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Welltower(WELL) - 2023 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript
WELLWelltower(WELL)2023-10-31 16:39

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Welltower reported a net income attributable to common stockholders of 0.24perdilutedshareandnormalizedfundsfromoperations(FFO)of0.24 per diluted share and normalized funds from operations (FFO) of 0.92 per diluted share, representing a year-over-year growth of 10.4% [43] - Total portfolio same-store NOI growth was 14.1% year-over-year, with senior housing operating portfolio achieving 26.1% growth [29][43] - The company achieved a net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio of 5.14x, reflecting a 1.8x decrease compared to the previous year [48] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The senior housing operating portfolio experienced a 26.1% year-over-year NOI increase, driven by 9.8% revenue growth and 6.9% RevPOR growth [31][43] - The medical office portfolio reported a same-store NOI growth of 3.4% with a 95% occupancy rate [31] - The triple-net lease portfolio saw a same-store NOI increase of 3.9% year-over-year [44] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. region reported a same-store revenue growth of 9.6%, while Canada and the U.K. grew at 9.7% and 12.9%, respectively [33] - NOI growth in the U.S., Canada, and the U.K. was 25.4%, 27.1%, and 37%, respectively [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving customer and employee experiences, which is expected to drive future growth [35][37] - Welltower is pursuing a digital transformation in the senior housing industry, enhancing technology infrastructure to improve operational efficiency [25][26] - The company plans to continue capital allocation activities, with a pipeline of $2.3 billion and a focus on selective investment opportunities [16][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the operating results despite macroeconomic uncertainties, highlighting strong pricing power and occupancy growth [6][10] - The company anticipates continued strong rate growth for existing customers, although finalization of rate letters is still in progress [74] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the debt and equity markets but remains confident in the company's balance sheet strength and flexibility [21][22] Other Important Information - The company is experiencing a significant reduction in net debt to adjusted EBITDA, which is one of the lowest levels in its recorded history [21] - Management emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality staffing and reducing reliance on agency labor to enhance service quality [37][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Interest in M&A opportunities following peers' merger - Management stated they are not engaged in the mentioned merger process and prefer one asset at a time transactions [63][66] Question: Occupancy levels and NOI potential from the Cogir transaction - Management indicated that occupancy levels are around 80% for properties transitioning to Cogir, with expectations for significant NOI upside [68][70] Question: Revenue increases for existing customers - Management expects strong rate growth for existing customers, although finalization is still ongoing [74] Question: Clarification on potential drag from Kisco and Balfour merger - Management clarified that multiple factors could collectively impact Q4, not just the Kisco and Balfour merger [76][78] Question: G&A trends for the next year - Management anticipates another year of elevated G&A growth due to ongoing platform build-out [80] Question: Senior housing development outlook - Management expressed skepticism about new senior housing developments due to high construction and capital costs [102] Question: Impact of liquidity issues on care quality - Management noted that their operating partners are performing well and attracting new operators despite market challenges [106]