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Brookdale Senior Living(BKD) - 2024 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 3.9% increase in residency revenue year-over-year despite a 2.2% reduction in capacity [38] - Consolidated RevPAR grew 5.5%, driven by a 100 basis point increase in weighted average occupancy and a 4.2% increase in RevPOR [39] - Adjusted EBITDA grew 15% year-over-year, reaching approximately 99million,whichwasabovethetopendoftheguidancerange[46][47]Adjustedfreecashflowwasapproximately99 million, which was above the top end of the guidance range [46][47] - Adjusted free cash flow was approximately 12 million negative for the fourth quarter, but positive adjusted free cash flow was achieved in the second half of 2024 [47][48] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Weighted average occupancy grew by 140 basis points, and RevPAR increased by 6.1% [8][9] - Move-ins in the fourth quarter were 8% above pre-pandemic averages, marking the strongest fourth quarter move-in volume since 2016 [12] - Same community operating income increased by 4.4% year-over-year [44] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The senior living industry is experiencing a favorable environment with record low inventory growth and high demand due to an aging population [28][29] - Less than 2% of the company's communities faced new construction within a 20-minute radius [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to grow profitable occupancy and RevPAR while improving adjusted free cash flow [8][9] - Strategic transactions included lease amendments and acquisitions to optimize the portfolio and manage capital structure effectively [22][24] - The company plans to expand the Brookdale Health Plus program to enhance care delivery and improve resident outcomes [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing favorable supply-demand dynamics and a growing senior population [26][28] - The company is focused on maintaining high-quality care and personalized service while managing costs effectively [32][35] - Management highlighted the importance of attracting and retaining top associates to ensure operational excellence [34] Other Important Information - The company received several awards for its commitment to quality care and social stewardship, including recognition from Newsweek and U.S. News and World Report [20][21] - The company has successfully addressed over $1 billion in future maturities, eliminating all 2025 debt maturities [25][55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Clarification on RevPAR guidance and impact of Ventas lease amendment - Management indicated that the 4.75% to 5.75% RevPAR guidance includes the impact of the Ventas lease amendment and reflects expected move-ins and move-outs [69][70] Question: Future growth and shareholder value creation - Management emphasized the focus on profitable occupancy growth and the unique aspects of Brookdale's service offerings to differentiate from competitors [72][75] Question: Impact of political landscape on business - Management noted that Brookdale has a low reliance on Medicaid, which differentiates its occupancy metrics from industry averages [93][94] Question: Long-term EBITDA growth expectations - Management expressed confidence in continued disciplined profitable growth, with a focus on capturing the growing demand for senior living services [106][110]