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Select Medical Holdings Corp. (SEM)
NYSE:SEM

Select Medical (SEM) AI Stock Analysis

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SEM

Select Medical

(NYSE:SEM)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Neutral 62 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:62Neutral
Price Target:
$16.00
▼(-1.54% Downside)
Action:ReiteratedDate:03/04/26
The score is driven primarily by mixed financial performance—improving leverage and solid cash generation offset by meaningful 2025 margin/earnings deterioration. Technical indicators lean bearish in the near term. Valuation is supportive, while the earnings call was mixed (constructive 2026 outlook but significant outpatient and cost headwinds). The announced go-private transaction is a notable positive catalyst.
Positive Factors
Balance-sheet deleveraging
Material deleveraging has materially de-risked the capital structure, lowering interest and covenant pressure. Over the next 2–6 months this enhances financial flexibility to fund bed growth, absorb operating volatility, and execute on strategic initiatives with less refinancing risk.
Strong free cash flow conversion
Consistent FCF conversion above net income demonstrates durable cash generation that can fund capex, dividend distributions, and further debt paydown. Robust cash flow versus earnings supports sustained investment in rehab development and cushions cyclical reimbursement shocks.
Inpatient rehab growth & bed pipeline
High-growth, higher-margin inpatient rehab outperformance and a multi-year bed development pipeline provide durable revenue and profitability upside. Expansions and JV openings deepen system relationships and increase exposure to a stronger reimbursement mix versus outpatient services.
Negative Factors
Outpatient profitability collapse
A near-60% drop in outpatient EBITDA reflects structural reimbursement pressure, unfavorable payer mix and higher variable discounts. Given outpatient's role in diversification, sustained weakness or slower recovery in volumes/margins will continue to depress consolidated profitability and cash flow.
Margin deterioration and earnings quality
Sharp margin erosion despite revenue growth signals weakening earnings quality. Persistently compressed margins reduce return on capital, limit internal funding for growth, and make results more sensitive to reimbursement shifts and cost shocks over the medium term.
Elevated leverage and limited cash liquidity
Although leverage has improved, absolute debt and minimal cash on hand leave the company exposed to operational or interest-rate stress and constrain capital allocation flexibility. This limits tactical responses to prolonged outpatient weakness or unexpected cost inflation.

Select Medical (SEM) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Select Medical Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionSelect Medical Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States. The company's Critical Illness Recovery Hospital segment consists of hospitals that provide services for heart failure, infectious disease, respiratory failure and pulmonary disease, surgery requiring prolonged recovery, renal disease, neurological events, and trauma. Its Rehabilitation Hospital segment offers therapy and rehabilitation treatments, including rehabilitative services for brain and spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, neurological disorders, orthopedic conditions, pediatric congenital or acquired disabilities, and cancer. The company's Outpatient Rehabilitation segment operates rehabilitation clinics that provide physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation programs and services; and specialized programs, such as functional programs for work related injuries, hand therapy, post-concussion rehabilitation, pediatric and cancer rehabilitation, and athletic training services. Its Concentra segment operates and provides occupational health centers and contract services at employer worksites that deliver occupational medicine, consumer health, physical therapy, and wellness services. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated 104 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states; 30 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states; 1,881 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 38 states and the District of Columbia; and 518 occupational health centers in 41 states, and 134 onsite clinics at employer worksites states. Select Medical Holdings Corporation was founded in 1996 and is headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
How the Company Makes MoneySelect Medical generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily from the operations of its long-term acute care hospitals and outpatient rehabilitation clinics. Revenue is derived from patient care services, which includes billing for acute care hospital stays, physical and occupational therapy sessions, and other medical services provided to patients. The company also receives reimbursements from government programs like Medicare and Medicaid, as well as private insurance companies. Significant partnerships with healthcare providers and payers enhance their revenue potential, while strategic acquisitions of healthcare facilities further expand their operational footprint. In addition, Select Medical's focus on improving patient outcomes and reducing hospital readmission rates is integral to maintaining a sustainable revenue model.

Select Medical Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Feb 19, 2026
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Apr 30, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The call presented a mixed picture: solid top-line growth and a strong inpatient rehab development pipeline, meaningful improvement in full-year EPS, stabilized labor costs, and constructive 2026 guidance support a positive operational outlook. However, near-term profitability was hampered by a 10% decline in quarterly adjusted EBITDA, a significant slump in outpatient segment profitability (nearly 58% drop in adjusted EBITDA), an unexpected ~$15M health insurance hit, receivable write-offs, and modest cash on hand against substantial debt. These negatives constrained Q4 results and caused a notable shortfall versus prior guidance, but management expects outpatient margins to improve and reiterates growth initiatives in inpatient rehab.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Consolidated Revenue Growth
Total revenue grew more than 6% year-over-year in Q4 2025 and more than 5% for the full year 2025, demonstrating top-line growth across all three divisions.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Outperformance
Inpatient rehab revenue increased over 15% year-over-year to $339.2M; adjusted EBITDA rose 11% to $69.2M. Revenue per patient day increased over 6%, average daily census grew nearly 10%, occupancy improved to 82% (same-store occupancy 86%).
Critical Illness Recovery Stability
Critical illness recovery hospitals delivered nearly 5% revenue growth to $629.7M and adjusted EBITDA growth of 5% to $66.4M. Adjusted EBITDA margin remained steady at 10.5%, occupancy was stable at 67% and admissions rose 3%.
Development and Bed Growth Pipeline
Added 150 beds in Q4 and 212 beds in full-year 2025 (202 beds from new hospitals/units and 10 from expansion). Company expects to add 399 beds across 2026–2027 (including 166 already added in 2026), with multiple joint-venture hospital openings underway.
Full-Year EPS Improvement
Earnings per common share from continuing operations increased to $1.16 for the full year 2025 from $0.51 in the prior year. Adjusted EPS from continuing operations rose to $1.00 from $0.94 (up ~6.4%).
2026 Financial Outlook
Management issued 2026 guidance targeting revenue of $5.6B–$5.8B, adjusted EBITDA of $520M–$540M, fully diluted EPS of $1.22–$1.32, and capital expenditures of $200M–$220M, signaling expected growth and improved profitability.
Labor and Operational Progress
Agency costs have stabilized with staffing mix about 70% full-time / 15% PRN / 15% agency; labor-related margin running just above 56%, improving cost predictability versus prior years.
Shareholder Distribution
Board approved a cash dividend of $0.0625 per share payable 03/12/2026, showing continued capital return to shareholders.
Negative Updates
Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA Decline
Adjusted EBITDA declined 10% year-over-year in Q4 to $104.7M (from $116.0M). Full-year adjusted EBITDA decreased to $493.2M from $510.4M (down ~3.4%), with consolidated adjusted EBITDA margin falling to 9.0% from 9.8% in 2024.
Severe Outpatient Profitability Weakness
Outpatient adjusted EBITDA collapsed to $11.2M in Q4 from $26.6M a year ago (down ~58%), with margin declining to 3.4%. Net revenue per visit declined ~3.9% to $98 from $102, driven by reduced Medicare reimbursement, unfavorable payer mix and higher variable discounts.
Unexpected Health Insurance Cost Pressure
Elevated health insurance expense created an approximate $15M unexpected company-wide impact in Q4 (higher-cost claimants, increased medical and pharmacy utilization), with ~ $5M of that impact concentrated in the outpatient division.
Receivable Write-offs and Variable Discounts
Variable discounts amounted to roughly $6M in Q4 (write-offs of older receivables after collection exhaustion), contributing to lower net revenue per visit and the outpatient margin shortfall.
Earnings Shortfall Versus Prior Guidance
Q4 adjusted EBITDA (~$105M) was about $25M–$30M below the prior guidance midpoint; company cited ~$15M of health insurance expense, outpatient softness, and some inpatient timing/startup timing as drivers of the shortfall.
Balance Sheet Liquidity and Leverage
At quarter end cash was $26.5M versus $1.8B of debt outstanding, resulting in net leverage of 3.67x under the senior secured credit agreement—highlighting relatively high leverage and modest near-term cash liquidity.
Outpatient Market and Staffing Softness
Management cited softness in certain outpatient markets tied to staffing (difficulty recruiting therapists) and competitive/rate pressure in markets, creating localized volume and rate headwinds.
IRF Margin Pressure from Startups
Inpatient rehab adjusted EBITDA margin declined to 20.4% from 21.2% year-over-year, in part due to startup and timing costs; management expects startup losses of a little under $15M for 2026 (consistent with current-year levels).
Company Guidance
Select Medical issued 2026 guidance calling for revenue of $5.6–$5.8 billion, adjusted EBITDA of $520–$540 million, fully diluted EPS of $1.22–$1.32, and capital expenditures of $200–$220 million; the company also expects to add 399 beds across 2026–2027 (including 166 added so far this year). Recent quarter metrics included $1.8 billion of debt and $26.5 million of cash, net leverage of 3.67x, $469.1 million of revolver availability, $1.04 billion of term loans (SOFR +200 bps, matures 12/03/2031), $550 million of 6.25% senior notes due 2032, interest expense of $28.9 million for the quarter, DSO of 57 days, $64.3 million of operating cash flow, $66.9 million used in investing (including $59.1 million of purchases of property & equipment), financing uses of $31.0 million, and a Board-approved cash dividend of $0.0625 per share payable 03/12/2026 (record 03/02/2026).

Select Medical Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Mixed fundamentals. Stronger balance-sheet positioning from meaningful deleveraging and solid recent cash conversion (FCF exceeding net income) support flexibility, but 2025 saw sharp margin/EBIT compression and weaker earnings quality despite strong revenue growth.
Income Statement
54
Neutral
Revenue rebounded in 2025 (up ~39% year over year), but profitability deteriorated sharply. Gross margin and EBITDA margin compressed versus prior years, and EBIT fell close to break-even, with net margin down to ~2.7% from ~4.1% in 2024 and ~6.5% in 2021. Overall, the top-line trajectory is positive most recently, but earnings quality and margin stability are clear weaknesses.
Balance Sheet
63
Positive
Leverage improved meaningfully in 2025, with debt-to-equity dropping to ~0.6x from very elevated levels in 2021–2023 (over ~3–4x), suggesting a materially de-risked capital structure. Equity and assets are steady, and return on equity remains positive, though it has come down with weaker earnings. Strength is the sharp deleveraging; weakness is that returns have trended lower as profitability cooled.
Cash Flow
71
Positive
Cash generation is a relative bright spot: free cash flow exceeds net income in 2024 and 2025 (roughly ~1.0x–1.1x), indicating solid cash conversion. Free cash flow growth accelerated strongly in 2025, and operating cash flow remains positive. The key weakness is volatility across the period (notably weaker free cash flow in 2022 and lower operating cash flow versus 2020 highs).
BreakdownDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue5.45B5.19B6.66B6.33B6.20B
Gross Profit629.29M633.64M932.04M733.38M919.37M
EBITDA530.63M507.27M789.74M635.51M968.35M
Net Income146.22M214.04M243.49M158.99M402.23M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.85B5.61B7.69B7.67B7.36B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments26.52M59.69M111.59M172.76M74.31M
Total Debt3.70B2.70B4.52B5.16B4.76B
Total Liabilities3.82B3.61B6.12B6.27B6.00B
Stockholders Equity1.71B1.68B1.29B1.12B1.11B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow382.74M539.65M352.86M94.45M220.69M
Operating Cash Flow346.47M517.86M582.06M284.82M401.23M
Investing Cash Flow-216.49M-231.01M-268.48M-226.34M-256.59M
Financing Cash Flow-163.15M-311.17M-327.48M-34.89M-647.38M

Select Medical Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price16.25
Price Trends
50DMA
15.23
Positive
100DMA
14.64
Positive
200DMA
14.16
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.08
Negative
RSI
64.71
Neutral
STOCH
72.10
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SEM, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 16.25 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 15.57, above the 50-day MA of 15.23, and above the 200-day MA of 14.16, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.08 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 64.71 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 72.10 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SEM.

Select Medical Risk Analysis

Select Medical disclosed 35 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Select Medical reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Select Medical Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (51)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
$2.69B17.679.94%1.80%23.74%-18.99%
62
Neutral
$2.02B12.545.57%1.69%-22.96%-59.35%
62
Neutral
$1.28B54.153.01%68.17%-85.42%
58
Neutral
$3.58B-9.62-214.33%3.93%-42.22%
54
Neutral
$1.64B11.0320.28%-4.21%
52
Neutral
$1.52B32.5015.48%
51
Neutral
$7.86B-0.30-43.30%2.27%22.53%-2.21%
* Healthcare Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
SEM
Select Medical
16.25
-1.59
-8.93%
BKD
Brookdale Senior Living
15.07
9.26
159.38%
MD
Pediatrix Medical Group
19.88
5.38
37.10%
NHC
National Healthcare
172.83
80.55
87.29%
ASTH
Astrana Health
25.59
-1.62
-5.95%
AVAH
Aveanna Healthcare Holdings
7.42
3.61
94.75%

Select Medical Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyDelistings and Listing ChangesM&A TransactionsPrivate Placements and Financing
Select Medical agrees to go-private buyout transaction
Positive
Mar 3, 2026

On March 2, 2026, Select Medical Holdings Corporation announced it had entered a definitive agreement to be taken private by a consortium led by Executive Chairman and co‑founder Robert A. Ortenzio, senior executive Martin F. Jackson and private equity firm Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe. The buyer group agreed to acquire all outstanding shares not already owned by the consortium for $16.50 per share in cash, implying an enterprise value of about $3.9 billion and representing premiums of roughly 18% to the company’s unaffected share price on November 24, 2025 and 25% to its 90‑day volume‑weighted average price.

A special committee of disinterested directors, advised by independent financial and legal advisers, unanimously deemed the deal fair to unaffiliated shareholders and recommended it to the board, which in turn unanimously backed the merger and urged investors to vote in favor. The transaction, expected to close in mid‑2026 pending approval by a majority of unaffiliated shareholders and customary antitrust and other regulatory clearances, would see certain insiders roll over about 11.8% of the equity, keep current management in place and leave existing debt outstanding, while resulting in Select Medical being delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and becoming a privately held company.

The financing package combines committed equity from WCAS and debt arranged by J.P. Morgan and Wells Fargo, and the merger agreement includes reverse and standard termination fees and specific‑performance provisions to enforce closing. For shareholders and creditors, the deal locks in a cash premium and signals a shift toward private ownership under sponsor control, potentially giving management more flexibility to pursue long‑term operational and strategic initiatives away from public markets, while concentrating governance influence with the lead executives and their private equity backer.

The most recent analyst rating on (SEM) stock is a Hold with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Select Medical stock, see the SEM Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyDividendsFinancial Disclosures
Select Medical Declares Quarterly Dividend Amid Solid Results
Positive
Feb 19, 2026

Select Medical reported stronger financial performance for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025, with quarterly revenue up 6.4% to $1.40 billion and full-year revenue up 5.1% to $5.45 billion. Income from continuing operations surged in both periods, aided by the absence of 2024 one-time charges tied to the November 25, 2024 tax-free spin-off of Concentra, though Adjusted EBITDA declined modestly year over year.

Segment results were mixed, with rehabilitation hospitals delivering double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth, critical illness recovery hospitals showing modest revenue gains but margin compression, and outpatient rehabilitation posting slight revenue growth. On November 24, 2025, Executive Chairman and co-founder Robert A. Ortenzio made a non-binding proposal to take the company private at $16.00–$16.20 per share, prompting the board’s independent special committee to review the offer and evaluate broader strategic alternatives, while the board also declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.0625 per share on February 12, 2026 for payment in March 2026.

The most recent analyst rating on (SEM) stock is a Buy with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Select Medical stock, see the SEM Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board ChangesRegulatory Filings and Compliance
Select Medical renews CEO Mullin under new agreement
Positive
Dec 19, 2025

On December 17, 2025, Select Medical Corporation entered into a new employment agreement with its Chief Executive Officer, Thomas P. Mullin, effective January 1, 2026, under which he will continue as CEO for an initial one-year term with automatic one-year renewals, receiving an annual base salary of $700,000 and being subject to non-competition and non-solicitation restrictions during employment and for two years after. The agreement also provides that if Mullin is terminated by Select without cause and not due to death or disability, he will receive severance equal to 12 months of base salary, and the company confirmed there are no related-party, family, or other arrangements requiring additional regulatory disclosure, signaling a straightforward, governance-compliant leadership continuity arrangement for stakeholders.

The most recent analyst rating on (SEM) stock is a Buy with a $16.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Select Medical stock, see the SEM Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Mar 04, 2026