Franklin, Tenn.-based CHS, which reported a net loss of $20 million in the first quarter on revenues of $3.1 billion, is on the hunt for new acquisitions just as it is also in discussions to sell off more assets.
"We are considering further opportunities to expand our portfolio," CEO Tim Hingtgen said in a webcast discussing first-quarter results.
Selling off certain assets would also help balance the system and further reduce some of its debt, President and CFO Kevin Hammons confirmed on the call.
"Moreover, we may give consideration to divesting certain additional hospitals and non-hospital businesses," CHS said in an SEC filing. "Generally, these hospitals and non-hospital businesses are not in one of our strategically beneficial services areas, are less complementary to our business strategy and/or have lower operating margins. In addition, we continue to receive interest from potential acquirers for certain of our hospitals and non-hospital businesses."
The health system, which operates 79 hospitals in 15 states, has agreed to sell four more hospitals effective Jan. 1, the filing stated.
CHS recently completed the $92 million sale of Oak Hill, W.Va.-base Plateau Medical Center to Charleston, W.Va.-based Vandalia Health. It also finalized on Jan. 3 an $85 million sale of its former 122-bed facility in Ronceverte, W.Va, also to Vandalia Health.
CHS shares were trading at $6.24 before its results were released. It is currently trading at approximately $3.70.