DaVita forecasts 2026 profit above estimates on steady dialysis service demand; shares jump

By Siddhi Mahatole

Feb 2 (Reuters) – DaVita projected annual profit above estimates on Monday after reporting better-than-expected fourth-quarter results on steady demand for its kidney dialysis services, sending its shares up about 16% in after-hours trading.

The company, which provides dialysis services at outpatient clinics and at home for patients with chronic kidney failure, signaled renewed momentum after dealing with rising patient care and operating costs in recent quarters.

The Colorado-based company now expects its 2026 adjusted profit per share to be between $13.60 and $15. Analysts were expecting it to be $12.65 per share, according to data compiled by LSEG.

With the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsidies, DaVita expects an estimated $40 million headwind in 2026 and about $70 million in 2027, but is largely offset by the elimination of the $45 million cyber-incident impact seen in 2025, chief financial officer Joel Ackerman told analysts.

Higher reimbursement rates and a slight improvement in the mix and seasonal impact of flu vaccines helped lift fourth-quarter profit and revenue above expectations, the company said.

It had been dealing with the fallout from a ransomware attack in April that disrupted parts of its operations and exposed the personal data of 2.7 million people.

On an adjusted basis, it reported a profit of $3.40 per share for the quarter ended December 31, above analysts’ estimates of $3.16 per share. The company reported quarterly revenue of $3.62 billion, compared to analysts’ estimates of $3.50 billion.

Separately, DaVita said it will partner with hospice provider Elara to develop a kidney-specific home-based care model aimed at reducing preventable hospitalizations and improving outcomes for patients with complex conditions.

The deal is expected to close later in 2026, though the terms were not disclosed.

(Reporting by Siddhi Mahatole in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)