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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 65 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:65Neutral
Price Target:
$17.50
▲(16.59% Upside)
The score is driven primarily by improving financial flexibility (notably deleveraging) and solid recent cash conversion, supported by constructive technical momentum. These positives are tempered by weakened profitability/margins, mixed earnings-call execution (especially outpatient weakness and the insurance cost hit), and only moderate valuation support.
Positive Factors
Deleveraging / Balance Sheet
Material deleveraging meaningfully reduces financial risk and interest burden, increasing resilience to reimbursement volatility. A stronger capital structure supports continued investment in bed growth, M&A optionality, and buffers near-term cash swings over the next 2–6 months.
Cash Generation / FCF Conversion
Consistent FCF conversion funds capex, dividend payments, and deleveraging without requiring equity issuance. Reliable cash generation underpins the bed-development pipeline and provides flexibility to absorb episodic insurance or reimbursement headwinds sustainably.
Inpatient Rehab Growth & Pipeline
Outperformance in inpatient rehab with rising occupancy and expanding bed footprint strengthens market position in higher-acuity services. A multi-year bed development pipeline creates durable revenue growth and scale advantages as reimbursement mixes shift toward inpatient care.
Negative Factors
Margin Compression / Earnings Durability
Sustained margin compression reduces operating leverage and buffers against payor or cost shocks. Narrower margins limit reinvestment capacity, make deleveraging harder to sustain, and raise sensitivity to volume or reimbursement swings over the medium term.
Outpatient Profitability Weakness
A near-58% outpatient EBITDA decline highlights structural pressures: lower Medicare reimbursement, unfavorable payer mixes, variable discounts and staffing shortages. Persistent outpatient weakness undermines a large revenue stream and constrains consolidated margin recovery.
Leverage & Near-Term Liquidity
High absolute debt and modest cash balances reduce financial flexibility if margins stay depressed. Elevated leverage increases refinancing and covenant risk and limits ability to fund new development or absorb unexpected cost shocks without using revolver availability.

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
Balance-sheet risk improved materially via deleveraging (debt-to-equity down to ~0.6x) and recent cash conversion is solid (free cash flow exceeding net income in 2024–2025). Offsetting this, 2025 showed sharp margin/EBIT compression and weaker earnings durability 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).
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.93B5.45B5.19B6.66B6.33B6.20B
Gross Profit323.97M629.29M633.64M932.04M733.38M919.37M
EBITDA232.70M226.80M507.27M789.74M635.51M968.35M
Net Income110.00M146.22M214.04M243.49M158.99M402.23M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.69B5.85B5.61B7.69B7.67B7.36B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments60.05M26.52M59.69M111.59M172.76M74.31M
Total Debt1.03B1.05B2.70B4.52B5.16B4.76B
Total Liabilities3.67B3.82B3.61B6.12B6.27B6.00B
Stockholders Equity1.69B1.71B1.68B1.29B1.12B1.11B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow174.02M382.74M539.65M352.86M94.45M220.69M
Operating Cash Flow407.57M346.47M517.86M582.06M284.82M401.23M
Investing Cash Flow-223.79M-216.49M-231.01M-268.48M-226.34M-256.59M
Financing Cash Flow-315.20M-163.15M-311.17M-327.48M-34.89M-647.38M

Select Medical Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price15.01
Price Trends
50DMA
15.29
Negative
100DMA
14.52
Positive
200DMA
14.19
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.23
Positive
RSI
39.72
Neutral
STOCH
52.31
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SEM, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 15.01 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 15.55, below the 50-day MA of 15.29, and above the 200-day MA of 14.19, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.23 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 39.72 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 52.31 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative 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
74
Outperform
$2.52B25.019.94%1.80%23.74%-18.99%
65
Neutral
$2.02B18.735.57%1.69%-22.96%-59.35%
62
Neutral
$975.53M104.051.29%68.17%-85.42%
58
Neutral
$3.94B-13.39-214.33%3.93%-42.22%
54
Neutral
$1.89B10.1920.28%-4.21%
52
Neutral
$1.55B20.6115.48%
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
15.01
-3.20
-17.57%
BKD
Brookdale Senior Living
14.90
9.26
164.18%
MD
Pediatrix Medical Group
18.82
3.14
20.03%
NHC
National Healthcare
157.82
68.79
77.27%
ASTH
Astrana Health
19.86
-14.73
-42.58%
AVAH
Aveanna Healthcare Holdings
7.34
3.20
77.29%

Select Medical Corporate Events

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.

M&A Transactions
Select Medical Receives Acquisition Proposal from Co-Founder
Neutral
Nov 25, 2025

On November 24, 2025, Select Medical Holdings Corporation received a non-binding proposal from Robert A. Ortenzio, the company’s Executive Chairman and Co-Founder, to acquire all outstanding shares for $16.00 to $16.20 per share. The board’s disinterested members are reviewing the proposal with advisors, emphasizing their commitment to the best interests of the company and its shareholders. The outcome of this proposal remains uncertain, and further comments will be made only if necessary.

The most recent analyst rating on (SEM) stock is a Buy with a $20.00 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: Feb 20, 2026