Ascension Reports Q1 FY2026 Financial Results, Highlighting Continued Operational Progress and Improved Financial Performance

Ascension today announced its financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2026, ending September 30, 2025, reporting net income of $338 million. These results reflect continued progress in advancing operational efficiency, expanding access to care, and strengthening the organization's ability to serve communities in alignment with its Mission.

During the first quarter, Ascension reported a total operating loss of $88 million, which was a significant improvement from the $221 million operating loss reported in Q1 FY25, a $133 million improvement year-over-year.

Recurring operating EBIDA reached $207 million, with a recurring operating EBIDA margin of 3.4% for the quarter. The organization's days cash on hand increased to 235, up from 228 at the close of FY25, reflecting enhanced financial stability and resilience.

Ascension's ongoing focus on expanding access and improving patient outcomes contributed to rising volumes across its acute care facilities. Same-facility daily volumes increased by 1.5% to 2.5% compared to Q1 FY25, supported by strategic investments in ambulatory services, service line development, and community-based care. Additionally, a 2.1% improvement in same-facility length of stay underscores more efficient care delivery, helping patients return home sooner, while maintaining high-quality outcomes. The organization continues to enhance patient experience through digital transformation and streamlined operations, making care more accessible and easier to navigate. These results demonstrate the continued commitment to Mission-driven growth.

"Our first quarter results show the strength that comes from focusing on our strategy and staying true to our Mission," said Eduardo Conrado, President of Ascension. "We are managing resources with discipline, investing where it matters most, and supporting the teams who care for our patients and communities. When strategy, Mission, investment, and talent come together, we build lasting momentum that strengthens our ministry and allows us to serve more people with compassion and excellence."

In June 2025, Ascension announced a leadership transition as Joseph Impicciche, JD, MHA, prepares to retire as Chief Executive Officer at year-end after more than 20 years of service. Eduardo Conrado, current President, will succeed him effective January 1, 2026. Since joining Ascension in 2018, Mr. Conrado has led transformation in care delivery, digital infrastructure, and consumer engagement.

In the first three months of FY26, Ascension has provided a total of $755 million of community benefit: $311 million in care for persons living in poverty and other community benefit programs and an additional $443 million of unreimbursed support for Medicare patients as Ascension aims to bring health, healing and hope to all.

Delivering on its Mission, the organization advanced major initiatives to expand access, enhance quality, and strengthen community health across the country. Forty-one Ascension hospitals earned the 2025 CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, recognizing excellence in patient safety, clinical outcomes, and experience. The Ascension Foundation's #GOALS Program received national recognition from the Lucy Family Institute for Data and Society for inspiring future clinicians through hands-on science education, an example of Ascension's commitment to shaping the healthcare workforce of tomorrow.

Across several states, Ascension continued to expand access to high-quality, specialized care through new facilities and programs that respond to community needs. In Tennessee, Ascension Saint Thomas opened a new Heart Center at Rutherford, celebrated ten years of advanced joint replacement services, and began construction on a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital in Clarksville. The ministry also opened the Midstate's first comprehensive women's cancer center in Nashville, providing integrated and patient-centered care for women facing complex diagnoses. In Indiana, Ascension St. Vincent earned a five-star CMS rating for its Heart Center, opened a Milk Express and Depot to support maternal and infant health, and became the first hospital in the state verified by the American Burn Association to care for both adult and pediatric patients in a single location.

In other markets, Ascension advanced its Mission by investing in services that meet local needs. In Florida, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola earned Level IV Maternal Levels of Care accreditation, one of only ten hospitals statewide and the only one in its region with this distinction. The Dispensary of Hope also expanded its reach, providing uninsured patients with greater access to essential medications for chronic conditions. In Kansas, Ascension Via Christi clinicians continued their outreach through monthly Virtuity Cares Pop-Up Clinics, offering free medical care and screenings for underserved residents.

These milestones reflect Ascension's national commitment to improving health, advancing clinical excellence, and expanding access to compassionate care for all, particularly those most in need.

"We are continuing to see the results of a steady and disciplined approach to improving operating performance," said Saurabh Tripathi, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Ascension. "By managing our resources wisely and investing them in the areas that matter the most, we are strengthening our ability to serve patients and communities. Every financial improvement is another opportunity to advance our Mission and extend our compassionate care - especially to those who need it the most."

As Ascension moves through FY26, the organization remains focused on sustaining performance, reinvesting in its associates, and strengthening its connection to the communities it serves. Strategic investments in ambulatory growth, specialty services, and digital modernization are building a more connected care environment that meets patients where they are and positions Ascension for long-term stability, continued growth, and fulfillment of its Mission.