Is DaVita Inc. a Buy?

DaVita Inc. specializes in delivering essential kidney dialysis treatments and comprehensive renal care to individuals grappling with chronic kidney failure. The company primarily operates an extensive network of outpatient dialysis centers, supplementing this with services provided in hospital inpatient settings and within patients' homes. Beyond direct patient treatment, DaVita manages its own diagnostic laboratories, performing routine tests vital for dialysis patients, alongside other physician-ordered laboratory analyses specifically for those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The firm also offers administrative and management support to various other outpatient dialysis facilities. Its broad spectrum of offerings extends to chronic disease management programs, supporting a substantial patient cohort; by year-end 2021, this included 16,000 patients enrolled in risk-based integrated care models and an additional 7,000 in other integrated care arrangements. Further specialized services encompass vascular access interventions, clinical research initiatives, direct physician support, and a complete suite of holistic kidney care solutions. As of December 31, 2021, DaVita's footprint across the United States comprised 2,815 outpatient dialysis centers, collectively serving approximately 203,100 patients. Globally, the company operated 339 outpatient dialysis centers spread across ten countries outside the U.S., attending to roughly 39,900 patients. Moreover, it furnished acute inpatient dialysis services and related laboratory work in around 850 U.S. hospitals. Founded in 1994, DaVita Inc. maintains its headquarters in Denver, Colorado. The company rebranded to its current name in September 2016, having previously been known as DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.