LifeStance Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

Third Quarter 2021 Highlights
(All results compared to prior-year comparative period, unless otherwise noted)

  • Revenue of $173.8 million increased $71.8 million or 70% compared to revenue of $102.0 million
  • Total clinicians of 4,375 up 72%, a net increase of 400 clinicians in the third quarter
  • Net loss of $120.5 million compared to net loss of $3.3 million, primarily driven by stock and unit-based compensation
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $10.7 million compared to Adjusted EBITDA of $15.0 million
  • Expecting full year revenue toward the lower end of previously guided $668 million to $678 million range; Center Margin and Adjusted EBITDA expectations remain unchanged; anticipated incremental clinician holiday time off modestly impacting revenue projection; supporting employee self-care and well-being during this acutely stressful time as a result of COVID fatigue is aligned with the company’s mission

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Nov. 08, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LifeStance Health Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: LFST), one of the nation’s largest providers of outpatient mental health care, today announced financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2021.

"Our strong third quarter results demonstrate continued execution of our long-term strategic vision that is transforming the way mental health care is delivered,” said Michael Lester, Chairman and CEO of LifeStance. “Despite the labor challenges faced by the healthcare industry and others, our ability to attract high quality clinical talent—the heart of our organization—is a testament to our mission and commitment to a positive societal impact. We continue to prioritize the mental health of our patients, clinicians and team members."

Financial Highlights                  
    Successor  
    Three Months Ended September 30  
    2021     2020     Change  
(in thousands)                  
Total revenue   $ 173.8     $ 102.0       70.5 %
(Loss) income from operations     (124.7 )     2.7       (4,732.8 %)
Center Margin     52.1       33.1       57.1 %
Net loss     (120.5 )     (3.3 )     3,556.7 %
Adjusted EBITDA     10.7       15.0       (28.6 %)
As % of Total Revenue:                  
(Loss) income from operations     (71.7 %)     2.6 %      
Center Margin     29.9 %     32.5 %      
Net loss     (69.3 %)     (3.2 %)      
Adjusted EBITDA     6.2 %     14.7 %      

(All results compared to prior-year period, unless otherwise noted)

  • Total revenue grew 70% to $173.8 million. Strong revenue growth was supported by a 72% increase in net clinicians, driven by hiring and acquisitions.
  • Loss from operations was $124.7 million, primarily driven by stock and unit-based compensation of $120.7 million. Net loss was $120.5 million.
  • Center Margin grew 57% to $52.1 million, or 29.9% of total revenue. Center Margin as a percentage of revenue declined as expected as new clinicians ramp to maturity.
  • Adjusted EBITDA declined 29% to $10.7 million, or 6.2% of total revenue. Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue declined due to the expected decrease in Center Margin as well as planned investments in growth initiatives and public company infrastructure.

Strategy and Key Developments

During the third quarter, LifeStance took several actions in support of its three-pronged strategy to expand into new markets, build market density and offer a tech-enabled platform to patients and clinicians, including:

  • Drove 72% year-over-year growth to 4,375 clinicians with the addition of 400 net clinicians in the quarter, demonstrating that the company’s value proposition is resonating, despite challenging dynamics in the U.S. labor market
  • Clinician retention stabilized to approximately 80% annualized in the third quarter, as expected; enhanced clinician engagement and continued support for workplace and work-life flexibility resulting in improved clinician satisfaction survey results
  • Opened 29 de novo centers and achieved milestone of opening 200th de novo location, bringing total centers to approximately 500, further strengthening the company’s first-mover advantage
  • Introduced brand-new spatial design for all new de novo locations, reimagining the mental health care experience for both patients and providers; first centers to feature the new design are now open in Chicago, Illinois
  • Completed six acquisitions, bringing the total since inception to 70, as the company continues to build market density and expand its virtual and in-person presence in 31 states
  • Appointed a new independent director, Seema Verma, to the company’s Board of Directors; Verma is a leading national health policy expert with over two decades of experience in the healthcare industry, having most recently served as administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where she led efforts to transform the U.S. healthcare system by lowering costs, improving quality, and increasing access

Balance Sheet, Cash Flow and Capital Allocation

For the nine months ended September 30, 2021, cash flow used in operations was $21.2 million, which includes $22.7 million for IPO-related payments and $19.4 million in interest payments on long-term debt.

The company ended the third quarter with cash of $212.1 million, net long-term debt of $157.4 million and full availability of its $20.0 million revolving credit facility.

Full Year 2021 Guidance

LifeStance is reiterating its full year 2021 guidance ranges for revenue, Center Margin and Adjusted EBITDA.

The company expects full year revenue toward the lower end of the previously guided $668 million to $678 million range, primarily due to the expectation that clinicians will take additional time off at the holidays due to fatigue from COVID. The company supports clinician flexibility and well-being, including incremental time off as needed, in an industry environment in which many clinicians are experiencing burnout.

For the full year, the company continues to expect Center Margin in the range of $198 million to $208 million and Adjusted EBITDA in the range of $47 million to $53 million.

“As we look forward, we have a strong foundation of dedicated clinicians and unmatched capabilities and reach which have allowed us to bring our strategy to life at an unprecedented time,” said Lester.  “I am extremely proud of the efforts of our purpose-led organization to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by improving access to trusted, affordable and personalized mental healthcare.”

Conference Call, Webcast Information, and Presentations

LifeStance will hold a conference call today, November 8, at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss third quarter 2021 results. Investors who wish to participate in the call should dial 1-888-660-0230, domestically, or 1-409-217-8218, internationally, approximately 10 minutes before the call begins and provide conference ID number 4267376 or ask to be joined into the LifeStance call. A real-time audio webcast can be accessed via the Events and Presentations section of the LifeStance Investor Relations website (https://investor.lifestance.com), where related materials will be posted prior to the conference call.

About LifeStance Health Group, Inc.

Founded in 2017, LifeStance (NASDAQ: LFST) is reimagining mental health. We are one of the nation’s largest providers of virtual and in-person outpatient mental health care for children, adolescents and adults experiencing a variety of mental health conditions. Our mission is to help people lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by improving access to trusted, affordable, and personalized mental healthcare. LifeStance employs 4,375 psychiatrists, advanced practice nurses, psychologists and therapists and operates across 31 states and approximately 500 centers. To learn more, please visit www.LifeStance.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release and on the related teleconference that express a belief, expectation or intention, as well as those that are not historical fact, are forward-looking statements. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the company’s financial position; business plans and objectives; general economic and industry trends; operating results; and working capital and liquidity and other statements contained in this presentation that are not historical facts. When used in this press release and on the related teleconference, words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “intend,” “potential,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “plan,” “target,” “predict,” “project,” “seek” and similar expressions as they relate to us are intended to identify forward-looking statements. They involve a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause actual events and results to differ materially from such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: we may not grow at the rates we historically have achieved or at all, even if our key metrics may imply future growth, including if we are unable to successfully execute on our growth initiatives and business strategies; if we fail to manage our growth effectively, our expenses could increase more than expected, our revenue may not increase proportionally or at all, and we may be unable to execute on our business strategy; our ability to recruit new clinicians and retain existing clinicians; if reimbursement rates paid by third-party payors are reduced or if third-party payors otherwise restrain our ability to obtain or deliver care to patients, our business could be harmed; we conduct business in a heavily regulated industry and if we fail to comply with these laws and government regulations, we could incur penalties or be required to make significant changes to our operations or experience adverse publicity, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition; we are dependent on our relationships with affiliated practices, which we do not own, to provide health care services, and our business would be harmed if those relationships were disrupted or if our arrangements with these entities became subject to legal challenges; we operate in a competitive industry, and if we are not able to compete effectively, our business, results of operations and financial condition would be harmed; the impact of health care reform legislation and other changes in the healthcare industry and in health care spending on us is currently unknown, but may harm our business; if our or our vendors’ security measures fail or are breached and unauthorized access to our employees’, patients’ or partners’ data is obtained, our systems may be perceived as insecure, we may incur significant liabilities, including through private litigation or regulatory action, our reputation may be harmed, and we could lose patients and partners; our business depends on our ability to effectively invest in, implement improvements to and properly maintain the uninterrupted operation and data integrity of our information technology and other business systems; our existing indebtedness could adversely affect our business and growth prospects; and other risks and uncertainties set forth under “Risk Factors” in the final prospectus, dated June 9, 2021, for the company’s initial public offering. LifeStance does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect any change in management's expectations or any change in the assumptions or circumstances on which such statements are based, except as otherwise required by law.

Non-GAAP Financial Information

This press release contains certain non-GAAP financial measures, including Center Margin, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin. Tables showing the reconciliation of these non-GAAP financial measures to the comparable GAAP measures are included at the end of this release. Management believes these non-GAAP financial measures are useful in evaluating the company’s operating performance, and may be helpful to securities analysts, institutional investors and other interested parties in understanding the company’s operating performance and prospects. These non-GAAP financial measures, as calculated, may not be comparable to companies in other industries or within the same industry with similarly titled measures of performance. Therefore, the company’s non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, or in isolation from, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP, such as net income (loss) or income (loss) from operations.

Center Margin and Adjusted EBITDA anticipated for full year 2021 are calculated in a manner consistent with the historical presentation of these measures at the end of this release. Reconciliation for the forward-looking full year 2021 Center Margin and Adjusted EBITDA guidance is not being provided, as LifeStance does not currently have sufficient data to accurately estimate the variables and individual adjustments for such reconciliation. LifeStance management cannot estimate on a forward-looking basis without unreasonable effort the impact these variables and individual adjustments will have on its reported results.

Management acknowledges that there are many items that impact a company’s reported results and the adjustments reflected in these non-GAAP measures are not intended to present all items that may have impacted these results.

 

Consolidated Financial Information and Reconciliations

 

 
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(unaudited)
(In thousands, except for par value)
 
    Successor  
    September 30, 2021     December 31, 2020  
CURRENT ASSETS            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 212,123     $ 18,829  
Patient accounts receivable     70,059       43,706  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     46,144       13,745  
Total current assets     328,326       76,280  
NONCURRENT ASSETS            
Property and equipment, net     115,049       59,349  
Intangible assets, net     307,982       332,796  
Goodwill     1,160,011       1,098,659  
Deposits     3,388       2,647  
Total noncurrent assets     1,586,430       1,493,451  
Total assets   $ 1,914,756     $ 1,569,731  
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE UNITS AND STOCKHOLDERS'/MEMBERS’ EQUITY            
CURRENT LIABILITIES            
Accounts payable   $ 3,074     $ 7,688  
Accrued payroll expenses     57,603       38,024  
Other accrued expenses     28,331       14,685  
Current portion of contingent consideration     14,012       10,563  
Other current liabilities     2,185       4,961  
Total current liabilities     105,205       75,921  
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES            
Long-term debt, net     157,447       362,534  
Other noncurrent liabilities     22,892       11,363  
Contingent consideration, net of current portion     3,117       5,851  
Deferred tax liability, net     81,226       81,226  
Total noncurrent liabilities     264,682       460,974  
Total liabilities   $ 369,887     $ 536,895  
COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES (see Note 16)            
REDEEMABLE UNITS            
Redeemable Class A units – 0 and 35,000 units authorized, issued and outstanding as of September 30,
   2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
          35,000  
STOCKHOLDERS’/MEMBERS’ EQUITY            
Common units A-1 – 0 and 959,563 units authorized, issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2021
   and December 31, 2020, respectively
          959,563  
Common units A-2 – 0 and 49,946 units authorized, issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2021
   and December 31, 2020, respectively
          49,946  
Common units B – 0 and 179,000 units authorized as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020,
   respectively; 0 units issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020
           
Preferred stock – par value $0.01 per share; 25,000 and 0 shares authorized as of September 30, 2021
   and December 31, 2020, respectively; 0 shares issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2021 and
   December 31, 2020
           
Common stock – par value $0.01 per share; 800,000 and 0 shares authorized as of September 30, 2021
   and December 31, 2020, respectively; 374,149 and 0 shares issued and outstanding as of
   September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively
    3,742        
Additional paid-in capital     1,790,169       1,452  
Accumulated deficit     (249,042 )     (13,125 )
Total stockholders'/members’ equity     1,544,869       997,836  
Total liabilities, redeemable units and stockholders’/members’ equity   $ 1,914,756     $ 1,569,731  
                 

 

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME/(LOSS) AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME/(LOSS)
(unaudited)
(In thousands, except for Net Loss per Share)
 
  Successor       Predecessor  
  Three Months
Ended

September 30,
2021
    Three Months
Ended

September 30,
2020
    Nine Months
Ended

September 30,
2021
    April 13 to
September 30,
2020*
      January 1 to
May 14,
2020
 
TOTAL REVENUE $ 173,835     $ 101,982     $ 477,516     $ 147,435       $ 111,661  
OPERATING EXPENSES                              
Center costs, excluding
   depreciation and amortization
   shown separately below
  121,783       68,847       330,258       100,122         78,777  
General and administrative
   expenses
  162,943       19,534       281,073       28,176         20,854  
Depreciation and amortization   13,777       10,910       38,779       16,342         3,335  
Total operating expenses $ 298,503     $ 99,291     $ 650,110     $ 144,640       $ 102,966  
(LOSS) INCOME FROM
   OPERATIONS
$ (124,668 )   $ 2,691     $ (172,594 )   $ 2,795       $ 8,695  
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)                              
(Loss) gain on remeasurement
   of contingent consideration
  (906 )     89       (1,463 )     38         322  
Transaction costs   (126 )     (683 )     (3,656 )     (864 )       (33,247 )
Interest expense   (3,503 )     (6,421 )     (35,309 )     (11,983 )       (3,020 )
Other expense         (44 )     (1,445 )     (66 )       (14 )
Total other expense $ (4,535 )   $ (7,059 )   $ (41,873 )   $ (12,875 )     $ (35,959 )
LOSS BEFORE INCOME
   TAXES
  (129,203 )     (4,368 )     (214,467 )     (10,080 )       (27,264 )
INCOME TAX BENEFIT   8,751       1,074       15,300       2,444         2,319  
NET LOSS AND
   COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
$ (120,452 )   $ (3,294 )   $ (199,167 )   $ (7,636 )     $ (24,945 )
Accretion of Redeemable Class
   A units
              (36,750 )              
Accretion of Series A-1
   redeemable convertible
   preferred units (Note 12)
                            (272,582 )
Cumulative dividend on Series
   A redeemable convertible
   preferred units (Note 12)
                            (662 )
NET LOSS AVAILABLE TO
   COMMON
   STOCKHOLDERS/MEMBERS
$ (120,452 )   $ (3,294 )   $ (235,917 )   $ (7,636 )     $ (298,189 )
NET LOSS PER SHARE, BASIC
   AND DILUTED
  (0.35 )     (0.01 )     (0.73 )     (0.03 )        
Weighted-average shares used to
   compute basic and diluted net
   loss per share
  343,394       302,657       321,283       300,799          

* For the period from April 13, 2020 through May 14, 2020, the operations of LifeStance TopCo, L.P. (Successor) were limited to those incident to its formation and the acquisition of LifeStance by affiliates of TPG Global, LLC (the "TPG Acquisition"), which were not significant. Earnings from April 13 to May 14 were reflected in the Predecessor 2020 Period.

 
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(unaudited)
(In thousands)
 
    Successor       Predecessor  
    Nine Months
Ended

September 30,
2021
    April 13 to
September 30,
2020*
      January 1 to
May 14, 2020
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES                    
Net loss   $ (199,167 )   $ (7,636 )     $ (24,945 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating
   activities:
                   
Depreciation and amortization     38,779       16,342         3,335  
Stock and unit-based compensation     150,809       865          
Deferred income taxes           2,866         (2,345 )
Loss on debt extinguishment     5,620       3,066          
Amortization of debt issue costs     1,498       358         215  
Loss (gain) on remeasurement of contingent consideration     1,463       (38 )       (322 )
Endowment of shares to LifeStance Health Foundation     9,000                
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of businesses acquired:                    
Patient accounts receivable     (20,711 )     (4,939 )       (5,122 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     (32,888 )     (6,468 )       (4,526 )
Accounts payable     (4,613 )     1,056         (1,638 )
Accrued payroll expenses     15,910       1,529         8,753  
Other accrued expenses     13,085       (33,130 )       40,031  
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities     (21,215 )     (26,129 )       13,436  
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES                    
Purchases of property and equipment     (55,815 )     (14,653 )       (12,804 )
Acquisition of Predecessor, net of cash acquired           (646,694 )        
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired     (58,699 )     (30,100 )       (12,274 )
Net cash used in investing activities     (114,514 )     (691,447 )       (25,078 )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES                    
Proceeds from initial public offering, net of underwriters discounts and
   commissions and deferred offering costs
    548,905                
Issuance of common units to new investors     1,000       21,000          
Contributions from Members related to acquisition of Predecessor           633,585          
Repurchase of Series A redeemable convertible preferred units                   (1,000 )
Proceeds from long-term debt     98,800       235,900         74,350  
Payments of debt issue costs     (2,360 )     (6,411 )       (650 )
Payments of long-term debt     (311,060 )     (139,130 )       (18,222 )
Payments of contingent consideration     (6,262 )     (2,300 )       (19,093 )
Net cash provided by financing activities     329,023       742,644         35,385  
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS     193,294       25,068         23,743  
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of period     18,829               3,481  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS – END OF PERIOD   $ 212,123     $ 25,068       $ 27,224  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION                    
Cash paid for interest and prepayment premium   $ 28,217     $ 8,555       $ 2,857  
Cash paid for taxes   $ 908     $ 144       $ 25  
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON CASH INVESTING AND
   FINANCING ACTIVITIES
                   
Unpaid deferred offering costs included in accounts payable and
   other accrued expenses
  $     $       $  
Equipment financed through capital leases   $ 14     $ 7       $ 415  
Contingent consideration incurred in acquisitions of businesses   $ 5,514     $ 4,226       $ 3,788  
Acquisition of property and equipment included in liabilities   $ 8,936     $ 2,562       $ 2,718  
Issuance of common units for convertible promissory note conversion   $     $ 511       $  
Issuance of common units for acquisitions of businesses   $ 1,486     $ 4,500       $  

* For the period from April 13, 2020 through May 14, 2020, the operations of LifeStance TopCo, L.P. (Successor) were limited to those incident to its formation and the TPG Acquisition, which were not significant. Earnings from April 13 to May 14 were reflected in the Predecessor 2020 Period.

 
RECONCILIATION OF (LOSS) INCOME FROM OPERATIONS TO CENTER MARGIN
 
    Successor       Predecessor  
    Three Months
Ended

September 30,
2021
    Three Months
Ended

September 30,
2020
    Nine Months
Ended

September 30,
2021
    April 13 to
September 30,
2020
      January 1 to
May 14, 2020
 
(in thousands)                                
(Loss) income from operations   $ (124,668 )   $ 2,691     $ (172,594 )   $ 2,795       $ 8,695  
Adjusted for:                                
Depreciation and amortization     13,777       10,910       38,779       16,342         3,335  
General and administrative
   expenses (1)
    162,943       19,534       281,073       28,176         20,854  
Center Margin   $ 52,052     $ 33,135     $ 147,258     $ 47,313       $ 32,884  

(1) Represents salaries, wages and employee benefits for our executive leadership, finance, human resources, marketing, billing and credentialing support and technology infrastructure.

 
RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS TO ADJUSTED EBITDA
 
  Successor       Predecessor  
  Three Months Ended
September 30, 2021
    Three Months Ended
September 30, 2020
    Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2021
    April 13 to
September 30, 2020
      January 1 to
May 14, 2020
 
(in thousands)                              
Net loss $ (120,452 )   $ (3,294 )   $ (199,167 )   $ (7,636 )     $ (24,945 )
Adjusted for:                              
Interest expense   3,503       6,421       35,309       11,983         3,020  
Depreciation and amortization   13,777       10,910       38,779       16,342         3,335  
Income tax benefit   (8,751 )     (1,074 )     (15,300 )     (2,444 )       (2,319 )
Loss (gain) on
   remeasurement of contingent
   consideration
  906       (89 )     1,463       (38 )       (322 )
Stock and unit-based
   compensation
  120,689       573       150,809       865          
Management fees (1)         44       1,445       60         14  
Loss on disposal of assets                     6          
Transaction costs (2)   126       683       3,656       864         33,247  
Offering related costs (3)               8,747                
Endowment to the LifeStance
   Health Foundation
              10,000                
Other expenses (4)   896       810       2,072       992         635  
Adjusted EBITDA $ 10,694     $ 14,984     $ 37,813     $ 20,994       $ 12,665  

(1) Represents management fees paid to certain of our executive officers and affiliates of our principal stockholders pursuant to the management services agreement entered into in connection with the TPG Acquisition. The management services agreement terminated in connection with the IPO, and we were required to pay a one-time fee of $1.2 million to such parties.
(2) Primarily includes capital markets advisory, consulting, accounting and legal expenses related to our acquisitions and costs related to the TPG Acquisition. Of the transaction costs incurred in the period from January 1, 2020 to May 14, 2020 (Predecessor), $32.9 million relate to the TPG Acquisition.
(3) Primarily includes non-recurring incremental professional services, such as accounting and legal, and directors' and officers' insurance incurred in connection with the IPO.
(4) Primarily includes costs incurred to consummate or integrate acquired centers, certain of which are wholly owned and certain of which are affiliated practices, in addition to the compensation paid to former owners of acquired centers and related expenses that are not reflective of the ongoing operating expenses of our centers. Acquired center integration, former owner fees, and other are components of general and administrative expenses included in our consolidated statement of income/(loss) and comprehensive income/(loss). Impairment on loans is a component of center costs, excluding depreciation and amortization included in our consolidated statement of income/(loss) and comprehensive income/(loss).


 

 


Investor Contact:
Monica Prokocki
VP of Investor Relations
investor.relations@lifestance.com

Media Contact:
Brooke Matthews
Director of Public Relations
media@lifestance.com