TRIAD HOSPITALS INC - 10-K Annual Report

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

At June 30, 2003, the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $1,769,800,574. For purposes of the foregoing calculation, the Registrant’s directors, executive officers, and the Triad Hospitals, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan have been deemed to be affiliates.

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock of the latest practical date.

As of March 1, 2004, the number of shares of common stock of Triad Hospitals, Inc. outstanding was 75,857,542. As of March 1, 2004 the aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates was approximately $2,402,279,923. For purposes of the foregoing calculation, the Registrant’s directors, executive officers, and the Triad Hospitals, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan have been deemed to be affiliates.

Portions of the definitive proxy statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Triad Hospitals, Inc. are incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

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Triad Hospitals, Inc. is one of the largest publicly owned hospital companies in the United States and provides health care services through hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers that it owns and operates in small cities and selected urban markets primarily in the southern, midwestern and western United States. Triad’s hospital facilities currently include 56 general acute care hospitals and 16 ambulatory surgery centers located in the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia. Included among these facilities is one hospital operated through a 50/50 joint venture that is not consolidated for financial reporting purposes, two hospitals under construction and four hospitals designated as held for sale, of which two are leased to third parties. One hospital owned as of December 31, 2003 was sold in January 2004 and is not included in the facility count. Triad is also a minority investor in three joint ventures that own seven general acute care hospitals in Georgia and Nevada. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Quorum Health Resources, LLC (“QHR”), Triad also provides management and consulting services to independent general acute care hospitals located throughout the United States. The terms “we”, “our”, “the Company”, “us”, and “Triad” refer to the business of Triad Hospitals, Inc. and its subsidiaries as a consolidated entity, except where it is clear from the context that such terms mean only Triad Hospitals, Inc.

Triad’s general acute care hospitals typically provide a full range of services commonly available in hospitals, such as internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, obstetrics, diagnostic and emergency services. These hospitals also generally provide outpatient and ancillary health care services such as outpatient surgery, laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy, cardiology and physical therapy. Outpatient services also are provided by ambulatory surgery centers operated by Triad. In addition, some of Triad’s general acute care hospitals have a limited number of licensed psychiatric beds and provide psychiatric skilled nursing services.

In addition to providing capital resources and general management, Triad makes available a variety of management services to its health care facilities. These services include ethics and compliance programs, national supply and equipment purchasing and leasing contracts, accounting, financial and clinical systems, governmental reimbursement assistance, information systems, legal support, personnel management, internal audit, access to regional managed care networks, resource management, and strategic and business planning.

Triad was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1999. On May 11, 1999, Triad became an independent, publicly traded company owning and operating the health care service business which had comprised the Pacific Group of HCA Inc. (“HCA”). On that date, Triad was spun-off from HCA through the distribution of all outstanding shares of Triad common stock to the stockholders of HCA. Information regarding HCA in this Annual Report is derived from reports and other information filed by HCA with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).

On April 27, 2001, Triad completed its merger of Quorum Health Group, Inc. (“Quorum”) with and into Triad for approximately $2.4 billion in cash, stock and assumption of debt. Each former Quorum shareholder became entitled to receive $3.50 in cash and 0.4107 shares of Triad common stock for each outstanding share of Quorum stock, plus cash in lieu of fractional shares of Triad common stock.

The common stock of Triad is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: TRI). Information about certain indemnification and other arrangements entered into by Triad and HCA in connection with the distribution is included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in the consolidated financial statements.

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Triad’s principal executive offices are located at 5800 Tennyson Parkway, Plano, Texas 75024, and its phone number is (214) 473-7000. Triad’s corporate Website address is http://www.triadhospitals.com. Information contained on its Website is not part of this Annual Report. Annual reports, quarterly reports, current reports and amendments to those reports filed with the SEC are available free of charge through the Website as soon as reasonably practicable after such material is electronically filed with, or furnished to, the SEC.

Most of Triad’s owned facilities are located in two distinct types of markets primarily in the southern, midwestern and western United States. Approximately three-quarters of Triad’s owned hospitals are located in small cities, generally with populations of less than 150,000 residents and located more than 60 miles from a major urban center. These hospitals are usually either the only hospital or one of two or three hospitals in the community. The remainder of Triad’s owned hospitals are located in selected larger urban areas. Triad owns and operates hospitals in 18 states. Over half of Triad’s facilities are located in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas.

Through QHR, a separate contract management services and consulting subsidiary, Triad also provides management services to independent hospitals and hospital systems located throughout the United States.

Triad believes that the small cities of the southern, midwestern and western United States are attractive to health care service providers as a result of favorable demographic, economic and competitive conditions. 40 of the 55 general acute care hospitals that Triad owned and operated as of December 31, 2003 were located in these small city markets. Of these, 21 hospitals were located in communities where they were the sole hospital and 19 hospitals were located in communities where they were one of only two or three hospitals. Triad believes that small city markets can support specialty services which generally produce higher revenues than other health care services. In addition, in small city markets, managed care penetration is generally lower than in urban areas, and Triad believes that it is in a good position to negotiate favorable managed care contracts in these markets.

While Triad’s hospitals located in these small cities are more likely to face direct competition than facilities located in smaller rural markets, that competition often is limited to a single competitor in the relevant market. Triad believes that the smaller populations and relative strength of the one or two acute care hospitals in these markets also limit the entry of specialty hospitals and alternate non-hospital providers, such as outpatient surgery centers or rehabilitation or diagnostic imaging centers, as well as managed care plans, compared to urban markets.

15 of the 55 general acute care hospitals that Triad owned and operated as of December 31, 2003 are located in selected larger urban markets of the southern, midwestern and western United States.

In addition to the direct competition Triad faces from other health care providers in its markets, there are higher levels of managed care penetration in the larger urban markets (a higher relative proportion of the market population enrolled in managed care programs such as HMOs and PPOs).

Triad’s mission is to continuously improve the quality of health care services provided to the communities it serves by creating an environment that fosters physician participation, recognizes the value and contributions of its employees and strives to meet the unique health care needs of the local communities. Triad’s objective is to provide quality health care services to its communities, while simultaneously generating strong financial performance and appropriate returns to its investors, through disciplined and balanced execution of a comprehensive business strategy that reinforces both quality of care and financial strength.

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Triad’s business strategy combines an operating strategy devoted to working with providers, employees and communities and a capital strategy devoted to investing capital in a disciplined manner into internal and external development projects that enhance patient care and provide appropriate returns to investors. Triad believes its business strategy differentiates it from many peers and competitors.

The foundation of Triad’s operating strategy is to work cooperatively and collaboratively with physicians, communities and employees in a manner that benefits all constituents. Triad actively involves local providers, local community leaders and employees in critical decision making in order to enhance the quality of physicians’ practices, the quality of the health care environment in each community and the professional satisfaction of employees. Triad believes this strategy results in increased volumes, rates and operating margins, and in external development opportunities with not-for-profit hospitals attracted to Triad’s operating strategy. Triad’s collaborative operating strategy has several components:

Similarly, Triad believes that working cooperatively and collaboratively with its nurses and other employees to develop and maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships with them leads to improved satisfaction, morale and retention of its employees, as well as better quality of care for its patients. Triad believes that this leads to higher patient satisfaction, volumes, rates and operating margins. In each of its markets, Triad has a Nursing Leadership Group (“NLG”) chaired by the facility Chief Nursing Officer and comprising facility nurses who work with corporate and hospital management to establish local priorities and company-wide “best practices” for nursing care. A national NLG, consisting of representatives from the local NLGs, addresses broader corporate and national objectives with members of Triad’s corporate management team. Triad has also created Departmental Operations Committees that address key clinical and support functions represented by specific hospital departments, including radiology, dietary and plant operations. Members, chosen for their leadership qualities demonstrated at Triad’s facilities, meet regularly to share “best practices” and other initiatives, both locally and nationally.

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Triad provides management and consulting services through its QHR subsidiary to approximately 200 not-for-profit hospitals in the United States. These are typically independent hospitals in rural communities that Triad believes benefit from the management infrastructure QHR provides, infrastructure that they might not otherwise afford on their own.

Triad also provides an attractive alternative to not-for-profit hospitals that need capital. Triad can either buy the hospital or partner with the not-for-profit in a joint venture, often for the purpose of developing a new or replacement hospital for the community. Triad believes it often has a competitive advantage over some of its peers and competitors in buying or partnering with not-for-profit hospitals as a result of:

Triad’s capital strategy consists of the disciplined investment of capital for routine maintenance projects as well as internal and external development projects intended to grow volumes, rates and operating margins. Except for routine maintenance projects, its capital projects are typically projected to generate a return greater than the weighted average cost of capital for that project. Triad is, however, willing to trade short-term returns for longer-term returns that it believes will be superior.

For existing facilities, Triad currently expects to spend approximately $115 to $150 million annually on routine maintenance capital expenditures for structural and cosmetic repairs at its facilities. Triad also identifies and invests in expansion opportunities where it perceives that demand is not being adequately met due to population growth or insufficient existing health care services. Expansion opportunities may include adding beds, adding operating rooms or introducing specialty services in order to meet demand and decrease outmigration.

For external development, Triad pursues acquisition opportunities, but only selectively and opportunistically. In situations where sellers are concerned solely with obtaining the highest price, especially in an auction, Triad generally does not have a competitive advantage over others and thus generally does not prevail. However, in situations where sellers also place value on its collaborative culture and strategy, Triad believes it often has a competitive advantage and sometimes can prevail, even in an auction, and even when Triad may not submit the highest financial offer. Triad also builds new hospitals, either on its own or in partnership with not-for-profit hospitals, especially in small-city markets with populations of 50,000-200,000 and in other markets that tend to be most receptive to its strategy of working collaboratively with providers and communities. Triad also builds replacement facilities for existing facilities, usually by becoming a capital partner with a not-for-profit hospital that lacks capital to rebuild an old or aging facility but has a favorable clinical reputation and market position.

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Triad’s general acute care hospitals typically provide a full range of services commonly available in hospitals, such as internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics and obstetrics, as well as diagnostic and emergency services. Triad’s hospitals also generally provide outpatient and ancillary health care services such as outpatient surgery, laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy, cardiology and physical therapy. Outpatient services also are provided by ambulatory surgery centers operated by Triad. In addition, certain of Triad’s general acute care hospitals have a limited number of licensed psychiatric beds.

Each of Triad’s hospitals is governed by a local Board of Trustees, which includes local community leaders and members of the hospital’s medical staff. The Board of Trustees establishes policies concerning the medical, professional and ethical practices at each hospital, monitors such practices, and is responsible for ensuring that these practices conform to established standards. Triad maintains quality assurance programs to support and monitor quality of care standards and to meet accreditation and regulatory requirements. Patient care evaluations and other quality of care assessment activities are monitored on a continuing basis.

Hospital revenues depend upon inpatient occupancy levels, the volume of outpatient procedures and the charges or negotiated payment rates for such services. Charges and reimbursement rates for inpatient routine services vary significantly depending on the type of service, such as medical/surgical, intensive care or psychiatric, the payer and the geographic location of the hospital.

Triad believes that important factors relating to the overall utilization of a hospital include the quality and market position of the hospital and the number, quality and specialties of physicians providing patient care within the facility. Generally, Triad believes that the ability of a hospital to meet the health care needs of its community is determined by its breadth of services, level of technology, emphasis on quality of care and convenience for patients and physicians. Other factors which impact utilization include the growth in local population, local economic conditions, market penetration of managed care programs and the availability of reimbursement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Utilization across the industry also is being affected by improved treatment protocols as a result of advances in medical technology and pharmacology.

The following table sets forth certain statistics for hospitals owned by Triad for each of the past five years. The comparability of the statistics has been affected by the acquisition of Quorum on April 27, 2001 and additional acquisitions in 2002 and 2003. Prior years statistics have been restated to reflect the reclassification of two hospitals as discontinued operations. See NOTE 4—DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS in the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed description. Medical/surgical hospital operations are subject to certain seasonal fluctuations, including decreases in patient utilization during holiday periods and increases in patient utilization during the cold weather months.

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Triad’s hospitals have been affected by the trend toward certain services being performed more frequently on an outpatient basis as procedures performed on an inpatient basis are converted to outpatient procedures through continuing advances in pharmaceutical and medical technologies. The redirection of certain procedures to an outpatient basis is also influenced by pressures from payers and patients to perform certain procedures as outpatient care rather than inpatient care. Triad has responded to the outpatient trend by enhancing its hospitals’ outpatient service capabilities, including:

Triad expects the growth in outpatient services to continue, although possibly at a slower rate, in the future. Triad’s facilities will continue to emphasize those outpatient services that can be provided on a quality, cost-effective basis and that Triad believes will experience increased demand.

Triad receives payment for patient services from the Federal government primarily under the Medicare program, state governments under their respective Medicaid programs, managed care plans and other private insurers as well as directly from patients. The approximate percentages of patient revenues of Triad’s facilities from such sources during the periods specified below were as follows:

Medicare is a Federal program that provides certain hospital and medical insurance benefits to persons age 65 and over, some disabled persons and persons with end-stage renal disease. Medicaid is a Federal-state program administered by the states which provides hospital benefits to qualifying individuals who are unable to afford care. All of Triad’s hospitals are certified as providers of Medicare and Medicaid services. Amounts received under the Medicare and Medicaid programs are generally significantly less than the hospital’s customary charges for the services provided. See “Reimbursement.”

To attract additional volume, most of Triad’s hospitals offer various discounts from established charges to certain large group purchasers of health care services, including private insurance companies, employers, and managed care plans. These discount programs limit Triad’s ability to increase charges in response to increasing costs. See “Competition.”

Patients are generally not responsible for any difference between customary hospital charges and amounts reimbursed for such services under Medicare, Medicaid, some private insurance plans, and managed care plans, but are responsible for services not covered by such plans, exclusions, deductibles or co-insurance features of their coverage. The amount of such exclusions, deductibles and co-insurance has generally been increasing each year.

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Collection of amounts due from individuals is typically more difficult than from governmental or business payers. Triad has experienced significant growth in uninsured receivables and deterioration of collectibility of these receivables. See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Overview” for a more detailed discussion.

For more information on the reimbursement programs on which Triad’s revenues are dependent, see “Reimbursement.”

QHR is a leading provider of management and consulting services to acute care hospitals, providing management services to approximately 200 hospitals as of December 31, 2003. QHR provides management services to independent hospitals and hospital systems under management contracts and also provides selected consulting, educational and related services. QHR assists hospitals in improving their financial performance and the scope of their services. Most of the hospitals for which QHR performs management, consulting or support services are independent not-for-profit hospitals. These hospitals are generally located in non-urban areas. Approximately 55% of these hospitals have less than 100 beds. Upon entering into a management contract, QHR first assesses the operations of the hospital, including the hospital’s financial management, the economic and population-related factors affecting the hospital’s market, physician relationships and staffing requirements. Then, based on its assessment, QHR develops and recommends a management plan to the hospital’s governing board.

To implement the management plan adopted for each hospital, QHR typically provides the hospital with personnel to serve as the hospital’s chief executive officer and chief financial officer. Although these people are QHR employees, they operate under the direction and control of the hospital’s governing body, and the balance of the hospital staff remain employees of the hospital under the control and supervision of the hospital. QHR’s hospital-based team is supported by its regional and corporate management staff. QHR currently has 18 regional offices located throughout the United States. QHR’s regional office staff is experienced in providing management services to hospitals of all sizes in diverse markets throughout the United States. Each regional office is responsible for the management services provided within its geographic area.

QHR’s hospital management contracts generally have a term of three to five years and typically have a renewal rate of approximately 79%. QHR’s management contract fees are based on amounts agreed upon by QHR and the hospital’s governing body, and generally are not related to the hospital’s revenues or other variables. Under QHR’s hospital management contracts, QHR is not responsible for hospital licensure, certificates of need, liability coverage, capital expenditures or other functions which are normally the responsibility of a hospital’s governing body.

QHR offers consulting and related educational and management services to hospitals that are not part of its contract management program. QHR’s consulting services are directed at many of the operational needs of hospitals, including accounts receivable management, health information management, human resources, facility design and various operational services. QHR also provides consulting services to large, sophisticated medical institutions that need hospital management advice for specific issues.

The hospital industry is highly competitive. Triad competes with other hospitals and health care providers for patients. The competition among hospitals and other health care providers for patients has intensified in recent years. In some cases, competing hospitals are more established than Triad’s hospitals. Certain of these competing facilities, particularly in urban markets, offer services, including extensive medical research and medical education programs, which are not offered by Triad’s facilities. In addition, in certain of the markets where Triad operates, there are large teaching hospitals which provide highly specialized facilities, equipment and services which may not be available at Triad’s hospitals. Although some of Triad’s hospitals are located in geographic areas where they are currently the sole provider of general, acute care hospital services in their communities, these hospitals also face competition from other hospitals, including larger tertiary care centers. Despite the fact that these competing hospitals may be as far as 30 to 50 miles away, patients in these markets may migrate to these competing facilities as a result of local physician referrals, managed care incentives or personal choice.

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In addition, some of the hospitals that compete with Triad are owned by tax-supported governmental agencies or not-for-profit entities supported by endowments and charitable contributions. These hospitals can make capital expenditures without paying sales taxes, and are generally exempt from property and income taxes. Triad also faces competition from other specialized care providers, including specialty hospitals, outpatient surgery, orthopedic, oncology and diagnostic centers.

State certificate of need laws (“CON laws”), which place limitations on a hospital’s ability to expand hospital services and add new equipment, also may have the effect of restricting competition. Seven states in which Triad operates, Alabama, Alaska, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina and West Virginia, have CON laws. The application process for approval of covered services, facilities, changes in operations and capital expenditures (including certain acquisitions of facilities) in these states is, therefore, highly competitive. In those states which have no CON laws or which set relatively high thresholds before expenditures become reviewable by state authorities, competition in the form of new services, facilities and capital spending is more prevalent.

The number and quality of the physicians on a hospital’s staff are important factors in a hospital’s competitive advantage. Physicians decide whether a patient is admitted to the hospital and the procedures to be performed. Triad believes that physicians refer patients to a hospital primarily on the basis of the quality of services it renders to patients and physicians, the quality of other physicians on the medical staff, the location of the hospital and the quality of the hospital’s facilities, equipment and employees. Admitting physicians may be on the medical staff of other hospitals in addition to those of Triad’s hospitals.

One element of Triad’s business strategy is expansion through the acquisition of acute care hospitals in select markets. The competition to acquire hospitals is significant. Triad may acquire or develop on a selective basis, hospitals that are similar to those currently owned and operated. However, suitable acquisitions may not be accomplished due to unfavorable terms. Triad may also seek to expand through the formation of joint ventures with other providers, including not-for-profit health care providers.

Another major factor in the competitive position of a hospital is management’s ability to negotiate service contracts with purchasers of group health care services, such as managed care plans, which attempt to direct and control the use of hospital services and to obtain discounts from hospitals’ established charges. Employers and traditional health insurers are also interested in containing costs through negotiations with hospitals for managed care programs and discounts from established charges. Generally, hospitals compete for service contracts with group health care service purchasers on the basis of price, market reputation, geographic location, quality and range of services, quality of the medical staff and convenience. The importance of obtaining contracts with managed care organizations varies from market to market depending on the market strength of such organizations.

QHR also faces competitive challenges in the area of management services. In seeking management services, hospitals have a variety of alternatives. Hospitals managed by hospital management companies represent less than 10% of the total acute care hospitals in the United States. Most hospitals have their own management staff. Some hospitals choose to obtain management services from large, tertiary care facilities that create referral networks with smaller surrounding hospitals.

Triad, and the health care industry as a whole, face the challenge of continuing to provide quality patient care while dealing with rising costs, strong competition for patients and pressures by both private and government payers to control reimbursement rates. As both private and government payers reduce the scope of what may be reimbursed and control reimbursement levels for what is covered, Federal and state efforts to reform the health care system may further impact reimbursement rates. Changes in medical technology, existing and future legislation, regulations and interpretations and competitive contracting for provider services by private and government payers may require changes in Triad’s facilities, equipment, personnel, rates and/or services in the future.

The hospital industry and Triad’s hospitals continue to have significant unused capacity. Inpatient utilization, average lengths of stay and average occupancy rates have historically been negatively affected by payer-required pre-admission authorization, utilization review, patient preference and payer pressure to maximize outpatient and alternative health care delivery services for less acutely ill patients. Admissions constraints, payer pressures and

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increased competition are expected to continue. Triad endeavors to meet these challenges by expanding many of its facilities to include outpatient centers, offering discounts to private payer groups, upgrading facilities and equipment and offering new programs and services.

At December 31, 2003, Triad had approximately 36,000 employees, including approximately 9,500 part-time employees, as well as approximately 500 employees providing hospital management and consulting services. Employees at four hospitals are currently represented by labor unions. Triad considers its employee relations to be good. While Triad’s non-union hospitals experience union organizational activity from time to time, Triad does not expect such efforts to materially affect its future operations. Triad’s hospitals, like most hospitals, have experienced labor costs rising faster than the general inflation rate, primarily in nursing. There can be no assurance as to future availability and cost of qualified medical personnel.

Triad’s hospitals are staffed by licensed physicians who have been admitted to the medical staff of individual hospitals. Physicians generally are not employees of Triad’s hospitals although there are varying levels of employed physicians in certain markets. Some physicians provide services in Triad’s hospitals under contracts, which generally describe a term of service, provide and establish the duties and obligations of such physicians, require the maintenance of certain performance criteria and fix compensation for such services. Any licensed physician may apply to be admitted to the medical staff of any of Triad’s hospitals, but admission to the staff must be approved by the hospital’s medical staff and the appropriate governing board of the hospital in accordance with established credentialing criteria. Members of the medical staffs of Triad’s hospitals located in areas where there are other hospitals often also serve on the medical staffs of other hospitals and may terminate their affiliation with a hospital at any time.

Triad periodically performs both employee and physician satisfaction surveys. The surveys are used by management to enhance operating performance of each hospital.

It is Triad’s policy that its business be conducted with integrity and in compliance with applicable law. Triad has developed a corporate-wide ethics and compliance program, which focuses on all areas of policy and regulatory compliance, including physician recruitment, reimbursement and cost reporting practices and laboratory operations.

This ethics and compliance program is intended to assure that high standards of conduct are maintained in the operation of Triad’s business and to help assure that policies and procedures are implemented so that employees act in full compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and company policies. Under the ethics and compliance program, Triad provides initial and periodic legal compliance and ethics training to every employee, reviews various areas of Triad’s operations, and develops and implements policies and procedures designed to foster compliance with the law. Triad regularly monitors its ongoing compliance efforts. The program also includes a mechanism for employees to report, without fear of retaliation, any suspected legal or ethical violations to their supervisors or designated compliance officers in Triad’s hospitals, as well as a national “hotline” to which employees can report, on an anonymous basis if preferred, any suspected violations. Triad has also established a separate committee of the Board of Directors to monitor the compliance program.

On November 1, 2001, Triad entered into a five-year corporate integrity agreement with the Office of the Inspector General (the “OIG”) and agreed to maintain its compliance program in accordance with the corporate integrity agreement. This obligation could result in greater scrutiny by regulatory authorities. Violations of the integrity agreement could subject Triad’s hospitals to substantial monetary penalties. The cost to implement and maintain the compliance program was approximately $4.4 million, $3.0 million and $2.0 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Continuing compliance with the corporate integrity agreement may impose expensive and burdensome requirements on certain operations which could have a material adverse impact on Triad. The compliance measures and reporting and auditing requirements for Triad’s hospitals contained in the integrity agreement include:

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Medicare. Under the Medicare program, acute care hospitals generally receive reimbursement under a prospective payment system (“PPS”) for inpatient hospital services. Psychiatric, specially designated children’s hospitals and certain designated cancer research hospitals, as well as psychiatric units that are distinct parts of a hospital and meet the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) criteria for exemption, are currently exempt from PPS and are reimbursed on a cost-based system, subject to certain cost limits known as TEFRA limits.

Under PPS, fixed payment amounts per inpatient discharge are established based on the patient’s assigned diagnosis related group (“DRG”). DRGs classify treatments for illnesses according to the estimated intensity of hospital resources necessary to furnish care for each principal diagnosis. DRG rates have been established for each hospital participating in the Medicare program, are based upon a statistically normal distribution of severity and are adjusted for area wage differentials but do not consider a specific hospital’s costs. DRG rates are updated and re-calibrated annually and have been affected by several recent Federal enactments. The index used to adjust the DRG rates, known as the “market basket index,” gives consideration to the inflation experienced by hospitals (and entities outside of the health care industry) in purchasing goods and services. Although for several years the percentage increases to the DRG rates have been lower than the percentage increases in the costs of goods and services purchased by hospitals, the Benefits Improvement Protection Act of 2000 (“BIPA”) updated the rates hospitals receive so that hospitals generally received the market basket index minus 1.1% for discharges occurring on or after October 1, 2000 and before March 31, 2001 or the market basket index plus 1.1% for discharges occurring on or after April 1, 2001 and before October 1, 2001. For Federal fiscal year 2003, hospitals generally received the market basket index minus 0.55%. For Federal fiscal year 2004, hospitals generally will receive the full market basket. Future legislation may decrease the rate of increase for DRG payments, which could make it more difficult to grow revenue and to maintain or improve operating margins.

Until August 1, 2000, outpatient services provided at general, acute care hospitals typically were reimbursed based on costs, subject to certain adjustments and limits. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 (“BBA”) contains provisions that affect outpatient hospital services, including a requirement that CMS adopt a PPS system for outpatient hospital services (“APCs”), which became effective August 1, 2000. Based on provisions of BIPA, APCs were updated by the market basket minus 0.8% and 1.0% in Federal fiscal years 2001 and 2002, respectively, and were updated by the market basket for Federal fiscal year 2003. For calendar year 2004, APCs will be updated by the full market basket index. Similarly, effective January 1, 1999, therapy services rendered by hospitals to outpatients and inpatients not reimbursed under Medicare are reimbursed according to the Medicare Physician fee schedule.

Payments for Medicare skilled nursing facility services and home health services historically have been paid based on costs, subject to certain adjustments and limits. Although BBA mandates a PPS system for skilled nursing facility services, home health services and inpatient rehabilitation hospital services, BIPA has made adjustments to the PPS payments for these health care service providers. Specifically, for skilled nursing facilities, BBA set the annual inflation update at the market basket index minus 1.0% in 2001 and 2002. However, BIPA adjusted the update to the full market basket index in 2001 and the market basket index minus 0.5% in 2002. The update for 2003 was the market basket minus 0.5%. For Federal fiscal year 2004, the rates will be updated by the market

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basket. In addition to the creation of a PPS system for skilled nursing, the BBA also institutes consolidated billing for skilled nursing facility services, under which payments for most non-physician services for beneficiaries no longer eligible for skilled nursing facility care will be made to the facility, regardless of whether the item or service was furnished by the facility, by others under arrangement, or under any other contracting or consulting arrangement. Consolidated billing is being implemented on a transition basis. As of December 31, 2003, 22 of Triad’s hospitals operated skilled nursing facilities.

In addition to establishing a PPS system for home health services, BBA requires a 15% payment reduction in payment limits to home health agencies. However, BIPA delayed the implementation of this reduction until 2002. In fiscal year 2003, the 15% payment reduction was reduced by approximately 7% and the rural add-on payment expired on March 31, 2003. For 2004 through 2006 the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (“MMA”) provides for a reduction in the annual payment update and added a 5% rural add-on for discharges between April 1, 2004 through March 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2003, less than 1% of Triad’s revenues were derived from home health services.

Payments to PPS-exempt hospitals and units such as inpatient psychiatric hospital services are based upon reasonable costs, subject to a cost per discharge target. These limits are updated annually by a market basket index. BIPA made several changes in payments to PPS-exempt hospitals. In 2002, payments for rehabilitation hospitals were made under a PPS system. As a result of changes outlined in BIPA, total payments for rehabilitation hospitals in 2002 are to equal the amounts of payments that would have been made if the rehabilitation PPS system had not been enacted, and rehabilitation facilities are able to make a one-time election before the start of the PPS to be paid based on a fully phased-in PPS rate. In addition, BIPA increases the incentive payments paid for inpatient psychiatric services from 2% to 3%, raises the national cap on long term care hospital reimbursement by 2% and increases the individual long-term care hospital target amounts by 35%. On November 28, 2003, proposed rules were issued to convert reimbursement for PPS-exempt psychiatric hospitals and units to a prospective payment system. Under the proposed rules, reimbursement will be based on a prospectively determined per diem for cost reporting periods beginning on or after April 1, 2004. Also, the proposed rule includes a three-year transition period.

Currently, physicians are paid by Medicare according to the physician fee schedule. However, physicians working in rural health clinics, such as those maintained by Triad, are reimbursed for their professional and administrative services through the rural health clinic subject to per visit limits unless the rural health clinic is based at a rural hospital with less than 50 beds. There are 23 rural health clinics affiliated with Triad’s hospitals.

Medicare has special payment provisions for “sole community hospitals.” A sole community hospital is generally the only hospital in at least a 35-mile radius. Eight of Triad’s facilities qualify as sole community hospitals under Medicare regulations. Special payment provisions related to sole community hospitals may include a higher reimbursement rate, which is based on a blend of hospital-specific costs and a national reimbursement rate, and a 90% payment “floor” for capital costs which guarantees the sole community hospital capital reimbursement equal to 90% of capital cost. In addition, the TRICARE program that provides medical insurance benefits to government employees has special payment provisions for hospitals recognized as sole community hospitals for Medicare purposes.

Medicare provides, in the form of outlier payments, for additional payment, beyond standard DRG payments, for covered hospital services furnished to a Medicare beneficiary if the operating costs of furnishing those services exceed a certain threshold. During 2002, CMS initiated an outlier reimbursement review process to assess nationally whether or not the amount of outlier payments being made to selected hospitals was appropriate. CMS issued proposed regulations in March 2003 that became effective October 1, 2003 that modified certain elements of the outlier reimbursement calculation. Triad derives less than 1% of patient revenues from outlier payments and the modifications did not have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

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annual update in home health agency payments for 2004 through 2005, and for a reduction in the annual update for inpatient hospital payments from 2006 through 2007 for hospitals that do not submit to the Medicare program quality reporting data specified under the National Voluntary Hospital Reporting Initiative. MMA also includes a number of provisions designed to increase Medicare payments to small urban and rural hospitals, increasing the limit on disproportionate share payments that rural hospitals may receive, and permitting an adjustment to the calculation of the standardized payment to benefit hospitals in low-wage areas, such as rural hospitals and equalizes the DRG base payment rate among hospitals. Triad is unable to predict the ultimate impact of MMA, but no assurance can be given that it will not have an adverse effect on Triad’s business. However, on a preliminary basis, Triad anticipates that it may receive an additional $9-$10 million in reimbursement from MMA in 2004.

Medicaid. Most state Medicaid payments are made under a PPS, or under programs which negotiate payment levels with individual hospitals. Medicaid reimbursement is often less than a hospital’s cost of services. Medicaid is currently funded jointly by the state and the Federal governments. The Federal government and many states are currently considering significant reductions in the level of Medicaid funding while at the same time expanding Medicaid benefits, which could adversely affect future levels of Medicaid reimbursement received by our hospitals.

Annual Cost Reports. All hospitals participating in the Medicare program, whether paid on a reasonable cost basis or under PPS, are required to meet certain financial reporting requirements. Federal regulations require submission of annual cost reports covering medical costs and expenses associated with the services provided by each hospital to Medicare beneficiaries. If Triad or any Triad facility is found to be in violation of Federal or state laws relating to Medicare, Medicaid or similar programs, Triad could be subject to substantial monetary fines, civil and criminal penalties and exclusion from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Any such sanctions could have a material adverse effect on Triad’s financial position and results of operations. HCA has agreed to indemnify Triad in respect of losses arising from such government investigations for the periods prior to the spin-off. See “Governmental Investigations—Governmental Investigation of HCA and Related Litigation” for more information regarding such arrangement.

Annual cost reports required under the Medicare and Medicaid programs are subject to routine audits, which may result in adjustments to the amounts ultimately determined to be due to Triad under these reimbursement programs. These audits often require several years to reach the final determination of amounts earned under the programs. Providers also have rights of appeal, and it is common to contest issues raised in audits of prior years’ reports. The due dates for cost reports for cost reporting periods ending after August 31, 2000 were delayed due to CMS not issuing the final payment schedules for APCs. Beginning in October 2002, the final payment schedules for APCs began to be issued for cost reporting periods ended after August 31, 2000. Triad has filed cost reports for these periods. The delay in filing these cost reports will extend the time period of final determination of amounts earned. Pursuant to the terms of the spin-off distribution agreement, HCA agreed to indemnify Triad for any payments which it is required to make with respect to the Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross cost reports for Triad facilities operated by HCA prior to the spin-off relating to periods ending on or prior to the spin-off and Triad agreed to indemnify HCA for and pay to HCA any payments received by Triad relating to such cost reports. Triad was responsible for the Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross cost reports, and associated receivables and payables, for Triad’s facilities for all periods prior to the spin-off. In July 2003, HCA finalized a settlement agreement with the government relating to cost report periods ending before August 1, 2001 which includes the indemnified cost reports.

Managed Care. Pressures to control the cost of health care have historically resulted in increases in volumes attributable to managed care payers compared to traditional commercial/indemnity insurers. Triad generally receives lower payments from managed care payers than from traditional commercial/indemnity insurers; however, as part of its business strategy, Triad has taken steps to improve its managed care position. See “Business Strategy” for a more detailed discussion of such strategy.

Commercial Insurance. Triad hospitals provide services to some individuals covered by private health care insurance. Private insurance carriers make direct payments to such hospitals or, in some cases, reimburse their policy holders, based upon the particular hospital’s established charges and the particular coverage provided in the insurance policy.

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Commercial insurers are continuing efforts to limit the payments for hospital services by adopting discounted payment mechanisms, including prospective payment or DRG-based payment systems, for more inpatient and outpatient services. To the extent that such efforts are successful and reduce the insurers’ reimbursement to hospitals and the costs of providing services to their beneficiaries, such reduced levels of reimbursement may have a negative impact on the operating results of the hospitals of Triad.

Licensure, Certification and Accreditation. Health care facilities are subject to Federal, state and local regulations relating to the adequacy of medical care, equipment, personnel, operating policies and procedures, fire prevention, rate-setting and compliance with building codes and environmental protection laws. Facilities are subject to periodic inspection by governmental and other authorities to assure continued compliance with the various standards necessary for licensing and accreditation. All of Triad’s health care facilities are properly licensed under appropriate state laws.

All of the hospitals affiliated with Triad are certified under the Medicare and Medicaid programs and all are accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations, the effect of which is to permit the facilities to participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Should any facility lose its accreditation by this Joint Commission, or otherwise lose its certification under the Medicare and/or Medicaid program, the facility would be unable to receive reimbursement from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The facilities of Triad are in substantial compliance with current applicable Federal, state, local and independent review body regulations and standards. The requirements for licensure, certification and accreditation are subject to change and, in order to remain qualified, it may be necessary for Triad to effect changes in its facilities, equipment, personnel and services.

Certificates of Need. The construction of new facilities, the acquisition of existing facilities, and the addition of new beds or services may be subject to review by state regulatory agencies under a CON program. Triad operates in seven states (Alabama, Alaska, Mississippi, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, and West Virginia) that require CON approval to expand certain acute care hospital services. Such laws generally require state agency determination of public need and approval prior to the addition of beds or services or certain other capital expenditures. Failure to obtain necessary state approval can result in the inability to expand facilities, add services, complete an acquisition or change ownership. Further, violation of such laws may result in the imposition of civil sanctions or the revocation of a facility’s license.

State Rate Review. The state of Arizona adopted legislation mandating rate or budget review for hospitals. In the aggregate, state rate or budget review and indigent tax provisions have not materially adversely affected the results of operations of Triad. Triad is not able to predict whether any additional state rate or budget review or indigent tax provisions will be adopted and, accordingly, is not able to assess the effect thereof on its results of operations or financial condition.

Utilization Review. Federal law contains numerous provisions designed to ensure that services rendered by hospitals to Medicare and Medicaid patients meet professionally recognized standards, are medically necessary and that claims for reimbursement are properly filed. These provisions include a requirement that a sampling of admissions of Medicare and Medicaid patients must be reviewed by peer review organizations, which review the appropriateness of Medicare and Medicaid patient admissions and discharges, the quality of care provided, the validity of DRG classifications and the appropriateness of cases of extraordinary length of stay or cost. Peer review organizations may deny payment for services provided, may assess fines and also have the authority to recommend to the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) that a provider which is in substantial noncompliance with the standards of the peer review organization be excluded from participation in the Medicare program. Utilization review is also a requirement of most non-governmental managed care organizations.

The Federal False Claims Act and Similar State Laws. A trend affecting the health care industry today is the increased use of the Federal False Claims Act, and, in particular, actions being brought by individuals on the government’s behalf under the False Claims Act’s qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions. Whistleblower provisions allow private individuals to bring actions on behalf of the government alleging that the defendant has defrauded the Federal government.

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When a defendant is determined by a court of law to be liable under the False Claims Act, the defendant must pay three times the actual damages sustained by the government, plus mandatory civil penalties of between $5,500 to $11,000 for each separate false claim. Settlements entered into prior to litigation usually involve a less severe damages methodology. There are many potential bases for liability under the False Claims Act. Liability often arises when an entity knowingly submits a false claim for reimbursement to the Federal government. In addition, a number of states have adopted their own false claims provisions as well as their own whistleblower provisions whereby a private party may file a civil lawsuit on behalf of the state in state court. From time to time, companies in the health care industry, including Triad, may be subject to actions under the False Claims Act. For a more complete discussion of litigation brought against Triad under the False Claims Act, see “Governmental Investigations.”

Federal and State Fraud and Abuse. Participation in the Medicare program is heavily regulated by Federal statute and regulation. If a hospital fails substantially to comply with the numerous conditions of participation in the Medicare program or performs certain prohibited acts, such hospital’s participation in the Medicare program may be terminated or civil or criminal penalties may be imposed upon it under certain provisions of the Social Security Act. For example, the Social Security Act prohibits providers and others from soliciting, receiving, offering or paying, directly or indirectly, any remuneration intended to induce referrals of patients to receive goods or services covered by a Federal health care program (the “Anti-Kickback Statute”). In addition to felony criminal penalties (fines up to $25,000 and imprisonment), the Social Security Act establishes civil monetary penalties and the sanction of excluding violators from participation in the Federal health care programs.

The Anti-Kickback Statute has been interpreted broadly by Federal regulators and certain courts to prohibit the intentional payment of anything of value if even one purpose of the payment is to influence the referral of Medicare or Medicaid business. Therefore, many commonplace commercial arrangements between hospitals and physicians could be considered by the government to violate the Anti-Kickback Statute.

As authorized by Congress, the OIG has published final safe harbor regulations that outline categories of activities that are deemed protected from prosecution under the Anti-Kickback Statute. Currently, there are safe harbors for various activities, including, but not limited to: investment interest, space rental, equipment rental, practitioner recruitment, personal services and management contracts, sale of practice, discounts, employees, investments in group practices, and ambulatory surgery centers. The fact that conduct or a business arrangement does not fall within a safe harbor does not automatically render the conduct or business arrangement unlawful under the Anti-Kickback Statute. The conduct and business arrangements, however, do risk increased scrutiny by government enforcement authorities.

Triad has a variety of financial relationships with physicians who refer patients to Triad’s hospitals. Triad also has contracts with physicians providing for a variety of financial arrangements, including employment contracts, leases, and professional service agreements. Triad also provides financial incentives, including loans and minimum revenue guarantees, to recruit physicians into the communities served by Triad’s hospitals. Several of Triad’s freestanding surgery centers have physician investors and physicians own interests in certain of Triad’s hospitals. Some of the arrangements with physicians do not expressly meet requirements for safe harbor protection. It cannot be assured that regulatory authorities that enforce the Anti-Kickback Statute will not determine that any of these arrangements violate the Anti-Kickback Statute or other Federal or state laws.

The Social Security Act also imposes criminal and civil penalties for submitting false claims to Medicare and Medicaid. False claims include, but are not limited to, billing for services not rendered, billing for services without prescribed documentation, misrepresenting actual services rendered in order to obtain higher reimbursement and cost report fraud. Like the Anti-Kickback Statute, these provisions are very broad. Further, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) created civil penalties for conduct including improper coding and billing for unnecessary goods and services. HIPAA also broadened the scope of the fraud and abuse laws by adding several criminal provisions for health care fraud offenses that apply to all health benefit programs.

The Social Security Act also includes a provision commonly known as the “Stark Law.” This law prohibits physicians from referring Medicare and Medicaid patients to entities with which they or any of their immediate family members have a financial relationship if these entities provide certain designated health services that are

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reimbursable by Medicare, including inpatient and outpatient hospital services. Sanctions for violating the Stark Law include civil penalties up to $15,000 per prohibited service provided, assessments equal to twice the dollar value of each such service provided and exclusion from the Federal health care programs. There are a number of exceptions to the self-referral prohibition, including an exception for a physician’s ownership interest in an entire hospital as opposed to an ownership interest in a hospital department. There are also exceptions for many of the customary financial arrangements between physicians and providers, including employment contracts, leases and recruitment agreements.

On January 4, 2001, CMS issued final regulations subject to comment intended to clarify parts of the Stark Law and some of the exceptions to it. These regulations are considered Phase I, of a two-phase process, with the remaining regulations to be published at an unknown future date. Phase I of the regulations became effective January 4, 2002, except in the case of the provisions relating to home health agencies, which became effective April 5, 2001.

Many of the states in which Triad operates also have adopted laws that prohibit payments to physicians in exchange for referrals similar to the Anti-Kickback Statute and the Stark Law, some of which apply regardless of the source of payment for care. These statutes typically provide criminal and civil penalties as well as loss of licensure. Little precedent exists for the interpretation or enforcement of these state laws.

Corporate Practice of Medicine. Some of the states in which Triad operates have laws that prohibit corporations and other entities from employing physicians or that prohibit certain direct and indirect payments or fee-splitting arrangements between health care providers. In addition, some states restrict certain business relationships between physicians and pharmacies. Possible sanctions for violation of these restrictions include loss of a physician’s license and civil and criminal penalties. These statutes vary from state to state, are often vague and have seldom been interpreted by the courts or regulatory agencies. Although Triad exercises care to structure its arrangements with health care providers to comply with the relevant state law, and believes such arrangements comply with applicable laws in all material respects, there can be no assurance that governmental officials charged with responsibility for enforcing these laws will not assert that Triad, or certain transactions in which it is involved, is in violation of such laws, or that such laws ultimately will be interpreted by the courts in a manner consistent with the interpretations of Triad.

Health Care Reform. Health care, as one of the largest industries in the United States, continues to attract much legislative interest and public attention. In recent years, an increasing number of legislative proposals have been introduced or proposed in Congress and in some state legislatures that would effect major changes in the health care system, either nationally or at the state level. Proposals that have been considered include cost controls on hospitals, insurance market reforms to increase the availability of group health insurance to small businesses, patients’ bills of rights and requirements that all businesses offer health insurance coverage to their employees. The costs of certain proposals would be funded in significant part by reductions in payments by governmental programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, to health care providers such as hospitals. There can be no assurance that future health care legislation or other changes in the administration or interpretation of governmental health care programs will not have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of Triad.

Administrative Simplification. The Administrative Simplification Provisions of HIPAA require the use of uniform electronic data transmission standards for health care claims and payment transactions submitted or received electronically. On August 17, 2000, CMS published final regulations establishing electronic data transmission standards that all health care providers must use when submitting or receiving certain health care transactions electronically. As of October 16, 2003, the date set for compliance, Triad is in compliance with these regulations.

In December 2000, CMS, acting under HIPAA, released final regulations which required compliance by April 2003 relating to the adoption of standards to protect the privacy of health-related information. These privacy regulations extensively regulate the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health-related information. CMS has also promulgated final regulations under HIPAA establishing standards to protect the security of health-related information. These regulations were published in February 2003 and require compliance by April 2005. They require health care providers to implement organizational and technical practices to protect the security of electronically maintained or transmitted health-related information. The privacy regulations and the security

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regulations, when they become effective, could impose significant costs on Triad’s facilities in order to comply with these standards. Violations of the regulations could result in civil penalties of up to $25,000 per type of violation in each calendar year and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 per violation.

In addition, Triad’s facilities will continue to remain subject to any state laws that are more restrictive than the regulations issued under HIPAA, which vary by state and could impose additional penalties.

Conversion Legislation. Many states have enacted or are considering enacting laws affecting the conversion or sale of not-for-profit hospitals. These laws, in general, include provisions relating to attorney general approval, advance notification and community involvement. In addition, state attorneys general in states without specific conversion legislation may exercise authority over these transactions based upon existing law. In many states there has been an increased interest in the oversight of not-for-profit conversions. The adoption of conversion legislation and the increased review of not-for-profit hospital conversions may increase the cost and difficulty or prevent the completion of transactions with not-for-profit organizations in certain states in the future.

Revenue Ruling 98-15. During March 1998, the IRS issued guidance regarding the tax consequences of certain joint ventures between for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals. Triad has not determined the impact of the tax ruling on the development of future ventures. The tax ruling could limit joint venture development with not-for-profit hospitals.

Environmental Matters. Triad is subject to various Federal, state and local statutes and ordinances regulating the discharge of materials into the environment. Triad does not expect that it will be required to expend any material amounts in order to comply with these laws and regulations or that compliance will materially affect its capital expenditures, earnings or competitive position.

Insurance. As is typical in the health care industry, Triad is subject to claims and legal actions by patients in the ordinary course of business. To cover these claims, Triad maintains professional malpractice liability insurance and general liability insurance in amounts which it believes to be sufficient for its operations, although it is possible that some claims may exceed the scope of the coverage in effect. The cost of malpractice and other liability insurance rose significantly in 2003 and 2002. There can be no assurance that such insurance will continue to be available at reasonable prices which will allow Triad to maintain adequate levels of coverage. Substantially all losses in periods prior to the spin-off are insured through a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary of HCA and excess loss policies maintained by HCA. HCA has agreed to indemnify Triad in respect of claims covered by such insurance policies arising prior to the spin-off. After the spin-off, Triad elected to obtain insurance coverage on a claims incurred basis from HCA’s wholly-owned insurance subsidiary with excess coverage obtained from other carriers which is subject to certain deductibles which Triad considers to be reasonable. For the facilities acquired in the Quorum transaction, Triad obtained tail coverage, subject to certain deductibles, to cover claims incurred prior to July 31, 2001. These facilities were converted to Triad’s existing coverage on August 1, 2001.

Triad has recorded an estimated liability for deductibles related to general and professional liability risks of $99.6 million at December 31, 2003. Any losses incurred in excess of amounts maintained under insurance policies will be funded from working capital. There can be no assurance that the cash flow of Triad will be adequate to provide for professional and general liability claims in the future. See “NOTE 1 – ACCOUNTING POLICIES – General and Professional Liability Risks” in the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed discussion of such arrangements.

False Claims Act Litigation. As a result of its ongoing discussions with the government prior to the merger of Quorum with and into Triad on April 27, 2001, Quorum learned of two qui tam complaints against it alleging violations of the False Claims Act for claims allegedly submitted to the government involving one owned and two managed hospitals. Quorum accrued the estimated liability on these items prior to the merger. The matter involving the two managed hospitals remains under seal and the matter involving the owned hospital has been settled. With respect to the matter involving the two managed hospitals, the government has requested that Quorum conduct a self

Index to Financial Statements

audit with respect to one Medicare cost report for one managed hospital and three other specific issues. The government has stated that it intends to investigate certain other allegations.

On September 9, 2003, Triad was served with a qui tam complaint alleging, among other things, the submission of false claims for reimbursement and improper allocation of costs at a hospital in Mississippi managed by QHR, which is named as an additional defendant. The Federal government has elected not to intervene in the case and the complaint was recently unsealed. While Triad intends to vigorously defend this matter, Triad is not yet able to form a view as to any probable liability for any of the claims alleged in the complaint.

At this time Triad cannot predict the final effect or outcome of the ongoing investigations or qui tam action. If violations of Federal or state laws relating to Medicare, Medicaid or other government programs are found, then Triad may be required to pay substantial fines and civil and criminal damages and also may be excluded from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs and other government programs. Similarly, the amount of damages sought in the qui tam actions or in the future may be substantial. Triad could be subject to substantial costs resulting from defending, or from an adverse outcome in, any current or future investigations, administrative proceedings or litigation. In an effort to resolve one or more of these matters, Triad may choose to negotiate a settlement. Amounts paid to settle any of these matters may be material. Agreements entered into as a part of any settlement could also materially adversely affect Triad. Any current or future investigations or actions could have a material adverse effect on Triad’s results of operations or financial position.

From time to time, Triad may be the subject of additional investigations or a party to additional litigation which alleges violations of law. Triad may not know about such investigations or about qui tam actions filed against Triad unless and to the extent such are unsealed. If any of those matters were successfully asserted against Triad, there could be a material adverse effect on Triad’s business, financial position, results of operations or prospects.

Governmental Investigation of HCA and Related Litigation. HCA was the subject of governmental investigations and litigation relating to the business practices of HCA and its subsidiaries, including subsidiaries that, prior to the spin-off from HCA, owned facilities now owned by Triad. These investigations were concluded through a series of agreements executed in 2000 and 2003. HCA remains a defendant in qui tam actions on behalf of the United States alleging, in general, submission of improper claims to the government for reimbursement. The lawsuits seek three times the amount of damages caused to the United States by the submission of any Medicare or Medicaid false claims presented by the defendants to the Federal government, civil damages of not less than $5,500 nor more than $11,000 for each such Medicare or Medicaid claim, attorneys’ fees and costs. HCA has disclosed that of the original 30 qui tam actions, the U.S. Department of Justice intervened in eight actions that were settled in June 2003. The settlement agreement does not affect qui tam cases in which the government has not intervened. HCA also has previously disclosed that it is aware of additional qui tam actions that remain under seal and believes that there may be other sealed qui tam cases of which it is unaware. HCA is also the subject of a formal order of investigation by the SEC. HCA understands that the SEC’s investigation includes the anti-fraud, insider trading, periodic reporting and internal accounting control provisions of the Federal securities laws.

Triad is unable to predict the effect or outcome of the ongoing SEC investigation or qui tam actions, or whether any additional investigations or litigation will be commenced. In connection with the spin-off from HCA, Triad entered into a distribution agreement with HCA. The terms of the distribution agreement provide that HCA will indemnify Triad for any losses (other than consequential damages) which it may incur as a result of the proceedings described above. HCA has also agreed to indemnify Triad for any losses (other than consequential damages) which it may incur as a result of proceedings which may be commenced by government authorities or by private parties in the future that arise from acts, practices or omissions engaged in prior to the date of the spin-off and that relate to the proceedings described above. HCA has also agreed that, in the event that any hospital owned by Triad at the time of the spin-off is permanently excluded from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs as a result of the proceedings described above, then HCA will make a cash payment to Triad, in an amount (if positive) equal to five times the excluded hospital’s 1998 income from continuing operations before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, management fees, impairment of long-lived assets, minority interests and income taxes, as set forth on a schedule to the distribution agreement, less the net proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the excluded hospital.

Index to Financial Statements

HCA will not indemnify Triad under the distribution agreement for losses relating to any acts, practices and omissions engaged in by Triad after the spin-off date, whether or not Triad is indemnified for similar acts, practices and omissions occurring prior to the spin-off. HCA also will not indemnify Triad under the distribution agreement for similar qui tam litigation, governmental investigations and other actions to which Quorum was subject, some of which are described above. If indemnified matters were asserted successfully against Triad or any of its facilities, and HCA failed to meet its indemnification obligations, then this event could have a material adverse effect on Triad’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

The extent to which Triad may or may not continue to be affected by the investigations of HCA and the initiation of additional investigations, if any, cannot be predicted. These matters could have a material adverse effect on Triad’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

Index to Financial Statements

In addition to the hospitals listed in the table above, as of December 31, 2003, Triad operated 14 ambulatory surgery centers, including three surgery centers that are operated by an unaffiliated third party pursuant to a long-term lease. Two ambulatory surgery centers were either acquired or opened subsequent to December 31, 2003. Medical office buildings also are operated in conjunction with Triad’s hospitals. These office buildings are primarily occupied by physicians who practice at Triad’s hospitals.

Index to Financial Statements

The following table lists the hospitals owned by joint venture entities in which Triad is the minority owner and the percentage ownership interest as of December 31, 2003. Information on licensed beds was provided by the majority owner and manager of each joint venture. HCA is the majority owner of Macon Healthcare LLC. Universal Health Systems is the majority owner of Summerlin Hospital Medical Center LLC and Valley Health System LLC.

Triad’s headquarters are located in approximately 150,000 square feet of space in one office building that Triad leases in Plano, Texas.

In addition to the information provided above, Triad is currently building new hospitals in Tucson, Arizona and Mesquite, Nevada. Triad’s other hospitals and other facilities are suitable for their respective uses and are, in general, adequate for Triad’s present needs.

No matters were submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of 2003.

Triad’s common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol “TRI”). The table below sets forth, for the calendar quarters indicated, the high and low reported closing sales prices per share reported on the New York Stock Exchange for Triad’s common stock for the years ending December 31, 2002 and 2003.

At the close of business on March 1, 2004 there were approximately 11,000 holders of record of Triad’s common stock.

Triad has not paid any dividends on its shares of common stock and is restricted from paying dividends by certain bank indebtedness covenants. See Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources”.

Index to Financial Statements

The following consolidated selected financial data as of and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 and 1999 should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Triad’s consolidated financial statements and related notes to the consolidated financial statements, which are included herein. Prior years selected financial data has been restated to reflect the reclassification of two hospitals and one non-hospital entity as discontinued operations. See NOTE 4 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS in the consolidated financial statements for a more detailed description.

Index to Financial Statements

During the fourth quarter of 2003, Triad acquired seven new hospitals, either by acquiring all of the assets of the hospital, leasing the existing facility or entering into joint ventures with not-for-profit hospital partners. During 2002, Triad opened one new hospital and acquired all of the assets comprising, and a 60% interest in the operations of, one hospital.

During 2003, Triad recorded a $63.9 million increase in its allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect growth in uninsured receivables and deterioration in the collectibility of those receivables. Triad estimates its allowance for doubtful accounts using historical net write-offs of uncollectible accounts. During the third and fourth quarters of 2003, Triad experienced a significant increase in the amount of historical write-offs. The increase in historical write-offs led Triad to believe that the collectibility of its uninsured receivables had deteriorated. During 2003, uninsured receivables increased approximately $60.1 million, from 38% to 39% of total billed hospital receivables (or 36% of total receivables). Triad believes that a weak job market and rising health care costs have led to the growth in uninsured patients and an increase in insurance co-payments and deductibles, for which patients are directly responsible. Triad believes the increase in its allowance for doubtful accounts is reasonable given current business trends and economic conditions. Triad currently anticipates that its provision for doubtful accounts will be approximately 10% of revenues on an annual basis, although it could vary quarter to quarter. If the trend of increasing uninsured receivables and deterioration in collectibility continues, then Triad’s results of operations and financial position could be further and materially adversely affected.

In the fourth quarter of 2003, Triad disposed of its interest in one entity and determined that two hospitals would be designated as held for sale. These entities were reclassified as discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2003. Triad’s results of operations and statistics for prior periods have been restated to reflect this reclassification.

On April 27, 2001, Triad completed the merger of Quorum with and into Triad with Triad being the surviving corporation. The purchase price was approximately $2.4 billion. The merger was accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and the results of operations for Quorum are included in Triad’s results of operations beginning May 1, 2001.

On May 2, 2001, Triad sold two of the acute care hospitals acquired in the merger with Quorum for $38.0 million plus $8.2 million for working capital. Additionally, one hospital acquired in the merger with Quorum was designated as held for sale prior to the completion of the merger. The purchase price allocation of this hospital was equal to the sales price of the hospital plus the cash flows for its holding period and the interest expense on the incremental debt incurred for the purchase of the hospital. On August 7, 2001, Triad sold this hospital. The results of operations of this entity are not included in Triad’s results of operations.

In 2001, subsequent to the merger, Triad recorded charges of approximately $31.8 million associated with coordinating Quorum’s accounting policies, practices and estimation processes with those of Triad. The estimation processes used prior to and subsequent to the merger were consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. These charges included an $8.3 million pre-tax reduction to revenue, $18.5 million pre-tax increase in provision for doubtful accounts and $5.0 million additional income tax provision.

Index to Financial Statements

The above described events significantly affect the comparability of the results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.

This “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contains disclosures which are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements include all statements that do not relate solely to historical or current facts, and can be identified by the use of words such as “may,” “believe,” “will,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “plan” or “continue.” These forward-looking statements are based on the current plans and expectations of Triad and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could significantly affect current plans and expectations and the future financial condition and results of Triad. These factors include, but are not limited to,

As a consequence, current plans, anticipated actions and future financial condition and results may differ from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of Triad. You are cautioned not to unduly rely on such forward-looking statements when evaluating the information presented in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

Triad’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon Triad’s consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires Triad to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, Triad evaluates its estimates, including those related to third-party payer discounts, bad debts, property and equipment, intangible assets, goodwill, income taxes, general and professional liability risks and contingencies and litigation. Triad bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Triad believes the following critical accounting policies affect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of its consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad’s health care facilities have entered into agreements with third-party payers, including government programs and managed care health plans, under which the facilities are paid based upon several methodologies including established charges, the cost of providing services, predetermined rates per diagnosis, fixed per diem rates or discounts from established charges. Revenues are recorded at estimated net amounts due from patients, third-party payers and others for health care services provided. Triad has multiple patient accounting systems and, therefore, estimates for contractual allowances are calculated both systemically and manually, depending on the type of payer involved and the patient accounting system used by each hospital. In certain systems, the contractual payment terms are preloaded into the system and the system calculates the amounts that are realizable. In other systems, the contractual adjustments are determined manually using historical collections on each type of payer. Even for systems that record the realizable values, there are still manual estimates based upon historical collections recorded for payers that are not significant or do not have specific contractual terms. All contractual adjustments, regardless of type of payer or method of calculation, are reviewed and compared to actual experience. Settlements under reimbursement agreements with third-party payers are estimated and recorded in the period the related services are rendered and are adjusted in future periods as adjustments become known or as the service years are no longer subject to audit, review or investigation. Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are extremely complex, subject to interpretation and are routinely modified for provider reimbursement. All hospitals participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs are required to meet certain financial reporting requirements. Federal regulations require submission of annual cost reports covering medical costs and expenses associated with the services provided by each hospital to program beneficiaries. Annual cost reports required under the Medicare and Medicaid programs are subject to routine audits, which may result in adjustments to the amounts ultimately determined to be due to Triad under these reimbursement programs. These audits often require several years to reach the final determination of amounts earned under the programs. As a result, there is at least a reasonable possibility that recorded estimates will change by a material amount in the near term.

Triad also provides various levels of charity care at its facilities which are recorded as deductions to revenue. The charity care policy varies by each facility. Triad is in the process of implementing a corporate-wide charity care policy.

The largest component of bad debts in Triad’s patient accounts receivable is from patient responsibility accounts. These include both amounts due from uninsured patients and co-payments and deductibles for which insured patients are responsible. Each patient’s insurance coverage is verified as early as possible before a scheduled admission or procedure, including eligibility, benefits and authorization/pre-certification requirements, for all scheduled accounts so that patients can be notified of their estimated amounts due. Insurance coverage is verified within 24 hours for all urgent and direct admissions. To improve upfront collections, Triad endeavors to collect the patient responsibility portion of amounts due at or prior to the scheduled admission or procedure. To facilitate the upfront collection process, Triad has instituted an incentive program for its employees which is based on the amount of upfront cash collections on patient responsibility accounts.

Triad maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from payers’ inability to make payments on accounts. Triad estimates these allowances based on historical net write-offs of uncollectible accounts. Triad’s policy is to write-off accounts after all collection efforts have failed, typically no longer than one year after date of discharge. If payers’ ability to pay deteriorates, additional allowances may be required.

Days in accounts receivable increased to 62 days at December 31, 2003 from 59 days at December 31, 2002. This increase resulted primarily from an increase in the amount of uninsured patient receivables, which are slower payers than insured patient receivables, and Medicare reimbursement delays relating to billing system issues. Days in accounts receivable decreased to 59 days at December 31, 2002 from 68 days at December 31, 2001. This decrease resulted from increased upfront collections and integration of the facilities acquired in the Quorum merger into Triad’s collection methodology. Management’s target days in accounts receivable was 58 days and 60 days at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Actual days in accounts receivable did not meet management’s target of 2003 primarily from an increase in the amount of uninsured patient receivables, which are slower payers than insured

Index to Financial Statements

patient receivables, and Medicare reimbursement delays relating to billing system issues. Days in accounts receivable is calculated by dividing patient receivables, excluding cost report receivables/payables, less allowance for doubtful accounts by the most recent three month period’s daily patient revenue, excluding prior year cost report settlements, less provision for doubtful accounts.

Triad evaluates the carrying value of long-lived assets, long-lived assets to be disposed of and amortizable intangible assets and recognizes impairment losses when the fair value is less than the carrying value. The recoverability of assets to be held and used is determined using probability-weighted discounted projected future cash flows. The fair value of assets held for sale is determined using estimated selling values. When events, circumstances and operating results indicate that the carrying values of certain long-lived assets and amortizable intangible assets might be impaired, Triad prepares projections of the probability-weighted undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the projections indicate that the recorded amounts are not expected to be recoverable, such amounts are reduced to estimated fair value. Indicators of potential impairment are typically beyond the control of management. If the probability-weighted cash flows become less favorable than those projected by management, impairments may be required.

Triad reviews goodwill for impairment annually or more frequently if certain indicators arise. Goodwill is reviewed at the reporting unit level, which is defined as one level below an operating segment. Triad estimates fair values of the reporting units using discounted projected future cash flows. Impairment is recognized if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value of the reporting unit. If projected future cash flows become less favorable than those projected by management, then impairments may be required.

Triad records a valuation allowance to reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Triad has considered several items including ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance. In the event Triad were to determine that the realization of its deferred tax asset in the future is different than its net recorded amount, an adjustment to income would be necessary.

Triad self-insures portions of its workers compensation, health insurance and general and professional liability insurance coverage and maintains excess loss policies. The liabilities estimated for these self insured portions are based on actuarially determined estimates. There are many factors that are used in determining the estimates, including amount and timing of historical payments, severity of individual cases, anticipated volume of services provided and discount rates for future cash flows. The amounts of any ultimate actual payments for workers compensation and general and professional liability risks may not become known for several years after incurrence. Any factors changing the underlying data used in determining these estimates would result in revisions to the liabilities which could result in an adjustment to income.

Triad is subject to claims and suits arising from governmental investigations and other matters in the ordinary course of business. In certain of these actions the claimants may seek punitive damages against Triad, which are usually not covered by insurance. Triad is required to assess the likelihood of any adverse judgments or outcomes to these matters as well as potential ranges of probable losses. A determination of the amount of recorded liability, if any, for these contingencies is made after careful analysis of each individual issue. The recorded liability may change in the future due to new developments in each matter or changes in approach, such as a change in settlement strategy in dealing with these matters, which could result in an adjustment to income. Any such adjustment could have a material adverse effect on Triad’s results of operations or financial position.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad has entered into agreements with third-party payers, including government programs and managed care health plans, under which Triad’s facilities are paid based upon established charges, the cost of providing services, predetermined rates per diagnosis, fixed per diem rates or discounts from established charges. Triad’s facilities have experienced revenue growth due to changes in patient acuity, closure of unprofitable services, favorable pricing trends and contract structure. The increases in pricing trends and contract structure were the result of renegotiating and renewing certain managed care contracts on more favorable terms (to include more stop losses, carve outs and pass throughs). Increased volumes for more intensive cases, such as inpatient surgeries, also contributed to revenue rate growth. There can be no assurances that Triad will continue to receive these levels of revenue increases in the future.

Patient volumes, on a same facility basis, increased slightly in 2003 compared to 2002, due primarily to large volume increases in the fourth quarter of 2003 compared to the fourth quarter of 2002. Volumes have been affected by the general weakness in the overall economy. With health care costs increasing, many employers have increased the amounts of deductibles and co-payments required by their employees. The increase in out-of-pocket costs and the uncertainty of continuing employment have led to a decline in elective procedures. If Triad’s volumes decrease, then its results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Triad’s revenues continue to be affected by an increasing proportion of revenue being derived from fixed payment, higher discount sources, including Medicare, Medicaid and managed care plans. Triad expects patient volumes from Medicare and Medicaid to continue to increase due to the general aging of the population and expansion of state Medicaid programs. Volumes from managed care plans are expected to increase due to insurance companies, government programs (other than Medicare) and employers purchasing health care services for their employees by negotiating discounted amounts that they will pay health care providers rather than by paying standard prices. Patient revenues related to Medicare and Medicaid patients were 36.4%, 37.2% and 37.5% of total patient revenues for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. Patient revenues related to managed care plan patients were 41.4%, 39.3% and 35.5% of total patient revenues for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. With an increasing proportion of services over the last several years being reimbursed based upon fixed payment amounts where the payment is based upon the diagnosis, regardless of the cost incurred or level of service provided, revenues, earnings and cash flows are being impacted.

MMA was signed into law on December 8, 2003. In addition to creating a new Medicare prescription drug benefit, MMA provides for a number of other significant changes in the Medicare program. These changes include a reduction in the annual update for ambulatory surgery center payments from April 2004 through the third quarter of 2005 and no payment update for the fourth quarter of 2005 through 2009. MMA also provides for reductions in the annual update in home health agency payments for 2004 through 2006, and for a reduction in the annual update for inpatient hospital payments from 2005 through 2007 for hospitals that do not submit to the Medicare program quality reporting data specified under the National Voluntary Hospital Reporting Initiative. MMA also includes a number of provisions designed to increase Medicare payments to small urban and rural hospitals, increasing the limit on disproportionate share payments that rural hospitals may receive, and permitting an adjustment to the calculation of the standardized payment to benefit hospitals in low-wage areas, such as rural hospitals and equalizes the DRG base payment rate among hospitals. Triad is unable to predict the ultimate impact of MMA, but no assurance can be given that it will not have an adverse effect on Triad’s business. However, on a preliminary basis, Triad anticipates that it may receive an additional $9-$10 million in reimbursement from MMA in 2004.

Triad’s revenues have been affected by the trend toward certain services being performed more frequently on an outpatient basis compared to inpatient admissions. Growth in outpatient services is expected to continue, although possibly at a slower rate, in the health care industry as procedures performed on an inpatient basis are converted to outpatient procedures through continuing advances in pharmaceutical and medical technologies. The redirection of certain procedures to an outpatient basis is also influenced by pressures from payers and patients to perform certain procedures as outpatient care rather than inpatient care. Outpatient revenues as a percentage of patient revenues were 46%, 44% and 46% for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Index to Financial Statements

Pressures on the rate of increase in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, increasing percentages of patient volume related to patients participating in managed care plans and continuing trends toward more services being performed on an outpatient basis are expected to present ongoing challenges. The challenges presented by these trends are magnified by Triad’s inability to control these trends and the associated risks. To maintain and improve its operating margins in future periods, Triad must increase patient volumes and improve contracts while controlling the costs of providing services. If Triad is not able to achieve reductions in the cost of providing services through increased operational efficiencies, and the rate of increase in reimbursements and payments decline, results of operations and cash flows could deteriorate.

Management believes that the proper response to these challenges includes the delivery of a broad range of quality health care services to physicians and patients with operating decisions being primarily made by the local management teams and local physicians with the strategic support of corporate management.

Management of Triad continues its focus on rationalizing its portfolio of facilities. During the fourth quarter of 2003, Triad acquired seven new hospitals, either by acquiring all of the assets of the hospital, leasing the existing facility or entering into joint ventures with not-for-profit hospital partners. In August 2002, Triad opened a new acute care hospital in Las Cruces, New Mexico. On July 1, 2002, Triad acquired all of the assets comprising, and a 60% interest in the operations of, a hospital in Johnson, Arkansas. The facilities acquired in 2003 and 2002 increased revenues by $111.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002. In the fourth quarter of 2003, Triad disposed of its interest in one entity and determined that two hospitals would be designated as held for sale. These entities were reclassified as discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2003. Triad’s results of operations for prior periods were restated to reflect this reclassification. These facilities had revenues of $100.2 million, $100.2 million and $90.4 million in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

As discussed previously, Triad completed the merger with Quorum on April 27, 2001. The effective date of the transaction for accounting purposes was May 1, 2001. The facilities acquired in the merger increased revenues by $767.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to the year ended December 31, 2001. Triad sold one hospital during the year ended December 31, 2001. Revenues for this facility were $58.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.

In connection with the spin-off, HCA agreed to indemnify Triad for any payments which it is required to make in respect of Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross cost reports relating to periods ending on or prior to the date of the spin-off, and Triad agreed to indemnify HCA for and pay to HCA any payments received by it relating to such cost reports. Triad was responsible for the filing of these cost reports, which were recorded in accounts receivable in the consolidated balance sheets (see NOTE 1 – “ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Revenues” in the consolidated financial statements). Triad had recorded a receivable from HCA relating to the indemnification, which was recorded in other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets. In July 2003, HCA finalized a settlement agreement with the government relating to cost report periods ending before August 1, 2001 which included the indemnified cost reports. The receivable from HCA and the related cost report liabilities of $23.2 million were reversed in the third quarter of 2003.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad has experienced significant growth in uninsured receivables and deterioration in the collectibility of those receivables which resulted in a $63.9 million increase in its allowance for doubtful accounts in 2003 (see “Overview”). The approximate percentages of billed hospital receivables in summarized aging categories is as follows:

The approximate percentages of billed hospital receivables (which is a component of total receivables) summarized by payer is as follows:

Uninsured receivables increased approximately $60.1 million in 2003 compared to 2002. If the trend of increasing uninsured receivables and deterioration in collectibility continues, then Triad’s results of operations and financial position could be further and materially adversely affected.

Insurance costs across the industry have been increasing substantially. Triad is facing the same pressures of its insurance costs increasing although the rate of increase slowed in the last half of 2003. Triad has an extensive insurance program, with the largest component being general and professional liability insurance. Many of the factors contributing to the increasing costs are beyond Triad’s control. To help mitigate the increases in premiums, Triad may increase deductibles in these programs, which would increase the risk assumed by Triad. Triad currently records liabilities for its estimated retentions. Triad’s total insurance costs increased approximately $23.0 million, or 27.9% in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to the year ended December 31, 2002. During 2003, Triad recorded a $2.5 million reduction to the estimated liability, primarily related to liabilities associated with claims incurred prior to the merger with Quorum due to settlement of claims at lower amounts than previously estimated. Currently, Triad anticipates that its insurance costs will increase approximately 10% to 15% in 2004. If the trend of increasing costs continues, Triad’s results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.

Five of Triad’s hospitals had impairment indicators and were evaluated for potential impairment. Currently, the probability weighted undiscounted future cash flows expected from the use of the assets and eventual disposition indicate that the recorded amounts are recoverable. If the projections of future cash flows deteriorate, then impairment of these assets may be required. Triad entered into a definitive agreement to sell the assets of its acute care hospital in Alice, Texas in the first quarter of 2004. This scenario was used in the impairment evaluation as the probability weighted cash flows as of December 31, 2003, which was less than the book value. An impairment of $16.3 million was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2003. The book value of this facility’s long-lived assets is now recorded at its estimated sales price at December 31, 2003. Revenues for this facility were $38.9 million and $35.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. This facility had pre-tax losses, excluding impairment, of $8.7 million and $8.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Triad anticipates that this facility will be reclassified to discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2004.

Index to Financial Statements

Following are comparative summaries of results from operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Dollars are in millions, except per share amounts and ratios.

Index to Financial Statements

Income from continuing operations decreased to $99.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 from $140.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2002. This was due primarily to a $63.9 million increase in the provision for doubtful accounts discussed previously (see “Overview”). Triad also recorded an impairment charge at one facility of $16.3 million and incurred $39.9 million in refinancing transaction costs relating to the repayment of its 11% senior subordinated notes in 2003. The decrease was also due to increases in employee health benefits and insurance costs as a percentage of revenues. In addition, Triad had increases in estimates in its retirement plan contributions of $1.4 million in 2003 compared to decreases in estimates of $6.6 million in 2002. Triad also had $10.4 million in litigation settlements in 2002 discussed below. This was partially offset by a 12.4% increase in revenues.

Revenues increased 12.4% to $3,865.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $3,440.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2002. This includes $20.3 million in favorable prior year cost report settlements during 2003 compared to $8.5 million in favorable prior year cost report settlements in 2002. This was due primarily to a delay in Triad’s cost report filings in 2002 because of outpatient prospective payment system implementation issues at CMS. Excluding prior year cost report settlements, patient revenue per adjusted admission increased 7.5% due primarily to favorable pricing trends, changes in contract structure and higher acuity procedures. Triad anticipates that patient revenue per adjusted admission will increase approximately 4% to 5% in 2004. Managed care contract pricing increased approximately 5% to 7% from renegotiation and renewal of contracts to include pricing increases and more favorable contract structure. Triad’s higher acuity procedures in 2003 compared to 2002 resulted primarily from same facility (which excludes seven hospitals acquired in 2003, one hospital acquired in 2002 and one hospital opened in 2002) inpatient surgeries increasing 2.8% in 2003 compared to 2002. These increases were partially offset by overall weakness in same facility patient volume growth. Volumes have been affected by the general weakness in the overall economy. With health care costs increasing, many employers have increased the amounts of deductibles and co-payments required by their employees. The increase in out-of-pocket costs and the uncertainty of continuing employment have led to a decline in elective procedures. Same facility admissions increased 1.3% and adjusted admissions increased 2.0% in 2003 compared to 2002. Triad had increases in revenues of $111.5 million, admissions of 9,557, adjusted admissions of 14,384, inpatient surgeries of 3,686, outpatient surgeries of 6,799 and outpatient visits of 84,888 from the acquisition of seven hospitals in the fourth quarter of 2003, the acquisition of one hospital in 2002 and the opening of one new hospital in 2002.

Salaries and benefits (which include contract nursing) as a percentage of revenues decreased to 40.8% in the year ended December 31, 2003 from 41.9% in the year ended December 31, 2002. This was due to a reduction in contract labor of approximately $12.6 million and increased productivity. This was offset by employee health benefit costs increasing approximately $19.3 million, or 12%, in 2003 compared to 2002. In addition, Triad had increases in estimates in its retirement plan contributions of $1.4 million in 2003 compared to decreases in estimates of $6.6 million in 2002.

Reimbursable expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 1.3% in the year ended December 31, 2003 from 1.6% in the year ended December 31, 2002. Reimbursable expenses relate primarily to salaries and benefits of QHR employees who serve as executives at hospitals managed by QHR. These expenses are also included as a component of revenues. The decrease was due primarily to changes in contract structure for certain contracts whereby the executives at hospitals managed by QHR are no longer QHR employees.

Supplies increased as a percentage of revenues to 15.6% in the year ended December 31, 2003 from 15.4% in the year ended December 31, 2002. This was due primarily to supplies per adjusted admission increasing 8.3% due primarily to increased patient acuity.

Index to Financial Statements

Provision for doubtful accounts as a percentage of revenues increased to 10.3% in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to 7.8% in the year ended December 31, 2002. Triad recorded $63.9 million of additional allowance in the year ended December 31, 2003. This was due primarily to an increase in uninsured receivables and deterioration in the collectibility of those uninsured receivables (see “Overview” and “Other Trends”). If the trend of increasing uninsured accounts continues, then Triad’s results of operations and financial position could be materially adversely affected. The increase was also due to a settlement received on a bankrupt account and recoveries on other non-patient receivables in 2002.

Depreciation and amortization increased to $176.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $163.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2002. This was due primarily to the opening of a new acute care hospital in Las Cruces, New Mexico in August 2002, completion of a replacement hospital in Bentonville, Arkansas in May 2003 and completion of several major renovation projects.

Interest expense, which was offset by $2.7 million and $1.7 million of interest income in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, decreased to $131.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $134.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2002. This was due to decreases in floating rate debt interest rates and reduction of principal balances from scheduled repayments.

In November 2003, Triad purchased approximately $320.8 million of its 11% senior subordinated notes. In connection with the purchase, Triad paid tender premium and consent payments of approximately $32.8 million. Triad recorded a charge in the fourth quarter of 2003 for the tender premium, consent solicitations and other fees paid and the write-off of unamortized discount and deferred loan costs of $39.9 million.

Quorum was involved in a malpractice case in which Quorum’s insurance company issued a reservation of rights, which means that the insurance company was providing a current defense, but was reserving a right ultimately not to pay the claim. Accordingly, the potential exposure was recorded as a liability as part of the Quorum purchase price allocation. During the third quarter of 2002, Triad settled the malpractice case and the insurance company agreed to pay the claim. Triad reversed the accrual, less remaining legal fees, of $5.9 million in the third quarter of 2002. In June 2002, Triad received notification that HCA had agreed to reimburse Triad for a portion of the settlement on a False Claims Act case, settled by Quorum prior to Triad’s acquisition. Triad received this reimbursement in the amount of $4.5 million, in July 2002. Both items were recorded as litigation settlements in the consolidated statements of operations in the year ended December 31, 2002.

Gain on sales of assets included a $1.1 million gain on the sale of a parcel of land in the year ended December 31, 2003. In the year ended December 31, 2002, gain on sales of assets was primarily comprised of a $1.6 million gain on the sale of an investment in a rehabilitation center.

Impairments of long-lived assets were $16.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2003. In February 2004, Triad entered into a definitive agreement to sell its acute care hospital in Alice, Texas for approximately $18 million. The impairment was due to the carrying value of this hospital being reduced to its estimated selling price.

Minority interests decreased to $8.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 from $14.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 due to decreases in earnings at certain of Triad’s non-wholly owned facilities.

Index to Financial Statements

Equity in earnings of affiliates increased to $25.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 from $21.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 due to a loss on the sale of a hospital in one of the non-consolidating joint ventures during 2002, of which Triad’s share was $4.8 million.

Income tax provision was $65.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $93.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2002. Triad’s effective tax rate is affected primarily by nondeductible ESOP expense.

Income from continuing operations increased to $140.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 from $3.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2001. The increase in income from continuing operations was attributable primarily to an increase of $94.3 million in pre-tax income in 2002 from 2001 from the facilities acquired, excluding charges discussed below, in the Quorum acquisition. Pre-tax income from same facility operations increased $47.0 million. Also, Triad recorded $26.8 million of pre-tax charges associated with coordinating Quorum’s accounting policies, practices and estimation processes with those of Triad during 2001. Income from continuing operations also increased $29.4 million due to changes in accounting for goodwill amortization. Triad also had $10.4 million in income from litigation settlements in 2002 discussed below. During 2001, Triad incurred $3.8 million of non-cash stock compensation expense relating to stock option vesting acceleration that was incurred due to the acquisition of Quorum and $1.4 million of non-cash stock option expense from options granted to a charitable foundation. This was partially offset by an increase in interest expense of $8.9 million primarily related to the additional indebtedness incurred in the acquisition of Quorum. Corporate overhead increased $12.8 million in 2002 compared to 2001, due primarily to additional staffing and other costs due to the merger.

Revenues increased to $3,440.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 from $2,579.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2001. Same facility revenues increased $165.8 million or 12.6% in 2002 compared to 2001. This includes $9.2 million in favorable prior year cost report settlements during 2002 compared to $4.9 million in favorable prior year cost report settlements during 2001. The primary reason for the increase in revenues was due primarily to increases of approximately 6% to 9% from renegotiation and renewal of managed care contracts to include pricing increases and more favorable contract structure in 2002. For the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to the year ended December 31, 2001, same facility admissions increased 4.2%, adjusted admissions increased 4.5%, revenue per adjusted admission increased 9.0%, outpatient visits increased 2.6%, outpatient revenue per visit increased 1.5% and surgeries increased 4.6%. Revenues for facilities acquired increased $754.3 million in 2002 compared to 2001 which included $2.1 million in favorable prior year cost report settlements in 2001. Revenues for facilities acquired were reduced in 2001 by $8.3 million in charges associated with coordinating Quorum’s accounting policies, procedures and estimation processes with those of Triad’s (see “Overview”). For the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to the year ended December 31, 2001, the acquired facilities’ admissions increased 52,219, adjusted admissions increased 89,740, outpatient visits increased 651,379, and surgeries increased 56,520. The increase in revenues was partially offset by the facility that was sold. In 2001, this facility had revenues of $58.3 million.

Salaries and benefits (which included contract nursing), as a percentage of revenues, decreased to 41.9% in the year ended December 31, 2002 from 42.2% in the year ended December 31, 2001. Same facility salaries and benefits decreased 0.2% as a percentage of revenue in 2002 compared to 2001. This was due primarily to $5.2 million in non-cash stock option expense recognized in 2001 described above. In addition, Triad had decreases in estimates in its retirement plan contributions of $5.2 million in 2002 compared to $1.3 million in 2001. This was partially offset by $4.9 million in estimate increases in Triad’s health and workers compensation expenses and an increase in the number of full time equivalent employees at the corporate office. Salaries and benefits for the acquired facilities, as a percentage of revenue, were 43.1% in 2002 compared to 43.8% in 2001 due primarily to the revenue reductions in 2001 discussed above. In addition, there were $3.0 million in duplicate overhead costs and stay-on bonuses at the former Quorum corporate office and approximately $1.0 million in severance costs for a reduction in force at QHR in 2001. There was also a decrease in estimates in retirement plan contributions of $3.6 million in 2002. This was partially offset by $12.7 million in estimate increases in health and workers compensation expenses. Included in

Index to Financial Statements

salaries for the acquired facilities are salaries from owned physician practices, which are higher as a percentage of revenue than traditional hospital operations. Salaries and benefits for the facility sold were $26.5 million in 2001.

Reimbursable expenses were 1.6% as a percentage of revenue in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to 1.5% for the year ended December 31, 2001 due to the Quorum acquisition. Reimbursable expenses relate primarily to salaries and benefits of QHR employees that serve as executives at hospitals managed by QHR. These expenses are also included as a component of revenues.

Supplies as a percentage of revenues remained constant at 15.4% in the years ended December 31, 2002 and December 31, 2001, respectively. Same facility supplies increased as a percentage of revenue to 15.4% in 2002 compared to 15.3% in 2001. This was due primarily to increased acuity levels. Supplies for the acquired facilities, as a percentage of revenue, remained relatively constant in 2002 compared to 2001. Supplies for the facility sold were $8.8 million in 2001.

Other operating expenses (primarily consisting of contract services, professional fees, repairs and maintenance, rents and leases, utilities, insurance and non-income taxes) decreased as a percentage of revenues to 18.1% in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to 18.6% in the year ended December 31, 2001. Same facility other operating expenses decreased 1.2% as a percentage of revenue in 2002 compared to 2001. This was due primarily to revenue rate increases, resulting from favorable pricing trends and changes in contract structure discussed above. This was partially offset by approximately a $5.2 million, or 40%, increase in insurance costs, primarily malpractice insurance (see “Other Trends”). Other operating expenses for the acquired facilities, as a percentage of revenue, were 17.4% in 2002 compared to 16.7% in 2001. This was due to approximately a $5.8 million, or 40%, increase in insurance costs, primarily malpractice insurance (see “Other Trends”), and the revenue reduction in 2001 discussed above. This was partially offset by a $3.0 million reduction of a pre-acquisition liability in the fourth quarter of 2002 as additional information became available on expected settlements. Other operating expenses for the facility sold were $11.7 million in 2001.

Provision for doubtful accounts, as a percentage of revenues, decreased to 7.8% in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to 9.0% in the year ended December 31, 2001. Same facility provision for doubtful accounts decreased 0.2% as a percentage of revenue in 2002 compared to 2001. This was due, in part, to increased expenses in 2001 relating to emergency room visits, primarily to facilities in Texas, which typically have a higher incidence of uninsured accounts, and improved collections in 2002. This was partially offset by payment delays and account write-offs from system issues at one facility and additional expenses on certain non-patient accounts in 2002. Provision for doubtful accounts for the acquired facilities, as a percentage of revenue, was 6.7% in 2002 compared to 8.4% in 2001. As discussed previously, included in the provision for doubtful accounts were $18.5 million in charges associated with coordinating Quorum’s accounting policies, practices and estimation process with those of Triad’s (see “Overview”). Provision for doubtful accounts for the facility sold was $8.1 million in 2001.

Depreciation and amortization decreased to $163.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $166.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2001, primarily due to changes in accounting for goodwill amortization. This was partially offset by the acquisition of Quorum in 2001.

Interest expense, which was offset by $1.7 million and $1.6 million of interest income in the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively, increased to $134.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 from $126.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2001, due to additional debt outstanding, primarily from indebtedness incurred to finance the Quorum acquisition. This was partially offset by decreases in interest rates on Triad’s variable rate debt and reductions in debt outstanding.

In 2001, Triad incurred $5.2 million of refinancing transaction costs from the write-off of debt issue costs in connection with the debt refinancing associated with the Quorum acquisition and early retirement of indebtedness incurred in the Quorum acquisition.

Index to Financial Statements

ultimately agreed to pay the claim. Triad recorded the settlement, less remaining legal fees, of $5.9 million in the third quarter of 2002. In June 2002, Triad received notification that HCA had agreed to reimburse Triad for a portion of a settlement on a False Claims Act case, settled by Quorum prior to Triad’s acquisition. Triad received this reimbursement in the amount of $4.5 million, in July 2002. Both items were recorded in litigation settlements in the consolidated statements of operations in the year ended December 31, 2002.

Gain on sale of assets was $23.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2001, due primarily to the sale of one hospital facility in the fourth quarter of 2001. Gain on sale of assets was $4.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2002.

Impairments of long-lived assets were $23.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2001. The impairments were primarily due to the carrying value of the long-lived assets related to one hospital being reduced to fair value, based on estimated future cash flows.

Minority interests increased to $14.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 from $7.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2001 due primarily to the Quorum acquisition.

Equity in earnings of affiliates was $21.7 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $14.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2001. This was primarily due to the joint ventures acquired in the Quorum acquisition. This was partially offset by a loss on the sale of a hospital in one of the non-consolidating joint ventures, of which Triad’s share was $4.8 million.

Income tax provision was $93.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2002 compared to $40.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2001. During 2001, Triad’s effective tax rate was significantly increased by the effect of nondeductible goodwill amortization and ESOP expense. As discussed previously, included in the income tax provision in 2001 was $5.0 million in charges associated with coordinating Quorum’s accounting policies, practices and estimation processes. Triad’s effective tax rate was reduced significantly in 2002 primarily due to changes in accounting for goodwill amortization.

Cash provided by operating activities was $363.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $358.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2002. Payments for prepaid expenses decreased $6.9 million due to changes in payment structure of insurance programs in 2002. There were also increases in self insured reserves of $34.0 million in 2003 compared to $20.2 million in 2002. Also, accounts payable increased $14.8 million in 2003 compared to 2002 due to timing of payments. This was partially offset by approximately $14.8 million of increased incentive compensation payments throughout the organization in 2003 compared to 2002. Accounts receivable increased $66.7 million in 2003 compared to $59.9 million in 2002 primarily from an increase in the amount of uninsured patient receivables, which are slower payers than insured patient receivables, and Medicare reimbursement delays related to billing system issues, which led to an increase in accounts receivable days of approximately three days in 2003 compared to 2002.

Cash used in investing activities was $436.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to $261.8 million in the year ended December 31, 2002. Triad paid $185.3 million for the acquisition of seven hospitals in 2003 compared to $10.1 million for the acquisition of one hospital in 2002. Also, distributions received from non-consolidating joint ventures decreased $17.0 million in 2003 compared to 2002 due primarily to the funding of a new hospital constructed by one of Triad’s non-consolidating joint ventures. This was partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures from the completion of several projects during 2002. Triad currently anticipates expending up to $475 million (including approximately $355 million for expansion and development) in capital expenditures in 2004.

Cash provided by financing activities was $19.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2003 compared to cash used in financing activities of $44.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2002. This was primarily from the refinancing transaction discussed below. There was also a reduction in cash received on stock option exercises of $27.6 million in 2003 compared to 2002.

Index to Financial Statements

On October 27, 2003, Triad commenced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation to purchase any and all of its $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11% senior subordinated notes due 2009 and amend or eliminate substantially all the restrictive covenants in the related indenture. On November 12, 2003, Triad purchased approximately $320.8 million of the 11% notes, which had been previously tendered. Triad paid tender premium and consent payments of approximately $32.8 million on the 11% notes and effectuated the amendments to the 11% notes indenture. The tender offer expired on November 24, 2003. Approximately $4.2 million of the 11% senior subordinated notes due 2009 were not tendered prior to the expiration date and remain outstanding. Triad recorded a charge to earnings in the fourth quarter of 2003 for the tender premium, consent solicitations and other fees paid and the write-offs of unamortized discount and deferred loan costs of approximately $39.9 million.

On November 12, 2003, Triad issued $600.0 million of senior subordinated notes bearing interest at 7% with principal amounts due in 2013. The 7% notes are callable, at Triad’s option, beginning in 2008 and are callable earlier at Triad’s option by paying a make-whole premium. The notes are not guaranteed by Triad’s operating subsidiaries. Triad incurred approximately $15.3 million in debt issue costs related to the issuance of the notes, which will be amortized over the period the notes are outstanding. Triad used a portion of the proceeds of the notes to pay for the tender of the 11% notes, the issue costs of the 7% notes and to repay an aggregate principal amount of $150 million of Tranche A and Tranche B term loans. The remaining proceeds were used for general corporate purposes including the acquisitions discussed below.

Triad’s indebtedness consists of a Tranche A term loan of $126.6 million bearing interest at LIBOR plus 2.0% (3.14% at December 31, 2003) with principal amounts due through 2007, a Tranche B term loan of $424.1 million bearing interest at LIBOR plus 3.0% (4.14% at December 31, 2003) with principal amounts due through 2008, $600.0 million of senior notes bearing interest at 8.75% with principal amounts due in 2009, $600 million of senior subordinated notes being interest at 7% with principal amounts due in 2013 and $4.2 million of senior subordinated notes bearing interest at 11%, with principal amounts due in 2009. The 11% senior subordinated notes are callable, at Triad’s option, in May 2004, the 7% senior subordinated notes are callable, at Triad’s option, in November 2008 and the 8.75% senior notes are callable, at Triad’s option, in May 2005. At December 31, 2003 Triad had a $250 million line of credit which bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.0%. No amounts were outstanding under the line of credit at December 31, 2003. The revolving credit line matures in 2007. As of December 31, 2003, Triad had $28.7 million in letters of credit outstanding which reduce the amount available under the revolving credit line. The LIBOR spread on the revolving credit line and the Tranche A term loan are subject to reduction depending upon the total leverage of Triad. Subsequent to December 31, 2003, Triad reduced the interest rate on its Tranche B term loan, by an amendment to the bank credit facility, to LIBOR plus 2.25%. The LIBOR spread is subject to further reduction to LIBOR plus 2.0% depending upon the total leverage of Triad.

Subsequent to December 31, 2003, Triad repaid $3.8 million of Tranche A term loans and $12.6 million of Tranche B term loans from part of the proceeds received on the sale of El Dorado Hospital, discussed below.

In July 2003, Standard & Poor’s upgraded its ratings on Triad’s term loans, senior notes and 11% senior subordinated notes.

Triad’s term loans and revolving lines of credit are collateralized by a pledge of substantially all of its assets other than real estate associated with the facilities acquired in the Quorum transaction. The debt agreements require that Triad comply with various financial ratios and tests and have restrictions on, among other things, new indebtedness, asset sales and use of proceeds therefrom, capital expenditures and dividends. In September 2003, Triad completed an amendment to its bank credit facility which favorably modified restrictions on new indebtedness, capital expenditures, assets sales, investments and various other matters. The indentures governing Triad’s other long-term debt also contain covenants restricting the incurrence of indebtedness, investments, dividends, asset sales and the incurrence of liens, among other things. Triad currently is in compliance with all debt agreement covenants and restrictions. If an event of default occurs with respect to the debt agreements, then the balances of the term loans and revolving line of credit could become due and payable which could result in other debt obligations of Triad also becoming due and payable.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad has entered into an interest rate swap agreement which effectively converted a notional amount of $100 million of floating rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings. The term of the interest rate swap expired on January 15, 2004. Triad paid a rate of 3.22% and received LIBOR, which was set at 1.15% at December 31, 2003. Triad entered into another interest rate swap agreement, which effectively converts an additional notional amount of $100 million of floating rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings. The term of the interest rate swap expires in June 2005. Triad will pay a rate of 3.99% and receive LIBOR, which was set at 1.17% at December 31, 2003. The interest rate swap agreements are with the same counterparty. Triad is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty. The counterparty is a creditworthy financial institution and it is anticipated that the counterparty will be able to fully satisfy the obligation under the contracts. The interest rate swap agreements are designated as cash flow hedges.

The following table shows the total future contractual obligations of Triad as of December 31, 2003 (in millions):

At December 31, 2003, Triad had working capital of $420.1 million. Management expects that operating cash flows and its revolving credit line will provide sufficient liquidity for fiscal 2004. Significant changes in reimbursement from government programs and managed care health plans could affect liquidity in the future.

Triad completed development of a replacement hospital in Bentonville, Arkansas in May 2003. The final cost of the replacement facility was approximately $60.0 million.

Triad has commenced development of a new hospital in Mesquite, Nevada. The project is expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2004. The anticipated cost of this project is approximately $30 million. As of December 31, 2003, approximately $9.9 million had been spent on this project.

Triad began development of a new hospital in Tucson, Arizona during the third quarter of 2003. The anticipated cost of the project is approximately $90 million and completion is expected in the first quarter of 2005. As of December 31, 2003, approximately $16.0 million had been spent on this project.

Triad has entered into a joint venture with a not-for-profit hospital organization to build a second hospital in Denton, Texas. The anticipated cost of the project is approximately $100 million, of which Triad would fund approximately 80% with the joint venture partner funding the remainder. Triad would also lease its existing facility to the joint venture. Triad began development on this project in the third quarter of 2003 and anticipates completion in the first quarter of 2005. As of December 31, 2003, approximately $9.8 million has been spent on this project.

On December 1, 2003, Triad completed the acquisition of four hospitals in Arkansas from subsidiaries of Tenet Healthcare Corporation for a purchase price of $142.0 million in cash and $2.5 million of transaction costs less the assumption of $2.2 million of net current liabilities.

Index to Financial Statements

On December 1, 2003, Triad entered into a transaction with a not-for-profit hospital in Palmer, Alaska. Triad is the majority partner owning approximately 76% of the venture with the not-for-profit partner owning the remainder. Triad contributed $25 million (including $23.5 million in cash) to the venture and the not-for-profit partner contributed its current facility to the venture. The venture intends to construct a replacement facility that is expected to cost approximately $88 million.

On December 1, 2003, Triad entered into a lease for the real property and operations of an acute care hospital in Woodward, Oklahoma. Triad also acquired the net working capital and equipment for approximately $5.5 million in cash and a $1.1 million note.

On October 1, 2003, Triad entered into a transaction with a not-for-profit hospital in Springfield, Oregon. Triad owns 80% of the venture. Triad contributed $20 million (including $13 million in cash) to the venture and the not-for-profit partner contributed its current facility to the venture. The venture intends to construct a replacement facility for approximately $85 million.

One of Triad’s non-consolidating joint ventures has constructed a new acute care hospital. Triad’s investment in this project will be approximately $20 million, funded by partnership distributions it would have otherwise received. Triad has contributed approximately $20.5 million for this project as of December 31, 2003.

Triad has entered into a letter of intent to form a venture with a not-for-profit hospital in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Triad anticipates that it would be the majority owner in the venture. The not-for-profit hospital would contribute its current operations to the venture. The venture would build a replacement facility that would cost approximately $150 million. Triad anticipates that a closing under a definitive agreement could occur during the second quarter of 2004.

Triad has entered into a letter of intent to acquire the operations of an acute care hospital in Erwin, North Carolina. As part of the proposed transaction, Triad would lease the operations of the existing hospital and build a replacement facility for approximately $42 million. Triad anticipates that a definitive agreement could be completed in the second quarter of 2004.

Triad had entered into a letter of intent to acquire the operations of an acute care hospital in Fairmont, West Virginia. Triad decided not to proceed with this transaction.

Triad is exploring various other opportunities with not-for-profit hospitals to become a capital partner to construct replacement facilities. Although no definitive agreements have been reached at this time, agreements could be reached in the future. Any future agreements could increase future capital expenditures.

Triad has various other existing hospital expansion projects in progress. Triad anticipates expending an aggregate of approximately $285 million related to these projects over the next several years.

Triad expects that its anticipated capital expenditures, including expansion and development projects, will be funded with either operating cash flows, existing credit facilities, or proceeds from the sales of securities using its shelf registration statement or by private placement.

In December 2003, Triad disposed of its interest in Cambio Health Solutions, a subsidiary of QHR. The proceeds consisted of $2.0 million in cash, less approximately $0.7 million for working capital, a $3.0 million note and an estimated $1.5 million earn out over the next three years. A gain from the disposition of $1.7 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2003 which included a $3.0 million settlement relating to the value of a minority shareholder’s interest. This entity was reclassified to discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2003.

In December 2003, Triad entered into a definitive agreement to sell El Dorado Hospital in Tucson, Arizona for approximately $33.2 million plus working capital. Triad closed under the definitive agreement in January 2004. Triad recorded a $2.2 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2003 to adjust the carrying value of the assets to the selling price. This entity was reclassified to discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2003.

Index to Financial Statements

In February 2004, Triad entered into a definitive agreement to sell its acute care hospital in Terrell, Texas for approximately $3.4 million in notes receivable plus working capital. Triad anticipates closing under the definitive agreement in the second quarter of 2004, subject to regulatory approvals. Triad anticipates recording a deferred gain on the sale of the facility. The gain would be recognized ratably as the note payments are received. This entity was reclassified to discontinued operations in the fourth quarter of 2003.

The facilities reclassified as discontinued operations had revenues of $100.2 million and $100.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. These facilities had pre-tax income (losses) of $(4.1) million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Triad leases the operations of two acute care hospitals and three ambulatory surgery centers located in the Kansas City, Missouri area to HCA. The lease payments are approximately $18 million per year. HCA has an option to purchase the facilities for approximately $136 million. Triad signed a definitive agreement to sell these facilities to HCA in the first quarter of 2004. Triad closed under the definitive agreement in the first quarter of 2004. As of December 31, 2003, the carrying value of these assets was approximately $54 million. These facilities will be reclassified to discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2004.

In February 2004, Triad entered into a definitive agreement to sell its acute care hospital in Alice, Texas for approximately $18.0 million. Triad anticipates a closing under the definitive agreement in the second quarter of 2004. Triad anticipates that this facility will be reclassified to discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2004.

Triad has entered into agreements whereby it has guaranteed certain loans entered into by patients who had services performed at Triad’s facilities. These loans are provided by various financial institutions. Triad would be obligated to repay the financial institutions if a patient fails to repay their loan. Triad would then pursue collections from the patient. At December 31, 2003, the amounts subject to the guarantees were $19.9 million. Triad has $4.6 million reserved at December 31, 2003 for the estimated loan defaults that would be covered under the guarantees.

Prior to January 1, 2003, Triad entered into agreements to guarantee the indebtedness of certain joint ventures that are accounted for by the equity method. The ultimate amount of the guarantees were $2.8 million at December 31, 2003.

Triad adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 145 “Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections” (“SFAS 145”), on January 1, 2003. SFAS 145 rescinds Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 4 “Reporting Gains and Losses From Extinguishment of Debt”. SFAS 145 requires any gains or losses on extinguishment of debt that were classified as an extraordinary item in prior periods that do not meet the criteria in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 “Reporting the Results of Operations – Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions” for classification as an extraordinary item shall be reclassified into income from continuing operations. The impact of adoption of SFAS 145 reduced income from continuing operations by $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 through the reclassification of the extraordinary loss on retirement of debt.

Triad adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities” (“SFAS 146”), on January 1, 2003. SFAS 146 addresses the accounting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3 “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring)”. Triad’s adoption of SFAS 146 did not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 45 “Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others” (“FIN 45”) on January 1, 2003. FIN 45 states that the fair value of certain guarantee obligations be recorded at the inception of the guarantee and clarifies disclosures required for guarantee obligations. The initial recognition provisions of FIN 45 were applicable on a prospective basis to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. Triad’s adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”(“SFAS 149”). SFAS 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. Triad adopted SFAS 149 on July 1, 2003. Triad’s adoption of SFAS 149 did not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

Triad adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150 “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS 150”) on July 1, 2003. SFAS 150 establishes standards for classifying and measuring as liabilities certain financial instruments that embody obligations of the issuer and have characteristics of both liabilities and equity, such as redeemable preferred stock and certain equity derivatives that frequently are used in connection with share repurchase programs. The adoption of SFAS 150 did not have a material impact on Triad’s results of operations or financial position. On November 7, 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board voted to defer for an indefinite period the application of SFAS 150 to classification of noncontrolling interests of limited-life subsidiaries. The deferral did not have a material impact on Triad’s results of operations or financial position.

As a result of its ongoing discussions with the government prior to the merger of Quorum into Triad on April 27, 2001, Quorum learned of two qui tam complaints against it alleging violations of the False Claims Act for claims allegedly submitted to the government involving one owned and two managed hospitals. Quorum accrued the estimated liability on these items prior to the merger. The matter involving the two managed hospitals remains under seal and the matter involving the owned hospital has been settled. With respect to the matter involving the two managed hospitals, the government has requested that Quorum conduct a self audit with respect to one Medicare cost report for one managed hospital and three other specific issues. The government has stated that it intends to investigate certain other allegations.

Index to Financial Statements

From time to time, Triad may be the subject of additional investigations or a party to additional litigation which alleges violations of law. Triad may not know about those investigations or about qui tam actions filed against it unless and to the extent such are unsealed. If any of those matters were successfully asserted against Triad, there could be a material adverse effect on Triad’s business, financial position, results of operations or prospects.

The IRS is in the process of conducting an examination of the Federal income tax returns of Triad for the calendar years ended December 31, 1999 and 2000, and the Federal income tax returns of Quorum for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1999 and 2000. Although the examinations are still ongoing, the IRS has proposed several adjustments to which Triad has consented. The nature of the proposed adjustments relate to carryover adjustments from previous audit settlements of Quorum and to adjustments proposed by Triad to correct various tax accounting matters. In the opinion of management, the proposed adjustments will not have a material effect on Triad’s results of operations or financial position.

The IRS has proposed adjustments with respect to partnership returns of income for certain joint ventures in which Quorum owned a majority interest for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1997 and 1998. The most significant adjustments involve the tax accounting methods adopted for computing bad debt expense, the valuation of purchased hospital property and equipment and related depreciable lives, income recognition related to cost reports and the loss calculation on a taxable liquidation of a subsidiary. Triad has filed protests on behalf of the joint ventures with the Appeals Division of the IRS contesting substantially all of the proposed adjustments, and Triad has since been negotiating with the Appeals Division in an effort to resolve these matters. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of the IRS examinations will not have a material effect on Triad’s results of operations or financial position.

HCA was the subject of governmental investigations and litigation relating to the business practices of HCA and its subsidiaries, including subsidiaries that, prior to the spin-off from HCA, owned facilities now owned by Triad. These investigations were concluded through a series of agreements executed in 2000 and 2003. HCA remains a defendant in qui tam actions on behalf of the United States alleging, in general, submission of improper claims to the government for reimbursement. The lawsuits seek three times the amount of damages caused to the United States by the submission of any Medicare or Medicaid false claims presented by the defendants to the Federal government, civil damages of not less than $5,500 nor more than $11,000 for each such Medicare or Medicaid claim, attorneys’ fees and costs. HCA has disclosed that of the original 30 qui tam actions, the U.S. Department of Justice intervened in eight actions that were settled in June 2003. The settlement agreement does not affect qui tam cases in which the government has not intervened. HCA also has previously disclosed that it is aware of additional qui tam actions that remain under seal and believes that there may be other sealed qui tam cases of which it is unaware. HCA is also the subject of a formal order of investigation by the SEC. HCA understands that the SEC’s investigation includes the anti-fraud, insider trading, periodic reporting and internal accounting control provisions of the Federal securities laws.

Triad is unable to predict the effect or outcome of the ongoing SEC investigation or qui tam actions, or whether any additional investigations or litigation will be commenced. In connection with the spin-off from HCA, Triad entered into a distribution agreement with HCA. The terms of the distribution agreement provide that HCA will indemnify Triad for any losses (other than consequential damages) which it may incur as a result of the proceedings described above. HCA has also agreed to indemnify Triad for any losses (other than consequential damages) which it may incur as a result of proceedings which may be commenced by government authorities or by private parties in the future that arise from acts, practices or omissions engaged in prior to the date of the spin-off and that relate to the proceedings described above. HCA has also agreed that, in the event that any hospital owned by Triad at the time of the spin-off is permanently excluded from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs as a result of the proceedings described above, then HCA will make a cash payment to Triad in an amount (if positive) equal to five times the excluded hospital’s 1998 income from continuing operations before depreciation and amortization, interest

Index to Financial Statements

expense, management fees, impairment of long-lived assets, minority interest and income taxes, as set forth on a schedule to the distribution agreement, less the net proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the excluded hospital.

Triad is subject to claims and suits arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims for personal injuries or wrongful restriction of, or interference with, physicians’ staff privileges. In certain of these actions the claimants may seek punitive damages against Triad, which are usually not covered by insurance. It is management’s opinion that the ultimate resolution of these pending claims and legal proceedings will not have a material adverse effect on Triad’s results of operations or financial position.

Various Federal, state and local laws have been enacted that, in certain cases, limit Triad’s ability to increase prices. Revenues for acute care hospital services rendered to Medicare patients are established under the Federal government’s prospective payment system. Medicare revenues were approximately 30.9% in 2003, 31.9% in 2002, and 31.9% in 2001.

Management believes that hospital industry operating margins have been, and may continue to be, under significant pressure because of deterioration in pricing flexibility and payer mix, and growth in operating expenses in excess of the increase in prospective payments under the Medicare program. As a result of increasing regulatory and competitive pressures, Triad’s ability to maintain operating margins through price increases to non-Medicare patients is limited. Medicare prospective payments increased in 2003, 2002 and 2001 and management anticipates that the average rate of increase in Medicare prospective payments will be relatively consistent in 2004.

In recent years, an increasing number of legislative proposals have been introduced in or proposed by Congress and some state legislatures that would significantly affect health care systems in Triad’s markets. The cost of certain proposals would be funded, in significant part, by a reduction in payments by government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, to health care providers. Most recently, the MMA, which provides for a number of significant changes in the Medicare program, was signed into law on December 8, 2003. Triad is unable to predict whether any other proposals for health care reform will be adopted, and there can be no assurance that proposals adverse to the business of Triad will not be adopted.

In December 2000, CMS acting under HIPAA released final regulations which required compliance by April 2003, relating to adoption of standards to protect the security and privacy of health-related information. These privacy regulations extensively regulate the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health-related information. CMS has also promulgated final regulations under HIPAA establishing standards to protect the security of health-related information. These regulations were published in February 2003 and require compliance by April 2005. These regulations require healthcare providers to implement organization and technical practices to protect the security of electronically maintained or transmitted health-related information. The privacy regulations extensively

Index to Financial Statements

regulate the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health-related information. The privacy regulations and the security regulations could impose significant costs on Triad in order to comply with these standards. Violations of the regulations could result in civil penalties of up to $25,000 per type of violation in each calendar year and criminal penalties of up to $250,000 per violation.

Triad is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates. To mitigate the impact of fluctuations in interest rates, Triad entered into two interest rate swaps. Interest rate swaps are contracts which allow the parties to exchange fixed and floating rate interest rate payments periodically over the life of the agreements. Floating rate payments are based on LIBOR and fixed rate payments are dependent upon market levels at the time the interest rate swap was consummated. The interest rate swaps were entered into as cash flow hedges, which effectively converts a notional amount of floating rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings. Triad’s policy is to not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes and to avoid derivatives with leverage features. The interest rate swaps are with the same counterparty. Triad is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty. The counterparty is a creditworthy financial institution and it is anticipated that the counterparty will be able to fully satisfy its obligation under the contracts.

Triad entered into an interest rate swap which effectively converted a notional amount of $100 million of floating rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings. The term of the interest rate swap expired on January 15, 2004. Triad paid a rate of 3.22% and received LIBOR, which was set at 1.15% at December 31, 2003. Triad entered into another interest rate swap agreement, which effectively converts an additional notional amount of $100 million of floating rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings. The term of the interest rate swap expires in June 2005. Triad will pay a rate of 3.99% and will receive LIBOR, which was set at 1.17% at December 31, 2003.

With respect to Triad’s interest-bearing liabilities, approximately $550.7 million of long-term debt at December 31, 2003 was subject to variable rates of interest, while the remaining balance in long-term debt of $1,208.8 million at December 31, 2003 was subject to fixed rates of interest. As discussed previously, $100 million of the long-term debt subject to variable rates of interest is currently protected by an interest rate swap expiring in June 2005. The estimated fair value of Triad’s total long-term debt was $1,817.4 million at December 31, 2003. The estimates of fair value are based upon the quoted market prices for the same or similar issues of long-term debt with the same maturities, when available, or discounted cash flows. Based on a hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates, the potential annualized losses in future pre-tax earnings would be approximately $4.5 million. The impact of such a change in interest rates on the carrying value of long-term debt would not be significant. The estimated changes to interest expense and the fair value of long-term debt are determined considering the impact of hypothetical interest rates on Triad’s borrowing costs and long-term debt balances. These analyses do not consider the effects, if any, of the potential changes in Triad’s credit ratings or the overall level of economic activity. Further, in the event of a change of significant magnitude, management would expect to take actions intended to further mitigate its exposure to such change.

Information with respect to this Item is contained in Triad’s consolidated financial statements indicated in the Index on Page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

As of December 31, 2003, Triad’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of Triad’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to

Index to Financial Statements

material information required to be included in Triad’s periodic SEC filings. There have been no changes during the last quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Triad’s internal controls over financial reporting.

Triad has adopted a Conflicts of Interest Policy that applies to its board of directors and executive officers, including the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and controller. The Conflicts of Interest Policy supplements Triad’s Code of Conduct governing all employees and the board of directors. The Conflicts of Interest Policy and the Code of Conduct are available on Triad’s website at www.triadhospitals.com. In the event that Triad amends or waives any of the provisions of the Conflicts of Interest Policy or the Code of Conduct applicable to Triad’s chief executive officer, chief financial officer or controller, Triad intends to disclose such amendment or waiver on its website.

The remaining information required by this Item is set forth under the headings “Election of Directors”, “Executive Officers Who Are Not Directors”, “Meetings and Committees of the Board of Directors” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in the definitive proxy materials of Triad to be filed in connection with its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The information required by this Item to be contained in such definitive proxy materials is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item is set forth under the headings “Executive Compensation” and “Compensation of Directors” in the definitive proxy materials of Triad to be filed in connection with its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

The following table summarizes Triad’s equity compensation plan information as of December 31, 2003:

The remaining information required by this Item is set forth under the heading “Stock Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in the definitive proxy materials of Triad to be filed in connection with its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

The information required by this Item is set forth under the heading “Certain Transactions” in the definitive proxy materials of Triad to be filed in connection with its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Index to Financial Statements

The information required by this Item is set forth under the heading “Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors” in the definitive proxy materials of Triad to be filed in connection with its 2004 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which information is incorporated herein by reference.

Index to Financial Statements

The following instruments defining the rights of holders of certain long-term debt of Triad have not been filed with the Commission but will be furnished upon request:

Indenture (including form of 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009) dated May 11, 1999, between Healthtrust and Citibank, N.A. as Trustee, as supplemented as of November 5, 2003, and the related assumption agreements.

On October 14, 2003, Triad reported that it had issued a press release announcing expectations relating to its third quarter financial results.

On October 27, 2003, Triad reported that it had issued a press release announcing its commencement of a tender offer and consent solicitation to its $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009.

On October 27, 2003, Triad reported that it had issued a press release announcing its third quarter earnings.

On November 5, 2003, Triad reported that it had issued press releases announcing that it intends to offer a private placement of at least $450 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 and that it had received the requisite tenders and consents from holders of its 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009 to amend the indenture governing such notes.

On November 12, 2003, Triad reported that it had issued press releases announcing the pricing and increase in size of its private placement of Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 and it had closed on the sale of $600 million aggregate principal amount of 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013 and had repurchased approximately 99% of the $325 million outstanding principal amount of its 11% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2009.

Index to Financial Statements

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


Triad Hospitals, Inc.

By:		/s/ JAMES D. SHELTON

		James D. Shelton Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Index to Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Triad Hospitals, Inc. as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the related consolidated statements of operations, equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of management of Triad Hospitals, Inc. (the “Company”). Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Triad Hospitals, Inc. at December 31, 2003 and 2002 and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2003 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

As discussed in NOTE 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company changed its method of accounting for goodwill in 2002.

Index to Financial Statements

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad Hospitals, Inc. (“Triad”) is a holding company whose affiliates currently own 56 general, acute care hospitals and 16 ambulatory surgery centers located in the states of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas and West Virginia. Included among these facilities is one hospital operated through a 50/50 joint venture that is not consolidated for financial reporting purposes, two hospitals under construction, two hospitals that are leased to third parties and one hospital designated as held for sale. One hospital Triad owned as of December 31, 2003 was subsequently sold and is not included in the facility count and was included in discontinued operations. Three hospitals included in the facility count were designated as held for sale subsequent to December 31, 2003. Triad is also a minority investor in three joint ventures that own seven general, acute care hospitals in Georgia and Nevada.

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Triad and all affiliated subsidiaries and entities controlled by Triad through Triad’s direct or indirect ownership of a majority voting interest. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated. Investments in entities which Triad does not control, but in which it has a substantial ownership interest and can exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

Revenues are recognized when services are performed and documented at estimated net amounts due from patients, third-party payers and others for health care services provided. Settlements under reimbursement agreements with third-party payers are estimated and recorded in the period the related services are rendered and are adjusted in future periods as adjustments become known or as the service years are no longer subject to audit, review or investigation. Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are extremely complex, subject to interpretation and are routinely modified for provider reimbursement. All hospitals participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs are required to meet certain financial reporting requirements. Federal regulations require submission of annual cost reports covering medical costs and expenses associated with the services provided by each hospital to program beneficiaries. Annual cost reports required under the Medicare and Medicaid programs are subject to routine audits, which may result in adjustments to the amounts ultimately determined to be due to Triad under these reimbursement programs. These audits often require several years to reach the final determination of amounts earned under the programs. As a result, there is at least a reasonable possibility that recorded estimates will change by a material amount in the near term. The net adjustments to estimated settlements resulted in increases

Index to Financial Statements

to revenues of $20.3 million, $8.5 million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. The estimated net cost report settlements as of December 31, 2003 and 2002 were a receivable of approximately $13.5 million and a liability of approximately $9.3 million, respectively, which are included in accounts receivable in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

HCA Inc. (“HCA”) was the subject of governmental investigations and litigation relating to certain business practices of HCA and subsidiaries, including subsidiaries that, prior to the spin-off of Triad from HCA, owned facilities now owned by Triad. Review of previously submitted annual cost reports and the cost report process were areas included in the governmental investigations. These investigations were concluded through a series of agreements executed in 2000 and 2003 (see NOTE 18). In connection with the spin-off from HCA (see NOTE 17), HCA agreed to indemnify Triad for any payments which it is required to make in respect of Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross cost reports relating to periods ending on or prior to the spin-off, and Triad agreed to indemnify HCA for and pay to HCA any payments received by it relating to such cost reports relating to periods ending on or prior to the spin-off. Triad was responsible for the filing of these cost reports and any terminating cost reports. As discussed above, HCA finalized a settlement agreement in 2003 with the government relating to cost report periods ending before August 1, 2001 which included the indemnified cost reports. The receivable from HCA and the related cost report liabilities of $23.2 million were reversed during 2003. Triad had recorded a net receivable from HCA relating to the indemnification of $23.7 million as of December 31, 2002.

Triad provides care without charge to patients who are financially unable to pay for the health care services they receive. Because Triad does not pursue collection of amounts determined to qualify as charity care, they are not reported in revenues.

Cash equivalents consist of all investments with an original maturity of three months or less.

Restricted cash consisted of cash funded to an escrow account for the purpose of satisfying deductibles under Triad’s general and professional liability risk policy.

Accounts receivable are recorded at the estimated net realizable amounts from Federal and state agencies (under the Medicare, Medicaid and TRICARE programs), managed care health plans, commercial insurance companies, employers and patients. The largest concentration of Triad’s patient accounts receivable is in patient responsibility accounts. These include both amounts due from uninsured patients and co-payments and deductibles for which insured patients are responsible. Each patient’s insurance coverage is verified as early as possible before a scheduled admission or procedure, including eligibility, benefits and authorization/pre-certification requirements, for all scheduled accounts so that patients can be notified of their estimated amounts due. Insurance coverage is verified within 24 hours for all urgent and direct admissions. To improve upfront collections, Triad endeavors to collect the patient responsibility portion of amounts due at or prior to the scheduled admission or procedure. Approximately 39% and 38% of Triad’s accounts receivable at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, were patient responsibility accounts. Triad is subject to significant credit risk if these payers’ ability to pay deteriorates.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad maintains allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from payers’ inability to make payments on accounts. Triad estimates these allowances based on historical net write offs of uncollectible accounts. Triad’s policy is to write off accounts after all collection efforts have failed, typically no longer than one year after date of discharge. If payers’ ability to pay deteriorates, additional allowances may be required.

During 2003, Triad experienced a significant increase in the amount of historical write-offs. The increase in historical write-offs led Triad to believe that the collectibility of its uninsured receivables had deteriorated. Therefore, Triad recorded a $63.9 million increase in its allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect growth in uninsured receivables and deterioration in the collectibility of those uninsured receivables. The increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts decreased net income by $39.9 million. For 2003, the increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts decreased basic income per share by $0.54 cents and diluted income per share by $0.53 cents. During 2003, uninsured receivables have increased approximately $60.1 million. Triad believes that a weak job market and rising health care costs have led to the growth in uninsured patients and an increase in insurance co-payments and deductibles. Triad believes the increase in its allowance for doubtful accounts is reasonable given current business trends and economic conditions.

Over half of Triad’s facilities are located in the states of Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas. Triad does not believe that there are any other significant concentrations of revenues from any particular payer or geographic area that would subject it to any significant credit risks in the collection of its accounts receivable.

Inventories of supplies are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

Triad has entered into physician recruiting agreements whereby Triad supplements physician income to a minimum amount over a period of time, typically one year, while the physicians establish themselves in the community. As part of the agreement, the physician is required to stay in the community a period of time after the payments have ended, typically three years. Triad records the payments to the physician as an other asset and amortizes the asset over the remaining period of the agreement. As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, the unamortized portion of physician income guarantees was $45.3 million and $34.7 million, respectively.

Property and equipment are stated at the lower of cost or market. Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Expenditures that increase capacities or extend useful lives are capitalized.

Depreciation expense, computed using the straight-line method, was $170.5 million, $157.9 million and $131.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively. Buildings and improvements are depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from 10 to 40 years. Equipment is depreciated over estimated useful lives ranging from 3 to 10 years.

Other amortizable intangible assets are comprised of acquired management contracts which are amortized using the straight-line method over a period of 15 years, acquired employment contracts which are amortized using the straight-line method over a period of two years and non-compete agreements which are amortized based on the terms of the respective contracts.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad evaluates the carrying value of its property, equipment and amortizable intangible assets under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”). Under SFAS 144, when events, circumstances and operating results indicate that the carrying value of certain property, equipment, and other amortizable intangible assets might be impaired, Triad prepares projections of the probability weighted undiscounted future cash flows expected to result from the use of the assets and their eventual disposition. If the projections indicate that the recorded amounts are not expected to be recoverable, such amounts are reduced to estimated fair value. Indicators of potential impairment are typically beyond the control of management. If market conditions become less favorable than those projected by management, impairments may be required.

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price in an acquisition over the fair value of identifiable assets acquired. Triad accounts for goodwill and other non-amortizable intangible assets under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” (“SFAS 142”). Under SFAS 142, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized but reviewed for impairment annually during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if certain indicators arise. Goodwill is reviewed at the reporting unit level, which is defined in SFAS 142 as an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. Triad has determined that the reporting unit for its owned operations segment will be at the division level, which is one level below the segment. Triad determines the fair value of the reporting units using discounted future cash flows. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying value, an indication of impairment exists. The amount of the impairment would be determined by estimating the fair values of the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, with the remaining fair value assigned to goodwill. The amount of impairment would be the difference between the carrying amount of the goodwill and the fair value of goodwill. No impairment charges were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002 under the provisions of SFAS 142.

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 142 on January 1, 2002, goodwill was amortized using the straight-line method, generally over periods ranging from 30-40 years for hospital acquisitions and periods ranging from 5-20 years for physician practice and clinic acquisitions.

Triad accounts for income taxes under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“SFAS 109”). Under SFAS 109, deferred tax liabilities and assets are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse.

Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized. Income tax provision consists of Triad’s current provision for federal and state income taxes and the change in Triad’s deferred income tax assets and liabilities. While Triad has considered several items including ongoing prudent and feasible tax planning strategies in assessing the need for valuation allowances, in the event Triad were to determine that the realization of its deferred tax asset in the future is different than its net recorded amount, an adjustment to income would be necessary.

Triad maintains professional malpractice liability insurance and general liability insurance in amounts which it believes to be sufficient for its operations, although it is possible that some claims may exceed the scope of the

Index to Financial Statements

coverage in effect. Substantially all losses in periods prior to the spin-off are insured through a wholly-owned insurance subsidiary of HCA and excess loss policies maintained by HCA. HCA has agreed to indemnify Triad in respect of claims covered by such insurance policies arising prior to the spin-off. After the spin-off, Triad obtained insurance coverage on a claims incurred basis from HCA’s wholly owned insurance subsidiary with excess coverage obtained from other carriers which is subject to certain deductibles which Triad considers to be reasonable. The cost of general and professional liability coverage is based on insurance premiums paid and actuarially determined estimates for deductibles. The cost for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001 was approximately $88.0 million, $71.3 million and $41.7 million, respectively. Estimated liabilities for general and professional liability risks are actuarially determined and discounted using an interest rate of 6%. The estimated liability was $99.6 million and $71.1 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

For periods after the spin-off, Triad instituted its own self-insured programs for workers’ compensation and health insurance. Prior to the spin-off, Triad participated in self-insured programs for workers’ compensation and health insurance administered by HCA. HCA retained sole responsibility for all workers’ compensation and health claims incurred prior to the spin-off. The cost for these programs is based upon claims paid, plus an actuarially determined amount for claims incurred but not reported. Estimated liabilities for workers compensation were $15.4 million and $13.6 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Estimated liabilities for health claim liability risk were $15.6 million and $14.9 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

There are many factors that are used in determining the estimates, including amount and timing of historical payments, severity of individual cases and anticipated volume of services provided and discount rates for future cash flows. Ultimate actual payments for workers’ compensation and general and professional liability risks may not become known for several years after incurrence. Any factors changing the underlying data used in determining these estimates could result in adjustments to the liability.

Triad’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Quorum Health Resources, LLC (“QHR”) recognizes revenue based on a contractually determined rate as services are performed, plus direct costs associated with the contract. The direct costs relate primarily to salaries and benefits of QHR employees who serve as executives at hospitals managed by QHR. The salaries and benefits of these employees are legal obligations of and are paid by QHR, and are reimbursed by the managed hospitals. The direct costs are recorded as revenues and reimbursable expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 107 “Disclosure About Fair Value of Financial Instruments,” requires certain disclosures regarding the fair value of financial instruments. Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities are reflected in the consolidated financial statements at fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of long-term debt was determined by using quoted market prices, when available, or discounted cash flows to calculate these fair values.

Triad accounts for its derivatives under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 133”). SFAS 133 requires that all derivative financial instruments that qualify for hedge accounting be recognized in the financial statements and measured at fair value regardless of the purpose or intent for holding them. Changes in fair value of derivative financial instruments are either recognized periodically in income or shareholders’ equity (as a component of comprehensive income),

Index to Financial Statements

depending on whether the derivative is being used to hedge changes in fair value or cash flows. Triad’s policy is to not hold or issue derivatives for trading purposes and to avoid derivatives with leverage features.

Triad accounts for acquisitions under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141 “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141”). SFAS 141 requires that all business combinations be accounted for under the purchase method of accounting, whereby all assets acquired, including identifiable intangibles and goodwill, and liabilities assumed are recorded at fair value. Results of operations for entities acquired are included in the consolidated results of operations beginning on the date of acquisition.

Triad accounts for discontinued operations under SFAS 144. SFAS 144 requires that a component of an entity that has been disposed of or is classified as held for sale after January 1, 2002 and has operations and cash flows that can be clearly distinguished from the rest of the entity be reported as discontinued operations. In the period that a component of an entity has been disposed of or classified as held for sale, the results of operations for current and prior periods are reclassified in a single caption titled discontinued operations.

Triad follows the disclosure provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 148 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosures” (“SFAS 148”). As of December 31, 2003 Triad has two stock-based compensation plans, which are described more fully in NOTE 13. Triad accounts for these plans under the recognition and measurement principles of APB Opinion No. 25 “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”) and related interpretations. APB 25 uses the intrinsic value method to account for options granted to employees. Stock-based compensation is generally not recognized since the option price is typically equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. On April 28, 2000, Triad granted 900,056 stock options with an exercise price of $17.07, which was the market price of the common stock on the effective date of grant, contingent on shareholder approval of an amendment to the 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan increasing the number of shares available. Shareholder approval was granted on May 23, 2000. Compensation expense was recognized based on the difference between the market price of the common stock on the date the shareholder approval and the market price of the common stock on the date of grant amortized over the vesting period. Triad also has a Management Stock Purchase Plan (“MSPP”), which provides certain members of management an opportunity to purchase restricted shares of common stock at a discount through payroll deductions over six month intervals. These restrictions lapse three years after the date of purchase. Stock-based compensation of $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $3.6 million was recognized in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, using the intrinsic value of the options. Triad has granted stock options to non-employees. Stock-based compensation of $0.2 million, $0.2 million and $2.0 million was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, using the fair value of the options on the date of grant. Non-cash option expense was accelerated during the year ended December 31, 2001 due to the merger of Quorum Health Group, Inc. (“Quorum”) with and into Triad on April 27, 2001 (see NOTE 13). The following table illustrates the effect on income from continuing operations, net income and earnings per share if Triad had applied the fair value recognition provisions of FASB Statement No. 123 “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” to all stock-based compensation, net of tax effect (dollars in millions except per share amounts).

Index to Financial Statements

The fair values of stock options granted used to compute pro forma income (loss) disclosures were estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following weighted average assumptions for the years ended December 31:

Index to Financial Statements

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 4 “Reporting Gains and Losses From Extinguishment of Debt”. SFAS 145 requires any gains or losses on extinguishment of debt that were classified as an extraordinary item in prior periods that do not meet the criteria in Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 30 “Reporting the Results of Operations – Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions” (“APB 30”) for classification as an extraordinary item shall be reclassified into income from continuing operations. The impact of adoption of SFAS 145 reduced income from continuing operations by $3.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001 through the reclassification of the extraordinary loss on retirement of debt (see NOTE 9).

In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 149 “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS 149”). SFAS 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments and for hedging activities. Triad adopted SFAS 149 on July 1, 2003. Triad’s adoption of SFAS 149 did not have a material impact on its results of operations or financial position.

On December 1, 2003, Triad completed the acquisition of four hospitals in Arkansas from subsidiaries of Tenet Healthcare Corporation for a purchase price of $142 million in cash and $2.5 million of transaction costs less the assumption of $2.2 million of net current liabilities.

Index to Financial Statements

current facility to the venture. The venture intends to construct a replacement facility that is expected to cost approximately $88 million.

The purchase prices of these entities were allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values. Triad has obtained preliminary independent appraisals on certain entities of acquired property and equipment and identifiable intangible assets and their remaining useful lives and made estimates of fair values based upon historical experience for other entities. Triad continues to review and evaluate the fair value of these assets and liabilities assumed. Therefore, the allocations of the purchase prices are subject to revision based on the final determination of the appraisals and other fair value determinations. The preliminary estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed relating to the acquisitions are summarized below (in millions):

Acquired intangible assets totaled $5.9 million, of this amount $4.7 million was assigned to trade names that are not subject to amortization and $1.2 million was assigned to medical group employment contracts that will be amortized over two years.

The acquired goodwill totaling $37.1 million was assigned to the owned operations segment, of which approximately $23.7 million is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The following unaudited pro forma data summarizes the results of operations of the periods indicated as if the acquisitions discussed previously had been completed as of the beginning of the periods presented. The pro forma results of operations gives effect to actual operating results prior to the acquisition. The pro forma results do not purport to be indicative of the results that would have actually be obtained if the acquisitions occurred as of the beginning of the periods presented or that may be obtained in the future (in millions, except per share data).

Index to Financial Statements

The goodwill allocated to Triad’s reportable segments is as follows (in millions):

Intangible assets subject to amortization relate primarily to management contracts acquired in the management services segment. Amortization expense of intangible assets that still require amortization under SFAS 142 was $5.9 million, $6.0 million and $4.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002, and 2001, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense relating to these intangible assets over the next five years are as follows (in millions):

The gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization of amortizable intangible assets at December 31, 2003 and 2002 are as follows (in millions):

Index to Financial Statements

At December 31, 2003 the carrying amount of intangible assets assigned to trade names that are not subject to amortization is $4.7 million.

As required by SFAS 142, results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2001 have not been restated for the change in goodwill amortization. The following table sets forth the effect on income from continuing operations, net income and earnings per share excluding goodwill amortization which was recognized in the year ended December 31, 2001 (dollars in millions, except per share amounts).

On December 11, 2003, Triad disposed of its interest in Cambio Health Solutions, LLC (“Cambio”), a subsidiary of QHR. The proceeds consisted of $2.0 million in cash, less approximately $0.7 million for working capital, a $3.0 million note and an estimated $1.5 million earn out over the next three years. A gain from the disposition of $1.7 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2003, which included a $3.0 million settlement relating to the value of a minority shareholder’s interest. Management determined that disposing of its interest in Cambio would be the best strategic fit for the organization due to Cambio’s focus on short-term engagements, QHR’s focus on long term relationships, and Triad’s strategy of partnering with not-for-profit hospitals. Cambio was a component of the management services segment.

In December 2003, Triad entered into a definitive agreement to sell El Dorado Hospital, in Tucson, Arizona for approximately $33.2 million plus working capital. Triad closed under the definitive agreement in January 2004. Triad recorded a $2.2 million impairment charge in the fourth quarter of 2003 to adjust the carrying value of the assets to the selling price. The sale of El Dorado Hospital, which is in the northeast Tucson area, will allow

Index to Financial Statements

management to focus on strategic opportunities in the rapidly growing northwest Tucson area. El Dorado Hospital was a component of the owned operations segment.

In December 2003, Triad entered into a letter of intent to sell its acute care hospital in Terrell, Texas for approximately $3.4 million in notes receivable plus working capital. A definitive agreement was executed in February 2004. Triad anticipates closing under the definitive agreement in the second quarter of 2004. Triad anticipates recording a deferred gain on the sale of the facility. The gain would be recognized ratably as the note payments are received. Management determined that the financial performance of this facility did not warrant the capital expenditures necessary to upgrade the facility. The facility is a component of the owned operations segment.

The assets and liabilities of these entities are presented in the consolidated balance sheets under the captions “Discontinued operations assets” and “Discontinued operations liabilities”. The carrying amounts of the major classes of these assets and liabilities at December 31 were as follows:

Revenues and income (loss) for the entities are included in the consolidated statements of operations as “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax”. The amounts as of December 31 were as follows:

On November 1, 2001, Triad sold an acute care hospital in Phoenix, Arizona for $55.3 million, including working capital. A gain of $22.0 million was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2001. This facility had

Index to Financial Statements

revenues of $58.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. This facility had pre-tax income of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2001.

Triad closed its acute care hospital in San Diego, California on November 30, 2000. On June 29, 2001, Triad sold the remaining assets of this facility for a net sales price of $6.6 million and recognized a minimal gain on the sale.

In February 2000, Triad closed its acute care hospital in Roseburg, Oregon. The remaining assets of this facility were sold in September 2002 for $2.4 million. A minimal loss on the sale was recorded in 2002.

The income tax provision for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 consists of the following (dollars in millions):

Triad also had tax (provision) benefit from discontinued operations of $(0.1) million and $0.6 million in the years ended December 31, 2003 and 2002. The tax impact from discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2001 was insignificant.

A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the effective income tax rate from operations follows:

Index to Financial Statements

A summary of the items comprising the deferred tax assets and liabilities at December 31 follows (dollars in millions):

As part of the spin-off, HCA and Triad entered into a tax sharing and indemnification agreement (see NOTE 17). The tax sharing and indemnification agreement will not have an impact on the realization of deferred tax assets or the payment of deferred tax liabilities of Triad except to the extent that the temporary differences giving rise to such deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the spin-off are adjusted as a result of final tax settlements after the spin-off. In the event of such adjustments, the tax sharing and indemnification agreement will provide for certain payments between HCA and Triad as appropriate.

Deferred income taxes of $36.5 million and $62.3 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, are included in current assets. Noncurrent deferred income tax liabilities totaled $174.7 million and $151.1 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Current and noncurrent deferred taxes totaled $138.2 million and $88.8 million net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

At December 31, 2003, state net operating loss carryforwards (expiring in years 2004 through 2023) available to offset future taxable income approximated $466.4 million. Utilization of net operating loss carryforwards in any one year may be limited and, in certain cases, result in a reduction of deferred tax assets. Based on available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the state net operating loss carryforwards will not be realized, therefore, a valuation allowance of $1.0 million has been reflected as of December 31, 2003 and 2002.

In February 2004, Triad entered into a definitive agreement to sell the assets of its hospital in Alice, Texas for approximately $18 million. This was the scenario used in the impairment evaluation as the probability weighted cash flows for this facility as of December 31, 2003. An impairment of $16.3 million was recorded in the year ended December 31, 2003 to reduce the book value of this facility’s assets to its estimated sales price. This facility is in the owned operations segment. Revenues for this facility were $38.9 million, $35.7 million and $37.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. This facility had pre-tax losses of $8.7 million, $8.8 million and $6.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Triad anticipates that this facility will be reclassified to discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2004.

Through December 31, 2001, Triad followed the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed of” (“SFAS 121”), which addressed accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of, certain identifiable intangibles and goodwill related to those assets, and provided guidance for recognizing and measuring impairment losses. SFAS 121 was superceded by SFAS 144 on January 1, 2002. The

Index to Financial Statements

statement required that the carrying amount of impaired assets be reduced to fair value. All impairments relate to the owned operations segment.

During the year ended December 31, 2001, Triad recorded impairment losses of $21.2 million related to one hospital facility where the recorded intangible asset values were not deemed recoverable based upon operating results, trends and projected future cash flows.

During the year ended December 31, 2001, Triad recorded further impairment losses of $1.9 million on one hospital facility, which was closed in February 2000. The facility’s carrying value of $4.7 million was reduced to fair value based on estimated selling value. This facility was sold during the year ended December 31, 2002 (see NOTE 5).

Triad owns equity interests of 27.5% in Valley Health System LLC and 26.1% in Summerlin Hospital Medical Center LLC. Universal Health Systems has the majority interest in Valley Health System LLC and Summerlin Hospital Medical Center LLC. Triad owns an equity interest of 38.0% in Macon Healthcare LLC. HCA has the majority interest in Macon Healthcare LLC. Triad also owns a 50% interest in MCSA, LLC with its partner, SHARE Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation. Triad uses the equity method of accounting for its investments in these entities. Summarized financial information of these entities is as follows (in millions):

Index to Financial Statements

On October 27, 2003, Triad commenced a cash tender offer and consent solicitation to purchase any and all of its $325.0 million aggregate principal amount of 11% senior subordinated notes due 2009 and amend or eliminate substantially all the restrictive covenants in the related indenture. On November 12, 2003, Triad purchased approximately $320.8 million of the 11% notes, which had been previously tendered. Triad paid tender premium and consent payments of approximately $32.8 million on its 11% notes and effectuated the amendments to the 11% notes indenture. The tender offer expired on November 24, 2003. Approximately $4.2 million of Triad’s 11% senior subordinated notes due 2009 were not tendered prior to the expiration date and remain outstanding. Triad recorded a charge to earnings in the fourth quarter of 2003 for the tender premium, consent solicitations and other fees paid and the write-offs of unamortized discount and deferred loan costs of approximately $39.9 million.

The Tranche A term loan presently bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.0% (3.14% at December 31, 2003) with principal amounts due through 2007, the Tranche B term loan presently bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.0% (4.14% at December 31, 2003) with principal amounts due through 2008, the senior notes bear interest at 8.75% with principal amounts due in 2009, the 7% senior subordinated notes principal amounts are due in 2013 and the 11% senior subordinated notes principal amounts are due in 2009. The 11% senior subordinated notes are callable, at Triad’s option, in May 2004, the 7% senior subordinated notes are callable, at Triad’s option, in November 2008 and the 8¾% senior notes are callable, at Triad’s option, in May 2005. At December 31, 2003 Triad had a $250.0 million line of credit which bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.0%. No amounts were outstanding under the revolving credit line at December 31, 2003. The revolving credit line matures in 2007. Triad had $28.7 million of letters of credit outstanding at December 31, 2003, which reduce the amount available under the revolving credit line. The LIBOR spread on the revolving credit line, including letters of credit outstanding under the revolving credit line, and Triad’s Tranche A term loan is subject to reduction depending upon the total leverage of Triad. Subsequent to December 31, 2003, Triad reduced the interest rate on its Tranche B term loan, by an amendment to its bank credit facility, to LIBOR

Index to Financial Statements

plus 2.25%. The LIBOR spread is subject to further reduction to LIBOR plus 2.0% depending upon the total leverage of Triad.

Triad’s term loans and revolving lines of credit are collateralized by a pledge of substantially all of its assets other than real estate associated with the facilities acquired in the merger with Quorum in 2001. The debt agreements require that Triad comply with various financial ratios and tests and have restrictions, including but not limited to, new indebtedness, asset sales and use of proceeds therefrom, capital expenditures and dividends. In September 2003, Triad completed an amendment to its bank credit facility which favorably modified restrictions on new indebtedness, capital expenditures, asset sales, investments and various other matters. The indentures governing Triad’s other long-term debt also contain covenants restricting the incurrence of indebtedness, investments, dividends, asset sales and the incurrence of liens, among other things. Triad currently is in compliance with all debt agreement covenants and restrictions. If an event of default occurs with respect to the debt agreements, then the balances of the term loans and revolving line of credit could become due and payable which could result in other debt obligations of Triad also becoming due and payable.

As discussed above, Triad recorded $15.3 in debt issue costs related to the issuance of the 7% senior subordinated notes in the year ended December 31, 2003. Triad recorded $1.5 million of deferred loan costs in connection with a credit agreement amendment during the year ended December 31, 2002. These costs are being amortized using the effective interest method over the lives of the related debt. Accumulated amortization of debt issue costs was $21.4 million and $17.0 million as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

As a result of debt financing with the Quorum acquisition, Triad incurred $3.9 million of refinancing transaction costs from the write off of associated debt issue costs in the second quarter of 2001. During the fourth quarter of 2001, Triad incurred $1.3 million of refinancing transaction costs from the write off of debt issue costs associated with the early retirement of indebtedness incurred in the Quorum transaction.

Triad uses varying methods and significant assumptions to estimate fair values of long-term debt (see NOTE 1).

Triad’s 11% senior subordinated notes and 8¾% senior notes are guaranteed by all wholly owned operating subsidiaries of Triad (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The guarantee obligations of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are full, unconditional and joint and several. Triad’s non-wholly owned operating subsidiaries do not guarantee the notes (the “Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”).

Index to Financial Statements

Condensed consolidating financial statements for Triad and its subsidiaries including the financial statements of Triad Hospitals, Inc. (parent only), the combined Guarantor Subsidiaries and the combined Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries are as follows:

Index to Financial Statements

Triad has entered into agreements whereby it has guaranteed certain loans entered into by patients who had services performed at Triad’s facilities. These loans are provided by various financial institutions. Triad would be obligated to repay the financial institutions if a patient fails to repay their loan. Triad would then pursue collections from the patient. At December 31, 2003 and 2002, the amounts subject to the guarantees were $19.9 million and $13.6 million, respectively. Triad had accrued liabilities of $4.6 million and $3.0 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, for the estimated loan defaults that would be covered under the guarantees.

Triad entered into an interest rate swap agreement, which effectively converted a notional amount of $100 million of floating rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings. The term of the interest rate swap expired in January 2004. Triad paid a rate of 3.22% and received LIBOR, which was set at 1.15% at December 31, 2003. Triad has entered into another interest rate swap agreement, which effectively converts an additional notional amount of $100 million of floating rate borrowings to fixed rate borrowings. The term of the interest rate swap expires in June 2005. Triad will pay a rate of 3.99% and receive LIBOR, which was set at 1.17% at December 31, 2003.

Both of the interest rate swap agreements are with the same counterparty. Triad is exposed to credit losses in the event of nonperformance by the counterparty. The counterparty is a creditworthy financial institution and it is anticipated that the counterparty will be able to fully satisfy the obligation under the contracts. The interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and Triad believes that the hedges are highly effective.

Index to Financial Statements

At December 31, 2003 the fair value of the interest rate swaps were liabilities of $3.3 million recorded in other liabilities and $0.1 million recorded in other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2002 the fair value of the interest rate swaps was a liability of $6.4 million and was recorded in other liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. The change in fair value of the interest rate swaps, net of income tax, was recognized through other comprehensive income.

Triad leases real estate properties, equipment and vehicles under cancelable and non-cancelable leases. Rental expense for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $68.9 million, $59.7 million and $49.3 million, respectively. Future minimum operating and capital lease payments are as follows at December 31, 2003 (in millions):

The following summarizes amounts related to equipment leased by Triad under capital leases at December 31 (in millions):

On January 1, 1999, Triad transferred two acute care hospitals and three ambulatory surgery centers to an unaffiliated third party pursuant to a long-term lease. Lease income of $18.4 million, $18.0 million and $17.8 million was recorded in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The following summarizes the assets leased at December 31, 2003 and 2002 (in millions):

Subsequent to December 31, 2003, Triad signed a definitive agreement to sell these facilities to the lessee for approximately $136 million. Triad closed under the definitive agreement in the first quarter of 2004. Triad will record a gain on the sale of approximately $82 million, including the write off of $19.9 million of goodwill associated with these facilities. These facilities will be reclassified to discontinued operations in the first quarter of 2004.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad’s 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan has 16,500,000 shares of Triad’s common stock reserved for issuance. The 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan authorizes the grant of stock options, stock appreciation rights and other stock based awards to officers and employees of Triad. Stock options granted are generally at an exercise price equal to the fair market value at the date of grant and are exercisable over a four year period and expire ten years from date of grant. The plan provides for immediate vesting upon a change in control.

The merger of Triad and Quorum on April 27, 2001 constituted a “change of control” under the terms of the Triad 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, the Triad MSPP, the Triad Executive Stock Purchase Plan and all other similar plans. All of the outstanding, unvested stock options became vested and exercisable at the effective time of the merger; however, certain executive officers of Triad waived the vesting of certain stock options in connection with the merger. The waivers ended June 29, 2001. In addition, restrictions lapsed on shares of Triad restricted common stock issued under the MSPP and these shares became fully vested and transferable and no longer are subject to forfeiture.

Triad has an Executive Stock Purchase Plan, for which 1,000,000 shares of Triad’s common stock were reserved for issuance. The Executive Stock Purchase Plan granted to specified executives of Triad a right to purchase shares of common stock from Triad. Triad loaned each participant in the plan approximately 100% of the purchase price of Triad’s common stock bearing interest at 5.15% per annum, on a full recourse basis. The principal and interest of the loans would have matured on the fifth anniversary following the purchase of the shares, termination of the participants’ employment or bankruptcy of the participant. In addition, Triad has granted to such executives stock options equal to three-quarters of a share for each share purchased. The exercise price of these stock options is equal to the purchase price of the shares and the options expire in 10 years. During the year ended December 31, 1999, 970,000 shares were purchased by participants in the plan and options to purchase an additional 727,500 shares were issued in connection with such purchased shares. The total amount which had been loaned to participants to purchase shares under the plan was $9.1 million which was recorded as a reduction to equity. Triad received a $0.4 million payment from one participant in 2001. Triad received $8.7 million in principal and $1.4 million in interest payments from all remaining participants in 2002. The interest payments were recorded as additional paid-in capital. No amounts remain outstanding on the loans.

Triad adopted various other plans for which 750,000 shares of Triad’s common stock have been reserved for issuance.

As anticipated at the time of the spin-off, Triad entered into a stock option pledge agreement with a charitable corporation granting 100,000 stock options on July 11, 2000, subject to approval by the Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”). The exercise price of these stock options is equal to the market price on the grant date. The stock options become immediately exercisable upon receipt of IRS approval and expire 10 years from that date. Triad waived the IRS approval provision on June 27, 2001 and the options are now exercisable. Non-cash stock option expense of $1.4 million was recorded in 2001 using the fair value of these options. Since the options were immediately exercisable, no additional non-cash stock option expense was recorded subsequent to December 31, 2001.

As part of the merger with Quorum, Triad issued stock options to Quorum option holders under Quorum’s 1997 Stock Option Plan. The fair value of these options was included in the purchase price for the merger.

Index to Financial Statements

Information regarding stock options for 2003, 2002 and 2001 is summarized below:

The weighted-average fair value of stock options granted to Triad employees during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, was $9.78, $16.88 and $16.37 per option, respectively. At December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, there were 5,289,807, 4,204,637 and 5,852,800 options exercisable, respectively. There were 4,260,284, 2,307,304 and 4,682,121 stock options available for grant at December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

The following table summarizes information regarding the options outstanding at December 31, 2003:

Subsequent to December 31, 2003, Triad granted 2,453,000 stock options with an exercise price equal to the market price on the date of grant. The options are exercisable over a four-year period and expire ten years from the date of grant.

Triad has an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) which provides an opportunity to purchase shares of its common stock at a discount (through payroll deductions over six month intervals) to substantially all employees. Shares of common stock issued to employees through the ESPP were 420,150, 344,090 and 209,553 during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Index to Financial Statements

Shares issued through the MSPP were 35,563 at a weighted average price of $22.53 per share, 27,610 at a weighted average price of $25.49 per share and 34,699 at a weighted average price of $21.51 per share during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Subsequent to December 31, 2003, 17,684 shares at $22.76 per share were issued through the MSPP.

Triad has established an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) for substantially all of its employees. The ESOP purchased from Triad, at fair market value, 3,000,000 shares of Triad’s common stock. The purchase was primarily financed by the ESOP issuing a promissory note to Triad, which will be repaid annually in equal installments over a 10-year period beginning December 31, 1999. Triad makes contributions to the ESOP which the ESOP uses to repay the loan. Triad’s stock acquired by the ESOP is held in a suspense account and will be allocated to participants at market value from the suspense account as the loan is repaid.

The loan to the ESOP is recorded in unearned ESOP compensation in the consolidated balance sheets. Reductions are made to unearned ESOP compensation as shares are committed to be released to participants at cost. Recognition of ESOP expense is based on the average market price of shares committed to be released to participants. Shares are deemed to be committed to be released ratably during each period as the employees perform services. The difference between average market price and cost of the shares is shown as a change in additional paid-in capital. As the shares are committed to be released, the shares become outstanding for earnings per share calculations. Triad recognized ESOP expense of $8.5 million, $10.8 million and $9.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and the unearned ESOP compensation was $17.2 million and $20.7 million at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

Triad has instituted a defined contribution retirement plan which covers substantially all employees. Benefits are determined primarily as a percentage of a participant’s annual income, less contributions to the ESOP. These benefits are vested over specific periods of employee service. Triad has also instituted a contributory benefit plan which is available to employees who meet certain minimum requirements. The plan requires that Triad match 50% of a participant’s contribution up to certain maximum levels. Triad recorded expense under these plans of $35.7 million, $28.9 million and $6.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and recorded adjustments of estimates of prior year retirement plan accruals of $1.4 million, $(3.4) million and $(1.5) million for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Contributions to the retirement plan are funded annually. Triad’s contributions to the contributory benefit plan are funded periodically during the year.

In the acquisition of Quorum on April 27, 2001, Triad assumed defined contribution employee benefit plans covering substantially all employees that were employees of Quorum. Employees could contribute up to 15% of eligible compensation subject to IRS limits. The plans permitted a discretionary base contribution and a discretionary match to employee deferrals. Contributions to the plans were determined annually. Base contributions under the plans vested at the end of each plan year and matching contributions vested after five years of qualifying

Index to Financial Statements

service. Reductions of estimates in the prior year retirement plan accruals of $1.4 million were recorded in the year ended December 31, 2002. Benefit plan expense for this plan was $10.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2001. On January 1, 2002, this plan was merged into the Triad defined contribution plan described above.

In June 2002, Triad received notification that HCA had agreed to reimburse Triad for a portion of the settlement on a False Claims Act case, settled by Quorum prior to Triad’s acquisition. Triad received this reimbursement in the amount of $4.5 million, in July 2002.

Income per common share is based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding adjusted for the shares issued to the ESOP. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding is calculated by adjusting basic weighted average shares outstanding by all potentially dilutive stock options. For the year ended December 31, 2003 and 2002, options outstanding of 2,841,813 and 301,063, respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted income per share because the exercise prices of the options were greater than the average market price of the common stock. Weighted average shares for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 are as follows:

Triad has entered into distribution and other related agreements governing the spin-off of Triad from HCA and Triad’s subsequent relationship with HCA. These agreements provide certain indemnifications for the parties, and provide for the allocation of tax and other assets, liabilities and obligations arising from periods prior to the spin-off.

HCA and Triad entered into a distribution agreement providing for certain arrangements among HCA and Triad subsequent to the date of the spin-off. The distribution agreement generally provides that Triad will be financially responsible for liabilities arising out of or in connection with the assets and entities that constitute Triad. The distribution agreement provides, however, that HCA will indemnify Triad for any losses, which it incurs arising from the pending governmental investigations of certain of HCA’s business practices. The distribution agreement further provides that HCA will indemnify Triad for any losses which it may incur arising from stockholder actions and other legal proceedings related to the governmental investigations which are currently pending against HCA, and from

Index to Financial Statements

proceedings which may be commenced by governmental authorities or by private parties in the future that arise from acts, practices or omissions engaged in prior to the date of the spin-off and related to such proceedings. HCA has also agreed that, in the event that any hospital owned by Triad as of the date of the spin-off is permanently excluded from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs as a result of the proceedings described above, then HCA will make a cash payment to Triad in an amount (if positive) equal to five times the excluded hospital’s 1998 income from continuing operations before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, management fees, impairment of long-lived assets, minority interests and income taxes less the net proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the excluded hospital. HCA will not indemnify Triad for losses relating to any acts, practices and omissions engaged in by Triad after the date of the spin-off, whether or not Triad is indemnified for similar acts, practices and omissions occurring prior to the date of the spin-off.

HCA has entered into a compliance agreement setting forth certain agreements to comply with applicable laws and regulations. Triad was obligated to participate with HCA in these negotiations. On November 1, 2001, Triad entered into a five-year corporate integrity agreement with the Office of the Inspector General and agreed to maintain its compliance program in accordance with the corporate integrity agreement. This obligation could result in greater scrutiny by regulatory authorities. Violations of the integrity agreement could subject Triad’s hospitals to substantial monetary penalties. The cost to implement and maintain the compliance program was approximately $4.4 million, $3.0 million and $2.0 million in 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Continuing compliance with the corporate integrity agreement may impose expensive and burdensome requirements on certain operations which could have a material adverse impact on Triad. The compliance measures and reporting and auditing requirements for Triad’s hospitals contained in the integrity agreement include:

In connection with the spin-off, HCA also agreed to indemnify Triad for any payments which it is required to make in respect to Medicare, Medicaid and Blue Cross cost reports relating to the cost report periods ending on or prior to the date of the spin-off, and Triad agreed to indemnify HCA for and pay to HCA any payments received by Triad relating to such cost reports. Triad was responsible for the filing of these cost reports and any terminating cost reports. HCA finalized a settlement agreement in 2003 with the government relating to cost report periods ending before August 1, 2001 which included the indemnified cost reports.

HCA and Triad entered into a tax sharing and indemnification agreement, which allocates tax liabilities among HCA and Triad, and addresses certain other tax matters such as responsibility for filing tax returns, control of and cooperation in tax litigation and qualification of the spin-off as a tax-free transaction. Generally, HCA will be responsible for taxes that are allocable to periods prior to the spin-off, and HCA and Triad will each be responsible for its own tax liabilities (including its allocable share of taxes shown on any consolidated, combined or other tax

Index to Financial Statements

return filed by HCA) for periods after the spin-off. The tax sharing and indemnification agreement prohibits Triad from taking actions that could jeopardize the tax treatment of either the spin-off or the internal restructuring of HCA that preceded the spin-off, and requires Triad to indemnify HCA for any taxes or other losses that result from any such actions.

Prior to the date of the spin-off, HCA maintained various insurance policies for the benefit of Triad. In connection with the spin-off, HCA and Triad entered into an agreement relating to insurance matters which provides that any claims against insurers outstanding at the spin-off will be for the benefit of the party who will own the asset which is the basis for the claim, or, in the case of liability claims, which is the owner of the facility at which the activity which is the subject of the claim occurred. HCA will pay Triad any portion of such a claim that is unpaid by an insurer to satisfy deductible, co-insurance or self-insurance amounts (unless such amounts were paid to or accounted for by the affected entity prior to the spin-off). Triad purchased continuous coverage under extensions or renewals of existing, or new, policies issued by Health Care Indemnity, Inc., a subsidiary of HCA. Any retroactive rate adjustments for periods ending on or before the spin-off, in respect of such insurance policies, will be paid or received by HCA. Triad continues to purchase a portion of its general and professional liability insurance from Health Care Indemnity, Inc. (see NOTE 1).

HCA’s wholly owned subsidiary, Columbia Information Services, Inc. (“CIS”), entered into a computer and data processing services agreement with Triad. Pursuant to this agreement, CIS will provide computer installation, support, training, maintenance, data processing and other related services to Triad. The initial term of the agreement is seven years, which will be followed by a wind-down period of up to one year. In 2003, this agreement was extended for two years. CIS charged Triad approximately $26.5 million, $24.7 million, and $22.0 million in the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, for services provided under this agreement. In the event the agreement is terminated by Triad, it will be required to pay a termination fee equal to the first month’s billed fees, multiplied by the remaining number of months in the agreement.

HCA and Triad entered into an agreement relating to benefit and employment matters which allocates responsibilities for employment compensation, benefits, labor, benefit plan administration and certain other employment matters on and after the date of the spin-off. The agreement generally provides that Triad assumed responsibility for its employees from and after the date of the spin-off, and that HCA retained the liabilities with respect to former employees associated with the facilities and operations of Triad who terminated employment on or prior to the date of the spin-off. Benefit plans established by Triad generally recognize past service with HCA.

HCA also entered into an agreement with Triad, pursuant to which Triad sub-leased from HCA its former principal executive offices (at the same price per square foot as was payable under the HCA lease). Triad’s sub-lease terminated on January 31, 2003.

The agreements provide that Triad’s fees to HCA for services provided are based on HCA’s costs incurred in providing such services.

Triad is an investor along with HCA in a group purchasing organization which makes certain national supply and equipment contracts available to their respective facilities.

HCA entered into agreements with Triad whereby HCA will share telecommunications services with Triad under HCA’s agreements with its telecommunications services provider and whereby HCA will make certain account collection services available to Triad.

Index to Financial Statements

negotiating with the Appeals Division in an effort to resolve these matters. In the opinion of management, the ultimate outcome of the IRS examinations will not have a material effect on Triad’s results of operations or financial position.

Triad is unable to predict the effect or outcome of the ongoing SEC investigation or qui tam actions, or whether any additional investigations or litigation will be commenced. In connection with the spin-off from HCA, Triad entered into a distribution agreement with HCA. The terms of the distribution agreement provide that HCA will indemnify Triad for any losses (other than consequential damages) which it may incur as a result of the proceedings described above. HCA has also agreed to indemnify Triad for any losses (other than consequential damages) which it may incur as a result of proceedings which may be commenced by government authorities or by private parties in the future that arise from acts, practices or omissions engaged in prior to the date of the spin-off and that relate to the proceedings described above. HCA has also agreed that, in the event that any hospital owned by Triad at the time of the spin-off is permanently excluded from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs as a result of the proceedings described above, then HCA will make a cash payment to Triad in an amount (if positive) equal to five times the excluded hospital’s 1998 income from continuing operations before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, management fees, impairment of long-lived assets, minority interest and income taxes, as set forth on a schedule to the distribution agreement, less the net proceeds of the sale or other disposition of the excluded hospital.

The extent to which Triad may or may not continue to be affected by the ongoing investigations of HCA and the initiation of additional investigations, if any, cannot be predicted. These matters could have a material adverse effect on Triad’s business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

Index to Financial Statements

Triad through its affiliates operates hospitals and related health care entities. During the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, approximately 30.9%, 31.9%, and 31.9%, respectively, of Triad’s revenues related to patients participating in the Medicare program.

Triad has structured its operations into two segments. The owned operations segment includes Triad’s acute care hospitals and related health care entities. The management services segment provides executive management services to independent acute care hospitals. Prior periods have been restated for the reclassification of three entities to discontinued operations (see NOTE 4). Included in the owned operations assets are assets designated as discontinued operations of $51.4 million and $58.4 million as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.

The distribution of Triad’s revenues, Adjusted EBITDA (which is used by management for operating performance review, see (a)) and assets are summarized in the following tables (dollars in millions):

Adjusted EBITDA for owned operations includes equity in earnings of affiliates of $25.4 million, $21.7 million and $14.5 million in years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

Index to Financial Statements

A reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to income from continuing operations before income taxes follows (in millions):

Index to Financial Statements

NOTE 20—OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES AND ALLOWANCES FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS (continued)

A summary of activity in Triad’s allowances for doubtful accounts follows (in millions):

The following tables show the line items in the consolidated statements of operations that are considered costs of sales (dollars in millions):

Index to Financial Statements

The quarterly interim financial information shown below has been prepared by Triad’s management and is unaudited. It should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements appearing herein (dollars in millions, except per share amounts). Amounts for all periods presented have been restated to reflect the reclassification of discontinued operations (see NOTE 4).


Delaware		75-2816101
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

5800 Tennyson Parkway Plano, Texas		75024
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)


TITLE OF EACH CLASS		NAME OF EACH EXCHANGE ON WHICH REGISTERED
Common Stock, $.01 Par Value		New York Stock Exchange
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights		New York Stock Exchange


	Years ended December 31,
	2003		2002		2001		2000		1999
Number of hospitals at end of period ^(a)	53		46		44		26		27
Number of licensed beds at end of period ^(b)	8,246		7,531		7,266		3,224		3,426
Weighted average licensed beds^(c)	7,652		7,388		6,086		3,336		4,449
Admissions ^(d)	286,416		273,389		223,139		117,853		136,779
Adjusted admissions ^(e)	491,417		467,399		379,818		202,458		226,460
Average length of stay (days) ^(f)	4.9		4.9		4.8		4.3		4.5
Average daily census ^(g)	3,831		3,656		2,934		1,401		1,700
Occupancy rate^(h)	55	%	54	%	52	%	49	%	57	%


Facility Name	City	State	Licensed Beds
Flowers Hospital	Dothan	AL	235
Medical Center Enterprise	Enterprise	AL	131
Gadsden Regional Medical Center	Gadsden	AL	346
Crestwood Medical Center	Huntsville	AL	120
Jacksonville Hospital	Jacksonville	AL	89
Valley Hospital ⁽¹⁾	Palmer	AK	40
Northwest Medical Center of Benton County	Bentonville	AR	128
Medical Center of South Arkansas ⁽²⁾	El Dorado	AR	166
Medical Park Hospital	Hope	AR	79
National Park Medical Center	Hot Springs	AR	166
Willow Creek Women’s Hospital	Johnson	AR	30
Regional Medical Center of Northeast Arkansas	Jonesboro	AR	104
St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center	Russellville	AR	170
Central Arkansas Hospital	Searcy	AR	193
Northwest Medical Center of Washington County	Springdale	AR	222
El Dorado Hospital ⁽³⁾	Tucson	AZ	166
Northwest Medical Center	Tucson	AZ	252
San Leandro Hospital	San Leandro	CA	122
Bluffton Regional Medical Center	Bluffton	IN	96
Dupont Hospital ⁽⁴⁾	Fort Wayne	IN	86
Lutheran Hospital of Indiana	Fort Wayne	IN	403
St. Joseph’s Hospital	Fort Wayne	IN	191
Kosciusko Community Hospital	Warsaw	IN	72
Overland Park Regional Medical Center ⁽⁵⁾	Overland Park	KS	—
Women & Children’s Hospital	Lake Charles	LA	80
Wesley Medical Center	Hattiesburg	MS	211
River Region Health System ⁽⁶⁾	Vicksburg	MS	372
Independence Regional Health Center ⁽⁵⁾	Independence	MO	—
Carlsbad Medical Center	Carlsbad	NM	127
Lea Regional Medical Center	Hobbs	NM	250
MountainView Regional Medical Center	Las Cruces	NM	127
Barberton Citizens Hospital ⁽⁷⁾	Barberton	OH	311
Doctors Hospital of Stark County ⁽⁷⁾	Massillon	OH	166
Claremore Regional Hospital	Claremore	OK	89
SouthCrest Hospital	Tulsa	OK	180
Woodward Regional Hospital ⁽⁸⁾	Woodward	OK	87
Willamette Valley Medical Center	McMinnville	OR	80


McKenzie-Willamette Hospital ⁽⁹⁾	Springfield	OR	114
Carolinas Hospital System – Florence	Florence	SC	372
Carolinas Hospital System – Lake City ⁽¹⁰⁾	Lake City	SC	48
Mary Black Memorial Hospital ⁽¹¹⁾	Spartanburg	SC	209
Abilene Regional Medical Center	Abilene	TX	187
Alice Regional Hospital ⁽¹²⁾	Alice	TX	138
Brownwood Regional Medical Center ⁽¹³⁾	Brownwood	TX	218
College Station Medical Center	College Station	TX	115
Navarro Regional Hospital	Corsicana	TX	162
Denton Community Hospital ⁽¹⁴⁾	Denton	TX	122
Longview Regional Medical Center	Longview	TX	166
Woodland Heights Medical Center	Lufkin	TX	146
Pampa Regional Medical Center	Pampa	TX	115
San Angelo Community Medical Center	San Angelo	TX	168
Medical Center at Terrell ⁽¹⁵⁾	Terrell	TX	130
DeTar Healthcare System	Victoria	TX	328
Gulf Coast Medical Center	Wharton	TX	161
Greenbrier Valley Medical Center	Ronceverte	WV	122


Joint Venture	Facility Name	City	State	Licensed Beds
Macon Healthcare LLC	Coliseum Medical Center (38%)	Macon	GA	250
Macon Healthcare LLC	Coliseum Psychiatric Center (38%)	Macon	GA	60
Macon Healthcare LLC	Macon Northside Hospital (38%)	Macon	GA	103
Summerlin Hospital Medical Center LLC	Summerlin Hospital Medical Center (26%)	Las Vegas	NV	190
Valley Health System LLC	Desert Springs Hospital (28%)	Las Vegas	NV	346
Valley Health System LLC	Valley Hospital Medical Center (28%)	Las Vegas	NV	400
Valley Health System LLC	Spring Valley Hospital Medical Center (28%)	Las Vegas	NV	176


2002	High		Low
First Quarter	$	34.43	$	28.89
Second Quarter		46.28		34.13
Third Quarter		41.54		33.94
Fourth Quarter		41.17		28.05
2003
First Quarter	$	30.68	$	24.12
Second Quarter		27.59		20.53
Third Quarter		33.06		24.36
Fourth Quarter		34.74		28.25


	December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		December 31, 2001
0 to 60 days	58.8	%	58.6	%	55.7	%
61 to 150 days	25.9	%	24.9	%	24.5	%
151 to 360 days	14.6	%	15.3	%	16.8	%
Over 360 days	0.7	%	1.2	%	3.0	%

Total	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%


	December 31, 2003		December 31, 2002		December 31, 2001
Insured receivables	61	%	62	%	62	%
Uninsured receivables	39	%	38	%	38	%

Total	100	%	100	%	100	%


	Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Long-term debt obligations	$	1,759.5	$	74.5	$	173.9	$	306.5	$	1,204.6
Capital lease obligations		1.0		0.3		0.4		0.3		—
Operating lease obligations		229.1		42.3		67.4		41.8		77.6
Purchase obligations ⁽¹⁾		176.0		27.5		95.7		52.8		—
Other long-term liabilities		—		—		—		—		—

Total	$	2,165.6	$	144.6	$	337.4	$	401.4	$	1,282.2


Plan Category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights (a)	Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b)		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) (c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders	9,989,171	$	24.91	4,260,284
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders	—		—	—

Total	9,989,171	$	24.91	4,260,284


Exhibit No.		Description

2.1		Distribution Agreement dated May 11, 1999 by and among Columbia/HCA, Triad Hospitals, Inc. and LifePoint Hospitals, Inc., incorporated by reference from Exhibit 2.1 to Triad Hospitals’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

2.2		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 18, 2000, by and between Quorum Health Group, Inc. and Triad Hospitals, Inc. (the “Merger Agreement”), incorporated by reference from Triad Hospitals’ Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 18, 2000.

3.1		Certificate of Incorporation of Triad, as amended as of April 27, 2001, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 3.1 to Triad Hospitals’ Post Effective Amendment No. 1 on Form S-8 to the Registration Statement Form S-4.

3.2		Bylaws of Triad Hospitals as amended February 18, 2000 incorporated by reference from Triad Hospitals’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000.

4.1		Indenture (including form of 8¾% Senior Notes due 2009) dated as of April 27, 2001, among Triad, the guarantors named therein and Citibank N.A. as Trustee, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.1 to Triad’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 2001.

4.2		Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 27, 2001 among Triad, the guarantors named therein and the Initial Purchasers named therein, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 4.2 to Triad’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001.

4.3		Indenture (including form of 7% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013) dated as of November 12, 2003, between Triad Hospitals, Inc. and Citibank, N.A., as Trustee, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.1 on Registration Statement Form S-4 dated February 4, 2004.

4.4		Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 12, 2003 between Triad Hospitals, Inc. and Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Banc of America Securities LLC as representatives of the Initial Purchasers named therein, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 4.3 on Registration Statement Form S-4 dated February 4, 2004.

10.1		Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement, dated May 11, 1999, by and among Columbia/HCA, LifePoint Hospitals and Triad Hospitals, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.1 to Triad Hospitals’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

10.2		Benefits and Employment Matters Agreement, dated May 11, 1999 by and among Columbia/HCA, LifePoint Hospitals and Triad Hospitals, incorporated by reference from



		Exhibit 10.2 to Triad Hospitals’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

10.3		Insurance Allocation and Administration Agreement, dated May 11, 1999, by and among Columbia/HCA, LifePoint Hospitals and Triad Hospitals, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.3 to Triad Hospitals’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

10.4		Computer and Data Processing Services Agreement dated May 11, 1999 by and between Columbia Information Systems, Inc. and Triad Hospitals, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.5 to Triad Hospitals’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

10.5		Agreement to Share Telecommunications Services dated May 11, 1999 by and between Columbia Information Systems, Inc. and Triad Hospitals, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.6 to Triad Hospitals’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

10.6		Triad Hospitals, Inc. 1999 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended on May 29, 2001, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.4 to Triad Hospitals’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended June 30, 2001.

10.7		Triad Hospitals, Inc. Executive Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.11 to Triad Hospitals’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

10.8		Triad Hospitals, Inc. Management Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.12 to Triad Hospitals’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended March 31, 1999.

10.9		Triad Hospitals, Inc. Outside Directors Stock and Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, incorporated by reference from Exhibit B to Triad Hospitals’ definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A of Triad’s annual meeting held on May 29, 2001.

10.10		Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 2001 among Triad, the Lenders party thereto, Merrill Lynch & Co. and Banc of America Securities LLC as co-lead arrangers, Merrill Lynch & Co. as syndication agent and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2001.

10.11		Amendment No. 1 dated as of July 10, 2001 to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 2001 among Triad, the Lenders party thereto, Merrill Lynch & Co. as syndication agent and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001.

10.12		Amendment No. 2 dated as of August 8, 2001 to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 2001 among Triad, the Lenders party thereto, Merrill Lynch & Co. as syndication agent and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.3 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001.

10.13		Amendment No. 3 dated as of February 7, 2002 to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 2001 among Triad, the Lenders party thereto, Merrill Lynch & Co. as syndication agent and Bank of America, N.A., incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.21 on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.

10.14		Amendment No. 4 dated as of June 28, 2002 to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 2001 among Triad, the Lenders party thereto, Merrill Lynch & Co. as syndication agent and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002.

10.15		Amendment No. 5 dated as of September 25, 2003 to the Credit Agreement dated as of April 27, 2001 among Triad, the Lenders party thereto, Merrill Lynch & Co. as syndication agent and Bank of America, N.A. as administrative agent, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.1 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.

10.16		Quorum Health Group, Inc. 1997 Stock Option Plan, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit B to Quorum’s definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A for Quorum’s annual meeting held on November 10, 1997.



10.17		Employment Agreement between Triad Hospitals, Inc. and James D. Shelton, effective September 1, 2003, incorporated herein by reference from Exhibit 10.2 on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2003.

12.1		Statement of Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

21.1		List of the Subsidiaries of Triad Hospitals.

23.1		Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

31.1		Certification of James D. Shelton, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2		Certification of Burke W. Whitman, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1		Certification of James D. Shelton, Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

32.2		Certification of Burke W. Whitman, Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.


SIGNATURE	TITLE	DATE

/s/ JAMES D. SHELTON James D. Shelton	Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer; Director (Principal Executive Officer)	March 12, 2004

/s/ MICHAEL J. PARSONS Michael J. Parsons	Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer; Director	March 12, 2004

/s/ BURKE W. WHITMAN Burke W. Whitman	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)	March 12, 2004

/s/ THOMAS F. FRIST III Thomas F. Frist III	Director	March 12, 2004

/s/ DALE V. KESLER Dale V. Kesler	Director	March 12, 2004

/s/ THOMAS G. LOEFFLER, ESQ. Thomas G. Loeffler, Esq.	Director	March 12, 2004

/s/ UWE E. REINHARDT, PH.D Uwe E. Reinhardt, Ph.D	Director	March 12, 2004

/s/ MARVIN T. RUNYON Marvin T. Runyon	Director	March 12, 2004

/s/ GALE E. SAYERS Gale E. Sayers	Director	March 12, 2004

/s/ DONALD B. HALVERSTADT, M.D. Donald B. Halverstadt, M.D.	Director	March 12, 2004

/s/ BARBARA A. DURAND, ED.D. Barbara A. Durand, Ed.D.	Director	March 12, 2004

/s/ NANCY-ANN DEPARLE Nancy-Ann DeParle	Director	March 12, 2004



Report of Independent Auditors		F-2

Consolidated Statements of Operations—for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001		F-3

Consolidated Balance Sheets—December 31, 2003 and 2002		F-4

Consolidated Statements of Equity—for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001		F-5

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001		F-6

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-7


	2003			2002
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	15.2		$	68.3
Accounts receivable, less allowances for doubtful accounts of $257.4 and $170.6 at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively		607.0			495.8
Inventories		111.7			92.4
Deferred income taxes		36.5			62.3
Prepaid expenses		43.4			36.5
Discontinued operations assets		51.4			58.4
Other		62.0			72.5

		927.2			886.2
Property and equipment, at cost:
Land		177.0			166.8
Buildings and improvements		1,503.1			1,310.3
Equipment		1,239.7			1,119.4
Construction in progress (estimated cost to complete and equip after December 31, 2003- $394.1 million)		145.2			79.6

		3,065.0			2,676.1
Accumulated depreciation		(896.4	)		(757.0	)

		2,168.6			1,919.1
Goodwill		1,253.1			1,218.4
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization		71.5			72.0
Investment in and advances to affiliates		191.1			179.7
Other		123.9			106.2

Total assets	$	4,735.4		$	4,381.6

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	153.8		$	129.9
Accrued salaries		123.8			104.1
Current portion of long-term debt		74.5			72.8
Discontinued operations liabilities		9.2			8.8
Other current liabilities		145.8			130.1

		507.1			445.7
Long-term debt		1,685.0			1,618.4
Other liabilities		118.1			86.6
Deferred taxes		174.7			151.1
Minority interests in equity of consolidated entities		174.2			125.3
Commitments and contingencies		—			—
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock .01 par value: 120,000,000 shares authorized, 75,633,354 and 74,937,635 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively		0.8			0.7
Additional paid-in capital		1,904.6			1,883.5
Unearned ESOP compensation		(17.2	)		(20.7	)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(2.1	)		(4.0	)
Accumulated earnings		190.2			95.0

Total stockholders’ equity		2,076.3			1,954.5

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	4,735.4		$	4,381.6


	Common Stock			Additional Paid-in Capital		Unearned ESOP Compensation and Stockholder Notes Receivable			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)			Total Stockholders’ Equity
	Shares	Amount		Additional Paid-in Capital		Unearned ESOP Compensation and Stockholder Notes Receivable			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Accumulated Earnings (Deficit)			Total Stockholders’ Equity
Balance January 1, 2001	34,783,816	$	0.4	$	659.3	$	(36.7	)	$	—		$	(49.3	)	$	573.7
Issuance of common stock under employee plans	244,252		—		5.4		—			—			—			5.4
Stock options exercised	1,388,288		—		21.6		—			—			—			21.6
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised	—		—		11.8		—			—			—			11.8
Issuance of common stock for Quorum acquisition	35,786,380		0.3		1,069.2		—			—			—			1,069.5
Fair value of converted options	—		—		31.4		—			—			—			31.4
ESOP compensation earned	—		—		5.9		3.4			—			—			9.3
Stock compensation expense	—		—		5.6		—			—			—			5.6
Repayment of Executive Stock Purchase Plan loan	—		—		—		0.4			—			—			0.4
Net income	—		—		—		—			—			2.8			2.8

Balance December 31, 2001	72,202,736		0.7		1,810.2		(32.9	)		—			(46.5	)		1,731.5
Net income	—		—		—		—			—			141.5			141.5
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of income tax benefit of $2.4 million	—		—		—		—			(4.0	)		—			(4.0	)

Comprehensive income	—		—		—		—			—			—			137.5

Issuance of common stock under employee plans	371,700		—		9.1		—			—			—			9.1
Stock options exercised	2,363,199		—		33.3		—			—			—			33.3
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised	—		—		21.8		—			—			—			21.8
ESOP compensation earned	—		—		7.3		3.5			—			—			10.8
Stock compensation expense	—		—		0.4		—			—			—			0.4
Repayment of Executive Stock Purchase Plan loans	—		—		1.4		8.7			—			—			10.1

Balance at December 31, 2002	74,937,635		0.7		1,883.5		(20.7	)		(4.0	)		95.0			1,954.5
Net income	—		—		—		—			—			95.2			95.2
Net change in fair value of interest rate swaps, net of income tax provision of $1.1 million	—		—		—		—			1.9			—			1.9

Comprehensive income	—		—		—		—			—			—			97.1

Issuance of common stock under employee plans	455,713		0.1		10.0		—			—			—			10.1
Stock options exercised	240,006		—		4.7		—			—			—			4.7
Income tax benefit from stock options exercised	—		—		1.0		—			—			—			1.0
ESOP compensation earned	—		—		5.0		3.5			—			—			8.5
Stock compensation expense	—		—		0.4		—			—			—			0.4

Balance at December 31, 2003	75,633,354	$	0.8	$	1,904.6	$	(17.2	)	$	(2.1	)	$	190.2		$	2,076.3


	For the years ended December 31,
	2003			2002			2001
Income from continuing operations, as reported	$	99.4		$	140.6		$	3.1
Add: Stock option expense recorded		0.3			0.1			2.1
Less: Fair value stock option expense		(17.8	)		(17.4	)		(20.2	)

Pro forma	$	81.9		$	123.3		$	(15.0	)

Net income, as reported	$	95.2		$	141.5		$	2.8
Add: Stock option expense recorded		0.3			0.1			2.1
Less: Fair value stock option expense		(17.8	)		(17.4	)		(20.2	)

Pro forma	$	77.7		$	124.2		$	(15.3	)

Basic income (loss) per share
Income from continuing operations, as reported	$	1.35		$	1.96		$	0.05
Add: Stock option expense recorded		—			—			0.04
Less: Fair value stock option expense		(0.24	)		(0.24	)		(0.35	)

Pro forma	$	1.11		$	1.72		$	(0.26	)

Net income, as reported	$	1.29		$	1.97		$	0.04
Add: Stock option expense recorded		—			—			0.04
Less: Fair value stock option expense		(0.24	)		(0.24	)		(0.35	)

Pro forma	$	1.05		$	1.73		$	(0.27	)

Diluted income (loss) per share
Income from continuing operations, as reported	$	1.32		$	1.88		$	0.05
Add: Stock option expense recorded		—			—			0.04
Less: Fair value stock option expense		(0.23	)		(0.20	)		(0.35	)

Pro forma	$	1.09		$	1.68		$	(0.26	)

Net income, as reported	$	1.26		$	1.89		$	0.05
Add: Stock option expense recorded		—			—			0.04
Less: Fair value stock option expense		(0.23	)		(0.20	)		(0.34	)

Pro forma	$	1.03		$	1.69		$	(0.25	)


Current assets	$	39.2
Property and equipment		163.5
Goodwill		37.1
Intangible assets		5.9
Other assets		5.8
Current liabilities		(17.4	)
Minority interests		(48.9	)
Long-term debt		(0.1	)

	$	185.1


	2003		2002
Revenues	$	4,241.3	$	3,875.2
Income from continuing operations	$	98.9	$	164.6
Net income	$	94.6	$	165.5

Basic income per share
Income from continuing operations	$	1.35	$	2.30
Net income	$	1.29	$	2.31

Diluted income per share
Income from continuing operations	$	1.31	$	2.19
Net income	$	1.25	$	2.21


	Owned Operations			Management Services		Corporate and Other		Total
Balance as of January 1, 2003	$	1,139.7		$	58.8	$	19.9	$	1,218.4
Goodwill acquired		37.2			—		—		37.2
Goodwill written off related to sales		(2.5	)		—		—		(2.5	)

Balance as of December 31, 2003	$	1,174.4		$	58.8	$	19.9	$	1,253.1


	2003					2002
	Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization			Gross Carrying Amount		Accumulated Amortization
Management contracts	$	79.0	$	(14.0	)	$	79.0	$	(8.8	)
Other		2.3		(0.5	)		3.5		(1.7	)

Total	$	81.3	$	(14.5	)	$	82.5	$	(10.5	)


	2003		2002
Assets
Accounts receivable, net	$	13.2	$	11.6
Inventories		2.8		3.1
Other current assets		2.0		2.0
Property and equipment, net		32.6		36.6
Goodwill		0.6		5.1
Other assets		0.2		—

Total discontinued operations assets	$	51.4	$	58.4

Liabilities
Accounts payable	$	3.5	$	2.6
Accrued salaries		2.5		3.5
Current portion long-term debt		0.3		0.3
Other current liabilities		2.6		1.9
Long-term debt		0.3		0.5

Total discontinued operations liabilities	$	9.2	$	8.8


Balance Sheet	December 31,
Balance Sheet	2003		2002
Current assets	$	157.3	$	156.2
Non-current assets		518.6		449.8

	$	675.9	$	606.0

Current liabilities	$	53.0	$	55.1
Non-current liabilities		2.7		2.9
Members’ equity		620.2		548.0

	$	675.9	$	606.0


Income Statement	For the years ended December 31,
Income Statement	2003		2002		2001
Revenues	$	784.8	$	733.2	$	666.4

Net income	$	71.9	$	63.0	$	66.8


	Carrying Amount				Fair Value
	2003		2002		2003		2002
Revolving Credit Line	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Tranche A term loan		126.6		225.0		126.6		225.0
Tranche B term loan		424.1		542.5		424.1		542.5
8¾% Senior Notes		600.0		600.0		650.3		639.8
7% Senior Subordinated Notes		600.0		—		606.8		—
11% Senior Subordinated Notes		4.2		318.8		4.4		356.3
Other		4.6		4.9		5.2		5.4

		1,759.5		1,691.2	$	1,817.4	$	1,769.0

Less current portion		74.5		72.8

	$	1,685.0	$	1,618.4


2004	$	74.5
2005		82.3
2006		91.6
2007		193.2
2008		113.3
Thereafter		1,204.6

	$	1,759.5


	Triad Hospitals, Inc.			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Eliminations			Consolidated
Revenues	$	—		$	3,233.9		$	640.3		$	(8.3	)	$	3,865.9

Salaries and benefits		0.4			1,259.4			317.3			—			1,577.1
Reimbursable expenses		—			51.6			—			—			51.6
Supplies		—			512.6			91.8			—			604.4
Other operating expenses		0.1			595.1			121.9			—			717.1
Provision for doubtful accounts		—			341.3			55.9			—			397.2
Depreciation		—			143.4			27.1			—			170.5
Amortization		—			5.9			—			—			5.9
Interest expense allocated		(130.0	)		122.3			7.7			—			—
Interest expense, net		134.8			(3.3	)		(0.4	)		—			131.1
Refinancing transaction costs		39.9			—			—			—			39.9
ESOP expense		8.5			—			—			—			8.5
Management fees		—			—			8.3			(8.3	)		—
Gain on sales of assets		—			(1.4	)		—			—			(1.4	)
Impairment of long-lived assets		—			16.3			—			—			16.3

Total operating expenses		53.7			3,043.2			629.6			(8.3	)		3,718.2

Income (loss) from continuing operations before minority interests, equity in earnings and income tax provision		(53.7	)		190.7			10.7			—			147.7
Minority interests		—			(8.2	)		0.1			—			(8.1	)
Equity in earnings of affiliates		214.5			36.2			—			(225.3	)		25.4

Income from continuing operations before income tax provision		160.8			218.7			10.8			(225.3	)		165.0
Income tax provision		(65.6	)		—			—			—			(65.6	)

Income from continuing operations		95.2			218.7			10.8			(225.3	)		99.4
Loss from discontinued operations		—			(4.2	)		—			—			(4.2	)

Net income	$	95.2		$	214.5		$	10.8		$	(225.3	)	$	95.2


	Triad Hospitals, Inc.		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Eliminations			Consolidated
Assets
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	59.4	$	8.9	$	—		$	68.3
Accounts receivable, net		—		409.5		86.3		—			495.8
Other current assets		78.0		170.6		23.1		(8.0	)		263.7
Discontinued operations assets		—		58.4		—		—			58.4

Total current assets		78.0		697.9		118.3		(8.0	)		886.2

Net property and equipment, at cost		—		1,603.2		315.9		—			1,919.1

Goodwill		—		1,179.7		38.7		—			1,218.4
Intangible assets		—		72.0		—		—			72.0
Investments in subsidiaries		1,674.3		429.6		—		(1,924.2	)		179.7
Due from affiliates		2,004.5		—		—		(2,004.5	)		—
Other		56.4		74.5		2.3		(27.0	)		106.2

Total assets	$	3,813.2	$	4,056.9	$	475.2	$	(3,963.7	)	$	4,381.6

Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities	$	85.9	$	307.1	$	45.3	$	(1.4	)	$	436.9
Discontinued operations liabilities		—		8.8		—		—			8.8
Due to affiliates		—		1,883.9		120.6		(2,004.5	)		—
Long-term debt		1,615.3		30.2		6.5		(33.6	)		1,618.4
Deferred taxes and other liabilities		157.5		80.2		—		—			237.7
Minority interests in equity of consolidated entities		—		72.4		52.9		—			125.3
Equity		1,954.5		1,674.3		249.9		(1,924.2	)		1,954.5

Total liabilities and equity	$	3,813.2	$	4,056.9	$	475.2	$	(3,963.7	)	$	4,381.6


	Operating		Capital
2004	$	42.3	$	0.3
2005		37.1		0.2
2006		30.3		0.2
2007		23.7		0.2
2008		18.1		0.1
Thereafter		77.6		—

Total minimum payments	$	229.1		1.0

Less amounts representing interest				(0.2	)

Present value of minimum lease payments			$	0.8


	Stock Options		Option Price Per Share		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Balances, January 1, 2001	5,666,786		$	0.07 -$27.69	$	13.43
Granted	4,948,479		$	12.27 -$50.35	$	25.90
Exercised	(1,388,414	)	$	0.19 - $30.47	$	15.56
Cancelled	(320,301	)	$	0.19 - $50.35	$	27.90

Balances, December 31, 2001	8,906,550		$	0.07 - $50.35	$	19.49
Granted	3,012,250		$	32.15 -$42.00	$	32.70
Exercised	(2,363,199	)	$	0.19 - $35.70	$	14.11
Cancelled	(282,944	)	$	3.65 - $50.35	$	30.56

Balances, December 31, 2002	9,272,657		$	0.07 - $42.00	$	24.81
Granted	1,291,800		$	22.45 -$31.11	$	25.93
Exercised	(240,006	)	$	0.19 - $32.15	$	19.64
Cancelled	(335,280	)	$	8.50 - $42.00	$	30.02

Balances, December 31, 2003	9,989,171		$	0.07 - $42.00	$	24.91


	Options Outstanding				Options Exercisable
	Number Outstanding at 12/31/03	Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable at 12/31/03	Weighted Average Exercise Price
Range of Exercise Prices
$16.69 to $16.71	136,296	2 years	$	16.71	136,296	$	16.71
$15.42 to $17.53	124,900	3 years	$	15.63	124,900	$	15.63
$22.63	5,389	4 years	$	22.63	5,389	$	22.63
$16.34 to $20.06	69,008	5 years	$	16.57	69,008	$	16.57
$0.07 to $18.84	1,743,308	6 years	$	11.37	1,743,308	$	11.37
$16.50 to $27.69	1,199,282	7 years	$	17.56	1,199,282	$	17.56
$24.63 to $35.70	2,722,188	8 years	$	29.51	1,327,188	$	29.37
$32.15 to $42.00	2,749,000	9 years	$	32.72	684,436	$	32.72
$22.45 to $31.11	1,239,800	10 years	$	25.94	—	$	—

	9,989,171		$	24.91	5,289,807	$	18.80


Shares released		1,200,000
Shares committed to be released		300,000
Unreleased shares		1,500,000

Total ESOP shares		3,000,000

Fair value of unreleased shares	$	49.9 million


	2003		2002
Due to HCA	$	1.7	$	1.6
Employee retirement plan		26.4		20.9
Taxes, other than income		30.3		17.4
Accrued interest		15.0		13.7
Self insured employee benefit programs		30.0		29.5
Current portion of professional liability risk		14.3		18.6
Deferred income		3.7		3.8
Other		24.4		24.6

	$	145.8	$	130.1