Ramsay Health Care Strategic Review
Ramsay Health Care is actively exploring avenues to enhance the value of its global hospital portfolio following a 40% decline in half-year net profit from continuing operations.
Financial Details
In the six months ending in December, the company recorded a net profit from continuing operations of 135.5 million Australian dollars (US$91.9 million), a notable drop from the previous year’s 224.5 million Australian dollars. Excluding the A$618.1 million profit from the sale of its Asia-focused joint venture with Malaysia’s Sime Darby, Ramsay’s statutory net profit stood at A$758.5 million compared to A$194.4 million a year earlier. Despite challenges, revenue saw an 11% growth to A$8.16 billion, with Ebitda rising by 2.9% to A$1.04 billion when considering only continuing operations.
Dividends and Shareholder Value
The directors of Ramsay Health Care approved an interim dividend of 40 Australian cents per share, reflecting a 20% decrease from the previous year’s 50.0 cents payout. Emphasizing the ongoing commitment to optimizing shareholder returns, the company is actively evaluating strategies to unlock value and enhance performance across its asset portfolio.
Industry Challenges
Ramsay Health Care, like many other providers in the sector, has faced challenges resulting from a global labor shortage exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. The increased demand for healthcare professionals has led to significant rises in wages for doctors, nurses, and other staff members. Furthermore, slow withdrawal of Covid-19 protocols has limited the recovery in hospital and clinic activities post-pandemic.
By focusing on strategic initiatives and value-driven decisions, Ramsay Health Care aims to navigate these challenges and strengthen its position in the evolving healthcare landscape.
Ramsay Takes Action Amid Rising Costs
Rising costs have prompted Ramsay to take decisive action across multiple fronts. As a strategic move, the company recently sold its Ramsay Sime Darby venture, utilizing the proceeds from the deal to address looming debt concerns. The company’s funding group leverage stood at 2.28 times at the close of December, falling comfortably within its preferred range of less than 2.5 times. Moreover, Ramsay anticipates annual net interest costs to range between A$590 million and A$620 million.
Addressing Cost Pressures
In response to escalating wage expenses and other inflationary impacts within the hospital sector, Ramsay has initiated dialogues with payors regarding revised reimbursement rates. While the company has begun local programs aimed at cost containment, it acknowledges that current reimbursement rates have yet to fully account for these ongoing cost pressures, hindering a substantial recovery in profit margins. Furthermore, Ramsay has ramped up investments in digital infrastructure, data technologies, and cyber security to enhance operational efficiencies.
Regional Revenue Growth
Revenues from patients saw an uptick in various regions over the past half-year period. In Australia, patient revenue surged by 6%, primarily fueled by a 4.7% spike in hospital admissions and improved indexation. Similarly, continental Europe witnessed a 7.4% increase in patient revenue at constant-currency rates. Notably, Ramsay’s U.K. operations experienced a remarkable 26% surge in revenue from patient treatments.
Positive Outlook
Looking ahead, Ramsay remains optimistic about its earnings growth trajectory, expecting an acceleration in the second half of fiscal 2024 excluding gains from the Ramsay Sime Darby venture sale.
