COVID
Speaker #4: Yeah . We have clients that are at different places and even within clients , you can have , you know , especially their urban locations at much higher levels of utilization .
Brian Scott: Yeah. We have clients that are at different places. Even within clients, you can have, especially their urban locations, at much higher levels of utilization. I would say as a general comment, we have seen overall utilization with clients that is at or slightly below where they were pre-COVID.
Cary Grace: Yeah. We have clients that are at different places. Even within clients, you can have, especially their urban locations, at much higher levels of utilization. I would say as a general comment, we have seen overall utilization with clients that is at or slightly below where they were pre-COVID.
Speaker #4: I would say as a general comment , we have seen overall utilization with clients . That is at or slightly below where they were pre-COVID
Speaker #3: Okay . That's really helpful . I'll jump back in the queue . Thanks .
Jeff Silber: Okay. That's really helpful. I'll jump back in the queue. Thanks.
Jeff Silber: Okay. That's really helpful. I'll jump back in the queue. Thanks.
Speaker #1: Thanks , Jeff .
Brian Scott: Thanks, Jeff.
Brian Scott: Thanks, Jeff.
Speaker #2: Thank you . And your next question comes from the line of A.J. rice from UBS . Please go ahead
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of A.J. Rice from UBS. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of A.J. Rice from UBS. Please go ahead.
Speaker #5: Hi . Everybody First , just to ask about your margin assumption , obviously this quarter , there's a lot of puts and takes , but it sounds like you were 10.9 in aggregate .
A.J. Rice: Hi, everybody. First, just to ask about your margin assumption. Obviously, this quarter there's a lot of puts and takes, but it sounds like you were 10.9% in aggregate. You're going for a 6.5% to 7% EBITDA margin in Q3. It doesn't sound like there's much. You're sort of assuming the margin for the core business was about the same in Q3 that you saw in Q2, or is there any place where you're assuming much of a change sequentially quarter to quarter?
A.J. Rice: Hi, everybody. First, just to ask about your margin assumption. Obviously, this quarter there's a lot of puts and takes, but it sounds like you were 10.9% in aggregate. You're going for a 6.5% to 7% EBITDA margin in Q3. It doesn't sound like there's much. You're sort of assuming the margin for the core business was about the same in Q3 that you saw in Q2, or is there any place where you're assuming much of a change sequentially quarter to quarter?
Speaker #5: You're going for a 6.5 to 7% EBITDA margin in the third quarter . It doesn't sound like there's much you're sort of assuming the margin for the core business was about the same in the third quarter that you saw in the second , or is there any place where you're assuming much of a change sequentially , quarter to quarter ?
Speaker #1: Thanks, A.J. This is Brian. I would say there's not any significant changes when you work through some of the items that we called out that impacted the higher margin in the second quarter.
Brian Scott: Thanks, A.J. This is Brian. I would say there's not any significant changes when you work through some of the items that we called out, that impacted the higher margin in Q2. When you look at the kind of underpinnings of that and look from Q2 to Q3, there aren't any significant changes in the gross margins across the three different segments. Our SG&A is running pretty consistently as well. When you take that and bring it over, that's where you end up in the range for both the gross margin guidance as well as the adjusted EBITDA. There, the Technology and Workforce Solutions segment-
Brian Scott: Thanks, A.J. This is Brian. I would say there's not any significant changes when you work through some of the items that we called out, that impacted the higher margin in Q2. When you look at the kind of underpinnings of that and look from Q2 to Q3, there aren't any significant changes in the gross margins across the three different segments. Our SG&A is running pretty consistently as well. When you take that and bring it over, that's where you end up in the range for both the gross margin guidance as well as the adjusted EBITDA. There, the Technology and Workforce Solutions segment-
Speaker #1: When you look at the kind of underpinnings of that and look from Q2 to Q3 , there aren't any significant changes in the gross margins across the three different segments .
Speaker #1: And our C and A is running pretty consistently as well . And so when you when you take that and bring it over , that's , that's where you end up in that in the range for both the gross margin guidance as well as the , adjusted EBITDA , there , the technology workforce solutions that the with the segment , the technology workforce solutions segment is more mixed with that with that business down a bit , and that has a higher margin profile .
A.J. Rice: Maybe Oh.
A.J. Rice: Maybe Oh.
Brian Scott: Yeah. With the segment, the Technology and Workforce Solutions segment, it's more mixed with that business down a bit. That has a higher margin profile. That's why the guide on the gross margin, at the midpoint, would be a bit below where our Q2 was. Again, on a normalized basis, that's probably the one thing I would call out. It's more mixed between the segments than it is any material changes within the segments.
Brian Scott: Yeah. With the segment, the Technology and Workforce Solutions segment, it's more mixed with that business down a bit. That has a higher margin profile. That's why the guide on the gross margin, at the midpoint, would be a bit below where our Q2 was. Again, on a normalized basis, that's probably the one thing I would call out. It's more mixed between the segments than it is any material changes within the segments.
Speaker #1: That's that's why the guide on the gross margin at the midpoint would be a bit below where our second quarter was , again , on a normalized basis .
Speaker #1: That's probably the one thing I would call out . It's more mix between the segments than it is any material changes within the segments .
Speaker #5: And it may be in there somewhere . And I missed it . But is the guidance on the strike revenue to go back to about 10 million for the third quarter ?
A.J. Rice: It may be in there somewhere and I missed it, but is the guidance on the Strike revenue to go back to about $10 million for Q3?
A.J. Rice: It may be in there somewhere and I missed it, but is the guidance on the Strike revenue to go back to about $10 million for Q3?
Speaker #1: Yeah , we've embedded in there around 7 or 8 million of strike related revenue in the third quarter
Brian Scott: Yeah, we've embedded in there around $7 or $8 million of Strike-related revenue in Q3.
Brian Scott: Yeah, we've embedded in there around $7 or $8 million of Strike-related revenue in Q3.
Speaker #5: Okay . Then maybe a bigger picture question on the sort of step up in demand that you're seeing in nursing Allied , is that focused in any particular area ?
A.J. Rice: Okay. Maybe a bigger picture question on the sort of step up in demand that you're seeing, in Nurse and Allied. Is that focused in any particular area, large systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals, MSP, non-MSP? Is it across the board, or is there any way to characterize where you're seeing a pickup in strength?
A.J. Rice: Okay. Maybe a bigger picture question on the sort of step up in demand that you're seeing, in Nurse and Allied. Is that focused in any particular area, large systems, academic medical centers, community hospitals, MSP, non-MSP? Is it across the board, or is there any way to characterize where you're seeing a pickup in strength?
Speaker #5: Large systems , academic medical centers , community hospitals , MSP , non MSP is there any way you can is it across the board or is there any way to characterize where you're seeing a pickup in strength ?
Speaker #4: Yeah , we're seeing it broad based . And so both in terms of regions size of of health care providers . And we're also seeing it across service models .
Cary Grace: Yeah. We're seeing it broad-based, both in terms of regions, size of healthcare providers, and we're also seeing it across service models. We saw increases in our MSP book. We're seeing increase in vendor neutral and third-party programs. The demand acceleration that we're seeing, we've really been in a kind of year-to-year demand increase posture for Allied for most of 2025 and 2026. What we saw in Nurse that accelerated in May was broad based.
Cary Grace: Yeah. We're seeing it broad-based, both in terms of regions, size of healthcare providers, and we're also seeing it across service models. We saw increases in our MSP book. We're seeing increase in vendor neutral and third-party programs. The demand acceleration that we're seeing, we've really been in a kind of year-to-year demand increase posture for Allied for most of 2025 and 2026. What we saw in Nurse that accelerated in May was broad based.
Speaker #4: So we saw increases in our MSP book . We're seeing increase in vendor neutral and third party programs . So the demand acceleration that we're seeing , you know , we've really been in , in a , in a kind of year over year demand increase posture for allied for most of 2025 and 26 .
Speaker #4: But what we saw in nurse that accelerated in May was broad based
Speaker #5: You referenced just this last point , finer point on that you referenced in your comments some market disruption . Do you think what you're seeing is mostly just underlying strength of market or are you picking up share given some of the disruption that's happening at some of your major competitors ?
A.J. Rice: Just as a last point, final point on that. You referenced in your comments some market disruption. Do you think what you're seeing is mostly just underlying strength of market, or are you picking up share given some of the disruption that's happening at some of your major competitors?
A.J. Rice: Just as a last point, final point on that. You referenced in your comments some market disruption. Do you think what you're seeing is mostly just underlying strength of market, or are you picking up share given some of the disruption that's happening at some of your major competitors?
Speaker #4: I think that we are benefiting from two things in our business. One is some of the underlying demand acceleration that we believe is happening across the market.
Cary Grace: I think that we are benefiting from two things in our business. One is some of the underlying demand acceleration that we believe is happening across the market. The second part is we are executing very well against that demand. We have been talking about this for a couple of years, about how we're building a more automated, tech-enabled, scaled chassis. We're faster. It's not just the demand, and we're now playing across the entirety of the market, but we are executing very well on filling that demand.
Cary Grace: I think that we are benefiting from two things in our business. One is some of the underlying demand acceleration that we believe is happening across the market. The second part is we are executing very well against that demand. We have been talking about this for a couple of years, about how we're building a more automated, tech-enabled, scaled chassis. We're faster. It's not just the demand, and we're now playing across the entirety of the market, but we are executing very well on filling that demand.
Speaker #4: And the second part is we are executing very well against that demand . And so we have been talking about this for a couple of years about how we're building a more automated tech enabled scaled chassis .
Speaker #4: We're faster . And so it's not just the demand . And we're now playing across the entirety of the market , but we are executing very well on filling that demand .
Speaker #1: Yeah , the odds are we are we are grow the market overall in the second quarter , which I think it's indicative of the with our fill rates increasing on vendor neutral , that typically would imply that we're we're taking some share .
Brian Scott: Yeah. It's like sales are where we are.
Brian Scott: Yeah. It's like sales are where we are.
A.J. Rice: Okay.
A.J. Rice: Okay.
Brian Scott: We grew the market overall in Q2.
Brian Scott: We grew the market overall in Q2.
Cary Grace: Yeah.
Cary Grace: Yeah.
Brian Scott: Which I think it's indicative of the, with our fill rates increasing on vendor neutral, that typically would imply that we're taking some share, and the team's done a great job of delivering high fill rates on our direct and MSPs. Just in terms of overall demand as well, this is something we've talked about, I think, on prior calls with patient utilization still increasing at hospitals. The rate of growth this year has slowed down, but you've still seen several years of increasing patient volumes. Over the last several quarters, you've seen a slowdown in the permanent hiring. I think if you've looked at the total cost of permanent labor has increased significantly over the last three or four years. As hiring has slowed down and you have the attrition occurring, it's not unsurprising that you start to see demand pick up as well.
Brian Scott: Which I think it's indicative of the, with our fill rates increasing on vendor neutral, that typically would imply that we're taking some share, and the team's done a great job of delivering high fill rates on our direct and MSPs. Just in terms of overall demand as well, this is something we've talked about, I think, on prior calls with patient utilization still increasing at hospitals. The rate of growth this year has slowed down, but you've still seen several years of increasing patient volumes. Over the last several quarters, you've seen a slowdown in the permanent hiring. I think if you've looked at the total cost of permanent labor has increased significantly over the last three or four years. As hiring has slowed down and you have the attrition occurring, it's not unsurprising that you start to see demand pick up as well.
Speaker #1: And the team's done a great job of delivering high fill rates on our direct and MSPs . And just in terms of overall demand as well , you've , you know , this is something we we've talked about , I think in prior calls with with patient utilization still increasing at hospitals , the rate of growth this year has slowed down , but you've still seen several years of increasing patient volumes .
Speaker #1: And then over the last several quarters , you've seen a slowdown in the permanent hiring . I think if you've looked at the , you know , the total cost of permanent labor has significantly over the last 3 or 4 years .
Speaker #1: And so as hiring has slowed down and you have the attrition occurring . It's not unsurprising that you start to see demand pick up as well
Speaker #5: Okay . Interesting . Thanks a lot
A.J. Rice: Okay. Interesting. Thanks a lot.
A.J. Rice: Okay. Interesting. Thanks a lot.
Speaker #2: Thank you . And your next question comes from the line of Tobey Sommer from Truist Securities . Please go ahead .
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Tobey Sommer from Truist Securities. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Tobey Sommer from Truist Securities. Please go ahead.
Speaker #6: Thank you . I'd love to get your perspective both historically and prospectively . When demand increases , orders increase to this degree . My sense is that historically rates follow .
Tobey Sommer: Thank you. I'd love to get your perspective both historically and prospectively. When demand increases or orders increase to this degree, my sense is that historically rates follow if the demand increase persists for long enough. Not a month or two, but call it six months. Are you seeing any difference in bill rates in your order book versus your TOA, and do you expect to?
Tobey Sommer: Thank you. I'd love to get your perspective both historically and prospectively. When demand increases or orders increase to this degree, my sense is that historically rates follow if the demand increase persists for long enough. Not a month or two, but call it six months. Are you seeing any difference in bill rates in your order book versus your TOA, and do you expect to?
Speaker #6: If the demand increase persists for long enough , about a month or two . But , you know , call it six months , are you seeing any difference in bill rates in your order book versus your toe and , and do you expect to
Speaker #4: Yeah . Let me give you a little bit of perspective of what we see today . And I'll have Brian Lehrer in what we've seen historically through some of these cycles .
Cary Grace: Let me give you a little bit of perspective of what we see today, and I'll have Brian layer in what we've seen historically through some of these cycles. We have seen the broad-based demand that we've been talking about. We haven't yet seen bill rate increases from that. Bill rates have been stable. We are seeing some places where bill rates are increasing with clients who just need to get them filled, but it's not more sustained. We would expect that when you start seeing higher periods of demand, particularly if winter orders start coming in and you start seeing that more sustained demand, there is a lag effect, but that you would start to see bill rate improve. Brian, what would you?
Cary Grace: Let me give you a little bit of perspective of what we see today, and I'll have Brian layer in what we've seen historically through some of these cycles. We have seen the broad-based demand that we've been talking about. We haven't yet seen bill rate increases from that. Bill rates have been stable. We are seeing some places where bill rates are increasing with clients who just need to get them filled, but it's not more sustained. We would expect that when you start seeing higher periods of demand, particularly if winter orders start coming in and you start seeing that more sustained demand, there is a lag effect, but that you would start to see bill rate improve. Brian, what would you?
Speaker #4: So we have seen the broad based demand that we that we've been talking about , we haven't yet seen bill rate increases from that .
Speaker #4: And so bill rates have been stable . We are seeing some places where bill rates are increasing with clients who just need to get them filled .
Speaker #4: But it's not more sustained . But we would expect that when you start seeing higher periods of demand , particularly if winter orders start coming in and you start seeing that more sustained demand , there is a lag effect , but that you would start to see bill rates improve .
Speaker #4: Brian , what would you .
Speaker #1: Yeah , I mean , Toby , we've been through enough cycles together on this that I think you're spot on . That's what we've seen historically .
Brian Scott: Yeah, Tobey, we've been through enough cycles together on this that I think you're spot on. That's what we've seen historically. There is a lag. The exact timing, I think is hard to predict. If you do have sustained higher demand, it's still a very competitive environment. That's the one thing that's I think a little bit different. You have more suppliers in the industry than you've had historically. That I think is also creating more competition to fill orders, where maybe that you haven't seen the rates pick up as much yet. If it sustains for a longer period and grows more, at some point, that competition from clients would typically drive rate increases.
Brian Scott: Yeah, Tobey, we've been through enough cycles together on this that I think you're spot on. That's what we've seen historically. There is a lag. The exact timing, I think is hard to predict. If you do have sustained higher demand, it's still a very competitive environment. That's the one thing that's I think a little bit different. You have more suppliers in the industry than you've had historically. That I think is also creating more competition to fill orders, where maybe that you haven't seen the rates pick up as much yet. If it sustains for a longer period and grows more, at some point, that competition from clients would typically drive rate increases.
Speaker #1: There . There is a lag . The exact timing I think is , is , you know , part to predict . But if you do have sustained higher demand , it's still a very competitive That's the one thing that's , I think , a little bit different .
Speaker #1: You have more more suppliers in the industry than you've had historically . So you know , that I think is also creating more competition to fill orders where maybe that you haven't seen the rates pick up as much yet .
Speaker #1: But if it sustains for a longer period and grows more , then at some point , that competition from clients would typically drive rate increases and and we'd welcome that because that will also create the opportunity for us to bring more supply into the .
Brian Scott: We welcome that because that will also create the opportunity for us to bring more supply into the industry, because obviously our number one priority is filling positions for our clients.
Brian Scott: We welcome that because that will also create the opportunity for us to bring more supply into the industry, because obviously our number one priority is filling positions for our clients.
Speaker #1: Because obviously , our number one priority is , is filling positions for our clients
Speaker #6: Could you speaking of supply , could you sustain a decent level of growth just based on increasing TOA at these bill rates ? Or do you do you need higher bill rates to generate the supply to sustain meaningful volume growth ?
Tobey Sommer: Could you, speaking of supply, could you sustain a decent level of growth just based on increasing TOA at these bill rates, or do you need higher bill rates to generate the supply to sustain meaningful volume growth?
Tobey Sommer: Could you, speaking of supply, could you sustain a decent level of growth just based on increasing TOA at these bill rates, or do you need higher bill rates to generate the supply to sustain meaningful volume growth?
Speaker #4: I think it depends on where the demand is coming from . So we have very large pockets of clients . I'd say , particularly in locations , and that are very attractive , that we could continue to supply at these bill rates .
Cary Grace: I think it depends on where the demand is coming from. We have very large pockets of clients, I'd say particularly in locations that are very attractive that we could continue to supply at these bill rates. The thing is, you leave this year and get into next year, you would want to start seeing some bill rate increases just because there's going to be a natural labor market increase expectation that is the foundation of any of these rates.
Cary Grace: I think it depends on where the demand is coming from. We have very large pockets of clients, I'd say particularly in locations that are very attractive that we could continue to supply at these bill rates. The thing is, you leave this year and get into next year, you would want to start seeing some bill rate increases just because there's going to be a natural labor market increase expectation that is the foundation of any of these rates.
Speaker #4: I think as you leave this year and get into next year, you would want to start seeing some bill rate increases, just because there's going to be a natural labor market increase expectation.
Speaker #4: That is the foundation of any of these rates.
Speaker #6: Thank you . And then one last question from me . If I could , could you give us an update on the status of the Kaiser renewal , the RFP out in the market ?
Tobey Sommer: Thank you. One last question from me, if I could. Could you give us an update on the status of the Kaiser renewal, the RFP out in the market? I understand you probably can't tell us who's going to win, you're going to retain, et cetera, but maybe give us your view on the prospects, the format of the proposal, if it's still a unified single vendor.
Tobey Sommer: Thank you. One last question from me, if I could. Could you give us an update on the status of the Kaiser renewal, the RFP out in the market? I understand you probably can't tell us who's going to win, you're going to retain, et cetera, but maybe give us your view on the prospects, the format of the proposal, if it's still a unified single vendor.
Speaker #6: And I understand you probably can't tell if , like , who's going to win ? You're going to retain it , etc. . But maybe give us your view on the prospects , the the format of the proposal , if it's still a unified single vendor .
Speaker #4: Yeah . So our , our Kaiser contract goes through the end of 2026 . And the client is now in the long expected RFP process .
Cary Grace: Our Kaiser contract goes to the end of 2026, the client is now in the long-expected RFP process. All of this RFP process is part of their normal governance cadence. We expect this RFP process to be competitive, we also have a very strong, long-standing relationship with Kaiser and very strong program performance.
Cary Grace: Our Kaiser contract goes to the end of 2026, the client is now in the long-expected RFP process. All of this RFP process is part of their normal governance cadence. We expect this RFP process to be competitive, we also have a very strong, long-standing relationship with Kaiser and very strong program performance.
Speaker #4: And all of this RFP process is part of their normal governance cadence . We expect this RFP process to be competitive . And we also have a very strong , long standing relationship with Kaiser and very strong program performance So we feel well positioned .
Tobey Sommer: Thank you.
Tobey Sommer: Thank you.
Cary Grace: We feel well-positioned.
Cary Grace: We feel well-positioned.
Speaker #4: We feel well positioned
Brian Scott: Thanks, Tobey.
Brian Scott: Thanks, Tobey.
Speaker #2: Thank you . And your next question comes from the line of Kevin Fischbeck from Bank of America . Please go ahead
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Kevin Fischbeck from Bank of America. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Kevin Fischbeck from Bank of America. Please go ahead.
Speaker #6: Great . Thanks .
Kevin Fischbeck: Great. Thanks. I guess maybe just to follow up on that one. What historically has happened after the RFP re-procurement? Do they normally seek better terms, or is it basically just similar terms as you would expect on a new contract?
Kevin Fischbeck: Great. Thanks. I guess maybe just to follow up on that one. What historically has happened after the RFP re-procurement? Do they normally seek better terms, or is it basically just similar terms as you would expect on a new contract?
Speaker #7: I guess maybe just to follow up on that one , you know what , what historically has happened after , you know , the RFP Reprocurement do they normally seek better terms or is it , you know , basically just similar terms that you would expect on a new contract ?
Speaker #4: I would say , generally speaking , procurement will strive for better terms as just a theme that we see across the board . I think we talked about this a little bit last quarter , but given the breadth and depth of the Kaiser relationship , we have evolved how we support and service them .
Cary Grace: I would say, generally speaking, procurement will strive for better terms as just a theme that we see across the board. I think we talked about this a little bit last Q, but given the breadth and depth of the Kaiser relationship, we have evolved how we support and service them, even during the course of this contract. We are more markets-like than you would have been four years ago or five years ago. I give a lot of credit to both parties for that. I would say from what we see overall in RFP processes, we're not seeing anything different about how you continue to try to negotiate terms or what people are looking for.
Cary Grace: I would say, generally speaking, procurement will strive for better terms as just a theme that we see across the board. I think we talked about this a little bit last Q, but given the breadth and depth of the Kaiser relationship, we have evolved how we support and service them, even during the course of this contract. We are more markets-like than you would have been four years ago or five years ago. I give a lot of credit to both parties for that. I would say from what we see overall in RFP processes, we're not seeing anything different about how you continue to try to negotiate terms or what people are looking for.
Speaker #4: Even during the course of this contract . And so we are more markets like than you would have been four years ago or five years ago .
Speaker #4: And I gave a lot of credit to both parties for that . So I would say from what we see overall in RFP processes , we're not seeing anything different about how you continue to try to negotiate terms or what people are looking for .
Speaker #7: Okay. And then, is there a way to size the two deals that you did in Technology Workforce—revenue, EBITDA contribution, annually?
Kevin Fischbeck: Okay. Is there a way to size the two deals that you did in technology workforce revenue, EBITDA contribution annually?
Kevin Fischbeck: Okay. Is there a way to size the two deals that you did in technology workforce revenue, EBITDA contribution annually?
Speaker #4: The two acquisitions ?
Cary Grace: The two acquisitions?
Cary Grace: The two acquisitions?
Speaker #7: Yeah .
Kevin Fischbeck: Yeah.
Kevin Fischbeck: Yeah.
Speaker #4: So the acquisitions that we did , one is in two s and the language services support language services solution segment . That's Jade , the other one , the essential leadership is supportive of our search and advisory capabilities between the two acquisitions , we spent $3 million on those two deals .
Cary Grace: The acquisitions that we did, one is in TWS, in the language services support, language services solution segment at Jade. The other one, the essential leadership, is supportive of our search and advisory capabilities. Between the two acquisitions, we spent $3 million on those two deals. Think of them as extending our capabilities, and we're already seeing strong support for those capabilities. We have three verbals with Jade, and Essential Leadership Assessments is a solution we used in the past that we now own, and we're seeing interest in that as well.
Cary Grace: The acquisitions that we did, one is in TWS, in the language services support, language services solution segment at Jade. The other one, the essential leadership, is supportive of our search and advisory capabilities. Between the two acquisitions, we spent $3 million on those two deals. Think of them as extending our capabilities, and we're already seeing strong support for those capabilities. We have three verbals with Jade, and Essential Leadership Assessments is a solution we used in the past that we now own, and we're seeing interest in that as well.
Speaker #4: And think of them as extending our capabilities . And we're already seeing strong support for those capabilities . We have three verbals with Jade and essential leadership assessments is a solution we used in the past that we now own , and we're seeing interest in that as well .
Speaker #7: Okay . And then I wasn't clear to me if this was a change in the wording , but it sounded to me like a change in the wording You know , you've been talking about consolidation in the space for a while , and this time you added not only that , you were going to be a beneficiary of these trends , but maybe that you were also going to be an active participant .
Kevin Fischbeck: Okay. It wasn't clear to me if this was a change in the wording, it sounded to me like a change in the wording. You've been talking about consolidation in the space for a while, this time you added not only that you were going to be a beneficiary of these trends, maybe that you are also going to be an active participant. Is that a change? Are you now looking at deals more aggressively, is that kind of always the way you thought about it?
Kevin Fischbeck: Okay. It wasn't clear to me if this was a change in the wording, it sounded to me like a change in the wording. You've been talking about consolidation in the space for a while, this time you added not only that you were going to be a beneficiary of these trends, maybe that you are also going to be an active participant. Is that a change? Are you now looking at deals more aggressively, is that kind of always the way you thought about it?
Speaker #7: Is that a change ? Are you now looking at , you know , deals more aggressively , or is that kind of always the way you thought about it ?
Speaker #1: Yeah , I don't think there's a major change in the way we've thought about it . I think we're what's changed in the last year is that as we continue to strengthen our balance sheet and reduce our leverage , it's created more opportunity for us to kind of widen our capital allocation , aperture .
Brian Scott: Yeah, I don't think there's a major change in the way we've thought about it. I think what changed in the last year is that as we've continued to strengthen our balance sheet and reduce our leverage, it's created more opportunity for us to kind of widen our capital allocation aperture. We were heads down, really focused over the last couple of years on de-levering our balance sheet. Now as we've got our leverage level down more than half times at the end of the quarter and have got some cash on the balance sheet. I think with more stability that we've seen in the market, it puts us in a position to be more active in looking at opportunities. We're always keeping an eye on things coming to market, we're also better positioned now if we want to be a participant.
Brian Scott: Yeah, I don't think there's a major change in the way we've thought about it. I think what changed in the last year is that as we've continued to strengthen our balance sheet and reduce our leverage, it's created more opportunity for us to kind of widen our capital allocation aperture. We were heads down, really focused over the last couple of years on de-levering our balance sheet. Now as we've got our leverage level down more than half times at the end of the quarter and have got some cash on the balance sheet. I think with more stability that we've seen in the market, it puts us in a position to be more active in looking at opportunities. We're always keeping an eye on things coming to market, we're also better positioned now if we want to be a participant.
Speaker #1: We were heads down , really focused over the last couple of years on , on delivering our balance sheet . And now we've , you know , as we've got our leverage level down , you know , one and a half times at the end of the quarter .
Speaker #1: And I've got some cash on the balance sheet . And I think with more , more stability that we've seen in the market , it puts us in a position to to be more active in looking at opportunities .
Speaker #1: We're always keeping an eye on on things coming to market , but we're also better positioned now if we want to be a persistent , you can imagine got , you know , a pretty strong filter of anything that we would want to consider bringing in .
Brian Scott: You can imagine we've got a pretty strong filter of anything that we would want to consider bringing in. We're very fortunate that we've got the broadest set of solutions in the market today. We're in a position now that if the right opportunity comes along and we think it'd be accretive, then we can participate more actively than we might have been able to 12 or 24 months ago. I think the market, as we've talked about over the last year, there's been an expectation there'd be more consolidation that would occur. Quite honestly, most of last year it was relatively quiet. There were a few transactions in certain categories, but not as many as we expected. That's changed over the last couple of quarters now. We're starting to see more assets come to market, that's partly why we said it.
Brian Scott: You can imagine we've got a pretty strong filter of anything that we would want to consider bringing in. We're very fortunate that we've got the broadest set of solutions in the market today. We're in a position now that if the right opportunity comes along and we think it'd be accretive, then we can participate more actively than we might have been able to 12 or 24 months ago. I think the market, as we've talked about over the last year, there's been an expectation there'd be more consolidation that would occur. Quite honestly, most of last year it was relatively quiet. There were a few transactions in certain categories, but not as many as we expected. That's changed over the last couple of quarters now. We're starting to see more assets come to market, that's partly why we said it.
Speaker #1: We're very fortunate that we've got this , you know , the broadest set of solutions in the market today . But we're we're in a position now that if the right opportunity comes along , we think it would be accretive .
Speaker #1: Then then we're we can participate more , more actively than we might have been able to , you know , 12 or 24 months ago .
Speaker #1: And I think the market , as we've talked about over the last year , there's been an expectation that there'd be more consolidation that would occur , quite honestly , most of last year , it was it was relatively quiet .
Speaker #1: There were a few a few transactions in certain categories , but not as many as as we expected . That's changed over the last couple of quarters .
Speaker #1: Now we're starting to see more assets come to market . And so that's partly why we've said it . But it's a combination of more opportunities .
Brian Scott: It's a combination of more opportunities, but also us being in a position now to be more of an active participant.
Brian Scott: It's a combination of more opportunities, but also us being in a position now to be more of an active participant.
Speaker #1: But also, us being in a position now to be more of an active participant.
Speaker #4: And Kevin , the other piece I would add to Brian's comments is when we see competitors who are going through some evolutions or changes , it's also an opportunity for us , and we are really much more proactive around going after market opportunities .
Cary Grace: Kevin, the other piece I'd add to Brian's comments is, when we see competitors who are going through some evolutions or changes, it's also an opportunity for us, and we are really much more proactive around going after market opportunities when those present themselves to gain agreement.
Cary Grace: Kevin, the other piece I'd add to Brian's comments is, when we see competitors who are going through some evolutions or changes, it's also an opportunity for us, and we are really much more proactive around going after market opportunities when those present themselves to gain agreement.
Speaker #4: When those present themselves to gain.
Speaker #7: Great . Thanks
Kevin Fischbeck: Okay, great. Thanks.
Kevin Fischbeck: Okay, great. Thanks.
Speaker #2: Thank you . And your next question comes from the line of Mark Marcon from Baird . Please go ahead .
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Mark Marcon from Baird. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Mark Marcon from Baird. Please go ahead.
Speaker #8: Hey . Good afternoon and thanks for taking my questions . I'm wondering about the overall environment , just as it relates to travel , nursing .
Mark Marcon: Good afternoon, thanks for taking my questions. Wondering about the overall environment just as it relates to travel nursing. You mentioned that demand has picked up, Cary. Is there a way of quantifying it just in terms of number of hospitals served or systems served? Are you expanding the overall aperture of the number of hospitals, or are you just getting deeper in the ones that you've been serving for a while, but just seeing a pickup in demand there?
Mark Marcon: Good afternoon, thanks for taking my questions. Wondering about the overall environment just as it relates to travel nursing. You mentioned that demand has picked up, Cary. Is there a way of quantifying it just in terms of number of hospitals served or systems served? Are you expanding the overall aperture of the number of hospitals, or are you just getting deeper in the ones that you've been serving for a while, but just seeing a pickup in demand there?
Speaker #8: And you mentioned that demand has picked up Kerry , is there a way of quantifying it just in terms of like , you know , number of hospital served or systems served ?
Speaker #8: Are you expanding the overall aperture of the number of hospitals , or are you just getting deeper in the ones that you've already that you've been serving for a while , but just seeing a pick in demand there ?
Speaker #4: Yeah , it's a little bit of both . Mark . And so from a current client standpoint , we are seeing some utilization increase with them .
Cary Grace: Yeah. It's a little bit of both, Mark. From a current client standpoint, we are seeing some utilization increase with them, and some of it is just for what I'll call same hospital needs. We're also seeing some of our clients expand, and so we're getting the beneficiary of some of that expansion. I'd say the second part of what we've seen from demand growth is, we are much more competitive in filling in third-party channels. It's all the speed things that we've been talking about for some period of time. That becomes a bit of a flywheel that when you start filling more, they come to you. We are serving more healthcare systems through those channels.
Cary Grace: Yeah. It's a little bit of both, Mark. From a current client standpoint, we are seeing some utilization increase with them, and some of it is just for what I'll call same hospital needs. We're also seeing some of our clients expand, and so we're getting the beneficiary of some of that expansion. I'd say the second part of what we've seen from demand growth is, we are much more competitive in filling in third-party channels. It's all the speed things that we've been talking about for some period of time. That becomes a bit of a flywheel that when you start filling more, they come to you. We are serving more healthcare systems through those channels.
Speaker #4: And some of it is just for same what I'll call kind of same hospital needs . But we're also seeing some of our clients expand .
Speaker #4: And so we're getting the beneficiary of some of that expansion . And then I'd say the second part of what we've seen from demand growth is we are much more competitive in filling in third party channels .
Speaker #4: It's all the speed things that we've been talking about for some period of time . And so that becomes a bit of a flywheel that when you start filling more , they come to you .
Speaker #4: So we are serving more health care systems through those channels . So we are serving more . And it really is just a function of the fact that we have a much broader aperture of , of channels and programs that we're supporting , whether directly or through third parties .
Cary Grace: We are serving more, and it really is just a function of the fact that we have a much broader aperture of channels and programs that we're supporting, whether directly or through third parties.
Cary Grace: We are serving more, and it really is just a function of the fact that we have a much broader aperture of channels and programs that we're supporting, whether directly or through third parties.
Speaker #8: And you mentioned earlier that , you know , a perm hiring at the hospitals has slowed down There's lots of potential reasons for that .
Mark Marcon: Great. You mentioned earlier that perm hiring at the hospitals has slowed down. There's lots of potential reasons for that, but what do you think the top three reasons for that is?
Mark Marcon: Great. You mentioned earlier that perm hiring at the hospitals has slowed down. There's lots of potential reasons for that, but what do you think the top three reasons for that is?
Speaker #8: But what do you think the the top three reasons for that is ?
Speaker #4: I'd say the top three reasons are that they got back to a very good base of permanent hires , and that was the function of two things .
Cary Grace: I'd say the top three reasons are that they got back to a very good base of permanent hires, and that was a function of two things. One is the actual hiring itself, which we know was very high by historical standards coming out of COVID. The second part is you saw retention rates normalize post-COVID as well. It's not just that you're hiring more, but you're not losing as many clinicians in the back door. The other piece that we are seeing is the cost normalization and frankly, even historical attractiveness of using contingent as a completion strategy and giving you more flexibility. I've been with a number of clients over the past three weeks, and one of the things that they continue to look for is not just a cost-effective strategy, but increasing flexibility about how they achieve that.
Cary Grace: I'd say the top three reasons are that they got back to a very good base of permanent hires, and that was a function of two things. One is the actual hiring itself, which we know was very high by historical standards coming out of COVID. The second part is you saw retention rates normalize post-COVID as well. It's not just that you're hiring more, but you're not losing as many clinicians in the back door. The other piece that we are seeing is the cost normalization and frankly, even historical attractiveness of using contingent as a completion strategy and giving you more flexibility. I've been with a number of clients over the past three weeks, and one of the things that they continue to look for is not just a cost-effective strategy, but increasing flexibility about how they achieve that.
Speaker #4: One is the actual hiring itself , which we know was very high by historical standards coming out of Covid . The second part is you saw retention rates normalize post Covid as well .
Speaker #4: So it's not just that you're hiring more, but you're not losing as many clinicians out the back door. And then the other piece that we are seeing is the cost normalization.
Speaker #4: Frankly , even historical attractiveness of using contingent as a completion strategy and giving you more flexibility . A lot of I've been with a number of clients over the past three weeks , and one of the things that they continue to look for is not just a cost effective strategy , but increasing flexibility about how they achieve that rate .
Mark Marcon: Great. Cary, are you noticing or are the folks in the field noticing any difference with regards to any sort of demographic profiles, with regards to the types of people that you're actually placing? I'm talking about clinicians in nurse travel roles.
Mark Marcon: Great. Cary, are you noticing or are the folks in the field noticing any difference with regards to any sort of demographic profiles, with regards to the types of people that you're actually placing? I'm talking about clinicians in nurse travel roles.
Speaker #8: And then, Carrie, are you noticing, or are the folks in the field noticing, any difference with regard to any sort of demographic profiles with regard to the types of people that you're actually placing?
Speaker #8: And I'm talking about clinicians and nurse travel roles .
Speaker #4: I don't know that we've seen any , any demographic change in the nurses that were were placing . I'll give you one stat and one kind of commentary on what we're seeing in terms of the broader nurse population .
Cary Grace: I don't know that we've seen any demographic change in the nurses that we're placing. I'll give you one stat and one kind of commentary on what we're seeing in terms of the broader nurse population. The one stat is, you saw in some of the latest labor reports that retirements ticked back up again. We kind of started out maybe 1.5%. You're up to a little bit over 2%. We were expecting that, so I would expect that trend to continue as part of the aging demographic. Related to that, one of the things that I hear from a number of our clients is, really, how do I significantly scale up the aperture of clinical experience for some of my younger staff?
Cary Grace: I don't know that we've seen any demographic change in the nurses that we're placing. I'll give you one stat and one kind of commentary on what we're seeing in terms of the broader nurse population. The one stat is, you saw in some of the latest labor reports that retirements ticked back up again. We kind of started out maybe 1.5%. You're up to a little bit over 2%. We were expecting that, so I would expect that trend to continue as part of the aging demographic. Related to that, one of the things that I hear from a number of our clients is, really, how do I significantly scale up the aperture of clinical experience for some of my younger staff?
Speaker #4: So the one stat is, you saw in some of the latest labor reports that retirements ticked back up again. And so, we kind of started out maybe at 1.5%.
Speaker #4: You're up to a little bit over 2% . We were expecting that . So I would expect that trend to continue as part of the kind of aging demographic .
Speaker #4: And related to that , one of the things that what I hear from a number of our clients is really , how do I significantly scale up the , the aperture of clinical experience for some of my younger staff ?
Speaker #4: And so that is something that is very interesting to them because it's not just that you're losing a one-for-one in a retirement, but you're losing the experience that goes with it.
Cary Grace: That is something that is very interesting to them because it's not just that you're losing a one-for-one in a retirement, but you're losing the experience that goes with it.
Cary Grace: That is something that is very interesting to them because it's not just that you're losing a one-for-one in a retirement, but you're losing the experience that goes with it.
Speaker #9: Yeah, I'm hearing some of the same things.
Mark Marcon: Yes. I'm hearing some of the same things. With regards to PLD, when you think about that, what do you think it would take for some of the trends to turn around and to become a little bit more positive there?
Mark Marcon: Yes. I'm hearing some of the same things. With regards to PLD, when you think about that, what do you think it would take for some of the trends to turn around and to become a little bit more positive there?
Speaker #8: And then with regards to PLD , I mean , when you when you think about that , how , what do you think it would take for , for some of the , the trends to turn around and to become a little bit more positive there ?
Speaker #4: Yes. Let me kind of take it in two parts. So, locums, very consistent themes to what we talked about last quarter.
Cary Grace: Yes. Let me take it in two parts. Locums, very consistent themes to what we talked about last quarter. We have seen year-over-year demand increase. Most of that came in the H1 of this year. We had some really nice client wins, and we're seeing the demand that's there. We are not as fast on filling, particularly when a very large part of that market and the demand increase is coming in the third-party channels. It's a similar experience that we had in Nurse and Allied. We're doing the same transformation that we did in Nurse and Allied very successfully in our locums business. We would expect those efforts, you would start seeing the fill benefits of that as we get into 2027, and that we would return to year-over-year growth in 2027 in locums.
Cary Grace: Yes. Let me take it in two parts. Locums, very consistent themes to what we talked about last quarter. We have seen year-over-year demand increase. Most of that came in the H1 of this year. We had some really nice client wins, and we're seeing the demand that's there. We are not as fast on filling, particularly when a very large part of that market and the demand increase is coming in the third-party channels. It's a similar experience that we had in Nurse and Allied. We're doing the same transformation that we did in Nurse and Allied very successfully in our locums business. We would expect those efforts, you would start seeing the fill benefits of that as we get into 2027, and that we would return to year-over-year growth in 2027 in locums.
Speaker #4: And so we have seen year over year demand increase . Most of that came in the first half of this year . We had some some really nice client wins .
Speaker #4: And so we're seeing the demand that's there . We are not as fast on filling , particularly when a very large part of that market and the demand increase is coming in the third party channels .
Speaker #4: So it's a similar experience that we had in nurse and Allied . And so we're doing the same transformation that we did in nurse and Allied .
Speaker #4: Very successfully in our locums business . So we would expect those efforts . You would start seeing the full benefits of that as we get into 2027 , and that we would return to year over year growth in 2027 , and locums , if we look at research and leadership businesses , we talked a bit already about the positive second quarter , year over year performance in search .
Cary Grace: If we look at the search and leadership businesses, we talked a bit already about the positive Q2, year-over-year performance in search. We would expect for the remainder of this year and into 2027 for that to have year-over-year double-digit growth. There's going to be some seasonality in that. The end of the year, you typically have a little bit of quarter-to-quarter kind of sequential softening, but we would expect from a year-over-year standpoint for that business to be in low double digits and then for interim to get back to growth in 2027.
Cary Grace: If we look at the search and leadership businesses, we talked a bit already about the positive Q2, year-over-year performance in search. We would expect for the remainder of this year and into 2027 for that to have year-over-year double-digit growth. There's going to be some seasonality in that. The end of the year, you typically have a little bit of quarter-to-quarter kind of sequential softening, but we would expect from a year-over-year standpoint for that business to be in low double digits and then for interim to get back to growth in 2027.
Speaker #4: We would expect for the remainder of this year and into 2027 . For that to have year over year , double digit growth , there's going to be some seasonality in that at the end of the year , you typically have a little bit of quarter to quarter kind of sequential softening .
Speaker #4: But we would expect from a year over year standpoint for that business to be in low double digits . And then for interim to get back to growth in 2027 .
Speaker #8: That's great. Thank you so much. I'll jump back in the queue.
Mark Marcon: That's great. Thank you so much. I'll jump back in the queue.
Mark Marcon: That's great. Thank you so much. I'll jump back in the queue.
Speaker #2: Thank you . And your next question comes from the line of Trevor Romeo from William Blair . Please go ahead .
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Trevor Romeo from William Blair. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Trevor Romeo from William Blair. Please go ahead.
Speaker #10: Hi . Thanks for taking the questions . Just maybe a couple left for me at this point . So one , maybe on the international nursing business , I think you talked about 23% growth in the quarter .
Trevor Romeo: Hi. Thanks for taking the questions. Just maybe a couple left for me at this point. One may be on the international nursing business. I think you talked about 23% growth in the quarter. You also mentioned the embassy appointments, maybe not keeping pace with the visa dates. Maybe you could talk through those dynamics a bit, and are your expectations for growth kind of still the same? I think last quarter it was high teens for 2026 and maybe low double digits for 2027.
Trevor Romeo: Hi. Thanks for taking the questions. Just maybe a couple left for me at this point. One may be on the international nursing business. I think you talked about 23% growth in the quarter. You also mentioned the embassy appointments, maybe not keeping pace with the visa dates. Maybe you could talk through those dynamics a bit, and are your expectations for growth kind of still the same? I think last quarter it was high teens for 2026 and maybe low double digits for 2027.
Speaker #10: You also mentioned the embassy appointments — maybe not keeping pace with the visa dates — and maybe you could talk through those dynamics a bit.
Speaker #10: And are your expectations for growth kind of still the same ? I think last quarter it was high teens for 2026 and maybe low double digits for for 2027 .
Speaker #1: Yeah . Thanks , Trevor . Yeah . The , the high teens for this year . Yes . The , you know , the , a lot of the placements that , that are impacting 26 now have been made .
Brian Scott: Yeah. Thanks, Trevor. Yeah, the high teens for this year. Yes, a lot of the placements that are impacting 2026 now have been made. Really, as we're looking to 2027, we've seen really good progress on the visa dates moving forward, actually more than we had anticipated. Between some of the travel bans that existed and more recently in the last few months, we've definitely seen a slowdown. I wanted to call it out on the visa interviews. That is starting to impact some of the volume expectations for 2027. We, at this point, would still expect to see growth in 2027 over 2026, but that amount of growth is probably a bit lower than we would have expected. There's ample demand, and we have a very large supply of nurses that still want to come here.
Brian Scott: Yeah. Thanks, Trevor. Yeah, the high teens for this year. Yes, a lot of the placements that are impacting 2026 now have been made. Really, as we're looking to 2027, we've seen really good progress on the visa dates moving forward, actually more than we had anticipated. Between some of the travel bans that existed and more recently in the last few months, we've definitely seen a slowdown. I wanted to call it out on the visa interviews. That is starting to impact some of the volume expectations for 2027. We, at this point, would still expect to see growth in 2027 over 2026, but that amount of growth is probably a bit lower than we would have expected. There's ample demand, and we have a very large supply of nurses that still want to come here.
Speaker #1: And so really , as we're , as we're looking to 2027 , we've seen really good progress on the visa dates moving forward .
Speaker #1: Actually more than we had anticipated . But we've , you within the , some of the travel bans that existed and more recently in the last few months , we've definitely seen a slowdown , if I wanted to call it out on the visa interviews .
Speaker #1: And so, that is starting to impact some of the volume expectations for 2027. So, at this point, we would still expect to see growth in 2026 and 2027.
Speaker #1: But that amount of growth is is probably a bit lower than we would have expected . There's ample demand and we have a very large supply of of nurses that still want to come here and there .
Brian Scott: There's discussion about improving the appointments, and that may open up a bit as the next fiscal year starts for the government. We'll have more line of sight as we get into the next quarter call on what that looks like and how it would impact 2027. Again, sitting here today, we'd expect growth, but it may be more in the single digit range from what we can see now. There's still adequate time for that to improve if we start to see things open up a bit more as well.
Speaker #1: Are , you know , there's discussion about improving the , the , the appointments and that may open up a bit as the next fiscal year starts for the government .
Brian Scott: There's discussion about improving the appointments, and that may open up a bit as the next fiscal year starts for the government. We'll have more line of sight as we get into the next quarter call on what that looks like and how it would impact 2027. Again, sitting here today, we'd expect growth, but it may be more in the single digit range from what we can see now. There's still adequate time for that to improve if we start to see things open up a bit more as well.
Speaker #1: But we'll have more line of sight as we get into the next quarter. We can comment on what that looks like and how it would impact.
Speaker #1: 27 . So again , sitting here today , we expect growth , but it may be more in the single digit range from what we can see now .
Speaker #1: But there's still adequate time for that to improve, if we start to see things open up a bit more as well.
Trevor Romeo: Okay, Brian, thank you. That's helpful. Maybe just on the language services business, if you could give a little bit more update on the competitive dynamics there. It sounds like you're kind of expecting lower pricing on renewals coming up. Maybe just how many quarters are we from being fully normalized on that front? What's your confidence that language services can be both a volume and a revenue growth market kind of beyond this normalization period? Thanks.
Speaker #10: Okay , Brian . Thank you . That's helpful . And then maybe just on the language services business , if you could give a little bit more update on the competitive dynamics there , it sounds like you're kind of expecting lower pricing on renewals coming up .
Trevor Romeo: Okay, Brian, thank you. That's helpful. Maybe just on the language services business, if you could give a little bit more update on the competitive dynamics there. It sounds like you're kind of expecting lower pricing on renewals coming up. Maybe just how many quarters are we from being fully normalized on that front? What's your confidence that language services can be both a volume and a revenue growth market kind of beyond this normalization period? Thanks.
Speaker #10: So maybe just how many quarters are we from being fully normalized on that front ? And what's your confidence , that language services can be both a volume and a revenue growth market , kind of beyond this normalization period ?
Speaker #10: Thanks .
Speaker #4: Yeah . What we're seeing competitively is very similar to what we've seen over the past couple quarters . So it is a very competitive environment and that's just flat out competition .
Cary Grace: Yeah. What we're seeing competitively is very similar to what we've seen over the past couple quarters. It is a very competitive environment, and that's just flat out competition, also that competition going after more limited demand because of some of the immigration policies. What we have been seeing, and especially this last quarter, we had flat minutes growth, and you saw about 8% pricing compression. We would expect that trend to continue for the rest of this year. If we think about next year, we would expect the compression that we see in minutes pricing be more muted in 2027. We've worked through a number of our client renewals, new clients coming on, as we turn to 2027, we would expect with some new client wins with the rollout of our new tiered service strategy, help offset some of that compression.
Cary Grace: Yeah. What we're seeing competitively is very similar to what we've seen over the past couple quarters. It is a very competitive environment, and that's just flat out competition, also that competition going after more limited demand because of some of the immigration policies. What we have been seeing, and especially this last quarter, we had flat minutes growth, and you saw about 8% pricing compression. We would expect that trend to continue for the rest of this year. If we think about next year, we would expect the compression that we see in minutes pricing be more muted in 2027. We've worked through a number of our client renewals, new clients coming on, as we turn to 2027, we would expect with some new client wins with the rollout of our new tiered service strategy, help offset some of that compression.
Speaker #4: But also that competition going after more limited demand because of some of the immigration policies . And so what we have been seeing , and especially this last quarter , we had flat minutes growth .
Speaker #4: And you saw about 8% pricing compression . We would expect that trend to continue for the rest of this year . If we think about next year , we would expect the compression that we see in minutes .
Speaker #4: Pricing will be more muted. In 2027, we've worked through a number of our client renewals and new clients coming on. And so, as we turn to 2027, we would expect that with some new client wins and the rollout of our new tiered service strategy, that will help offset some of that compression.
Speaker #4: And then the second part of it that we that we've talked about the past two quarters is as part of our new service , tiered strategy , we have a more global workforce that we have been putting into place .
Cary Grace: The second part of it that we've talked about the past 2 quarters is as part of our new service tiered strategy, we have a more global workforce that we have been putting into place. The first part of that was the end of last year into Q1. The second part will be the end of this year. That will also be helpful from a gross margin standpoint for this business in 2027.
Cary Grace: The second part of it that we've talked about the past 2 quarters is as part of our new service tiered strategy, we have a more global workforce that we have been putting into place. The first part of that was the end of last year into Q1. The second part will be the end of this year. That will also be helpful from a gross margin standpoint for this business in 2027.
Speaker #4: The first part of that was the end of last year into the first quarter . The second part will be the end of this year .
Speaker #4: That will also be helpful from a gross margin standpoint for this business in '27.
Speaker #10: Okay . Thank you very much
Trevor Romeo: Okay. Thank you very much.
Trevor Romeo: Okay. Thank you very much.
Speaker #2: Thank you. And our next question comes from the line of Jack Slevin from Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes on the line of Jack Slevin from Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Operator: Thank you. Our next question comes on the line of Jack Slevin from Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Speaker #11: Good afternoon . Thanks for taking the questions . Maybe just to to expand a little bit on that point , on language , I , that all the the numbers are very clear , and I appreciate all the color on that .
Jack Slevin: Good afternoon. Thanks for taking the questions. Maybe just to expand a little bit on that point on language. I guess all the numbers are very clear, and appreciate all the color on that. Maybe just taking a bit of a step back and looking at some of the competitive actions that have taken place in the market, do you feel like the shift you've made here and the addition of Jade sort of position you well moving forward for the next couple of years to sort of push past some of these issues and get to a more stable point, both from a revenue and margin perspective? I understand it's a pretty dynamic market, but I'd just be curious to hear about sort of what you're thinking from a product positioning standpoint.
Jack Slevin: Good afternoon. Thanks for taking the questions. Maybe just to expand a little bit on that point on language. I guess all the numbers are very clear, and appreciate all the color on that. Maybe just taking a bit of a step back and looking at some of the competitive actions that have taken place in the market, do you feel like the shift you've made here and the addition of Jade sort of position you well moving forward for the next couple of years to sort of push past some of these issues and get to a more stable point, both from a revenue and margin perspective? I understand it's a pretty dynamic market, but I'd just be curious to hear about sort of what you're thinking from a product positioning standpoint.
Speaker #11: Maybe just taking a bit of a step back and , and looking at some of the competitive actions that have taken place in the market , do you feel like the shift you've made here and the addition of Jade sort of position you well , moving forward for the next couple of years to , to , to sort of push past some of these issues and get to a more stable point , both from a revenue and margin perspective .
Speaker #11: I understand it's a pretty dynamic market , but just be curious to hear about sort of what you're thinking from a , from a product positioning standpoint .
Speaker #4: Yeah , I think there's two important things that we've done from a positioning standpoint , the first is this tiered service model . And so what that really does is it enables us to be , well positioned across the entirety of the market .
Cary Grace: Yeah, I think there's two important things that we've done from a positioning standpoint. The first is this tiered service model. What that really does is it enables us to be well-positioned across the entirety of the market. We now have a solution set for clients that are going to try to optimize just on the cost per minute, and we have a very well-proven solution set for clients who are going to optimize for total clinical cost delivery of the model. We are good in both of those. That has been very important. What Jade does for us is clients are increasingly interested in a more consistent patient experience from the moment they come in till the moment that they leave. We are a leader in the clinical interaction space.
Cary Grace: Yeah, I think there's two important things that we've done from a positioning standpoint. The first is this tiered service model. What that really does is it enables us to be well-positioned across the entirety of the market. We now have a solution set for clients that are going to try to optimize just on the cost per minute, and we have a very well-proven solution set for clients who are going to optimize for total clinical cost delivery of the model. We are good in both of those. That has been very important. What Jade does for us is clients are increasingly interested in a more consistent patient experience from the moment they come in till the moment that they leave. We are a leader in the clinical interaction space.
Speaker #4: And so we now have a solution set for clients that are going to try to optimize just on the cost per minute. And we have a very well-proven solution set for clients who are going to optimize for total clinical cost delivery of the model.
Speaker #4: And we are good in both of those . That has been that has been very important . What Jade does for us is clients are increasingly interested in a more consistent patient experience from the moment they come in till the moment that they leave .
Speaker #4: And so we are a leader in the clinical interaction space . Jade now enables us to be a leader in before the clinical interaction and after the clinical interaction .
Cary Grace: Jade now enables us to be a leader in before the clinical interaction and after the clinical interaction. It's important both in terms of the patient experience that is important to clients, but it's also important because it helps them save money. There are some very strong results that they've seen early days, taking discharge down from two hours to 15 minutes, that become part of an important cost savings trajectory for clients as well.
Cary Grace: Jade now enables us to be a leader in before the clinical interaction and after the clinical interaction. It's important both in terms of the patient experience that is important to clients, but it's also important because it helps them save money. There are some very strong results that they've seen early days, taking discharge down from two hours to 15 minutes, that become part of an important cost savings trajectory for clients as well.
Speaker #4: And so it's important both in terms of the patient experience, which is important to clients, but it's also important because it helps them save money.
Speaker #4: So there are some very strong results that they've seen early days, taking discharge down from two hours to 15 minutes. That becomes part of an important cost savings trajectory for clients as well.
Speaker #11: Okay . Very , very helpful . And then another one to double click on a little bit , appreciate some of the comments .
Jack Slevin: Okay. Very helpful. Another one to double-click on a little bit. Appreciate some of the comments, and I think responding to Tobey's question, I guess on the overall demand environment, I guess I just wanted maybe to frame it a little bit differently than I've been asked previously. In 2024, we saw a pretty similar trend, fairly similar timeframe, where we saw a big spike in demand with sort of low rate on it. Can you maybe just double-click a little more on what you're seeing now that might give you confidence that this is less of an air pocket and more something that's going to sustainably drive some amount of volume as we roll into the H2 of this year? Thanks.
Jack Slevin: Okay. Very helpful. Another one to double-click on a little bit. Appreciate some of the comments, and I think responding to Tobey's question, I guess on the overall demand environment, I guess I just wanted maybe to frame it a little bit differently than I've been asked previously. In 2024, we saw a pretty similar trend, fairly similar timeframe, where we saw a big spike in demand with sort of low rate on it. Can you maybe just double-click a little more on what you're seeing now that might give you confidence that this is less of an air pocket and more something that's going to sustainably drive some amount of volume as we roll into the H2 of this year? Thanks.
Speaker #11: And I think responding to Toby's question , but I guess on , on the overall demand environment , I guess I just want maybe to , to frame it a little bit differently than I've been asked previously in , in 2024 , we saw pretty similar trend , fairly similar time frame where we saw a big spike in demand with sort of low rate on it .
Speaker #11: Can you maybe just double click a little more on , on what you're seeing now that might give you confidence that that this is less of an air pocket and more something that's going to sustainably drive , you know , some amount of volume as we roll into the back half of this year .
Speaker #11: Thanks .
Speaker #4: In terms of overall demand.
Cary Grace: In terms of overall demand?
Cary Grace: In terms of overall demand?
Speaker #11: In terms of overall , I'm thinking more nurse allied , but but yes , in overall demand .
Jack Slevin: In terms of overall, I'm thinking more Nurse and Allied, but yes, in overall demand.
Jack Slevin: In terms of overall, I'm thinking more Nurse and Allied, but yes, in overall demand.
Speaker #4: You know , I think if you look at where we started to see the the acceleration inflection , it was in May , we've seen that accelerate as we have gone through the second quarter and even , you know , as we speak today .
Cary Grace: I think if you look at where we started to see the acceleration inflection, it was in May. We've seen that accelerate as we have gone through Q2 and even as we speak today. We need to see a couple more quarters of this continued demand pattern. You're also going into a period where you typically get winter orders, and while we're just in the beginning stages of that, the indications our clients are giving us is that they'll look relatively similar to what we saw last year. I think where we are from a timing standpoint in that cycle, that would be typically a positive tailwind to seeing demand increase throughout the next couple quarters. We want to see 3, 4-plus consecutive quarters of that.
Cary Grace: I think if you look at where we started to see the acceleration inflection, it was in May. We've seen that accelerate as we have gone through Q2 and even as we speak today. We need to see a couple more quarters of this continued demand pattern. You're also going into a period where you typically get winter orders, and while we're just in the beginning stages of that, the indications our clients are giving us is that they'll look relatively similar to what we saw last year. I think where we are from a timing standpoint in that cycle, that would be typically a positive tailwind to seeing demand increase throughout the next couple quarters. We want to see 3, 4-plus consecutive quarters of that.
Speaker #4: And so we need to see a couple more quarters of this , continued . You know , demand pattern . But you're also going into a period where you typically get winter orders .
Speaker #4: And while we're just in the beginning stages of that, the indications our clients are giving us are that they'll look relatively similar to what we saw last year.
Speaker #4: And so, I think where we are from a timing standpoint in that cycle, that would typically be a positive tailwind to seeing demand increase throughout the next couple of quarters.
Speaker #4: And we want to see three, four-plus consecutive quarters of that.
Speaker #1: Yeah . The other thing I think it's notable is that just the sheer number of orders isn't the only important factor . It's , it's the quality of those orders .
Brian Scott: The other thing I think it's notable is that just the sheer number of orders isn't the only important factor. It's the quality of those orders and what rates are at. When we talk about our average rate, that's on the placements that we're making. If there's a high percentage of orders that are well below that, they just sit there, and they typically go unfilled. I think what we're seeing is a client, as they have a more urgent need, they're stepping up with rates. We have more orders with rates that are attractive enough for us to be able to place into, and that's why you're seeing our fill rates improve and the volume pick up as well. I think that's something that's different, where more clients were testing the market 2 years ago with really low rates, and they just could not be filled.
Brian Scott: The other thing I think it's notable is that just the sheer number of orders isn't the only important factor. It's the quality of those orders and what rates are at. When we talk about our average rate, that's on the placements that we're making. If there's a high percentage of orders that are well below that, they just sit there, and they typically go unfilled. I think what we're seeing is a client, as they have a more urgent need, they're stepping up with rates. We have more orders with rates that are attractive enough for us to be able to place into, and that's why you're seeing our fill rates improve and the volume pick up as well. I think that's something that's different, where more clients were testing the market 2 years ago with really low rates, and they just could not be filled.
Speaker #1: And what rates are at . So when we talk about our average rate , that's on the placements making . If there's a high percentage of orders that are well below that , they just sit there and they typically go unfilled .
Speaker #1: So I think what we're seeing is , is that clients , if they have a more urgent need , they're stepping up with rates .
Speaker #1: We have more orders with rates that are attractive enough for us to be able to place into . And that's why you're seeing our fill rates improve .
Speaker #1: And the volume pick up as well . So I think that that's something that's different where , you more clients were testing the market two years ago with really low rates , and they just , they just could not be filled .
Speaker #1: We have a higher percentage now that have. And even though the overall average rate has not really increased, the number of orders that we can fill at that rate has.
Brian Scott: We have a higher percentage now that have, and even though the overall average rate has not really increased, the number of orders that we can fill at that rate has.
Brian Scott: We have a higher percentage now that have, and even though the overall average rate has not really increased, the number of orders that we can fill at that rate has.
Speaker #11: Got it. Okay. Really helpful. I appreciate all the thoughts.
Jack Slevin: Got it. Okay. Really helpful. Appreciate all the thoughts.
Jack Slevin: Got it. Okay. Really helpful. Appreciate all the thoughts.
Speaker #2: Thank you. That concludes our question and answer session. I will now hand the call back to Caroline Grace for final comments.
Operator: Thank you. That ends our question and answer session. I will now hand the call back to Cary Grace for final comments.
Operator: Thank you. That ends our question and answer session. I will now hand the call back to Cary Grace for final comments.
Speaker #4: Thank you for your interest in AMN Healthcare, and a huge thank you to the AM team members and clinicians who ensure strong, quality care every day in our healthcare system.
Cary Grace: Thank you for your interest in AMN Healthcare, and a huge thank you to the AMN team members and clinicians who ensure strong quality care every day in our healthcare system. We look forward to giving you updates next quarter.
Cary Grace: Thank you for your interest in AMN Healthcare, and a huge thank you to the AMN team members and clinicians who ensure strong quality care every day in our healthcare system. We look forward to giving you updates next quarter.
Speaker #4: We look forward to giving you updates next quarter.
Operator: This concludes today's call. Thank you for participating. You may all disconnect.
Operator: This concludes today's call. Thank you for participating. You may all disconnect.