DaVita 4th quarter beats analysts' expectations despite drop in profit

DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. reported that profit for the fourth quarter of 2014 fell almost 2% to $208 million, or $0.96 a share, compared to $212 million, or $0.99 a share in the same quarter last year. Despite the lower earnings, the company beat analyst expectations for the quarter. Earnings for the entire year grew almost 17% to $723 million, or $3.33 per share, compared to $620 million, or $2.89 per share the year before.

Total U.S. dialysis treatments for the fourth quarter of 2014 were 6,465,826, or 81,434 treatments per day, representing a per day increase of 6.2% over the fourth quarter of 2013. Non-acquired treatment growth in the fourth quarter of 2014 increased 5.2% over the fourth quarter of 2013 and normalized non-acquired treatment growth in the fourth quarter of 2014 increased by 4.6% over the fourth quarter of 2013.

The number of member months for which HCP provided capitated care during the fourth quarter of 2014 was approximately 2.5 million representing an increase of 9.4% as compared to the fourth quarter of 2013, inclusive of growth contributed from acquisitions.

As of Dec. 31, 2014, DaVita provided dialysis services to approximately 180,000 patients at 2,270 outpatient dialysis centers, of which 2,179 centers are located in the United States and 91 centers are located in ten countries outside of the United States. During the fourth quarter of 2014, DaVita opened a total of 30 new dialysis centers, acquired two dialysis centers, and closed five dialysis centers in the United States. DaVita also acquired three dialysis centers and opened one new dialysis centers outside of the United States.

Outlook
DaVita still expect our consolidated operating income for 2015 to be in the range of $1.750 billion to $1.900 billion. The company still said they expect operating income for Kidney Care for 2015 to be in the range of $1.525 billion to $1.625 billion.