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Alexandra.Morgan


DaVita's Achievements and Future Outlook in Kidney Care

2024-03-05

DaVita, a prominent provider of kidney care services, conducted its fourth quarter 2023 earnings call with key speakers including Javier Rodriguez, the CEO, and Joel Ackerman, the CFO. The call encompassed discussions on the company's performance, business strategy, and future prospects.

During the call, Nic Eliason, the Vice President of Investor Relations, issued a caution regarding forward-looking statements and indicated that non-GAAP financial measures would be addressed. Javier Rodriguez articulated DaVita's business approach as community-centric, prioritizing exceptional care delivery and community support.

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Rodriguez highlighted DaVita's achievements in 2023, emphasizing the company's business resilience, early returns on multiyear investments, and decreased risk and uncertainties for 2024. Notably, DaVita's team dedicated over 42,000 hours to community service in 2023, a record high for the organization. The company aims to reach 125,000 service hours by 2025 through initiatives like the mobile health screening and kidney care education tour.

The mobile health tour organized by DaVita focused on offering screenings and educational programs to assist local communities nationwide. This initiative was crucial as kidney disease often remains undetected and untreated until advanced stages. The tour aided in identifying risk factors for chronic kidney disease, including obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and family history of kidney ailments.

In terms of financial performance, DaVita observed a 20% year-over-year growth in adjusted operating income, a 28% increase in adjusted EPS, and a return of their leverage ratio to the target range in 2023. The company evaluates its Integrated Kidney Care (IKC) business performance using metrics like total medical expenses, patients in IKC programs, clinical outcomes in reducing medical costs, and monthly per-member spending on care models and cost management.

Looking forward, DaVita provided guidance for 2024, outlining projected adjusted operating income and growth expectations in various segments. The company also deliberated on factors influencing its operations, such as labor expenses, volume expansion, revenue per treatment, and the implications of regulatory modifications like the Supreme Court ruling on employer-provided benefits for individuals with end-stage renal disease.

In conclusion, the DaVita fourth quarter 2023 earnings call addressed significant aspects of the company's performance, community involvement, financial metrics, and future outlook. The call shed light on DaVita's dedication to delivering superior care, community engagement endeavors, and strategic initiatives for advancement and prosperity in the kidney care sector.