USPH - U.S. Physical Therapy Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2021 Results

Patient Volumes Continued at Record Pace

Company Provides 2022 Earnings Guidance and Raises Dividend

U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. ("USPH" or the “Company”) (NYSE: USPH), a national operator of outpatient physical therapy clinics and provider of industrial injury prevention services, today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2021 (“2021 Fourth Quarter” and “2021 Year”, respectively).

FULL YEAR AND QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

• Operating Results per diluted share, excluding Relief Funds (defined below), a non-GAAP measure (defined below), was $3.17 per diluted share for the 2021 Year, as compared to the Company’s guidance range of $3.05 to $3.15 per share. It exceeded the $2.39 reported on the same basis for the year ended December 31, 2020 (“2020 Year”) and the $2.82 reported for the pre-pandemic year ended December 31, 2019 (“2019 Year”).
• For the 2021 Fourth Quarter, Operating Results per diluted share, excluding Relief Funds, a non-GAAP measure (defined below), was $0.72. For the three months ended December 31, 2020 (“2020 Fourth Quarter”), Operating Results per diluted share was $0.85, aided by reduced expense levels due to the pandemic and a slight rate adjustment related to earlier 2020 periods, and $0.64 for the pre-pandemic three months ended December 31, 2019 (“2019 Fourth Quarter”).
• For the 2021 Year, USPH’s net income attributable to its shareholders, a Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) measure, was $40.8 million compared to $35.2 million for the 2020 Year and $40.0 million for the 2019 Year. GAAP requires the Company to include a charge for the revaluation of its non-controlling interest, net of taxes, in its computation of earnings per diluted share. Earnings per diluted share including such charge was $2.41 for the 2021 Year, as compared to $2.48 for the 2020 Year, and $2.45 for the 2019 Year.
• For the 2021 Fourth Quarter, USPH’s net income attributable to its shareholders, a GAAP measure, was $10.2 million compared to $13.0 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter and $7.9 million for the 2019 Fourth Quarter. Earnings per diluted share on a GAAP basis, which includes a charge for revaluation of non-controlling interest, net of taxes, was $0.73 for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to $0.68 for the 2020 Fourth Quarter and $0.55 for the 2019 Fourth Quarter.
• Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Relief Funds, a non-GAAP measure (defined below), was $74.3 million for the 2021 Year, as compared to $56.5.million for the 2020 Year and $72.8 million for the pre-pandemic 2019 Year. See pages 16 through 18 for a discussion and reconciliation to results according to GAAP.
• Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Relief Funds, a non-GAAP measure (defined below), was $17.0 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter, as compared to $18.3 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter and $15.3 million for the pre-pandemic 2019 Fourth Quarter. See pages 16 through 18 for a discussion and reconciliation to results according to GAAP.
• Average visits per clinic per day continued at a record pace in the fourth quarter of 2021, finishing at 29.8 for the 2021 Fourth Quarter, bested in the Company’s history only by the 30.0 average visits per clinic per day in the second quarter of 2021. Average visits per clinic per day were 27.7 for the 2020 Fourth Quarter and 28.0 for the pre-pandemic 2019 Fourth Quarter. The Company’s average visits per clinic per day exceeded 29.0 for the first time in the Company’s history in March 2021 and continued at that level or higher for the final ten months of the 2021 Year.
• For the 2021 Year, average visits per clinic per day were the highest in the Company’s history at 29.1, exceeding the previous high of 27.6 in the 2019 Year.
• The net rate per patient visit was $103.53 for the 2021 Fourth Quarter. Net rate per patient visit was $107.05 for the 2020 Fourth Quarter, which included a slight adjustment related to earlier 2020 periods, and $105.10 for the 2019 Fourth Quarter.
• Net patient revenue from physical therapy operations was $113.5 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter, an increase of 8.6% from $104.5 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. Net patient revenue for the 2021 Fourth Quarter was 4.2% higher than net patient revenue from physical therapy operations of $108.9 million in the pre-pandemic 2019 Fourth Quarter.
• Industrial injury prevention services revenue was an all-time high of $13.4 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter, representing a 38.5% increase over the 2020 Fourth Quarter and a 29.4% increase over the 2019 Fourth Quarter.
• Total revenue of $129.8 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter was 10.5% higher than total revenue of $117.5 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter and 6.3% higher than total revenue of $122.1 million for the 2019 Fourth Quarter.
• Total operating cost was 79.1% of total revenue in the 2021 Fourth Quarter, as compared to 75.2% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter and 77.9% of total revenue in the pre-pandemic 2019 Fourth Quarter. Total salaries and related costs were 58.0% of total revenue for the 2021 Fourth Quarter versus 55.9% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter and 57.8% for the pre-pandemic 2019 Fourth Quarter.
• On November 30, 2021, USPH acquired an approximate 70.0% interest in a leading provider of industrial injury prevention services at a purchase price of approximately $63.2 million. The business generates approximately $27.0 million in annual revenue at a margin of approximately 20%. On December 31, 2021, the Company acquired a 75.0% interest in a three-clinic physical therapy practice in South Carolina at a purchase price of approximately $3.7 million. This practice generates more than $2.7 million in annual revenue and has approximately 31,000 patient visits per year.
• The Company paid $31.1 million for all or a portion of the non-controlling interest held by certain of its equity partners in the 2021 Year, representing approximately $4.1 million of EBITDA, with $14.0 million of the purchases in Fourth Quarter 2021.
• The Company’s Board of Directors raised the Company’s quarterly dividend from $0.38 per share to $0.41 per share, an increase of 7.9%, effectively immediately, and declared a quarterly dividend for the first quarter of 2022 at the higher rate.
• Management currently expects the Company’s Operating Results for 2022 to be in the range of $3.25 to $3.35, which includes the Medicare rate reductions occurring in 2022. The earnings guidance represents projected Operating Results from existing operations and excludes future acquisitions. See “Management Provides 2022 Earnings Guidance” below for more information.

SUMMARY OF 2021 FOURTH QUARTER AND FULL YEAR 2021 RESULTS

For the 2021 Year, USPH’s net income attributable to its shareholders, a GAAP measure, was $40.8 million as compared to $35.2 million for the 2020 Year and $40.0 million for the 2019 Year. The 2021 Year and the 2020 Year include Relief Funds, net of non-controlling interest and taxes, of $2.9 million and $7.8 million, respectively, and the 2019 Year includes a gain on sale of partnerships and clinics of $4.1 million, net of taxes.

In accordance with current accounting guidance, the revaluation of redeemable non-controlling interest, net of taxes, is not included in net income but charged directly to retained earnings; however, the charge for this change is included in the earnings per basic and diluted share calculation. Including the charge for revaluation of non-controlling interest, net of taxes, the amount is $31.1 million, or earnings per diluted share of $2.41, for the 2021 Year, $31.8 million, or earnings per diluted share of $2.48, for the 2020 Year, and $31.3 million, or earnings per diluted share of $2.45, for the 2019 Year. See the schedule on page 17 for the computation of earnings per diluted share.

For the 2021 Fourth Quarter, USPH’s net income attributable to its shareholders was $10.2 million as compared to $13.0 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter and $7.9 million for the 2019 Fourth Quarter. Inclusive of the charge or credit for revaluation of non-controlling interest, net of taxes, used to compute earnings per diluted share in accordance with GAAP, the amount is $9.4 million, or $0.73 per diluted share, for the 2021 Fourth Quarter, $8.7 million, or $0.68 per diluted share, for the 2020 Fourth Quarter, and $7.1 million, or $0.55 per diluted share, for the 2019 Fourth Quarter.

For the 2021 Year, USPH’s Operating Results, inclusive of Relief Funds, was $43.8 million, or $3.39 per diluted share, an increase of 13.8%, as compared to $38.4 million, or $2.99 per diluted share, for the 2020 Year. For the 2021 Year, USPH’s Operating Results, excluding Relief Funds, was $40.9 million, or $3.17 per diluted share, an increase of 33.5%, as compared to $30.6 million, or $2.39 per diluted share, for the 2020 Year. Operating Results, excluding Relief Funds, for the 2021 Year was also 13.6% higher than the $36.0 million, or $2.82 per diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2019 (“2019 Year”). Operating Results, a non-GAAP measure, equals net income attributable to USPH diluted shareholders per the consolidated statements of income less gain on sale of partnership interests and clinics plus charges incurred for clinic closure costs and expenses related to executive officer transitions and settlement of a legal matter, all net of taxes. Operating Results per diluted share also excludes the impact of the revaluation of redeemable non-controlling interest and the associated tax impact. See tables on pages 17 and 18.

For the 2021 Fourth Quarter, USPH’s Operating Results, inclusive of Relief Funds, was $12.2 million, or $0.94 per diluted share, a decrease of 12.4%, as compared to $13.9 million, or $1.08 per diluted share, for the 2020 Year. For the 2021 Fourth Quarter, USPH’s Operating Results, excluding Relief Funds, was $9.3 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, a decrease of 15.1% as compared to $10.9 million, or $0.85 per diluted share, for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. Operating Results, excluding Relief Funds, for the 2021 Fourth Quarter was 13.6% higher than the $8.2 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, for the pre-pandemic three months ended December 31, 2019 (“2019 Fourth Quarter”).

As previously disclosed in a series of filings with the SEC and further described in detail in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the first three quarters of 2020 and our 2020 Annual Report, the Company’s results were negatively impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. For 2021 Year as compared to 2020 Year, the increase in revenues and expenses are largely due to the Company returning to and now exceeding pre-pandemic patient volumes.

Fourth Quarter 2021 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2020

• Reported total revenue for the 2021 Fourth Quarter was $129.8 million, an increase of 10.5% as compared to $117.5 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. See table below for a detail of reported total revenue (in thousands):

• Net patient revenue from physical therapy operations increased $9.0 million, or 8.6%, to $113.5 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter from $104.5 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. Included in net patient revenue are revenues related to clinics sold or closed in 2021 and 2020 of $12,000 for the 2021 Fourth Quarter and $0.5 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. During the 2021 Year, the Company sold its interest in 2 clinics and closed 3 clinics. During the 2020 Year, the Company sold its interest in 14 clinics and closed 34 clinics. For comparison purposes, net patient revenue from physical therapy operations, excluding revenue from the clinics sold or closed, was approximately $113.5 million for Fourth Quarter 2021 and $104.0 million for the Fourth Quarter 2020. Net patient revenue related to clinics opened or acquired prior to 2020 and still in operation at December 31, 2021 (“Mature Clinics”) increased $1.8 million, or 1.8%, to $102.0 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter compared to $100.2 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter.
• The average net patient revenue per visit was $103.53 for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to $107.05 for the 2020 Fourth Quarter, which included a slight rate adjustment related to earlier 2020 periods. Total patient visits increased 12.3% to 1,096,389 for the 2021 Fourth Quarter from 976,492 for the 2020 Fourth Quarter.
• Visits for Mature Clinics (same store) for the 2021 Fourth Quarter increased 10.9% as compared to the 2020 Fourth Quarter while the net rate per visit decreased 8.2%. The 2020 Fourth Quarter net rate included a slight upward adjustment related to earlier 2020 periods.
• Management contract revenue decreased 15.9% to $2.2 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to $2.7 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter.
• Industrial injury prevention services revenue increased 38.5% to $13.4 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to $9.7 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. Of the $13.4 million, $2.2 million related to the acquisition on November 30, 2021.
• Total operating cost was $102.7 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter, or 79.1% of total revenue, as compared to $88.3 million, or 75.2% of total revenue, for the 2020 Fourth Quarter, when costs were at reduced levels due to the pandemic. The Company took a number of steps throughout the 2020 Year to reduce costs as its patient volumes were negatively impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For comparison purposes, total operating cost was 77.9% of total revenue in the pre-pandemic 2019 Fourth Quarter. Operating cost related to Mature Clinics increased by $5.6 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter compared to the 2020 Fourth Quarter. In addition, operating cost related to the industrial injury prevention services business increased by $3.3 million. See table below for a detail of operating cost (in thousands):

• Total salaries and related costs, including all operations, were 58.0% of total revenue for the 2021 Fourth Quarter versus 55.9% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. For comparison purposes, total salaries and related costs were 57.8% of total revenue in the pre-pandemic 2019 Fourth Quarter. Rent, supplies, contract labor and other costs as a percentage of total revenue were 20.0% for the 2021 Fourth Quarter versus 18.2% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. The provision for credit losses as a percentage of total revenue was 1.1% for both the 2021 Fourth Quarter and the 2020 Fourth Quarter.
• Gross profit for the 2021 Fourth Quarter, was $27.2 million, a decrease of $1.9 million, or approximately 6.6%, as compared to $29.1 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. The gross profit percentage was 20.9% of total revenue for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to 24.8% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. The gross profit percentage for the Company’s physical therapy operations was 21.0% for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to 24.9% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. The gross profit percentage on management contracts was 19.1% for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to 22.2% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. The gross profit percentage for industrial injury prevention services was 20.6% for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to 24.6% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. The table below details the gross profit (in thousands):

• Corporate office costs were $10.7 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter compared to $10.9 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. Corporate office costs were 8.3% of total revenue for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to 9.3% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter.
• Operating income for the 2021 Fourth Quarter was $16.5 million, a decrease of $1.7 million, or 9.5%, as compared to $18.2 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. Operating income as a percentage of total revenue was 12.7% for the 2021 Fourth Quarter as compared to 15.5% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter.
• Relief Funds for the 2021 Fourth Quarter were $4.6 million compared to $5.2 million in the 2020 Fourth Quarter. See discussion of Relief Funds below.
• In the 2021 Fourth Quarter, the Company increased a reserve related to a legal matter by $2.6 million and, in January 2022, paid $2.75 million related to this matter.
• Interest expense was $0.2 million for both the 2021 Fourth Quarter and the 2020 Fourth Quarter.
• The provision for income tax was $3.9 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter and $4.6 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. The provision for income tax as a percentage of income before taxes less net income attributable to non-controlling interest (effective tax rate) was 27.9% for the 2021 Fourth Quarter and 26.0% for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. See table below ($ in thousands):

• Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest (temporary equity) was $2.7 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter and $3.4 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. Net income attributable to non-controlling interest (permanent equity) was $1.5 million for the 2021 Fourth Quarter and $2.2 million for the 2020 Fourth Quarter. The decrease reflects the Company’s purchase of $31.1 million for all or a portion of the non-controlling interests from equity partners during the 2021 Year.

2021 Year Compared to 2020 Year

• Reported total revenue for the 2021 Year increased $72.1 million, or 17.0% to $495.0 million as compared to $423.0 million for the 2020 Year. See table below for a detail of reported total revenue (in thousands):

• Net patient revenue from physical therapy operations increased $65.0 million, or 17.4%, to $438.3 million for the 2021 Year from $373.3 million in the 2020 Year. Included in net patient revenue from physical therapy operations are revenues related to clinics sold or closed in 2021 and 2020 of $0.5 million for the 2021 Year and $5.5 million for the 2020 Year. During the 2021 Year, the Company sold its interest in 2 clinics and closed 3 clinics. During the 2020 Year, the Company sold its interest in 14 clinics and closed 34 clinics. For comparison purposes, excluding revenue from the clinics sold or closed, net patient revenue from physical therapy operations was approximately $437.8 million for the 2021 Year and $367.8 million for the 2020 Year. Revenue related to Mature Clinics increased $44.6 million, or 12.5%, for the 2021 Year compared to the 2020 Year.
• The average net patient revenue per visit was $103.88 for the 2021 Year as compared to $105.66 for the 2020 Year, including all clinics operational during such periods. Total patient visits were 4,219,576 for the 2021 Year and 3,533,371 for the 2020 Year, an increase of 19.4%.
• Visits for Mature Clinics (same store) for the 2021 Year increased 17.8% as compared to the 2020 Year while the net rate per visit decreased 4.6%.
• Management contract revenue was $9.9 million for the 2021 Year, an increase of 17.2%, as compared to $8.4 million for the 2020 Year.
• Revenue from the industrial injury prevention services business increased 12.0% to $43.9 million for the 2021 Year as compared to $39.2 million for the 2020 Year.
• Other revenue was $2.9 million for the 2021 Year and $2.0 million for the 2020 Year. Other revenue includes a variety of services, including athletic trainers provided for schools and athletic events.
• Total operating cost, excluding closure costs, a non-GAAP measure, was $377.8 million for the 2021 Year, or 76.3% of total revenue, as compared to $324.6 million for the 2020 Year, or 76.7% of total revenue. For comparison purposes, total operating cost excluding closure costs, were 76.7% of total revenue in the pre-pandemic 2019 Year. Operating cost related to Mature Clinics increased by $31.7 million for the 2021 Year compared to the 2020 Year. In addition, operating cost related to the industrial injury prevention services business increased by $4.1 million. See table below for a detail of operating cost, excluding closure costs (in thousands):

• Total salaries and related costs, including all operations, were 56.3% of total revenue for the 2021 Year and 55.7% for the 2020 Year. For comparison purposes, total salaries and related costs were 56.9% of total revenue in the pre-pandemic the year 2019. Rent, supplies, contract labor and other costs as a percentage of total revenue was 19.0% for the 2021 Year versus 19.9% for the 2020 Year. The provision for credit losses as a percentage of total revenue was 1.1% for both the 2021 Year and 2020 Year.
• Gross profit excluding closure costs, a non-GAAP measure, was $117.2 million for the 2021 Year, an increase of $18.8 million, or 19.1%, as compared to $98.4 million for the 2020 Year. The gross profit percentage, excluding closure costs, was 23.7% of total revenue for 2021 Year, an increase of 40 basis points, as compared to 23.3% for the 2020 Year. The gross profit percentage for the Company’s physical therapy operations, excluding closure costs, was 23.8% for the 2021 Year, an increase of 70 basis points as compared to 23.1% for the 2020 Year. The gross profit percentage on management contracts revenue was 15.7% for the 2021 Year as compared to 20.9% for the 2020 Year. The gross profit percentage for the industrial injury prevention services business was 24.4% for the 2021 Year as compared to 25.7% for the 2020 Year. The table below details the gross profit, excluding closure costs (in thousands):

• Corporate office costs were $46.5 million for the 2021 Year compared to $42.0 million for the 2020 Year. Corporate office costs were 9.4% of total revenue for the 2021 Year as compared to 9.9% for the 2020 Year. The 2020 Year included temporary salary reductions and furloughs related to the pandemic. The 2021 Year included $1.3 million in equity compensation expense related to the accelerated vesting of restricted stock previously granted to the Chief Operating Officer – West upon his retirement in July 2021. Excluding the equity compensation related to the Chief Operating Officer – West, Corporate office costs were 9.1% of total revenue for the 2021 Year.
• Operating income for the 2021 Year was $70.6 million, an increase of $18.2 million, or 34.8%, as compared to $52.4 million for the 2020 Year. Operating income as a percentage of total revenue increased 190 basis points from 12.4% for the 2020 Year to 14.3% for the 2021 Year.
• Relief Funds for the 2021 Year were $4.6 million compared to $13.5 million in the 2020 Year. See discussion of Relief Funds below.
• Other income for the 2021 Year includes $1.2 million of income related to the positive resolution of a payor matter and other expense includes a $2.6 million increase in a reserve related to a legal matter. In January 2022, the Company paid $2.75 million related to this legal matter.
• Interest expense was $0.9 million for the 2021 Year and $1.6 million for the 2020 Year.
• The provision for income tax was $15.3 million for the 2021 Year and $13.0 million for the 2020 Year. The provision for income tax as a percentage of income before taxes less net income attributable to non-controlling interest (effective tax rate) was 27.2% for the 2021 Year and 27.0% for the 2020 Year. See table below ($ in thousands):

• Net income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest (temporary equity) was $11.4 million for the 2021 Year and $11.2 million for the 2020 Year. Net income attributable to non-controlling interest (permanent equity) was $5.7 million for the 2021 Year and $6.1 million for the 2020 Year.

Relief Funds

On March 27, 2020, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”). The CARES Act provided waivers, reimbursement, grants and other funds to assist health care providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, including $100.0 billion in appropriations for the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, also referred to as the Provider Relief Fund, to be used for preventing, preparing, and responding to the Coronavirus, and for reimbursing eligible health care providers for lost revenues and health care related expenses that are attributable to COVID-19.

For the 2021 Year and 2020 Year, the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries recorded income of approximately $4.6 million and $13.5 million, respectively, of payments under the CARES Act (“Relief Funds”). Under the Company’s accounting policy, these payments were recorded as Other income – Relief Funds. These funds are not required to be repaid upon attestation and compliance with certain terms and conditions, which could change materially based on evolving grant compliance provisions and guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Currently, the Company can attest and comply with the terms and conditions. The Company will continue to monitor the evolving guidelines and may record adjustments as additional information is released.

Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program (“MAAPP Funds”)

The CARES Act also allowed also for qualified healthcare providers to receive advanced payments under the MAAPP Funds during the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this program, healthcare providers could choose to receive advanced payments for future Medicare services provided. The Company applied for and received approval from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) in April 2020. The Company recorded the $14.1 million in advance payments received as a liability. During the first quarter of 2021, the Company repaid the MAAPP Funds of $14.1 million rather than applying them to future services performed.

Other Financial Measures

For the 2021 Year, the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Relief Funds, a non-GAAP measure, was $74.3 million, and for the 2020 Year was $56.5 million, and $72.8 million for the pre-pandemic 2019 Year. For the 2021 Year, the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA, inclusive of Relief Funds, a non-GAAP measure, was $78.9 million, and for the 2020 Year was $70.0 million, and $72.8 million for the pre-pandemic 2019 Year. The 2021 Year and 2020 Year included $4.6 million and $13.5 million, respectively, of Relief Funds.

For the 2021 Fourth Quarter, the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA, excluding Relief Funds, a non-GAAP measure, was $17.0 million, and for the 2020 Fourth Quarter was $18.3 million, and $15.3 for the pre-pandemic 2019 Fourth Quarter. For the 2021 Fourth Quarter, the Company’s Adjusted EBITDA, inclusive of Relief Funds, a non-GAAP measure, was $21.6 million, and for the 2020 Fourth Quarter was $23.5 million, and $15.3 for the pre-pandemic 2019 Fourth Quarter. The 2021 Fourth Quarter and 2020 Fourth Quarter included $4.6 million and $5.2 million, respectively, of Relief Funds. See definition, explanation and calculation of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, in the schedule on pages 16 through 18.

Acquisitions in Fourth Quarter 2021

As previously reported, USPH acquired an approximate 70.0% interest in a leading provider of industrial injury prevention services on November 30, 2021, with the founders and owners retaining the remaining interest. The purchase price for the approximate 70% equity interest in the industrial injury prevention services business was $63.2 million, not inclusive of a $2.0 million contingent payment in conjunction with the acquisition if specified future operational objectives are met. This business generates approximately $27.0 million in annual revenue at a margin of approximately 20%. As part of the transaction, USPH also agreed to the future purchase of a separate company under the same ownership that provides physical therapy and rehabilitation services to hospitals and other ancillary providers in a distinct market area. The current owners have the right to put this transaction to USPH in approximately five years, with such right having a $3.5 million fair value at December 31, 2021, as reflected on the Company’s balance sheet in Other long-term liabilities. The fair value of this right will be adjusted in future periods, as appropriate, with any change in fair value reflected in the Company’s income statement.

On December 31, 2021, the Company acquired a 75% interest in a three-clinic physical therapy practice in South Carolina, with the practice’s founder and owner retaining 25%. The purchase price for the 75% equity interest was approximately $3.7 million. The business generates more than $2.7 million in annual revenue and has approximately 31,000 patient visits per year.

The Company’s strategy is to continue acquiring multi-clinic outpatient physical therapy practices, to develop outpatient physical therapy clinics as satellites in existing partnerships and to continue acquiring companies that provide industrial injury prevention services.

Quarterly Dividend

In response to the Company’s strong performance in 2021 and confidence in its future performance, the Company’s Board of Directors increased the Company’s quarterly dividend on February 22, 2022, from $0.38 per share to $0.41 per share, an increase of 7.9%. The Board of Directors subsequently declared a quarterly dividend of $0.41 per share payable on April 8, 2022 to shareholders of record on March 14, 2022.

Management’s Comments

Chris Reading, Chief Executive Officer, said, “I have said this a lot over the past couple of years, but it is worth repeating... I am supremely proud of our entire workforce, across our many partnerships, for the way they have responded to challenge after challenge these past 24 months. This year was no different and yet we were able to navigate through these challenges to create a meaningfully forward year in revenue and profitability and a record year in terms of volumes across our clinic network. It is my distinct privilege to work with so many good people day in and day out. The resolve that has allowed us to excel this past year will be firmly applied to our forward opportunities. Surrounding ourselves with great people who care deeply about all that they do continues to be the secret to our success.”

Carey Hendrickson, Chief Financial Officer, said, “Our team delivered much stronger operating results in 2021 than initially expected coming into the year, a true testament to the quality and resiliency of our team. We are pleased to raise our quarterly dividend rate once again in the first quarter of 2022, which we have raised each year since the inception of our dividend in 2011.”

Management Provides 2022 Earnings Guidance

Management currently expects the Company’s Operating Results for 2022 to be in the range of $42.2 million to $43.5 million, or $3.25 to $3.35 per diluted share, which considers the following:

• The previously-announced Medicare rate reduction for the full year of 2022 of approximately 0.75%, which is expected to reduce the Company’s 2022 revenue by approximately $1.1 million, or $0.06 per share after non-controlling interest and taxes
• The previously announced phase-out of sequestration relief which results in a 1% reduction in the rate applied to all Medicare payments for the second quarter of 2022 and a 2% reduction in the rate applied to all Medicare payments in the third and fourth quarters of 2022; this is expected to reduce the Company's 2022 revenue by approximately $1.9 million, or $0.09 per share after non-controlling interest and taxes
• The previously-announced 15% decrease in rate for care provided to a Medicare patient by a physical therapy assistant effective January 1, 2022, which is expected to reduce the Company’s 2022 revenue by approximately $1.2 million, or $0.06 per share after non-controlling interest and taxes

This earnings range is based on an estimated annual effective tax rate of approximately 27.1%. Please note that the earnings guidance represents projected Operating Results from existing operations and excludes future acquisitions. The annual guidance figures will not be updated unless there is a material development that causes management to believe that Operating Results will be significantly outside the given range.

Fourth and Year 2021 Conference Call

U.S. Physical Therapy's management will host a conference call at 10:30 a.m. Eastern Time, 9:30 a.m. Central Time, on February 24, 2022 to discuss results for the Company's 2021 Fourth Quarter and 2021 Year. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing 1-800-895-3361 or 785-424-1062 and entering reservation number USPHQ42021 approximately 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin. To listen to the live call via web-cast, go to the Company's website at www.usph.com at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. The conference call will be archived and can be accessed until May 24, 2022 at U.S. Physical Therapy’s website.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that are considered to be forward-looking within the meaning under Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements contain forward-looking information relating to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of our Company. These statements (often using words such as “believes”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “appear”, “should” and similar words) involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those we expect. Included among such statements may be those relating to new clinics, availability of personnel and the reimbursement environment. The forward-looking statements are based on our current views and assumptions and actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of certain risks, uncertainties, and factors, which include, but are not limited to:

• the multiple effects of the impact of public health crises and epidemics/pandemics, such as the novel strain of COVID-19 and its variants, for which the total financial magnitude cannot be currently estimated;
• changes in Medicare rules and guidelines and reimbursement or failure of our clinics to maintain their Medicare certification and/or enrollment status?
• revenue we receive from Medicare and Medicaid being subject to potential retroactive reduction?
• changes in reimbursement rates or payment methods from third party payors including government agencies, and changes in the deductibles and co-pays owed by patients?
• compliance with federal and state laws and regulations relating to the privacy of individually identifiable patient information, and associated fines and penalties for failure to comply?
• competitive, economic or reimbursement conditions in our markets which may require us to reorganize or close certain clinics and thereby incur losses and/or closure costs including the possible write-down or write-off of goodwill and other intangible assets;
• the impact of COVID-19 related vaccination and/or testing mandates at the federal, state and/or local level, which could have an adverse impact on staffing, revenue, costs and the results of operations:
• changes as the result of government enacted national healthcare reform?
• business and regulatory conditions including federal and state regulations?
• governmental and other third party payor inspections, reviews, investigations and audits, which may result in sanctions or reputational harm and increased costs?
• revenue and earnings expectations?
• legal actions, which could subject us to increased operating costs and uninsured liabilities?
• general economic conditions?
• availability and cost of qualified physical therapists?
• personnel productivity and retaining key personnel?
• competitive environment in the industrial injury prevention services business, which could result in the termination or non-renewal of contractual service arrangements and other adverse financial consequences for that service line;
• acquisitions, and the successful integration of the operations of the acquired businesses;
• impact on the business and cash reserves resulting from retirement or resignation of key partners and resulting purchase of their non-controlling interest (minority interests);
• maintaining our information technology systems with adequate safeguards to protect against cyber-attacks?
• a security breach of our or our third party vendors’ information technology systems may subject us to potential legal action and reputational harm and may result in a violation of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act;
• maintaining clients for which we perform management and other services, as a breach or termination of those contractual arrangements by such clients could cause operating results to be less than expected;
• maintaining adequate internal controls;
• maintaining necessary insurance coverage?
• availability, terms, and use of capital? and
• weather and other seasonal factors.

See Risk Factors in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

Many factors are beyond our control. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Please see the other sections of this report and our other periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for more information on these factors. Our forward-looking statements represent our estimates and assumptions only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we are under no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, regardless of the reason the statement may no longer be accurate.

About U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc.

Founded in 1990, U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. operates 596 outpatient physical therapy clinics in 39 states. The Company's clinics provide preventative and post-operative care for a variety of orthopedic-related disorders and sports-related injuries, treatment for neurologically-related injuries and rehabilitation of injured workers. In addition to owning and operating clinics, the Company manages 37 physical therapy facilities for unaffiliated third parties, including hospitals and physician groups. The Company also has an industrial injury prevention services business which provides onsite services for clients’ employees including injury prevention and rehabilitation, performance optimization, post-offer employment testing, functional capacity evaluations, and ergonomic assessments. More information about U.S. Physical Therapy, Inc. is available at www.usph.com . The information included on that website is not incorporated into this press release.