BTSG Deploys AI Across Operations: Will It Improve Margins?
BrightSpring Health Services BTSG is increasingly using artificial intelligence and automation as part of its broader effort to improve productivity and operational efficiency. During the second quarter, management deployed new automation, AI tools and agents across hiring, onboarding and intake, as well as documentation, medication reviews and patient care plans. The company is also enhancing its clinical, human resources and operational systems, with nearly 300 employees earning Lean Sigma certifications to drive process improvements.
The financial impact is already becoming visible. BrightSpring said its second-quarter profitability benefited from ongoing technology and AI investments, alongside lean processes, operational execution, procurement efficiencies and acquisition integration. Adjusted EBITDA increased 44% year over year to $206 million, while the adjusted EBITDA margin expanded 80 basis points to 5.3%. Management specifically noted that Home and Community Pharmacy EBITDA benefited from operational improvements supported by new technology deployment.
The automation strategy is still in its early stages, with its impact likely to support margin expansion over the next few years. CFO Jennifer Phipps said corporate expenses increased partly because BrightSpring continued investing in AI and automation technology projects during the quarter. She expects benefits from these projects to emerge later in 2026 or very early in 2027.
Management also indicated that technology and automation initiatives implemented during 2025 and 2026 should continue playing out into 2027. Thus, if these initiatives successfully reduce administrative burdens, streamline workflows and standardize processes at scale, automation could become an increasingly important contributor to BrightSpring’s productivity and margin expansion.
Peer Update
Option Care Health OPCH is embedding artificial intelligence, workflow automation and analytics across its model to improve productivity and reduce complexity. Management said AI-enabled tools are being developed for patient admission and onboarding, claims processing and patient communication, while technology is being used to identify patient requirements earlier, strengthen authorization and claims submission, and reduce repetitive work.
Option Care Health is also applying AI and technology to nursing optimization, including route optimization and scheduling, as well as delivery planning. Management expects these deployments to improve productivity, clinician efficiency and profitability, with benefits expected to build through the second half of 2026 and into 2027.
Addus HomeCare ADUS had previously highlighted technology initiatives aimed at improving operating efficiency. The company has rolled out its caregiver app, particularly in Texas, where management said the tool helped improve fill rates to roughly 84% to 85% companywide and toward the upper-80% range in Texas.
Addus is also converting legacy operations to Homecare Homebase, with the Gentiva business expected to transition from its existing EMR in 2027. Addus is focusing these initiatives on caregiver connectivity, workflow integration and the elimination of duplicate systems.
BTSG’s Price Performance, Valuation and Estimates
Shares of BTSG have surged 48.7% year to date compared with the industry’s 4.4% growth.
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From a valuation standpoint, BrightSpring Health Services trades at a forward price-to-earnings of 25.89X, above the industry average. It is also trading higher than its three-year median of 22.19X. BTSG carries a Value Score of B.
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The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BrightSpring Health Services’ 2026 earnings implies an 82% rise from the year-ago period’s level.
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The company currently sports a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.
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This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).
