Kansas City-based University of Kansas Health System reported an operating income of $26.8 million (2.2% margin) in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 (the three months ended Sept. 30), reversing a $15.4 million loss (-1.5% margin) in the same period last year.
KU Health's revenue for the quarter increased 15.4% year over year to $1.22 billion while expenses grew by 11.2% to $1.19 billion, according to financial documents published Nov. 27.
Salaries and benefits increased 10.2% to $614.9 million and contract labor decreased 37.3% to $20 million.
After factoring in nonoperating items, such as investment returns, KU Health reported a net income of $93.7 million for the quarter, compared to a $36.9 million loss in the same period in FY 2024. As of Sept. 30, long-term debt was $1 billion.
On July 1, KU Health acquired Liberty (Mo.) Hospital. The acquisition saw the health system increase the number of hospitals in its portfolio to nine. Liberty Hospital is its first hospital in Missouri.
"This was a perfect opportunity to partner with another independent hospital in a prime area for our health system. We also have that cultural compatibility, so it was pretty much a no-brainer for us to pursue," KU Health President and CEO Bob Page told Becker's.