BDMS Q1 2025 presentation: 7% profit growth driven by international patients

Introduction & Market Context

Bangkok Dusit Medical (TASE:BLWV) Services PCL (BDMS) presented its first quarter 2025 results on May 29, 2025, showcasing solid growth across key financial metrics. The healthcare provider, which operates a network of hospitals across Thailand and Cambodia, reported a 7% increase in net profit, supported by strong international patient volumes and strategic expansion in upcountry locations.

The company’s stock closed at THB 21.60 prior to the presentation, representing a slight decline of 0.46% on the day, but remains well above its 52-week low of THB 21.30.

Quarterly Performance Highlights

BDMS reported operating income of THB 28,453 million for Q1 2025, a 6% increase year-over-year, while hospital revenue grew at the same rate to THB 27,078 million. The company’s profitability metrics showed consistent improvement, with EBITDA rising 7% to THB 7,236 million (25.4% margin) and net profit increasing 7% to THB 4,346 million (15.3% margin).

As shown in the following comprehensive financial summary:

The company attributed this growth to three key drivers: increased hospital revenue, continued cost control measures, and tax privileges. The revenue growth was balanced between Thai patients (+4% YoY) and international patients (+11% YoY), with notable strength in locations outside Bangkok (+8% YoY).

International Patient Growth

International patients represented 31% of BDMS’s total revenue in Q1 2025, showing accelerated growth compared to the Thai patient segment. The company highlighted particularly strong performance from Middle Eastern and European markets.

The following breakdown shows the top 10 nationalities by revenue growth:

Qatar led international growth with a remarkable 56% year-over-year increase, followed by the UK and Myanmar (both +24%), and the USA (+22%). The Middle East region as a whole grew 45% year-over-year, while Europe increased by 16%.

This international growth complements the company’s strong domestic performance, particularly in upcountry hospitals. Chiangmai showed exceptional growth at 24% year-over-year, while Phuket, Rayong, and Pattaya all posted solid gains around 9%.

Strategic Initiatives

BDMS highlighted several strategic initiatives during the presentation, with a particular focus on technological integration and specialized care centers. The company’s Centers of Excellence (COE) contributed significantly to overall performance, accounting for 57% of revenue and 59% of EBITDA in Q1 2025.

The company is actively implementing AI across various aspects of its operations, from patient management to clinical applications:

The AI integration spans the entire patient journey, including registration, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring. Specific applications include AI genetic interpretation, speech recognition for electronic medical records, imaging diagnosis assistance, and Arabic translation capabilities to better serve Middle Eastern patients.

BDMS also showcased its Samitivej International Children’s Hospital, highlighting specialized services such as bone marrow transplantation (91% one-year survival rate in Thalassemia cases), cardiac interventions, and pediatric emergency care. The hospital emphasizes both technological advancement ("Hi-Tech") and personalized care ("Hi-Touch"), achieving a 90% Net Promoter Score and 97% Empathic Score.

The company’s digital transformation extends to telemedicine services, which have served over 140,000 clients and reportedly save patients over 30% in costs and 80% in time:

Financial Position and Outlook

BDMS maintains a strong financial position with a conservative capital structure. Equity comprises 87% of the capital structure, with minimal long-term debt. The company’s interest coverage ratio stands at an impressive 64.7x, reflecting its strong cash generation and limited debt obligations.

The following chart illustrates the company’s solid capital management:

For Q1 2025, BDMS declared a dividend of THB 0.75 per share, representing a payout ratio of 74.6%. This generous dividend policy is supported by the company’s strong cash flow generation and healthy balance sheet.

The company’s sustainability initiatives span environmental, social, and governance dimensions. Environmental efforts include 17 hospitals participating in sustainable practices and a "Net Zero Award" program focused on operational waste reduction. Social initiatives include human rights due diligence, enhanced employee benefits, and healthcare accessibility programs that have reached 60,000 people.

With its combination of strong financial performance, international growth, and strategic investments in technology and specialized care, BDMS appears well-positioned to maintain its leadership in Thailand’s healthcare sector while expanding its appeal to international patients.

Full presentation:

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