NEW YORK, May 15, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Aveta Inc., one of the largest companies focusing on Medicare Advantage and a leader in addressing the healthcare needs of the chronically ill, reported today that revenues for the first quarter of 2006 totaled $293.7 million, an increase of 43.2% over pro forma revenues of $205.1 million for the first quarter of 2005. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) grew 78.9% to $31.3 million in Q1 2006, compared to pro forma EBITDA of $17.5 million in Q1 2005. Adjusted first quarter earnings were $0.18 per share excluding stock option expense. Net income for the quarter was $12.3 million or $0.16 per share which includes $0.02 per share for stock option expense. Aveta's membership base of enrolled Medicare beneficiaries grew by more than 11,000 during the first quarter of 2006 to a total of 142,000, up 32% from the corresponding pro forma figure for the first quarter of 2005.
Premium revenues from the company's core managed care businesses, which focus on meeting the healthcare needs of seniors and the chronically ill, totaled $284.9 million in the first quarter of 2006, up 44.2% over the corresponding pro forma figure for the first quarter in 2005. Premium revenues accounted for more than 97% of the company's total revenues. Medical costs totaled $227.0 million for the quarter, representing a medical loss ratio of 79.7%, compared to a pro forma medical loss ratio of 83.3% in the first quarter of 2005. The improvement in the medical loss ratio for the quarter reflects greater medical cost efficiencies including favorable prior period reserve development. Administrative expenses were $34.9 million in the first quarter of 2006, representing an administrative expense ratio of 11.9%, compared to a pro forma administrative expense ratio of 11.0% in the first quarter of 2005.
"Aveta's continues to leverage its community medical management expertise to better serve the special needs of the chronically ill and strengthen our position in the markets we serve," said Timothy J. O'Donnell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Aveta. "During the first quarter of 2006, our operating companies in Puerto Rico, California and Illinois all posted solid growth. Aveta's MMM subsidiary, which pioneered Medicare Advantage in Puerto Rico, broke new ground during the quarter with the launch of two new Medicare Advantage special needs plans (SNPs) serving the chronically ill and dual-eligible beneficiaries. Our recently announced acquisition of PMC Medicare Choice in Puerto Rico will expand our provider network and strengthen our provider relationships on the island, enhancing our ability to better serve the rapidly growing Medicare Advantage population there."
Aveta also launched two additional chronic SNP initiatives in the quarter, for populations in Cook County, Illinois, and the Inland Empire of Southern California. Medicare beneficiaries with qualifying conditions can enroll in these plans throughout the rest of the calendar year due to their one-time exemption from standard CMS lock-in provisions.
"Aveta remains committed to improving the healthcare for all Medicare beneficiaries," said O'Donnell, "and especially for the large and growing segment with one or more chronic illnesses."
About Aveta Inc.
Aveta is one of the largest companies focusing on Medicare Advantage and a leader in addressing the unique healthcare needs of the chronically ill. Caring for over 140,000 Medicare beneficiaries, Aveta is the 5th largest for-profit Medicare Advantage enterprise, and operates more Chronic SNPs than any other company. Aveta has a successful track record of managing care for seniors achieved through its core competency of community medical management. Aveta is headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey and currently has operating subsidiaries in Southern California, Puerto Rico, and Illinois.
AVETA INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Condensed Statements of Income (1) ($ in 000s) Quarter Ended March 31, 2006 2005 Actual Pro Forma -------- --------- Premium revenue $284,865 $197,498 Management fees & other 7,209 6,580 Investment income 1,614 1,040 -------- -------- Total Revenue $293,688 $205,118 -------- -------- Medical costs 226,953 164,551 Selling, general and administrative 34,902 22,634 Depreciation & amortization 4,500 4,001 -------- -------- Total Operating Expenses $266,355 $191,186 -------- -------- Operating income 27,333 13,932 Interest expense 6,268 3,363 Stock option and related expense 2,437 66 Minority interests 562 391 -------- -------- Pre-tax Income $ 18,066 $ 10,112 Taxes 5,804 2,991 -------- -------- Net income $ 12,262 $ 7,121 -------- -------- Other Operating and Financial Information: Membership (in 000s) Senior 142.0 108.0 Commercial 202.0 212.0 EBITDA $ 31,300 $ 17,500 Medical Loss Ratio 79.7% 83.3% Administrative Cost Ratio 11.9% 11.0% Total Cash and Investments $229,100 $115,000 Total Assets $622,600 $347,900 Total Debt $286,300 $144,600 Shareholders' Equity $ 52,400 $ 74,300 Earnings per share $ 0.16 N/A Adjusted Earnings per share $ 0.18 N/A Weighted average common shares outstanding: Basic 77,391 N/A Diluted 77,953 N/A Note 1: The financial information for 2005 was prepared on a pro forma basis as if Aveta Inc. owned all of its operating subsidiaries for the entire year of 2005. NAMM California and NAMM Illinois were acquired by Aveta in August 2005. Note 2: EBITDA reflects net income with the following items added back: interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization, noncash stock options and related charges. Note 3: 2006 Adjusted Earnings per Share is prior to noncash stock option related expense of $2,437 pre-tax, or $1,655 after tax. AVETA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES (Formerly known as Aveta Holdings, LLC and Green Field, II, LLC) CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS As of March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 (In thousands) Mar. 31, 2006 Dec. 31, 2005 ------------- ------------- Assets Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 160,117 $ 67,135 Investments 69,027 38,930 ------------- ------------- Total cash and investments 229,144 106,065 Premiums receivable, net 50,970 48,271 Deferred income tax 3,042 2,241 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,866 4,760 ------------- ------------- Total current assets $ 288,022 $ 161,337 Property and equipment, net 8,420 8,093 Goodwill 218,986 218,955 Other intangible assets, net 95,826 99,483 Debt issue costs 8,348 8,734 Other assets 3,009 2,166 ------------- ------------- Total assets $ 622,611 $ 498,768 ============= ============= Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity and Members' Equity Current liabilities: Medical claims liabilities $ 110,594 $ 91,559 Accounts payable and accrued expenses 39,801 26,626 Current maturities of long-term debt 3,650 4,200 Income taxes payable 16,582 11,403 Unearned premiums 75,707 -- Due to Aveta Health 4,266 4,315 Other current liabilities -- -- ------------- ------------- Total current liabilities $ 250,600 $ 138,103 Long-term debt, excluding current installments 282,670 282,800 Deferred income taxes 36,180 38,096 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities $ 569,450 $ 458,999 ------------- ------------- Minority interests 787 1,548 Stockholders' equity and members' equity: Preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share, 5000 shares authorized; -0- shares issued and outstanding -- -- Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share, 250,000 shares authorized, 91,779,775 and 88,000,000 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 respectively 92 88 Additional paid in capital 216,013 166,712 Members interest -- -- Retained earnings 11,377 (885) Accumulated other comprehensive income (620) (56) Less treasury stock at cost, 13,750 and 10,000 shares at March 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, respectively (174,488) (126,900) Unearned compensation 0 (738) Total stockholders' equity and members' equity (deficit) $ 52,374 $ 38,221 ------------- ------------- Total liabilities, minority interest, and stockholders' equity and members' equity $ 622,611 $ 498,768 ============= =============