Surgery Partners (SGRY) 10-Q2024 Q1 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

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Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. 

1. Organization and Summary of Accounting Policies

Organization

As of March 31, 2024, the Company owned or operated a portfolio of 165 surgical facilities, comprised of 147 ASCs and 18 surgical hospitals in 33 states. The Company owns these facilities in partnership with physicians and, in some cases, health care systems in the markets and communities it serves. The Company owned a majority interest in 92 of these surgical facilities and consolidated 124 surgical facilities for financial reporting purposes.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for fair presentation of the Company's financial position and results of operations have been included. The Company’s fiscal year ends on December 31 and interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year or any other interim period. The information contained in these condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 (the "2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K"). Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, as well as interests in partnerships and limited liability companies controlled by the Company through its ownership of a majority voting interest or other rights granted to the Company by contract to manage and control the affiliate's business. All significant intercompany balances and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and footnotes. Examples include, but are not limited to, estimates of accounts receivable allowances, professional and general liabilities and the estimate of deferred tax assets or liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenues

The Company's revenues generally relate to contracts with patients in which the performance obligations are to provide health care services. The Company recognizes revenues in the period in which its obligations to provide health care services are satisfied and reports the amount that reflects the consideration the Company expects to be entitled to receive. The contractual relationships with patients, in most cases, also involve a third-party payor (e.g., Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance organizations, including plans offered through the health insurance exchanges) and the transaction prices for the services provided are dependent upon the terms provided by or negotiated with the third-party payors. The payment arrangements with third-party payors for the services provided to the related patients typically specify payments at amounts less than the Company's standard charges. The Company continually reviews the contractual estimation process to consider and incorporate updates to laws and regulations and the frequent changes in managed care contractual terms resulting from contract renegotiations and renewals.

The following table presents a summary of revenues by service type as a percentage of total revenues:

Patient service revenues are recognized as performance obligations are satisfied. Performance obligations are based on the nature of services provided. Typically, the Company recognizes revenue at a point in time in which services are rendered and the Company has no obligation to provide further patient services. Because the Company primarily performs outpatient procedures, performance obligations are generally satisfied same day and revenue is recognized on the date of service.

The Company determines the transaction price based on gross charges for services provided, net of estimated contractual adjustments and discounts from third-party payors. The Company estimates its contractual adjustments and discounts based on contractual agreements, its discount policies and historical experience. Changes in estimated contractual adjustments and discounts are recorded in the period of change.

Several states utilize supplemental Medicaid reimbursement programs for the purpose of providing reimbursement to providers to increase base rates to the levels that Medicare would have paid for the same service or for payments that offset a portion of the cost of providing care to Medicaid and indigent patients. These programs are designed with input from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) and are funded with a combination of state and federal resources, including, in certain instances, fees or taxes levied on the providers. We account for payments under these supplemental programs as variable consideration and estimate the amount using the most likely amount method. Reimbursement under these programs, including the recognition of variable consideration, is reflected in patient service revenues. Taxes or other program-related costs are reflected in other operating expenses.

The following table sets forth patient service revenues by type of payor and as a percentage of total patient service revenues for the Company's consolidated surgical facilities (dollars in millions):

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable from third-party payors are recorded net of estimated implicit price concessions, which are estimated based on the historical trend of the Company's surgical hospitals’ cash collections and contractual write-offs, and for the Company's surgical facilities in general, established fee schedules, relationships with payors and procedure statistics. While changes in estimated reimbursement from third-party payors remain a possibility, the Company expects that any such changes would be minimal and, therefore, would not have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations.

Accounts receivable consists of receivables from federal and state agencies (under the Medicare and Medicaid programs), private insurance organizations, employers and patients. Management recognizes that revenues and receivables from government agencies are significant to the Company's operations, but it does not believe that there is significant credit risk associated with these government agencies. Concentration of credit risk with respect to other payors is limited because of the large number of such payors.

The Company recognizes that final reimbursement of accounts receivable is subject to final approval by each third-party payor. However, because the Company has contracts with its third-party payors and also verifies insurance coverage of the patient before medical services are rendered, the amounts that are pending approval from third-party payors are not considered significant. Amounts are classified outside of self-pay if the Company has an agreement with the third-party payor or has verified a patient’s coverage prior to services rendered. The Company's policy is to collect co-payments and deductibles prior to providing medical services. Patient services of the Company are primarily non-emergency, which allows the surgical facilities to control the procedures for which third-party reimbursement is sought and obtained. The Company does not require collateral from self-pay patients.

The Company's collection policies and procedures are based on the type of payor, size of claim and estimated collection percentage for each patient account. The Company analyzes accounts receivable at each of its surgical facilities to ensure the proper collection and aged category. Collection efforts include direct contact with third-party payors or patients, written correspondence and the use of legal or collection agency assistance, as required.

Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method to account for income taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. If a carryforward exists, the Company makes a determination as to whether the carryforward will be utilized in the future. A valuation allowance is established for certain carryforwards when their recoverability is deemed to be uncertain. The carrying value of the net deferred tax assets assumes that the Company will be able to generate sufficient future taxable income in certain tax jurisdictions, based on estimates and assumptions. If our expectations for future operating results on a consolidated basis or at the state jurisdiction level vary from actual results due to changes in health care regulations, general economic conditions, or other factors, we may need to adjust the valuation allowance, for all or a portion of our deferred tax assets. Our income tax expense in future periods will be reduced or increased to the extent of offsetting decreases or increases, respectively, in our valuation allowance in the period when the change in circumstances occurs. These changes could have a significant impact on our future earnings.

The Company and certain of its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The partnerships, limited liability companies, and certain non-consolidated physician practice corporations also file separate income tax returns. The Company's allocable portion of each partnership's and limited liability company's income or loss is included in taxable income of the Company. The remaining income or loss of each partnership and limited liability company is allocated to the other owners.

The Company's effective tax rate was 15.3% for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to 400.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2023. For the three months ended March 31, 2024, the effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, an increase in the Company’s valuation allowance attributable to interest expense limitations, state tax expense, and a discrete tax expense of $0.7 million related to the vesting of restricted stock awards. For the three months ended March 31, 2023, the effective tax rate differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21% primarily due to earnings attributable to non-controlling interests, an increase in the Company’s valuation allowance attributable to interest expense limitations, and a discrete tax benefit of $1.8 million related to the vesting of restricted stock awards. Based upon the application of interim accounting guidance, the tax rate as a percentage of net income after income attributable to non-controlling interests will vary based upon the relative net income from period to period.

Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the fair value of the consideration provided in an acquisition plus the fair value of any non-controlling interests over the fair value of net assets acquired and is not amortized. Additions to goodwill include amounts resulting from new business combinations and incremental ownership purchases in the Company's subsidiaries. A summary of the Company's acquisitions and disposals for the three months ended March 31, 2024 is included in Note 2. "Acquisitions and Disposals."

A summary of activity related to goodwill for the three months ended March 31, 2024 is as follows (in millions):

A detailed evaluation of potential impairment indicators was performed as of March 31, 2024, which specifically considered recent increases in interest rates, inflation risk and market volatility. On the basis of available evidence as of March 31, 2024, no indicators of impairment were identified. Future estimates of fair value could be adversely affected if the actual outcome of one or more of the Company's assumptions changes materially in the future, including a material decline in the Company’s stock price and the fair value of its long-term debt, lower than expected surgical case volumes, higher market interest rates or increased operating costs. Such changes impacting the calculation of fair value could result in a material impairment charge in the future.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company records all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value and any financing elements treated as debt instruments are recorded at amortized cost. The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Hedge accounting generally provides for the matching of the timing of gain or loss recognition on the hedging instrument with the recognition of the changes in the fair value of the hedged asset or liability that are attributable to the hedged risk in a fair value hedge or the earnings effect of the hedged forecasted transactions in a cash flow hedge. The Company may enter into derivative contracts that are intended to economically hedge certain risks, even though hedge accounting does not apply or the Company elects not to apply hedge accounting.

The Company made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.

Non-Controlling Interests—Redeemable

A summary of activity related to redeemable non-controlling interests is as follows (in millions):

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell the asset or transfer the liability. The Company uses fair value measurements based on inputs classified into the following hierarchy:

The carrying amounts reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate their fair values under Level 3 calculations.

A summary of the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company's long-term debt follows (in millions):

Variable Interest Entities

During the three months ended March 31, 2024:

During the three months ended March 31, 2023:

Disposals

A summary of long-term debt follows (in millions):

As of March 31, 2024, the Company's availability on its Revolver was $607.3 million (including letters of credit of $9.5 million). The increase in outstanding borrowings on the Revolver, was primarily due to the timing of acquisitions completed during the first quarter of 2024.

See Note 10. "Subsequent Events" for additional information related to the Company's debt obligations.

The Company's operating leases are primarily for real estate, including medical office buildings, and corporate and other administrative offices. The Company's finance leases are primarily for medical equipment and information technology and telecommunications assets.

The following table presents the components of the Company's right-of-use assets and liabilities related to leases and their classification in the condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions):

The following table presents supplemental cash flow information (in millions):

The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps and interest rate caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. During 2024 and 2023, such derivatives have been used to hedge the variable cash flows associated with existing variable-rate debt.

The key terms of interest rate swaps and interest rate caps outstanding are presented below:

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had three interest rate swaps with a total net notional amount of $1.2 billion. The interest rate swaps are pay-fixed, receive 1-Month Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") (subject to a minimum of 0.75%) designated in cash flow hedging relationships and have a termination date of March 31, 2025.

As of March 31, 2024, the Company had two interest rate caps designated in cash flow hedging relationships with a total notional amount of $157.9 million. The interest rate caps each have a termination date of March 31, 2025. During the three months ended March 31, 2023, the Company partially terminated a previously undesignated portion of one of its interest rate caps. In connection with the termination, the Company received $8.6 million, which is included as a component of operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2023.

The pay-fixed, receive floating interest rate swaps did not meet the requirements to be considered derivatives in their entirety as a result of the financing component. Accordingly, the swaps are considered hybrid instruments, consisting of a financing element treated as a debt instrument and an embedded at-market derivative that was designated as a cash flow hedge.

Within the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, the financing elements treated as debt instruments described above are carried at amortized cost and the embedded at-market derivatives are recorded at fair value. The cash flows related to the portion treated as debt are classified as financing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows while the portion treated as an at-market derivative are classified as operating activities. Within the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets, the interest rate caps are recorded at fair value. The cash flows related to the interest rate caps are classified as operating activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.

The Company's interest rate swap agreements, excluding the portion treated as debt, are recognized at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and are valued using pricing models that rely on market observable inputs such as yield curve data, which are classified as Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the interest rate caps are determined using the market standard methodology of discounting the future expected cash receipts that would occur if variable interest rates rise above the strike rate of the caps. The variable interest rates used in the calculation of projected receipts on the caps are based on an expectation of future interest rates derived from observable market interest rate curves and volatilities. The interest rate caps are classified using Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy.

For derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk, the gain or loss on the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("OCI") and subsequently reclassified into interest expense in the same period(s) during which the hedged transaction affects earnings, as documented at hedge inception in accordance with the Company’s accounting policy election. Amounts reported in accumulated OCI related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. Over the next 12 months, the Company estimates that an additional $52.2 million will be reclassified as a decrease to interest expense.

The following table presents the fair values of our derivatives and their location on the condensed consolidated balance sheets (in millions):

See Note 10. "Subsequent Events" for additional information related to the Company's cash flow hedging relationships.

Basic and diluted earnings per share are calculated based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding in each period and dilutive stock options, unvested shares and warrants, to the extent such securities exist and have a dilutive effect on earnings per share. A reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of basic and diluted earnings per share follows (dollars in millions, except per share amounts; shares in thousands):

A summary of other current liabilities was as follows (in millions):

The Company is subject to claims and legal actions in the ordinary course of business, including claims relating to patient treatment, employment practices and personal injuries. The Company maintains professional, general and workers' compensation and cyber liability insurance in excess of self-insured retentions, through third party commercial insurance carriers. Although management believes the coverage is sufficient for the Company's operations, some claims may potentially exceed the scope of coverage in effect. Plaintiffs in these matters may request punitive or other damages that may not be covered by insurance. The Company is not aware of any such proceedings that are reasonably possible to have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial position, results of operations or liquidity. Total professional, general and workers' compensation claim liabilities as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023 were $19.1 million and $18.2 million, respectively. Expected insurance recoveries of $10.2 million as of March 31, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, are included as a component of other current assets and other long-term assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The Company currently operates in two major lines of business that are also the Company's reportable operating segments - the operation of surgical facilities and the operation of ancillary services. The Surgical Facility Services segment includes the operation of ASCs, surgical hospitals and anesthesia services. The Ancillary Services segment consists of multi-specialty physician practices. The "All other" line item primarily consists of amounts attributable to the Company's corporate general and administrative functions.

The following tables present financial information for each reportable segment (in millions):

On April 9, 2024, the Company entered into five deferred premium interest rate cap agreements, each with an effective date of March 31, 2025. The interest rate caps are designated in cash flow hedging relationships with a total notional amount of $1.4 billion. The interest rate caps each have a termination date of December 31, 2028. These financial instruments are designed to limit the Company's interest rate exposure on its term loan concurrent with the expected maturity of positions held as of March 31, 2024. See Note 5. "Derivatives and Hedging Activities" for additional information.

On April 10, 2024, the Company completed the issuance and sale of $800.0 million in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes due 2032 (the "2032 Notes"). The 2032 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture dated April 10, 2024 among Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., certain subsidiaries of Surgery Center Holdings, Inc., as guarantors, and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee. The 2032 Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 7.250% per year, payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on October 15, 2024. Proceeds from the sale of the 2032 Notes were used (i) to redeem all of the outstanding 6.750% senior unsecured notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") and the 10.000% senior unsecured notes due 2027 (the "2027 Notes," together with the 2025 Notes, the "Existing Notes"), (ii) to pay accrued interest on the Existing Notes through, but not including, April 25, 2024, (iii) to pay related fees and expenses in connection with the offering of the 2032 Notes and redemption of the Existing Notes and (iv) for general corporate purposes, including to fund future acquisitions.

On April 30, 2024, the Company purchased a controlling interest in a surgical hospital and two physician practices and a non-controlling interest in an ASC for $188.2 million. The Company funded the cash purchase price with available resources. As of the date of this filing, the Company has not completed its preliminary estimation of the fair values assigned to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report and our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Unless the context otherwise indicates, the terms "Surgery Partners," "we," "us," "our" or the "Company," as used herein, refer to Surgery Partners, Inc. and its subsidiaries, and the term "affiliates" means direct and indirect subsidiaries of Surgery Partners, Inc. and partnerships and joint ventures in which such subsidiaries are partners. The terms "facilities" or "hospitals" refer to entities owned and operated by affiliates of Surgery Partners, Inc. and the term "employees" refers to employees of affiliates of Surgery Partners, Inc.

This report contains forward-looking statements, which are based on our current expectations, estimates and assumptions about future events. All statements other than statements of current or historical fact contained in this report are forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding our future financial position, business strategy, budgets, effective tax rate, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for future operations. The words "projections," "believe," "continue," "drive," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "plan," "will," "could," "would" and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements.

By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ from the expectations expressed in the statements. Many of these factors are beyond our ability to control or predict. These factors include, without limitation, reductions in payments from government health care programs and private insurance payors, such as health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, and other managed care organizations and employers; our ability to contract with private insurance payors; changes in our payor mix or surgical case mix; failure to maintain or develop relationships with physicians on beneficial or favorable terms, or at all; the impact of payor controls designed to reduce the number of surgical procedures; our efforts to integrate operations of acquired businesses and surgical facilities, attract new physician partners, or acquire additional surgical facilities; supply chain issues, including shortages or quality control issues with surgery-related products, equipment and medical supplies; competition for physicians, nurses, strategic relationships, acquisitions and managed care contracts; our ability to attract and retain qualified health care professionals; our ability to enforce non-compete restrictions against our physicians; our ability to manage material liabilities whether known or unknown incurred as a result of acquiring surgical facilities; the impact of future legislation and other health care regulatory reform actions, and the effect of that legislation and other regulatory actions on our business; our ability to comply with current health care laws and regulations; the outcome of legal and regulatory proceedings that have been or may be brought against us; the impact of cybersecurity attacks or intrusions; changes in the regulatory, economic and other conditions of the states where our surgical facilities are located; our indebtedness; the social and economic impact of a pandemic, epidemic or outbreak of a contagious disease, such as COVID-19, on our business.; and the risks and uncertainties set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K and discussed from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC.

Considering these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events and circumstances discussed in this report may not occur, and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. When you consider these forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind these risk factors and other cautionary statements in this report.

These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. Other than as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise.

Executive Overview

As of March 31, 2024, we owned or operated, primarily in partnership with physicians, a portfolio of 165 surgical facilities comprised of 147 ASCs and 18 surgical hospitals across 33 states. We owned a majority interest in 92 of the surgical facilities and consolidated 124 of these facilities for financial reporting purposes.

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2024 increased 7.7% to $717.4 million from $666.2 million for the first quarter of 2023. The increase in revenues was attributable to same-facility revenue growth and the net impact from acquisitions and divestitures completed during the last twelve months ended March 31, 2024. Days adjusted same-facility revenues for the first quarter of 2024 increased 10.2% from the first quarter of 2023, with an 8.8% increase in revenue per case and a 1.3% increase in same-facility cases. Additionally, for the first quarter of 2024, Adjusted EBITDA increased 8.2% to $97.5 million compared to $90.1 million for the same period in 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to revenue growth, continued cost management initiatives and acquisitions completed since the prior year period. For the first quarter of 2024, net loss attributable to common stockholders was $12.4 million compared to $24.9 million for the same period in 2023. A reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures appears below under the heading "Certain Non-GAAP Measures."

We continue to focus on improving our same-facility performance, selectively acquiring established facilities, developing new facilities and other portfolio management initiatives. During the first quarter of 2024 we completed the following:

We had cash and cash equivalents of $185.2 million and $607.3 million of borrowing capacity under our Revolver as of March 31, 2024.

Our revenues consist of patient service revenues and other service revenues. Patient service revenues consist of revenue from our Surgical Facility Services and Ancillary Services segments. Specifically, patient service revenues include fees for surgical or diagnostic procedures performed at surgical facilities that we consolidate for financial reporting purposes, as well as for patient visits to our physician practices, anesthesia services, pharmacy services and diagnostic screens ordered by our physicians. Other service revenues include management and administrative service fees derived from our non-consolidated facilities that we account for under the equity method, management of surgical facilities and physician practices in which we do not own an interest, management services we provide to physician practices for which we are not required to provide capital or additional assets and other non-patient services.

The following table summarizes revenues by service type as a percentage of total revenues:

The following table sets forth by type of payor the percentage of our patient service revenues generated at the surgical facilities that we consolidate for financial reporting purposes:

We primarily operate multi-specialty surgical facilities where physicians perform a variety of procedures in various specialties. We believe this diversification helps to protect us from adverse pricing and utilization trends in any individual procedure type and results in greater consistency in our case volume.

The following table sets forth the percentage of cases in each specialty performed at the surgical facilities that we consolidate for financial reporting purposes for the periods indicated:

The following tables summarize certain results from the statements of operations for the periods indicated (in millions):

Cash and cash equivalents were $185.2 million at March 31, 2024 compared to $195.9 million at December 31, 2023.

The primary source of our operating cash flows is the collection of accounts receivable from private insurance companies, federal and state agencies (under the Medicare and Medicaid programs) and individuals. Our cash flows provided by operating activities was $40.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2024 compared to $74.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The $33.8 million decrease was primarily driven by the timing of routine transactions involving working capital and accrued payroll and benefits.

Net cash used in investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $83.1 million compared to $70.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The $12.4 million increase was primarily driven by an aggregate net increase of $6.3 million in payments for acquisitions (net of cash acquired) and purchases of equity method investments and a $6.5 million decrease in proceeds from sales of facilities.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2024 was $31.7 million compared to net cash used of $41.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2023. The increase of $72.3 million was primarily driven by net borrowings on the Revolver due to the timing of acquisitions completed during the first quarter of 2024.

On April 10, 2024, we completed the issuance and sale of $800.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 2032 Notes. The 2032 Notes bear interest at an annual rate of 7.250% per year, payable semi-annually on April 15 and October 15 of each year, beginning on October 15, 2024. Proceeds from sale of the 2032 Notes were used (i) to redeem all of the outstanding 2025 Notes and 2027 Notes, (ii) to pay accrued interest on the Existing Notes through, but not including, April 25, 2024, (iii) to pay related fees and expenses in connection with the offering of the 2032 Notes and redemption of the Existing Notes and (iv) for general corporate purposes, including to fund future acquisitions.

Capital Resources

Net working capital was approximately $372.5 million at March 31, 2024 compared to $372.0 million at December 31, 2023.

In addition to cash flows from operations and available cash, other sources of capital include amounts available on our Revolver as well as anticipated continued access to the capital markets.

Material Cash Requirements

There have been no material changes outside of the ordinary course of business to our upcoming cash obligations during the three months ended March 31, 2024 from those disclosed under “Material Cash Requirements” in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Summary

Broad economic factors, including recent increases in interest rates, inflation and supply chain risks and market volatility, could negatively affect our payor mix, increase the relative proportion of lower margin services we provide and reduce patient volumes, as well as diminish our ability to collect outstanding receivables. Any increase in the amount or deterioration in the collectability of patient accounts receivable will adversely affect our cash flows and results of operations, requiring an increased level of working capital.

If general economic conditions, including recent increases in interest rates, inflation risk and market volatility, continue to deteriorate or remain uncertain for an extended period of time, our ability to access capital could be harmed, which could negatively affect our liquidity and ability to repay our outstanding debt.

Based on our current level of operations, we believe cash flows from operations, available cash, available capacity on our Revolver and continued anticipated access to capital markets, will be adequate to meet our short-term (i.e., 12 months) and long-term (beyond 12 months) liquidity needs.

Adjusted EBITDA is not a measurement of financial performance under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for net income, operating income or any other measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. The items excluded from this non-GAAP metric are significant components in understanding and evaluating our financial performance. We believe such adjustments are appropriate, as the magnitude and frequency of such items can vary significantly and are not related to the assessment of normal operating performance. Our calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. We use Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA is a key measure used by our management to assess operating performance, make business decisions and allocate resources.

The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to income (loss) before income taxes, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure (in millions and unaudited):

We use Credit Agreement EBITDA as a measure of liquidity and to determine our compliance under certain covenants pursuant to our New Credit Facilities. Credit Agreement EBITDA is determined on a trailing twelve-month basis. We have included it because we believe that it provides investors with additional information about our ability to incur and service debt and make capital expenditures. Credit Agreement EBITDA is not a measurement of liquidity under GAAP and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for any other measure calculated in accordance with GAAP. The items excluded from Credit Agreement EBITDA are significant components in understanding and evaluating our liquidity. Our calculation of Credit Agreement EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

When we use the term "Credit Agreement EBITDA," we are referring to Adjusted EBITDA, as defined above, further adjusted for acquisitions and synergies. These adjustments do not relate to our historical financial performance and instead relate to estimates compiled by management and calculated in conformance with the definition of "Consolidated EBITDA" used in the credit agreements governing our credit facilities.

We are subject to market risk primarily from exposure to changes in interest rates based on our financing, investing and cash management activities. We utilize a balanced mix of maturities along with both fixed rate and variable rate debt to manage our exposures to changes in interest rates. Additionally, we periodically enter into interest rate swap and cap agreements to manage our exposure to interest rate fluctuations. Our interest rate swap and cap agreements involve the exchange of fixed and variable rate interest payments between two parties, based on common notional principal amounts and maturity dates. The notional amounts of the swap agreements represent balances used to calculate the exchange of cash flows and are not our assets or liabilities. Our credit risk related to these agreements is considered low because the swap agreements are with creditworthy financial institutions. The interest payments under these agreements are settled on a net basis. These derivatives have been recognized in the financial statements at their respective fair values. Changes in the fair value of these derivatives, which are designated as cash flow hedges, are included in other comprehensive income.

Our variable rate debt instruments are primarily indexed to the prime rate or SOFR. Without derivatives, interest rate changes would result in gains or losses in the market value of our fixed rate debt portfolio due to differences in market interest rates and the rates at the inception of the debt agreements. Based on our indebtedness and the effectiveness of our interest rate swap and cap agreements at March 31, 2024, we do not expect changes in interest rates to have a material effect on our net earnings or cash flows in 2024.

For more information regarding our interest rate swap and cap agreements, please refer to Note 5. "Derivatives and Hedging Activities" of the accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements for additional information.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 31, 2024 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

We are, from time to time, subject to claims and suits, or threats of claims or suits, relating to our business, including claims for damages for personal injuries, breach of management contracts and employment related claims. In certain of these actions, plaintiffs request payment for damages, including punitive damages, which may not be covered by insurance or may otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations. In the opinion of management, we are not currently a party to any proceedings that would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

There have been no material changes with respect to the risk factors discussed in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

None.

None.

Not applicable.

From time to time, certain of our executive officers and directors have, and we expect they will in the future, enter into, amend and terminate written trading arrangements pursuant to Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 or otherwise. During the three months ended March 31, 2024, none of the Company’s directors or officers adopted or terminated any Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement (as such terms are defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K).