Spire expecting to report positive momentum in sales growth

Spire Healthcare Group said today that it expects its 2019 earnings to be in line with current guidance and market expectations following ‘positive momentum’ in sales growth.

In a trading update issued ahead of its preliminary results on 5 March, the London-listed private hospital group said growth had been driven by private patient revenues.

It also reported further progress on quality improvement, with 83% of sites now rated good or outstanding compared to 76% in 2018.

Improved cash generation in the second half means the company expects to end the year with reduced debt.

Net bank debt is forecast to down from £372.7m to £330m year-on-year.

Capex is expected to come in at c.£60m in line with prior guidance.

Spire said its performance had been underpinned by continued investment in clinical quality and patient safety.