Q2 2026 The Pennant Group Inc Earnings Call

August 6, 2026

Operator: Good day, thank you for standing by. Welcome to Pennant Group Q2 2026 Earnings Conference Call. At this time, all participants are on a listen-only mode. After the speakers' presentation, there will be a question-and-answer session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press star one one on your telephone. You will hear an automated message advising your hand is raised. Please note that today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to hand the conference over to your first speaker today, Kirk Cheney. Please go ahead.

Speaker #1: Good day, and thank you for standing by. Welcome to the Pennant Group Q2 2026 earnings conference call. At this time, all participants are on listen-only mode.

Speaker #1: After this speaker's presentation, there will be a Q&A session. To ask a question during the session, you will need to press *11 on your telephone; you will then hear an automated message advising your hand is raised.

Speaker #1: Please note that today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to end the conference over to your first speaker today, Kirk Cheney. Please go ahead.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Livia. Welcome, everyone, and thank you for joining us today. Here with me today, I have Brent Guerisoli, our CEO; John Gochnour, our president and COO; Lynette Walbom, our CFO; and Andy Ryder, our senior living president.

Kirk Cheney: Thank you, Livia. Welcome everyone, thank you for joining us today. Here with me today I have Brent Guerisoli, our CEO, John Gochnour, our President and COO, Lynette Walbom, our CFO, and Andy Reiter, our Senior Living President. Before we begin, I have a few housekeeping matters. We filed our earnings press release and 10-Q yesterday. This announcement is available on the investor relations section of our website at www.pennantgroup.com. A replay of this call will also be available on our website until 5:00 PM Mountain on 06 August 2027. We want to remind anyone who may be listening to a replay of this call that all statements made are as of today, 06 August 2026, these statements will not be updated after today's call. Any forward-looking statements made today are based on management's current expectations about our business and the environment in which we operate.

Speaker #2: Before we begin, I have a few housekeeping matters. We filed our earnings press release in 10Q yesterday. This announcement is available on the Investor Relations section of our website at www.pennantgroup.com.

Speaker #2: A replay of this call will also be available on our website until 5:00 PM Mountain Time on August 6, 2027. We want to remind anyone who may be listening to a replay of this call that all statements made are as of today, August 6, 2026, and these statements will not be updated after today's call.

Speaker #2: Also, any forward-looking statements made today are based on management's current expectations about our business and the environment in which we operate. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied on today's call.

Kirk Cheney: These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to materially differ from those expressed or implied on today's call. Listeners should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are encouraged to review our SEC filings for a more complete discussion of factors that could impact our results. Except as required by federal securities laws, we do not publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements where changes arise from new information or for any other reason. The Pennant Group, Inc. is a holding company with no direct operating assets, employees, or revenues. Certain of our independent subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the service center, provide administrative services to the operating companies through contractual relationships. The words Pennant, company, we, our, and us refer to The Pennant Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Speaker #2: Listeners should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and are encouraged to review our SEC filings for a more complete discussion of factors that could impact our results.

Speaker #2: Except as required by federal securities laws, we do not publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements where changes arise from new information or for any other reason.

Speaker #2: In addition, the Pennant Group, Inc., is a holding company with no direct operating assets, employees, or revenues. Certain of our independent subsidiaries, collectively referred to as the Service Center, provide administrative services to the operating companies through contractual relationships.

Speaker #2: The words "Pennant Company," "we," "our," and "us" refer to The Pennant Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries. Our operating subsidiaries and the Service Center are operated by separate independent companies that have their own management, employees, and assets.

Kirk Cheney: Our operating subsidiaries and the service center are operated by separate independent companies that have their own management, employees, and assets. References herein to the consolidated company and its assets and activities, as well as use of the terms we, us, our, and similar terms, do not imply that The Pennant Group, Inc. has direct operating assets, employees, or revenues, or that any of the subsidiaries are operated by The Pennant Group. We supplement our GAAP reporting with non-GAAP metrics. When viewed together with our GAAP results, we believe that these measures can provide a more complete understanding of our business, but they should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP reports. A GAAP to non-GAAP reconciliation is available in yesterday's press release and is available in our 10-Q. With that, I'll turn the call over to Brent Guerisoli, our CEO. Brent?

Speaker #2: References herein to the consolidated company and its assets and activities, as well as the use of the terms "we," "us," "our," and similar terms, do not imply that The Pennant Group, Inc. has direct operating assets, employees, or revenues, or that any of the subsidiaries are operated by The Pennant Group.

Speaker #2: Also, we supplement our GAAP reporting with non-GAAP metrics. When viewed together with our GAAP results, we believe that these measures can provide a more complete understanding of our business, but they should not be relied upon to the exclusion of GAAP reports.

Speaker #2: A GAAP-to-non-GAAP reconciliation is available in yesterday's press release and is available in our 10Q. And with that, I'll turn the call over to Brent Guerisoli, our CEO.

Speaker #2: Brent?

Speaker #3: Thanks, Kirk. And welcome, everyone, to our second quarter 2026 earnings call. We are pleased to report another strong quarter, which puts us on pace to surpass the top end of our original guidance range.

Brent Guerisoli: Thanks, Kirk, and welcome everyone to our Q2 2026 earnings call. We are pleased to report another strong quarter, which put us on pace to surpass the top end of our original guidance range. Our momentum is a product of diligent focus on operational excellence, along with effective transitions at recently acquired operations. In Q2, we generated revenue of $298 million, an increase of $78.5 million or 35.8% over the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA of $24.3 million, an increase of $7.9 million or 48.2% over the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI of $26.1 million, an increase of $8.8 million or 51% over the prior year quarter, and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.36, an increase of $0.09 or 33.3% over the prior year quarter. I'm incredibly proud of our local leaders and teams.

Speaker #3: Our momentum is the product of diligent focus on operational excellence, along with effective transitions at recently acquired operations. In Q2, we generated revenue of $298 million, an increase of 78.5 million or 35.8% over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #3: Adjusted EBITDA was $24.3 million, an increase of $7.9 million, or 48.2%, over the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI was $26.1 million, an increase of $8.8 million over the prior year quarter. Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.36, an increase of $0.09, or 33.3%, over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #3: I'm incredibly proud of our local leaders and teams. Heading into this year, we outlined two critical initiatives that would create success in 2026. First, we would rigorously pursue operational excellence across all of our business lines.

Brent Guerisoli: Heading into this year, we outlined two critical initiatives that would create success in 2026. First, we would rigorously pursue operational excellence across all of our business lines, looking at every lever to increase efficiencies and improve results. Second, after a period of significant investment, we would focus sufficient resources and attention on integrating those operations, especially our sizable recent acquisition in the Southeast, to ensure that they were transitioned quickly and effectively. As a testament to the strength of our operating model, we have experienced remarkable progress in organic growth across our core operations, even as we have outperformed internal expectations thus far in the transition of the largest acquisition in our history. This has been the story of Pennant's year thus far.

Speaker #3: Looking at every lever to increase efficiencies, and improve results, second, after a period of significant investment, we would focus sufficient resources and attention on integrating those operations, especially our sizable recent acquisition in the Southeast.

Speaker #3: To ensure that they were transitioned quickly and effectively, as a testament to the strength of our operating model, we have experienced remarkable progress in organic growth across our core operations, even as we have outperformed internal expectations thus far in the transition of the largest acquisition in our history.

Speaker #3: This has been the story of Pennant's year thus far. Before the recent announcement of the 2027 proposed home health rule, home health reimbursement had been in a down cycle with annual base rate cuts for four consecutive years.

Brent Guerisoli: Before the recent announcement of the 2027 proposed Home Health rule, home health reimbursement had been in a down cycle with annual base rate cuts for four consecutive years. We made the best of this challenging environment by rigorously innovating and optimizing our operations and delivering exceptional clinical care more efficiently. Throughout this period, we continued to invest in home health at attractive valuations and reaffirmed our bullish view and long-term commitment to these services, even as we have expanded our hospice and senior living businesses. We know, and we believe the government also knows, that home health services are a vital component of America's healthcare strategy, and their importance will only increase as more seniors age into the services and governmental leaders look for solutions to reduce the nation's overall healthcare spend. The silver wave will continue to unfold over the next decade and beyond.

Speaker #3: We made the best of this challenging environment by rigorously innovating and optimizing our operations and delivering exceptional clinical care more efficiently. Throughout this period, we continued to invest in home health at attractive valuations and reaffirmed our bullish view and long-term commitment to these services.

Speaker #3: Even as we have expanded our hospice and senior living businesses, we know—and we believe the government also knows—that home health services are a vital component of America's healthcare strategy, and their importance will only increase as more seniors age into the services.

Speaker #3: And governmental leaders look for solutions to reduce the nation's overall healthcare spend. The silver wave will continue to unfold over the next decade and beyond, each year more than 4 million Americans turn 65, as the share of the U.S.

Brent Guerisoli: Each year, more than 4 million Americans turn 65. As the share of the US population over 65 increases and life expectancy continues to expand, we anticipate growing demand for our services. Our home health and hospice services will continue to be critical, lowest cost solutions to address these demographic changes. Healthcare reimbursement is cyclical. It appears now that the payment pendulum is moving in a better direction with a 2.4% increase in the 2027 proposed Home Health rule, which we're modeling as a 1.7% increase as applied to our operations. We see this as a positive signal and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with CMS and Congress on a more stable Home Health rate environment that aligns reimbursement with the increasing costs of delivering high quality care. As payers and CMS increasingly focus on rewarding quality outcomes and value-based care, we are well-positioned to be a solution in the healthcare continuum.

Speaker #3: population over 65 increases and life expectancy continues to expand, we anticipate growing demand for our services. Our home health and hospice services will continue to be critical, lowest-cost solutions to address these demographic changes.

Speaker #3: Healthcare reimbursement is cyclical. It appears now that the payment pendulum is moving in a better direction, with a 2.4% increase in the 2027 proposed rule.

Speaker #3: Which were modeling as a 1.7% increase as applied to our operations. We see this as a positive signal and welcome the opportunity to collaborate with CMS and Congress on a more stable home health rate environment that aligns reimbursement with the increasing costs of delivering high-quality care.

Speaker #3: As payers and CMS increasingly focus on rewarding quality outcomes and value-based care, we are well positioned to be a solution in the healthcare continuum.

Speaker #3: As announced in yesterday's press release, we are raising annual guidance based on the momentum in the business and the progress we have made in transitioning, with significant upside that remains in our existing operations.

Brent Guerisoli: As announced in yesterday's press release, we are raising annual guidance based on the momentum in the business, the progress we have made in transitioning new acquisitions in the Southeast, and the significant upside that remains in our existing operations. We anticipate full year revenue in the range of $1.17 billion to $1.19 billion, adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI of $101.5 million to $105.1 million, and adjusted earnings per share in the range of $1.34 to $1.41. With solid performance across the portfolio, a pipeline of potential growth opportunities, and a robust balance sheet, we are excited for the remainder of 2026 and beyond. With that, I'll turn the call over to John to provide more details on our Q2 operational results.

Speaker #3: We anticipate full-year revenue in the range of $1.17 billion to $1.19 billion, adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI of $101.5 million to $105.1 million, and adjusted earnings per share in the range of $1.34 to $1.41.

Speaker #3: With solid performance across the portfolio, a pipeline of potential growth opportunities, and a robust balance sheet, we are excited for the remainder of 2026 and beyond.

Speaker #3: With that, I'll turn the call over to John to provide more details on our second quarter operational results.

Speaker #2: Thank you, Brent, and good morning, everyone. Pennant's local leaders continued to drive inspiring clinical and operational results in their communities. We are pleased to see strong performance in our mature operations, even as we are onboarding these new acquisitions.

John Gochnour: Thank you, Brent, and good morning, everyone. Pennant's local leaders continued to drive inspiring clinical and operational results in their communities. We are pleased to see strong performance in our mature operations, even as we are onboarding these new acquisitions. In our home health and hospice segment, exemplary clinical and cultural performance continues to create financial momentum. Top line segment revenue in Q2 was $237.8 million, an increase of $71.8 million, or 43.2%. Adjusted EBITDA was $37.7 million, an increase of $12.3 million, or 48.2%, and adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI of $39.6 million, an increase of $13.2 million, or 50%, each over the prior year quarter. Our growth in adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI reflects not only the addition of new operations, but also our focus on operational excellence as same-store margin improved 70 basis points year over year. Our hospice business continues to excel.

Speaker #2: In our home health and hospice segment, exemplary clinical and cultural performance continues to create financial momentum. Top-line segment revenue in the second quarter was $237.8 million, an increase of 71.8 million or 43.2%.

Speaker #2: Adjusted EBITDA was $37.7 million, an increase of $12.3 million, or 48.2%. Adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI was $39.6 million, an increase of $13.2 million, or 50%, each over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #2: Our growth in adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI reflects not only the addition of new operations, but also our focus on operational excellence, as same-store margin improved 70 basis points year over year.

Speaker #2: Our hospice business continues to excel. Hospice revenue in Q2 was $103.6 million, an increase of 40.4% over the prior-year quarter. Hospice admits increased 38.4%, and average daily census increased 40.1%.

John Gochnour: Hospice revenue in Q2 was $103.6 million, an increase of $29.8 million, or 40.4% over the prior year quarter. Hospice admits increased 38.4%, and average daily census increased 40.1%. While this increase reflects the impact of our investment in the Southeast, our same-store trends reflect that the community is responding to our locally driven approach and clinical excellence. For Q2, same-store hospice admissions increased 8.8%, and ADC grew 10.8%, each over the prior year quarter. In July, CMS released the 2027 Hospice Final Payment Rule, which includes a 2.3% increase in revenue per day, along with several program integrity measures primarily intended to increase rigor relating to hospice enrollment. The hospice industry is currently the subject of intense scrutiny because of the significant fraud and abuse issues perpetrated by bad actors in California and elsewhere.

Speaker #2: While this increase reflects the impact of our investment in the Southeast, our same-store trends reflect that the community is responding to our locally driven approach and clinical excellence.

Speaker #2: For the second quarter, same-store hospice admissions increased 8.8%, and ADC grew 10.8%, each over the prior-year quarter. In July, CMS released the 2027 Hospice Final Payment Rule, which includes a 2.3% increase in revenue per day, along with several program integrity measures primarily intended to increase rigor relating to hospice enrollment.

Speaker #2: The hospice industry is currently the subject of intense scrutiny because of the significant fraud and abuse issues perpetrated by bad actors in California and elsewhere.

Speaker #2: While they have created new administrative costs, we understand and support the need for program integrity measures that will help lawmakers and regulators pinpoint and punish fraudsters.

John Gochnour: While they have created new administrative costs, we understand and support the need for program integrity measures that will help lawmakers and regulators pinpoint and punish fraudsters. We are working closely with regulators to narrowly tailor regulations and enforcement in ways that improve patient care and increase trust in the industry. By identifying and isolating bad actors, funds can be redirected to providers like Pennant, who deliver great care in a compliant manner. In short, we are well-equipped to thrive through this dynamic regulatory environment. On the home health side, our operations continue to grow and perform well. Home health revenue increased to $119.4 million, an increase of $40.3 million, or 50.8%, over the prior year quarter. Total home health admissions increased 62.3%, and Medicare admissions increased 70.7%, each over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #2: We are working closely with regulators to narrowly tailor regulations and enforcement in ways that improve patient care and increase trust in the industry. By identifying and isolating bad actors, funds can be redirected to providers like Pennant, who deliver great care in a compliant manner.

Speaker #2: In short, we are well equipped to thrive through this dynamic regulatory environment. On the home health side, our operations continue to grow and perform well.

Speaker #2: Home health revenue increased to $119.4 million, an increase of 40.3 million or 50.8% over the prior year quarter. Total home health admissions increased 62.3%, and Medicare admissions increased 70.7%, each over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #2: Revenue per episode decreased by $1.9% over the prior year, as we anticipated, based on our significant growth in the Southeast. These markets have lower CMS wage indexes and thus lower revenue per episode, offset by lower actual wages and overall cost of service.

John Gochnour: Revenue per episode decreased by 1.9% over the prior year, as we anticipated, based on our significant growth in the Southeast. These markets have lower CMS wage indexes, and thus lower revenue per episode, offset by lower actual wages and overall cost of service. Consistent with our hospice results, our same-store strength illustrates our foundation of quality care, with total same-store home health admissions increasing 9.7%, and same-store Medicare admissions increasing 13.6%. The transition of new operations in the Southeast continues to roll forward on schedule. Though we see significant variability and much opportunity to improve individual operations, we are pleased with their overall performance and transition progress to date. Financially, margins in this business are trending ahead of internal expectations.

Speaker #2: Consistent with our hospice results, our same-store strength illustrates our foundation of quality care, with total same-store home health admissions increasing 9.7%, and same-store Medicare admissions increasing 13.6%.

Speaker #2: The transition of new operations in the Southeast continues to roll forward on schedule, though we see significant variability in much opportunity to improve individual operations, we are pleased with their overall performance and transition progress to date.

Speaker #2: Financially, margins in these business are trending ahead of internal expectations. Clinically, where we have successfully transitioned the Pennant CMR instance and implemented our technology stack and clinical best practices, we are seeing outcomes improve, including star ratings and potentially preventable hospitalization scores.

John Gochnour: Clinically, where we have successfully transitioned to Pennant's EMR instance and implemented our technology stack and clinical best practices, we are seeing outcomes improve, including star ratings and potentially preventable hospitalization scores. That said, we are currently in the thick of our largest transition waves, which will continue through October. This will naturally cause some ongoing disruption. In the long term, we see so much potential in these operations and their local leaders and teams. We expect them to thrive in Pennant's unique operating model for many years to come. Clinical excellence is the foundation of all we do. Our quality scores remain excellent, with an average CMS star rating of 4.1, compared to the national average of 3.0, and a potentially preventable hospitalization rate of 10%, which compares favorably to the national average of 10.8%.

Speaker #2: That said, we are currently in the thick of our largest transition waves, which will continue through October. This will naturally cause some ongoing disruption.

Speaker #2: In the long term, we see so much potential in these operations and their local leaders and teams we expect them to thrive in Pennant's unique operating model for many years to come.

Speaker #2: Clinical excellence is the foundation of all we do. Our quality scores remain excellent, with an average CMS star rating of 4.1, compared to the national average of 3.0, and a potentially preventable hospitalization rate of 10%, which compares favorably to the national average of 10.8%.

Speaker #2: We also continue to benefit from CMS's Home Health Value-Based Purchasing program, in which our mature operations have experienced positive revenue impacts on average. These favorable adjustments helped our same-store revenue per episode increase by 40 basis points over the prior-year quarter, despite the impact of Medicare base rate cuts.

John Gochnour: We also continue to benefit from CMS's Home Health Value-Based Purchasing program, in which our mature operations have experienced positive revenue impacts on average. These favorable adjustments helped our same-store revenue per episode increase by 40 basis points over the prior year quarter, despite the impact of Medicare base rate cuts. Our senior living segment continued its significant growth in Q2 as revenue improved to $60.2 million, an increase of $6.7 million or 12.6% over the prior year quarter. Segment adjusted EBITDA increased to $5.8 million, a $0.7 million or 13.2% increase over the prior year quarter. In Q2, average all-store monthly revenue per occupied unit rose to $5,392, an increase of $204 or 3.9% over the prior year quarter. And same-store monthly revenue per occupied unit rose to $5,413, an increase of $282 or 5.5% over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #2: Our senior living segment continued its significant growth in the second quarter, as revenue improved to 60.2 million, an increase of 6.7 million or 12.6% over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #2: Segment-adjusted EBITDA increased to 5.8 million, a 0.7 million or 13.2% increase over the prior year quarter. In Q2, average all-store monthly revenue per occupied unit rose to $5,392, an increase of 204 or 3.9% over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #2: And same-store monthly revenue per occupied unit rose to $5,413, an increase of 282 or 5.5% over the prior year quarter. Same-store occupancy ticked up 150 basis points, versus the prior year quarter to 81.6%, even as we have consistently strengthened our revenue quality year after year.

John Gochnour: Same-store occupancy ticked up 150 basis points versus the prior year quarter to 81.6%, even as we have consistently strengthened our revenue quality year after year. We are pleased with the broad-based stability and leadership in our senior living business, which has enabled us to be active acquirers with seven deals closed year to date. As we have discussed previously, in Q3 and Q4, we anticipate some lumpiness in senior living margin as we integrate these newly acquired communities, many of which have low occupancy, but compelling long-term potential that we are excited to unlock. Turning to acquisitions more specifically, Q2 produced a steady stream of senior living deals. On our Q1 call, we discussed our April and May acquisitions of two communities in Arizona and two in Wisconsin, constituting 262 units.

Speaker #2: We are pleased with the broad-based stability and leadership in our senior living business, which has enabled us to be active acquirers with seven deals closed year to date.

Speaker #2: As we have discussed previously, in Q3 and Q4, we anticipate some lumpiness in senior living margin as we integrate these newly acquired communities, many of which have low occupancy, but compelling long-term potential that we are excited to unlock.

Speaker #2: Turning to acquisitions more specifically, Q2 produced a steady stream of senior living deals. On our Q1 call, we discussed our April and May acquisitions of two communities in Arizona and two in Wisconsin, constituting 262 units.

Speaker #2: Later in May, we acquired the operations and real estate of Copper Canyon Memory Care, a 40-unit community in Tucson, Arizona. On June 1, Pennant assumed operations of a senior living community in Pleasant Hill, California, known as Memory Care of Contra Costa, including 46 Memory Care units.

John Gochnour: Later in May, we acquired the operations and real estate of Copper Canyon Memory Care, a 40-unit community in Tucson, Arizona. On 1 June, Pennant assumed operations of a senior living community in Pleasant Hill, California, known as Memory Care of Contra Costa, including 46 memory care units. These acquisitions reflect Pennant's commitment to high acuity senior living care, which is embedded in our DNA as a clinical company. We believe that our ability to accept and serve more clinically complex residents positions us well for the demographic trends ahead. On 1 August, we acquired the operations and real estate associated with River Centre Assisted Living, a 63-unit community in Tucson, Arizona. The addition of River Centre and Copper Canyon increases our growing real estate portfolio to nine properties, including five acquired in the last 12 months.

Speaker #2: These acquisitions reflect Pennant's commitment to high acuity senior living care which is embedded in our DNA as a clinical company. We believe that our ability to accept and serve more clinically complex residents positions us well for the demographic trends ahead.

Speaker #2: On August 1, we acquired the operations and real estate associated with a 63-unit community in Tucson, Arizona. The addition of River Center and Copper Canyon increases our growing real estate portfolio to nine properties, including five acquired in the last 12 months. It also strengthens our robust care continuum in Tucson, which includes multiple home health, hospice, and senior living operations.

John Gochnour: It also strengthens our robust care continuum in Tucson, which includes multiple home health, hospice, and senior living operations. On the home health and hospice side, we made an investment in Hartford HealthCare at Home that we are excited to discuss. On 4 June, we announced the next evolution of our partnership with Hartford HealthCare, which began more than two years ago. In 2024, we commenced management of Hartford HealthCare at Home, which now provides home health and hospice services to more than 30,000 patients annually from nine locations throughout the state of Connecticut. In June, we made an investment in the future of Hartford HealthCare at Home that allows us to share in the profits or losses recognized in connection with our management of the business. These now appear as income from equity method investments in our financial statements, and more details are available in our 10-Q.

Speaker #2: On the home health and hospice side, we made an investment in Hartford HealthCare at Home that we are excited to discuss. On June 4, we announced the next evolution of our partnership with Hartford HealthCare, which began more than two years ago.

Speaker #2: In 2024, we commenced management of Hartford Healthcare at Home, which now provides home health and hospice services to more than 30,000 patients annually from nine locations throughout the state of Connecticut.

Speaker #2: In June, we made an investment in the future of Hartford Healthcare at Home that allows us to share in the profits or losses recognized in Connection with our management of the business.

Speaker #2: These now appear as income from equity method investments in our financial statements, and more details are available in our 10-Q. We are pleased that since we began working with Hartford, we have expanded patient access, improved clinical outcomes, and brought financial stability to Hartford Healthcare at Home.

John Gochnour: We are pleased that since we began working with Hartford, we have expanded patient access, improved clinical outcomes, and brought financial stability to Hartford HealthCare at Home. We have also established a service center in Connecticut, invested in strong operational and resource leaders, and created a foundation from which we can grow in the Northeast. With that, I'll hand it over to Lynette for a review of the financials. Lynette?

Speaker #2: We have also established a service center in Connecticut. Invested in strong, operational, and resource leaders, and created a foundation from which we can grow in the Northeast.

Speaker #2: With that, I'll hand it over to Lynette for a review of the financials. Lynette?

Speaker #3: Thank you, John, and good morning, everyone. Detailed financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2026 are contained in our 10Q and press release filed yesterday.

Lynette Walbom: Thank you, John, and good morning, everyone. Detailed financial results for the three months ended 30 June 2026 are contained in our 10-Q and press release filed yesterday. For the quarter ended 30 June 2026, we reported total GAAP revenue of $298 million, an increase of $78.5 million or 35.8% over the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA of $24.3 million, an increase of $7.9 million or 48.2% over the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI of $26.1 million, an increase of $8.8 million or 51% over the prior year quarter. GAAP diluted earnings per share of $0.25 and adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.36. Our year-to-date results put us on pace to exceed the top end of our full-year guidance. Accordingly, we are revising and raising our full-year 2026 guidance as follows. Full-year total revenue is anticipated to be between $1.17 billion and $1.19 billion.

Speaker #3: For the quarter ended June 30, 2026, we reported total gap revenue of $298 million, an increase of 78.5 million or 35.8% over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #3: Adjusted EBITDA of 24.3 million and increase of 7.9 million or 48.2% over the prior year quarter. Adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI of 26.1 million and increase of 8.8 million or 51% over the prior year quarter.

Speaker #3: GAAP diluted earnings per share was $0.25, and adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.36. Our year-to-date results put us on pace to exceed the top end of our full-year guidance. Accordingly, we are revising and raising our full-year 2026 guidance as follows: Full-year total revenue is anticipated to be between $1.17 billion and $1.19 billion; full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share is anticipated to be between $1.34 and $1.41; full-year adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be between $94.4 million and $98 million; and full-year adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI is anticipated to be between $101.5 million and $105.1 million.

Lynette Walbom: Full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share is anticipated to be between $1.34 and $1.41. Full-year adjusted EBITDA is anticipated to be between $94.4 million and $98 million. Full-year adjusted EBITDA prior to NCI is anticipated to be between $101.5 million and $105.1 million. This updated guidance incorporates current operations and organic growth, diluted weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 37 million, and a 26% effective tax rate. It anticipates continued strong operating performance through the end of the year, hospice reimbursement rate adjustments, elevated interest expense, and the contributions from our joint ventures and management agreements. It excludes unannounced acquisitions, startups, share-based compensation, acquisition-related costs, and one-time implementation and unusual items. Key metrics as of 30 June 2026, include $201.9 million outstanding under our credit facility and $15.3 million cash on hand at quarter end.

Speaker #3: This updated guidance incorporates current operations and organic growth. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding of approximately 37 million and a 26% effective tax rate. It anticipates continued strong operating performance through the end of the year, hospice reimbursement rate adjustments, elevated interest expense, and the contributions from our joint ventures and management agreements.

Speaker #3: It excludes unannounced acquisitions, startups, share-based compensation, acquisition-related costs, and one-time implementation in unusual items. Key metrics as of June 30, 2026 include 201.9 million outstanding under our credit facility and 15.3 million cash on hand at quarter end.

Speaker #3: $1.96 times net debt to adjusted EBITDA and cash flows provided from operations of 18.4 million year-to-date. I would now like to spotlight a few leaders in our organization who have achieved exceptional results.

Lynette Walbom: 1.96 times net debt to adjusted EBITDA, and cash flows provided from operations of $18.4 million year to date. I would now like to spotlight a few leaders in our organization who have achieved exceptional results. Their stories demonstrate the remarkable progress that can occur when local leaders build strong culture and develop high-performing teams of C-level leaders in their operations. At Emblem Hospice in Tucson, Arizona, CEO Tobias Emes, CCO Adriana Treit, future CCO Itzel Erickson, and future CMO Chelsea Conn have created a culture that makes Emblem a vital contributor to the Tucson market. Emblem's leaders have intensely focused on cultural excellence, creating a supportive environment where employees feel aligned with the organization's goals and ownership over results. This has resulted in a caregiver satisfaction score of 95%.

Speaker #3: Their stories demonstrate the remarkable progress that can occur when local leaders build strong culture and develop high-performing teams of C-level leaders in their operations.

Speaker #3: At Emblem Hospice in Tucson, Arizona, CEO Tobias Ems, CCO Adriana Freit, future CCO Itzel Erickson, and future CMO Chelsea Khan have created a culture that makes Emblem a vital contributor to the Tucson market.

Speaker #3: Emblem's leaders have intently focused on cultural excellence, creating a supportive environment where employees feel aligned with the organization's goals and ownership over results. This has resulted in a caregiver satisfaction score of 95%.

Speaker #3: This alignment has also allowed Emblem to become a consistent provider of choice in the Tucson market, as the team works collaboratively to respond quickly and communicate effectively with referral sources and families.

Lynette Walbom: This alignment has also allowed Emblem to become a consistent provider of choice in the Tucson market as the team works collaboratively to respond quickly and communicate effectively with referral sources and families. Emblem has developed an outstanding clinical reputation, highlighted by their strong scores for visiting patients in the last days of their life. As a result of these efforts, average daily hospice census has grown 43% year over year. Financial results have followed suit as Emblem's revenue has increased 75% and EBITDA has increased 315% each over the prior year. Emblem is a valued partner in the robust care continuum that Pennant has developed to serve Tucson and the surrounding community.

Speaker #3: Emblem has developed an outstanding clinical reputation, highlighted by their strong scores for visiting patients in the last days of their life. As a result of these efforts, average daily hospice census has grown 43% year over year. Financial results have followed suit, as Emblem's revenue has increased 75% and EBITDA has increased 315%, each over the prior year.

Speaker #3: Emblem is a valued partner in the robust care continuum that Pennant has developed to serve Tucson and the surrounding community. At Signature Healthcare at Home in Eugene, Oregon, CEO Samantha Moose, CCO Lucy Arbo, and future CMO Millie Sage have demonstrated how local leaders and teams can transition and thrive in Pennant's unique operating model.

Lynette Walbom: At Signature Healthcare at Home in Eugene, Oregon, CEO Samantha Muhs, CCO Lucy Arbo, and future CMO Millie Sage have demonstrated how local leaders and teams can transition and thrive in Pennant's unique operating model, adding tremendous value to their local communities. Since its acquisition by Pennant in January 2025, Samantha and Lucy have embraced CAPLICO and our unique locally driven model. Signature's rigorous focus on operational excellence has resulted in exceptional clinical and cultural outcomes, including a real-time star rating of 4.5, a potentially preventable hospitalization score of 7.4

Speaker #3: Adding tremendous value to their local communities. Since its acquisition by Pennant in January 2025, Samantha and Lucy have embraced Caplico and are unique locally driven model.

Speaker #3: Signature's rigorous focus on operational excellence has resulted in exceptional clinical and cultural outcomes, including a real-time star rating of 4.5, a potentially preventable hospitalization score of 7.2%, single-digit turnover and home health value-based purchasing score significantly better than the national and state average.

Andrew Reiter: 2%. Single-digit turnover and Home Health Value-Based Purchasing score significantly better than the national and state average. As a result of this clinical excellence and workforce stability, Census has increased nearly 30% since acquisition, and EBITDA has doubled versus the prior year. Samantha, Lucy, and team are helping to set the bar and elevate care in Oregon. On the senior living side, CEO Ryan Weaver, CWO Abigail Santos, and CMO Charlie Wolf have created a community of choice at Desert View Senior Living in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a special focus on caring for our nation's military veterans, Desert View benefits the lives of a deserving elderly population. Desert View's occupancy has consistently been above 95% over the past four years, demonstrating that it is an in-demand community. By creating a comfortable and caring environment, Desert View has grown revenue 10% year over year and EBITDA 29% year over year.

Lynette Walbom: Single-digit turnover and Home Health Value-Based Purchasing score significantly better than the national and state average. As a result of this clinical excellence and workforce stability, Census has increased nearly 30% since acquisition, and EBITDA has doubled versus the prior year. Samantha, Lucy, and team are helping to set the bar and elevate care in Oregon. On the senior living side, CEO Ryan Weaver, CWO Abigail Santos, and CMO Charlie Wolf have created a community of choice at Desert View Senior Living in Las Vegas, Nevada. With a special focus on caring for our nation's military veterans, Desert View benefits the lives of a deserving elderly population. Desert View's occupancy has consistently been above 95% over the past four years, demonstrating that it is an in-demand community. By creating a comfortable and caring environment, Desert View has grown revenue 10% year over year and EBITDA 29% year over year.

Speaker #3: As a result of this clinical excellence and workforce stability, census has increased nearly 30% since acquisition, and EBITDA has doubled versus the prior year.

Speaker #3: Samantha, Lucy, and team are helping to set the bar and elevate care in Oregon. On a senior living side, CEO Ryan Weaver, CWO Abigail Santos, and CMO Charlie Wolf have created a community of choice at Desert View Senior Living in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Speaker #3: With a special focus on caring for our nation's military veterans, Desert View benefits the lives of a deserving elderly population. Desert View's occupants have consistently been above 95% over the past four years, demonstrating that it is an in-demand community.

Speaker #3: By creating a comfortable and caring environment, Desert View has grown revenue 10% year over year and EBITDA 29% year over year. Desert View's story exemplifies how established leaders in a stable, mature operation can drive steady organic growth year after year and benefit the lives of a vulnerable population.

Andrew Reiter: Desert View's story exemplifies how established leaders in a stable, mature operation can drive steady organic growth year after year and benefit the lives of a vulnerable population. With that, I'll turn the call back over to Brent for concluding comments.

Lynette Walbom: Desert View's story exemplifies how established leaders in a stable, mature operation can drive steady organic growth year after year and benefit the lives of a vulnerable population. With that, I'll turn the call back over to Brent for concluding comments.

Speaker #3: With that, I'll turn the call back over to Brent for concluding comments.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Lynette. Before we transition to questions, I want to thank our employees, whose daily efforts create the results we share on these calls. With that, we'll open it up for questions.

Brent Guerisoli: Thanks, Lynette. Before we transition to questions, I want to thank our employees whose daily efforts create the results we share on these calls. With that, we'll open it up for questions. Livia, can you please instruct the audience on the Q&A procedure?

Speaker #1: Livia, can you please instruct the audience on the Q&A procedure?

Speaker #2: Suddenly. Ladies and gentlemen, to ask a question at this time, you will need to press star 11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced.

Operator: Certainly. Ladies and gentlemen, to ask a question at this time, you will need to press star one one on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. Our first question coming from the line of Raj Kumar with Stephens. Your line is now open.

Speaker #2: Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. Our first question coming from the line of Raj Kumar with Stevens. The line is now open.

Speaker #4: Hey, good morning. Maybe kind of focusing on home health and the strong organic growth that you guys are seeing there. Fee-for-service is pretty healthy and MA kind of right behind it.

Raj Kumar: Good morning. Maybe focusing on home health and the strong organic growth that you guys are seeing there. Fee-for-service, pretty healthy, and MA right behind it. As I think about some of the dynamics underlying that, this year, MA has been tempered from a growth perspective, might rebound next year. How should we be thinking about just the profile of the business and the underlying stability, if there are certain population shifts across the fee-for-service or MA insurance backdrop?

Speaker #4: So as I kind of think about some of the dynamics underlying that, this year MA has kind of been tempered from a growth perspective.

Speaker #4: Mike kind of rebound next year. How should we kind of be thinking about just the kind of profile of the business and the underlying stability?

Speaker #4: If there are certain population shifts across the fee-for-service or MA kind of insurance backdrop.

Speaker #1: Yeah, good morning, Raj, and thank you for the question. I think one thing that is unique about our business is our locally driven models impact on how we make referral and acceptance of referral decisions.

John Gochnour: Good morning, Raj, and thank you for the question. I think one thing that is unique about our business is our locally driven models' impact on how we make referral and acceptance of referral decisions. Each of those decisions is made at the local level by leaders and teams who understand both sides of the equation. They understand what their staffing looks like, they understand what their reimbursement looks like, and they're really well-positioned to make those decisions in a way that benefits patients in the community and the organization as a whole. I think one of the things that your question highlights is we've had incredible success in driving organic growth across the platform. 13.6% increase in Medicare referrals, a 9.9% increase in total admissions, reflects that the communities that we serve are choosing us.

Speaker #1: So each of those decisions is made at the local level. By leaders and teams who understand sort of both sides of the equation. They understand what their staffing looks like.

Speaker #1: They understand what their reimbursement looks like. And so they're really well-positioned to make those decisions in a way that benefits patients and the community and the organization as a whole.

Speaker #1: And so I think one of the things that your question highlights is we've had incredible success in driving organic growth across the platform. 13.6% increase in Medicare referrals and 9.9% increase in total admissions sort of reflects that the us.

Speaker #1: And because we've been able to staff, because we've been able to take volume in those more in-demand communities, it's positioned us to sort of choose which referrals to accept I think we believe that there will continue to be growth on both sides of the ledger.

John Gochnour: Because we've been able to staff, because we've been able to take volume in those more in-demand communities, it's positioned us to choose which referrals to accept. I think we believe that there will continue to be growth on both sides of the ledger. I think as Brent highlighted, there's just going to be more patients that need services and more demand for the services we provide. Certainly, we expect that there's going to be more growth in Medicare Advantage and commercial plans. We're investing strategically within the service center to make sure that we have the best team possible, to present the compelling Pennant story from a clinical outcome standpoint, from an efficiency of care delivery standpoint, so that we can make sure that we have the rate that's necessary to take that volume.

Speaker #1: I think as Brent highlighted, there's just going to be more patients that need services and more demand for the services we provide. But certainly, we expect that there's going to be more growth in Medicare Advantage and commercial plans.

Speaker #1: And so we're investing strategically within the service center to make sure that we have the best team possible to present the compelling Pennant story from a clinical outcome standpoint, from an efficiency of care delivery standpoint, so that we can make sure that we have the rate that's necessary to take that volume.

Speaker #1: And so I think you'll continue to see growth on in both fee-for-service patients and in MA patients we believe that being a solution to the community is critical to our overall success as a company.

John Gochnour: I think you'll continue to see growth in both fee-for-service patients and in MA patients. We believe that being a solution to the community is critical to our overall success as a company, and that's how we're intending to approach it.

Speaker #1: And so that's how we're intending to approach it.

Speaker #4: Got it. And then maybe following up on thinking about senior living and I think the kind of uniqueness of your portfolio with the Medicaid exposure, just kind of curious on the waiver programs there at a sustainability that just underlying the backdrop around constrained Medicaid funding overall under this administration.

Raj Kumar: Got it. Maybe following up on thinking about senior living and I think the kind of uniqueness of your portfolio with the Medicaid exposure. Just kind of curious on the waiver programs there, the sustainability of that, just underlying the backdrop around constrained Medicaid funding overall under this administration. Curious on what offers advantage or stability from that standpoint with your Medicaid weighted business, as you kind about the senior living business long term.

Speaker #4: So curious on what offers advantage or stability from that standpoint with your Medicaid-weighted business as you kind of think about the senior living business long term.

Speaker #5: Thanks, Raj. This is Andy. Yeah, we have developed really meaningful relationships with the managed payers in the states where we serve higher density on the Medicaid population side.

Andrew Reiter: Thanks, Raj. This is Andy. Yeah, we have developed really meaningful relationships with the managed payers in the states where we serve higher density on the Medicaid population side. We're pretty particular about the states where we're expanding that offering versus not, and we're thoughtful about how we grow that business. In case of those specific programs, we see stability where we have that density and believe that we need to create an offering for all, but also, it has to be in a way that protects margin. In those states where we have those relationships, because we're providing a lot of value and we're working with those managed care payers, we continue to be able to negotiate and work with them to create not just an offering from a community standpoint, but one that does have a viable margin and gives us hope for the future.

Andy Reiter: Thanks, Raj. This is Andy. Yeah, we have developed really meaningful relationships with the managed payers in the states where we serve higher density on the Medicaid population side. We're pretty particular about the states where we're expanding that offering versus not, and we're thoughtful about how we grow that business. In case of those specific programs, we see stability where we have that density and believe that we need to create an offering for all, but also, it has to be in a way that protects margin. In those states where we have those relationships, because we're providing a lot of value and we're working with those managed care payers, we continue to be able to negotiate and work with them to create not just an offering from a community standpoint, but one that does have a viable margin and gives us hope for the future.

Speaker #5: We're pretty particular about the states where we're expanding that offering. Versus not. And we're thoughtful about how we grow that business. In case of those specific programs, we see stability where we have that density and believe that we need to create an offering for all, but also it has to be in a way that protects margin in those states where we have those relationships because we're providing a lot of value.

Speaker #5: And we're working with those managed care payers. We continue to be able to negotiate and work with them to create not just an offering from kind of a community standpoint, but one that does have a viable margin and gives us hope for the future.

Speaker #5: In terms of the rate pressure, we continue to monitor that situation, but haven't felt large effects in many of our major density areas.

Andrew Reiter: In terms of the rate pressure, we continue to monitor that situation but haven't felt large effects in any of our major density areas.

Andy Reiter: In terms of the rate pressure, we continue to monitor that situation but haven't felt large effects in any of our major density areas.

Speaker #4: Great. Appreciate it, Kelly. Thank you.

John Gochnour: Great. Appreciate it, Colin. Thank you.

John Gochnour: Great. Appreciate the color. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thanks.

Operator: Thanks.

Operator: Thanks, Raj.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Raj.

Speaker #2: Our next question in queue is coming from the line of David McDonald with Service. The line is now open. David, your line is now open.

Operator: Our next question in queue coming from the line of David MacDonald with Truist. Your line is now open. David, your line is now open. Please check your mute button. We'll go to the next person in queue. David, please re-queue again if you can. Our next question coming from the line of Brian Tanquilut with Jefferies. Your line is now open.

Speaker #2: Please check your mute button. All right. We'll go to the next person in queue. David, please re-queue again if you can. Our next question coming from the line of Brian Tranquil with Jeffreys.

Speaker #2: The line is now open.

Speaker #5: Hey, good morning, guys, and congrats on a solid quarter. Maybe my first question—as I think about the Medisys assets, if you can share with us just the progress in that integration.

Brian Tanquilut: Hey, good morning, guys, and congrats on a solid quarter. Maybe my first question, as I think about the MediSys assets, if you can share with us just the progress of that integration. It seems like there's still waves to be done, but any color you can share with us in terms of the strength in that business that you're seeing as you evaluate that new market in Tennessee.

Speaker #5: It seems like there's still waves to be done, but any color you can share with us and in terms of the strength in that business that you're seeing as you evaluate that new market in Tennessee.

Speaker #1: Yeah, Brian, thanks for the question. I would start with the people. There are amazing people that we inherited in these operations, and it's been fun to see them embrace our unique operating model.

John Gochnour: Yeah, Brian, thanks for the question. I would start with the people. There's amazing people that we inherited in these operations, and it's been fun to see them embrace our unique operating model. Anytime you go into a new community with 46 new assets in Tennessee, multiple assets in Alabama and Georgia, there's that question of how people are going to respond. It's been really exciting to see them embrace the Pennant model and how quickly and effectively they've worked through the difficulties that are inherent in any transition. We've completed three waves. We are approaching the end of wave four, which was one of the larger waves. Then we've still got one of the largest waves, which is wave five, that just started 1 August. So, as I mentioned in the call, I think we are on schedule from a timing standpoint.

Speaker #1: Anytime you go into a new community—with 46 new assets in Tennessee and multiple assets in Alabama and Georgia—there's that question of how people are going to respond.

Speaker #1: And it's been really exciting to see them embrace the Pennant model, and how quickly and effectively they've worked through the difficulties that are inherent in any transition.

Speaker #1: We're currently, we've completed three waves. We are approaching the end of wave four, which was one of the larger waves. And then we've still got one of the largest waves, which is wave five, that just started August 1st.

Speaker #1: And so as I mentioned in the call, I think we are on schedule from a timing standpoint. Our service center team and our operations teams that have been supporting these assets have done a remarkable job of working through the implementation of new brands, training and developing the existing leaders and some new leaders to step in and lead these operations in our model.

John Gochnour: Our service center team and our operations teams that have been supporting these assets have done a remarkable job of working through the implementation of new brands, training and developing the existing leaders and some new leaders to step in and lead these operations in our model. Of course, implementing our instance of Homecare Homebase, our technology stack, ultimately, and this process will take longer, the implementation of our clinical best practices. All of that is proceeding on schedule, and we're excited about it. I think Brent mentioned we feel like we're a little bit ahead of schedule with regard to how the assets are performing. We've seen volume sort of stay well and really above where we expected it to be through the transition, through the brand change, through the leadership change.

Speaker #1: And then, of course, implementing our instance of home care home base our technology stack and ultimately and this process will take longer, the implementation of our clinical best practices.

Speaker #1: But all of that is proceeding on schedule, and we're excited about it. I think Brent mentioned we feel like we're a little bit ahead of schedule with regard to how the assets are performing.

Speaker #1: We've seen volume sort of stay well and really above where we expected it to be through the transition, through the brand change, through the leadership change.

Speaker #1: And I think that's a sign of the need in these communities for high-quality providers, and that's exactly what we have in these assets. And so we're just really excited about the future of what we can build in the Southeast, in the quality of these assets, and most importantly, in the quality of the people.

John Gochnour: I think that's a sign of the need in these communities for high quality providers. That's exactly what we have in these assets. We're just really excited about the future of what we can build in the Southeast in the quality of these assets and most importantly in the quality of the people, and the way that they can impact the remainder of the year, but more importantly, how they impact the future of Pennant.

Speaker #1: And the way that they can impact the remainder of the year, but more importantly, how they impact the future of Pennant.

Speaker #5: Oh, that's good. And then when I think about the same sort of performance for the quarter, I mean, really strong, right? And when I think through the drivers of that, obviously, the market for home health and post-acute as a whole is growing.

Brian Tanquilut: Oh, that's good. When I think about the same-store performance for the quarter, really strong, right? When I think through the drivers of that, obviously the market for home health and post-acute as a whole is growing, but how are you thinking about market share gains and the ability to sustain that level of same-store performance?

Speaker #5: But how are you thinking about market share gains, and the ability to sustain that level of same-store performance?

Speaker #1: You know, I think there are a couple of things I would highlight with regard to our same-store home health and hospice performance. One of them, obviously, is the strong organic growth numbers, which really play into your question about market share.

John Gochnour: I think there's a couple things I would highlight with regard to our same-store home health and hospice performance. One of them obviously is the strong organic growth numbers, which really play into your question about market share. That comes back to what I stated when responding to Raja's question. I think our local approach allows us to diversify our offering based on the needs of the community. That includes everything from the clinical programs we design, some of which are designed at the service center, but then implemented according to the needs of the local community. It also allows us to be super responsive to referral sources because decision makers are housed there in the local community. We've just seen that resonate with people. I also think that it's resonating with staff. That's the big question of the future. There is so much demand.

Speaker #1: And that comes back to what I stated when responding to Raj's question. I think our local approach allows us to diversify our offering based on the needs of the community.

Speaker #1: And that includes everything from the clinical programs we design—some of which are designed at the service center but then implemented according to the needs of the local community.

Speaker #1: It also allows us to be super responsive to referral sources because decision makers are housed there in the local community. And so we've just seen that resonate with people.

Speaker #1: I also think that it's resonating with staff. And that's a big the big question of the future, there is so much demand. The big question is, who will be the best at recruiting, retaining, and creating a life-changing opportunity for clinicians?

John Gochnour: The big question is: Who will be the best at recruiting, retaining, and creating a life-changing opportunity for clinicians? I think our leaders are doing a good job of that. I think our turnover shows it, as that has declined. I think our headcount growth shows that our recruiting has improved. Overall, we're better meeting that need. When you look out and say, "Is this sustainable?" I think we have traditionally sort of cited that mid to high single digits as where we think our mature organic growth is going to lie. We've been performing above that for a number of quarters in a row, that reflects the increasing demand and our ability to take market share.

Speaker #1: And I think our leaders are doing a good job of that. I think our turnover shows it, as that has declined. I think our headcount growth shows that our recruiting has improved.

Speaker #1: And overall, we're better meeting that need. And so, when you look out and say, is this sustainable? I think we have traditionally sort of cited that mid- to high-single digits as where we think our mature organic growth is going to lie.

Speaker #1: We've been performing above that for a number of quarters in a row. And I think that reflects the increasing demand and our ability to take market share.

Speaker #1: The other thing that I would highlight is just and I called it out in the call, even as we've been going through this growth, we improved margin at our same-store operations by 50 basis points year over year, actually 70 basis points year over year.

John Gochnour: The other thing that I would highlight is just, I called it out in the call, even as we've been going through this growth, we improved margin at our same-store operations by 50 basis points year over year. Actually, 70 basis points year over year. When you think about that, I think that reflects sort of this element of our model where owners are supporting other owners and cluster partners are supporting other cluster partners in driving improved operational outcomes. I think that is sustainable because it's such a focus and because of the way our model ties people together to support each other.

Speaker #1: And when you think about that, I think that reflects sort of this element of our model, where owners are supporting other owners, and cluster partners are supporting other cluster partners in driving improved operational outcomes.

Speaker #1: And I think that is sustainable because it's such a focus, and because of the way our model ties people together to support each other.

Speaker #2: Thank you. All right, so Dana McDonald is back in the queue. David, your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. I see David MacDonald's back in queue. David, your line is now open.

Speaker #3: Yes, can you guys hear me? Oh, okay. Sorry about that. So, guys, just two quick questions. One, we hear a lot in terms of providers talking about automation, talking about AI, talking about a lot of the things that are changing the market a little bit.

David MacDonald: Yes. Can you guys hear me?

Brent Guerisoli: Yep, we can hear you.

David MacDonald: Oh, okay. Sorry about that. Guys, just two quick questions. One, we hear a lot in terms of providers talking about automation, talking about AI, talking about a lot of the things that are changing the market a little bit. Can you guys just talk about, obviously, you've got a staff that deals with a lot of clinical paperwork, a lot of things where there's potentially an opportunity to drive some efficiencies. Just how you're thinking about that relative to your employee base, and any opportunities there over the next, let's say, 12 to 24 months.

David MacDonald: Okay. Sorry about that. Guys, just two quick questions. One, we hear a lot in terms of providers talking about automation, talking about AI, talking about a lot of the things that are changing the market a little bit. Can you guys just talk about, obviously, you've got a staff that deals with a lot of clinical paperwork, a lot of things where there's potentially an opportunity to drive some efficiencies. Just how you're thinking about that relative to your employee base, and any opportunities there over the next, let's say, 12 to 24 months.

Speaker #3: Can you guys just talk about obviously, you've got a staff that deals with a lot of clinical paperwork, a lot of things where there's potentially an opportunity to drive some efficiencies.

Speaker #3: Just kind of how you're thinking about that relative to your employee base and any opportunities there over the next, let's say, 12 to 24 months.

Speaker #4: Yeah, David, I appreciate the question. And it's certainly something we haven't spent a lot of time talking about on past calls, but I will say this.

Brent Guerisoli: Yeah, David, appreciate the question. It's certainly something we haven't spent a lot of time talking about on past calls. I will say this: It is a key focus area for us. We recognize and acknowledge that moving forward, technology advancements, and specifically related to using AI and the tools available there, are going to be critical to delivering more effective, more efficient care. We've spent a significant amount of money and investment in driving and elevating the performance from a technology standpoint. A lot of this stuff is in development. There's a huge opportunity to do a few things. First of all, we think a lot about our clinicians and the experiences they have in patient homes and in just the work that they do. A lot of that is tied into documentation time.

Speaker #4: It is a key focus area for us. We recognize and acknowledge that, moving forward, technology advancements—specifically related to using AI and the tools available—are going to be critical to delivering more effective, more efficient care.

Speaker #4: And so, we've spent a significant amount of money and investment in driving and elevating the performance from a technology standpoint. A lot of this stuff is in development.

Speaker #4: There's a huge opportunity to do a few things. First of all, we think a lot about our clinicians and the experience that they have in patient homes and just the work that they do.

Speaker #4: A lot of that is tied into documentation time, and so we're really focused on coming up with solutions and piloting different options that will allow our clinicians to be more efficient.

Brent Guerisoli: We're really focused on coming up with solutions and piloting different solutions that will allow our clinicians to be more efficient and effective in the care that they provide, frankly, just provide a better experience for them in general, because we know if they can do that, they will be more productive. We'll be able to increase the number of patients that we can care for. It should also ensure that the care that the patients are getting is increasing and improving. The other side of this is on the back office automation piece. There's a lot of procedures or manual processes that currently is just part of what we do. A lot of these AI tools are going to allow us to eliminate many of those processes and really reduce the indirect spend.

Speaker #4: And effective in the care that they provide. And, frankly, just provide a better experience for them in general, because we know if they can do that, they will be more productive. We will be able to increase the number of patients that we can care for, and it should also ensure that the care that the patients are getting is increasing and improving.

Speaker #4: The other side of this is on the back-office automation piece, and there are a lot of procedural or manual processes that currently are just part of what we do.

Speaker #4: But a lot of these AI tools are going to allow us to eliminate many of those processes and really reduce the indirect spend. And so I could elaborate for an extended period of time on all of this, but I'll just say this:

Brent Guerisoli: I could elaborate for an extended period of time on all of this, but I'll just say this: We are very focused on this. We believe it's a part of our future. We look forward to maybe speaking about it more as some of these pilot programs and these trials continue to show progress. Ultimately, we would expect to see improved quality outcomes and improved financial outcomes as a result of the investments that we're making on the technology front.

Speaker #4: We are very focused on this. We believe it's a part of our future. We look forward to maybe speaking about it more as some of these pilot programs and these trials continue to show progress.

Speaker #4: And ultimately, we would expect to see improved quality outcomes and improved financial outcomes as a result of the investments that we're making on the technology front.

Speaker #3: Okay. And then just one quick follow-up. I wanted to just jump off of what Brian was asking about just in terms of the market share.

David MacDonald: Okay. Just one quick follow-up. I wanted to just jump off what Brian was asking about, just in terms of the market share and the underlying trends. This is probably a little bit hard to parse, but I'm just curious, do you guys think that some of the noise around waste, fraud, and abuse has potentially started to accelerate some market share shift towards some of the larger, more sophisticated folks? Are you guys benefiting from some of that share shift?

Speaker #3: And the underlying trends this is probably a little bit hard to parse, but I'm just curious. Do you guys think that some of the noise around waste, fraud, and abuse has potentially started to accelerate some market share shift towards some of the larger, more sophisticated folks?

Speaker #3: And are you guys benefiting from some of that share shift?

Speaker #1: Yeah, it's a great question. And I think what we believe we've seen, particularly on the hospice side, is that it is a fundamentally different enforcement environment than it has been over the last few years.

John Gochnour: Yeah. It's a great question, and I think what we believe we've seen, particularly on the hospice side, is that it is a fundamentally different enforcement environment than it has been over the last few years. The result of that is there's these things, these payment suspensions, these audits, all of these different things that are causing providers and referral sources to question how they move forward. I think that that has allowed us to step into a place where we've had more opportunities to provide life-changing care because of those changing dynamics in the industry.

Speaker #1: The result of that is there's these things—these payment suspensions, these audits—all of these different things that are causing providers and referral sources to question how they move forward.

Speaker #1: And I think that has allowed us to step into a place where we've had more opportunities to provide life-changing care because of those changing dynamics in the industry.

Speaker #1: Our robust internal compliance program and our strong ability to navigate and manage through audit activity and the enforcement activity that exists have positioned us in a place of trust in a lot of these communities and allowed us to accept patients that were maybe looking for a home, or work with referral sources who maybe previously had worked with others, but now are focused on those kinds of things.

John Gochnour: Our robust internal compliance program, our strong ability to navigate and manage through audit activity and the enforcement activity that exists, that has positioned us in a place of trust in a lot of these communities and allowed us to accept patients that were maybe looking for a home or work with referral sources who maybe previously had worked with others, but now are focused on those kind of things. I do think that there is an impact. We think that our biggest opportunity is to continue to focus rigorously, from an eligibility criteria standpoint, from a compliance standpoint, in delivering life-changing care in each community we serve, and that that's going to give us opportunities to continue to grow market share.

Speaker #1: And so I do think that there is an impact we think that our biggest opportunity is to continue to focus rigorously from an eligibility criteria standpoint, from a compliance standpoint, in delivering life-changing care in each community we serve and that that's going to give us opportunities to continue to grow market share.

Speaker #3: Okay. Thank you very much.

David MacDonald: Okay. Thank you very much.

Brent Guerisoli: Okay.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Our next question. Coming from the lineup, Ben Hendricks with RBC Capital Markets, your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question coming from the line of Ben Hendrix with RBC Capital Markets. Your line is now open.

Speaker #5: Hey guys, thank you very much. I just wanted to move to the hospice segment real quick. I know I've asked you guys a lot about CAP, but we get a lot of client focus on it—especially since I think one of your peers put up a CAP accrual this quarter in a market we don't typically think of as high-wage index.

Ben Hendrix: Hey, guys. Thank you very much. Just wanted to move to the hospice segment real quick. I know I ask you guys a lot about CAP, but we get a lot of client focus on it, especially, I think one of your peers put up a CAP accrual this quarter in a market we don't typically think of high wage index. Just given this strong organic census growth still outpacing admissions, just want to get your thoughts on how that management process is going. How you guys think about balance and if there's anything kind of emerging, either in your new markets or in your same store markets, regarding CAP accrual. Thanks.

Speaker #5: And just given this strong organic census growth, still outpacing admissions, I just want to get your thoughts on how that management process is going. How you guys think about balance, and if there's anything kind of emerging either in your new markets or in your same-store markets regarding CAP accrual.

Speaker #5: Thanks.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Ben. It's one of the things that we constantly focus on. The Medicare cap, particularly in California, as we've discussed on previous calls, requires us to sort of manage our census because patients are eligible for a longer period of time.

John Gochnour: Thanks, Ben. It's one of the things that we constantly focus on. The Medicare CAP, particularly in California, as we've discussed on previous calls, requires us to sort of manage our census because patients are eligible for a longer period of time than the CAP allows them to receive services. I think you saw us record about $1.3 million in the quarter. We're still about $half a million behind where we were last year. That has come from, we approach CAP, like we approach every other operational thing. When we notice a problem, we're tracking this constantly, our finance team has developed sophisticated tools that project CAP over multiple years, they present that data to our operators on a monthly basis so that they know how they're trending. That data also works in census growth and admissions growth and how that plays into CAP management.

Speaker #1: Then the CAP allows them to receive services. And so I think you saw us record about $1.3 million in the quarter. We're still about half a million behind where we were last year.

Speaker #1: And that has come from us approaching CAP like we approach every other operational thing. When we notice a problem—and we're tracking this constantly—our finance team has developed sophisticated tools that project CAP over multiple years.

Speaker #1: And they present that data to us so we know how they're trending. That data also works in census growth and admissions growth, and kind of how that plays into CAP management.

Speaker #1: And then our operators understand that the mix of patients that they receive, whether it's from hospitals or from dialysis, means they've got to manage that length of stay, particularly in those higher-reimbursement states.

John Gochnour: Our operators understand that the mix of patients that they receive, whether it's from hospitals, whether it's from dialysis, that they've got to manage that length of stay, particularly in those higher reimbursement states. As a rule, most of our CAP continues to come from California. So we feel pretty comfortable with the way that we're managing it. From time to time, you'll see an individual operation where there's CAP liability, and again, we focus on that with an individualized plan based on the needs of that community and the way we feel like we can better serve that community by working with referral sources where we traditionally receive shorter lengths of stay patients. Overall, I think we're managing it well. We'd always like to have no CAP, but the reality is, our most important obligation is to provide service to eligible patients.

Speaker #1: As a rule, most of our CAP continues to come from California, and so we feel pretty comfortable with the way that we're managing it from time to time.

Speaker #1: You'll see an individual operation where there's CAP liability. And again, we focus on that with an individualized plan based on the needs of that community and the way we feel like we can better serve that community by working with referral sources where we traditionally receive shorter length of stay patients.

Speaker #1: But overall, I think we're managing it well. We'd always like to have no CAP, but the reality is our most important obligation is to provide service to eligible patients.

Speaker #1: And in states like California, that may result in CAP from time to time.

John Gochnour: In states like California, that may result in CAP from time to time.

Speaker #5: Great. Thank you.

Ben Hendrix: Great. Thank you.

Speaker #1: Thanks, Ben.

John Gochnour: Thanks, Ben.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Our next question in queue, coming from the lineup, Jared, how's it with William Blair and company, your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question in queue coming from the line of Jared Helford with William Blair & Company. Your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question in queue coming from the line of Jared Haase with William Blair & Company. Your line is now open.

Speaker #3: Hi guys. Thanks for taking the questions. I wanted to ask about the partnership expansion with Hartford. Just wanted to hear a little bit more about what led you guys to sort of want to take more of an equity stake here with that partnership.

Jared Helford: Hi, guys. Thanks for taking the questions. I wanted to ask about the partnership expansion with Hartford. Just wanted to hear a little bit more about what led you guys to want to take more of an equity stake here with that partnership. I guess, any other thoughts around potential growth or expansion or maybe, taking that a step further, are you thinking about that as kind of a beachhead to give you more expansion opportunities throughout the Northeast region?

Speaker #3: And then, I guess, any other thoughts around potential growth or expansion, or maybe taking another step further? Or are you thinking about that as kind of a beachhead to give you more expansion opportunities throughout the Northeast region?

Speaker #1: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Jared. I'll take the first part and Brent will jump in on the second part. I think what attracted us to the opportunity at Hartford is honestly the excellence of Hartford Healthcare.

John Gochnour: Yeah. Thanks for the question, Jared. I'll take the first part and Brent will jump in on the second part. I think what attracted us to the opportunity at Hartford is honestly the excellence of Hartford HealthCare, and their commitment to in-home care. They had built Hartford HealthCare at Home as the largest provider of home health and hospice services in Connecticut. They recognized that they needed a partner from an operational standpoint to be able to deliver the best quality care most efficiently and make sure that there was financial stability and patient access in that business. We started two years ago as a manager, with those sort of twin obligations and goals.

Speaker #1: And their commitment to in-home care. They had built Hartford Healthcare at home as the largest provider of home health and hospice services in Connecticut.

Speaker #1: They recognized that they needed a partner from an operational standpoint to be able to deliver the best quality care most efficiently, and to make sure that there was financial stability.

Speaker #1: And patient access in that business. And so we started two years ago as a manager with those sort of twin obligations and goals. As we succeeded in driving improvement in each of those areas, we felt like we reached the time where we both felt like we should invest in the partnership on a go-forward basis so that together, both as owners, we would have an opportunity to build something even more special to serve the residents of Connecticut.

John Gochnour: As we succeeded in driving improvement in each of those areas, we felt like we reached the time where we both felt like we should invest in the partnership on a go-forward basis, that together, both as owners, we would have an opportunity to build something even more special to serve the residents of Connecticut and those who need home health and hospice services. We're just thrilled with the opportunity. We're thrilled to partner with Hartford HealthCare. We're thrilled to operate the largest home health and hospice provider in Connecticut. That won't consolidate into our revenue, you'll see it a little bit differently in our financials. We believe it's a great opportunity for Pennant, and for the residents of Hartford and actually the whole state of Connecticut.

Speaker #1: And those who need home health and hospice services. And so, we're just thrilled with the opportunity. We're thrilled to partner with Hartford HealthCare. We're thrilled to operate the largest home health and hospice provider in Connecticut that won't consolidate into our revenue.

Speaker #1: And so you'll see it a little bit differently in our financials. But we believe it's a great opportunity for Pennant and for the residents of Hartford, and actually the whole state of Connecticut.

Speaker #3: Yeah, and sort of to that point with what John has shared, and to your question, we looked at this certainly as an incredible opportunity to partner with a high-quality provider out on the East Coast.

Brent Guerisoli: Yeah, sort of to that point, what John has shared and to your question, we looked at this certainly from an incredible opportunity to partner with a high-quality provider out on the East Coast, but it also allowed us to have a pretty sizable platform to build off of. Our intention going in was to really help stabilize and grow this business, but eventually have the support, invest in service center, we have a service center location out there on the East Coast, and to recruit leaders that could develop that business, but then also expand beyond that. In many ways, it's similar to the way we think about the Southeast. That is the beginning stage.

Speaker #3: But it also allowed us to have a pretty sizable platform to build off of. And so, our intention going in was to really help stabilize and grow this business.

Speaker #3: But eventually have the support, invest in a service center—we have a service center location out there on the East Coast—and to recruit leaders that could develop that business, but then also expand beyond that.

Speaker #3: And in many ways, it's similar to the way we think about the Southeast. That is, the beginning stage with some size. It allows us to really make strategic investments and demonstrate in these broader markets that we're a viable operation.

Brent Guerisoli: With some size, it allows us to really make strategic investments, demonstrate in these broader markets that we're a viable operation. Now we're essentially becoming a national company that can operate. Historically, we've been primarily in the West, but now we're in the Southeast and in the Northeast. That really is beneficial in a couple of different ways. One is, from a relationship with payers' standpoint, we can become a much broader solution, and that really helps in our negotiations from a rate standpoint. It opens up other doors to potentially expand into additional markets where we aren't currently operating. We're excited about that deal because of the opportunity to continue it to expand and we see it sort of as this continuing step in the progression of our relationships with healthcare systems, joint ventures, et cetera.

Speaker #3: And now, we're essentially becoming a national company that can operate historically. We've been primarily in the West, but now we're in the Southeast and in the Northeast.

Speaker #3: And that really is beneficial in a couple of different ways. One is, from a relationship with payer standpoint, we can become a much broader solution.

Speaker #3: And that really helps in our negotiations from a rate standpoint. And then it opens up other doors to potentially expand into additional markets where we aren't currently operating.

Speaker #3: And so we're excited about that deal because of the opportunity to continue to expand and we see it sort of as this continuing step in the progression of our relationships with healthcare systems, joint ventures, etc.

Speaker #3: We now have four meaningful relationships that kind of dot the country. And there's certainly an opportunity to expand in our relationships with healthcare systems going forward as well.

Brent Guerisoli: We now have four meaningful relationships that kind of dot the country and there's certainly an opportunity to expand in our relationships with healthcare systems going forward as well.

Speaker #5: Okay. That's very helpful. And then as a follow-up, I wanted to just turn to cash flow on the balance sheet. So it looks like CapEx was a little bit elevated, which I think is something you guys had talked about previously in regards to some investments on the senior living side.

Jared Helford: Okay. That's very helpful. As a follow-up, I wanted to just turn to cash flow on the balance sheet. It looks like CAPEX was a little bit elevated, which I think is something you guys had talked about previously in regards to some investments on the senior living side. I guess just more broadly, could you remind us kind of your thoughts on cash flow from here? It looks like debt came up a little bit this quarter, which I think was attributable to the investment in Hartford that you made. I guess just, as you think about the opportunities to drive cash flow, how are you thinking about prioritizing maybe paying down some of that debt versus maintaining some flexibility for growth investments?

Speaker #5: I guess, just more broadly, could you remind us of your thoughts on cash flow from here? Also, it looks like debt came up a little bit this quarter, which I think was attributable to the investment in Hartford that you made.

Speaker #5: I guess, just as you think about the opportunities to drive cash flow, how are you thinking about prioritizing maybe paying down some of that debt versus maintaining some flexibility for growth investments?

Speaker #6: Yeah. From a cash flow perspective, I think we're on track to be where we have guided to, which is $45 to $55 million.

Lynette Walbom: Yeah. From a cash flow perspective, I think we're on track to be where we have guided to, which is $45 to $55 million in operating cash flows. With that going up as we've raised guidance to about $58 million on the high end. There will be some extra noise as we go through these transitions. There's some collections pieces as we go through any transition from an acquisition. There will be some extra noise there. From a cash outflow, looking at that CapEx piece, we do have some acquisitions that we've done on the senior living side towards the end of 2025 that are having larger CapEx expenditures for those buildings. They were significantly distressed buildings that we acquired, and we're spending money to get them up to the standards that we would like them to be at.

Speaker #6: In operating cash flows, with that kind of going up as we've raised guidance to about $58 million on the high end. And so, there will be some extra noise as we go through these transitions.

Speaker #6: There are some collections pieces as we go through any transition from an acquisition, but there will be some extra noise there. From a cash outflow perspective, looking at that CapEx piece, we do have some acquisitions that we've done on the senior living side towards the end of 2025 that are having larger CapEx expenditures for those buildings.

Speaker #6: They were significantly distressed buildings that we acquired, and we're spending money to get them up to the standards that we would like them to be at.

Speaker #6: And so, there's more cash expenditure that has happened related to those. And we anticipate that cash expenditure to be probably in that $15 to $17 million range on a yearly basis.

Lynette Walbom: There's more cash expenditure that has happened related to those, and we anticipate that cash expenditure to be probably in that $15 to $17 million on a year basis for CapEx spend on that line item on the cash flow statement. The debt side did go up. That mainly was driven by the acquisition or what we just talked about, Hartford HealthCare at Home and acquiring a part, an interest in that. That piece, we will continue to work on paying down through our operating cash flows, that outstanding balance. We want to make sure we're maintaining the ability for us to continue to acquire when we have acquisitions that come along that fit our acquisition profile.

Speaker #6: For CapEx spend on that line item on the cash flow statement, the debt side did go up. That mainly was driven by the acquisition, or the Hartford—what we just talked about—the Hartford Healthcare at Home, and acquiring an interest in that.

Speaker #6: And so, that piece we will continue to work on paying down through our operating cash flows—that outstanding balance. And we want to make sure we're maintaining the ability for us to continue to acquire when we have acquisitions that come along that fit our acquisition profile.

Speaker #5: Okay. All makes sense. Thank you.

Jared Helford: Okay. All makes sense. Thank you.

Speaker #2: Thank you. Our next question coming from the line of Stephen Baxter with Wells Fargo. Your line is now open.

Operator: Thank you. Our next question coming from the line of Stephen Baxter with Wells Fargo. Your line is now open.

Speaker #7: Hi. Thanks. I wanted to ask about the senior living business. And the acquisition piece you're doing. I'd love to hear a little bit about what the same store margins look like in that business.

Stephen Baxter: Hi. Thanks. I wanted to ask about the Senior Living business and the acquisition pace you're doing. I'd love to hear a little bit about what the same-store margins look like in that business. I think you cited the same-store margins for the Home Health and Hospice business earlier, but I'm not sure I heard them for Senior Living. Just trying to understand the progress you're making there, because it seems like the occupancy and the rate growth are going in the right direction to drive same-store margin improvement that might just be offset by some of the new store activity you have.

Speaker #7: I think you cited the same store margins for the home health and hospice business earlier, but I'm not sure I heard them for senior living.

Speaker #7: I'm just trying to understand the progress you're making there, because it seems like the occupancy and the rate growth are going in the right direction to drive same-store margin improvement.

Speaker #7: It might just be an offset by some of the new store activity you have.

Speaker #3: Yeah. I appreciate the question. I on the same store side, we continue to see stability and progress from a margin standpoint. And really, most of that impact is really driven by these new store ads that we've had.

Andrew Reiter: Yeah. Appreciate the question. On the same-store side, we continue to see stability and progress from a margin standpoint, really most of that impact is really driven by these new store adds that we've had. I think John and Brent kind of outlined this in the call, the stability in the same-store business has been consistent, and we expect that to be ongoing.

Andy Reiter: Yeah. Appreciate the question. On the same-store side, we continue to see stability and progress from a margin standpoint, really most of that impact is really driven by these new store adds that we've had. I think John and Brent kind of outlined this in the call, the stability in the same-store business has been consistent, and we expect that to be ongoing.

Speaker #3: The stability—and I think John and Brent kind of outlined this in the call—but the stability in the same-store business has been consistent.

Speaker #3: And we expect that to be ongoing.

Speaker #7: Okay. And then I'd love to just hear a little bit about the improved guidance. Is there a reason to think that that's driven by home health and hospice, perhaps a little bit more so than senior living, given some of the progress that you discussed in the call today?

Stephen Baxter: Okay. I'd love to just hear a little bit about the improved guidance. Is there reason to think that that's driven by Home Health and Hospice, perhaps, a little bit more so than Senior Living, given some of the progress that you've discussed on the call today? How should we think about the composition of the improvement and kind of where that sits within the segments? Thank you.

Speaker #7: Or how should we think about the composition of the improvement, and kind of where that sits within the segment? Thank you.

Speaker #3: Yeah, so just to kind of add a little bit on the senior living side, most of the lumpiness that's going to be coming in Q3 and Q4, as I said, is driven by that new store challenge.

Andrew Reiter: Yeah. Just to kind of add a little bit on the Senior Living side, most of the lumpiness that's going to be coming in in Q3 and Q4, as I said, is driven by that new store challenge. On the same-store side, just pulled up the numbers, sorry. I want to just add a little bit more color there. Same store improved from 10% to 10.5% year over year. I'll let the team answer the second part of that question.

Andy Reiter: Yeah. Just to kind of add a little bit on the Senior Living side, most of the lumpiness that's going to be coming in in Q3 and Q4, as I said, is driven by that new store challenge. On the same-store side, just pulled up the numbers, sorry. I want to just add a little bit more color there. Same store improved from 10% to 10.5% year over year. I'll let the team answer the second part of that question.

Speaker #3: And so on the same store side, just pulled up the numbers. Sorry. I wanted to just add a little bit more color there. The same store improved from 10 to 10 and a half percent year over year.

Speaker #3: And then I'll let the team answer the second part of that question.

Speaker #5: Yeah, on the guidance, I think you're just seeing the progress in the acquisition in Tennessee or in the Southeast, but then also just the continuing performance of our current operations.

Brent Guerisoli: Yeah. On the guidance, I think you're just seeing the progress in the acquisition in Tennessee or in the Southeast, also just the continuing performance of our current operations. I started kind of talking about this at the beginning of my remarks, it's pretty remarkable the progress that has been made on core operations, even in light of this pretty intense transition period. We're just really encouraged. Obviously, at the beginning of the year, as we project out and we anticipate the challenges related to any sort of transition, let alone the largest transition in our history, we're naturally going to be conservative to ensure that we're accounting for any lumpiness in results or any fluctuations that may come and things that we just don't know what to expect.

Speaker #5: And I started kind of talking about this at the beginning of my remarks, but it's pretty remarkable—the progress that has been made on core operations even in light of this pretty intense transition period.

Speaker #5: And so we're just really encouraged. Obviously, at the beginning of the year, as we project out and anticipate the challenges related to any sort of transition—let alone the largest transition in our history—we're naturally going to be conservative to ensure that we're accounting for any lumpiness in results or any fluctuations that may come, as there are things we just don't know what to expect.

Speaker #5: And the team has talked about the incredible contributions of our local leaders and teams, and the ability to maintain and even improve performance consistently over time.

Brent Guerisoli: The team has talked about the incredible contributions of our local leaders and teams and the ability to maintain and even improve performance consistently over time. We're ahead of schedule up to now on the transition, we're also making meaningful progress on our key initiatives across our core operations as well. That's really what's led to the increase in the guidance, because we're performing better than we anticipated at the beginning of the year. We hope that that will continue, we're also cautiously optimistic, recognizing that there's still work to be done and there's still a lot of progress to be made. We anticipate a continuing improvement going forward.

Speaker #5: And so, we're ahead of schedule up to now on the transition, but we're also making meaningful progress on our key initiatives across our core operations as well.

Speaker #5: So that's really what's led to the increase in the guidance, because we're just performing better than we anticipated at the beginning of the year.

Speaker #5: And so, we hope that that will continue, but we're also cautiously optimistic, recognizing that there's still work to be done and there's still a lot of progress to be made.

Speaker #5: But we anticipate continuing improvement going forward.

Speaker #2: Thank you. I'm showing no further questions in the queue at this time. I will now turn the call back over to Mr. Brent Guerisoli for any closing remarks.

Operator: Thank you. I'm showing no further questions in the queue at this time. I will now turn the call back over to Mr. Brent Guerisoli for any closing remarks.

Speaker #5: All right. Well, thank you, Livia. And thank you, everyone, for joining us on the call today.

Brent Guerisoli: All right. Well, thank you, Livia, thank you everyone for joining us on the call today.

Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes today's conference call. Thank you for your participation. You may now disconnect.

Q2 2026 The Pennant Group Inc Earnings Call

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