Ventas Reports 2021 Second Quarter Results

Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR) (“Ventas” or the “Company”) today reported results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

“Ventas delivered strong second quarter results driven by outstanding sequential occupancy improvement and organic net operating income growth in our Senior Housing Operating Portfolio (“SHOP”) segment, Office growth and consistent and solid performance in our Triple Net (“NNN”) segment,” said Debra A. Cafaro, Ventas Chairman and CEO.

“Ventas’s organic growth potential and external investment opportunities combine to create attractive upside for our stakeholders. We have now delivered five consecutive months of growth in occupancy and leads in SHOP, with June move-ins and July leads representing the highest levels since the onset of the pandemic. These positive trends underscore the strong demand for the socialization and services our communities provide. Senior housing is entering a period of highly favorable conditions as occupancy rebounds and supply demand fundamentals improve. In the face of renewed macro clinical uncertainty, we remain optimistic with all our SHOP communities benefitting from extremely high COVID-19 vaccination rates among our residents and staff.

“We are confident about the future of our business, the powerful senior housing cyclical upside and our ability to win the recovery with our advantaged, well diversified portfolio, best-in-class operators and experienced team,” Cafaro concluded.

Second Quarter 2021 Results

For the second quarter 2021, reported per share results were:

Second Quarter 2021 Property Results

Sequential Same-Store Property Results

• Company Results
  • Sequential same-store second quarter 2021 cash NOI increased 3.1%, or 3.6% excluding the impact of $13.3 million of HHS Grants in the first quarter 2021 and a $12 million cash lease termination fee received in the Life Science, Research & Innovation (“Life Science, R&I”) portfolio in the second quarter.
• SHOP (26% of Total Portfolio)
  • NOI: SHOP NOI totaled $111 million in the second quarter. Same-store cash NOI in second quarter 2021 increased $50 million on an annualized basis compared to first quarter 2021 excluding HHS Grants received in the first quarter.
    • Sequential same-store pool (434 assets) cash NOI increased 12.6% excluding the HHS Grants received in the first quarter. Including the HHS Grants, sequential same-store cash NOI decreased by 0.7%.
  • Occupancy and Leading Indicators:
    • Leads and move-ins in June were the highest since the onset of the pandemic, with leads reaching 106% of pre-pandemic levels and move-ins approximating 2,100 residents.
    • Ventas’s SHOP portfolio experienced a 229 basis point increase in approximate spot occupancy from March 31 to June 30, led by U.S. SHOP communities, substantially better than the midpoint of our previously communicated expectation of up 150 to 250 basis points.
    • Average SHOP occupancy grew 110 basis points in the second quarter versus the first quarter 2021.
    • U.S. SHOP portfolio increased 313 basis points in approximate spot occupancy from March 31 to June 30.
    • Approximate spot-to-spot occupancy in our Canada SHOP portfolio increased in the second quarter driven by a positive June occupancy trend. Canada recently surpassed the U.S. in vaccinations amongst its adult population.
    • SHOP second quarter average and quarter-end occupancy were 77.5% and 79.4%, respectively.

• Revenue: SHOP revenue increased in the second quarter driven by an increase in occupancy, which was partially offset by move-in incentives provided to new residents.
• Operating Expenses: Operating expenses declined sequentially by $9.2 million, excluding the HHS Grants received in the first quarter (which were reflected as a contra expense when received), driven by a better than expected reduction of COVID-19 costs partially offset by a modest increase in routine operating expenses. Including the impact of HHS Grants, operating expenses grew $4.1 million.

• NNN Portfolio (37% of Total Portfolio)
  • NNN sequential same-store (355 assets) cash NOI was stable in the second quarter 2021. All expected second quarter rent was received from the Company’s NNN tenants.
• Office Portfolio (32% of Total Portfolio)
  • Office sequential same-store pool (346 assets) cash NOI grew by 10.5%, led by the Life Science, R&I portfolio. Life Science, R&I benefitted from a $12 million cash lease termination fee received in the second quarter, which is included in second quarter cash NOI and amortized over the remaining twelve-month lease term on a GAAP basis. Office sequential same-store cash NOI growth was 0.9% when adjusted for this fee. Steady growth of the Medical Office Building (“MOB”) business continued in the second quarter with outstanding customer retention of 94% and new leasing of 190,000 square feet, resulting in a total MOB portfolio sequential occupancy increase of 20 basis points.

Latest SHOP Operating Trends

• Leading Indicators: Leading indicators and demand showed continued strength in July:
  • Leads were 105% of their pre-COVID-19 same period 2019 level at over 21,300, a new high. Move-ins and move-outs were 112% and 85% respectively of their pre-COVID-19 same period 2019 levels.
  • Move-ins totaled 2,017 residents.
  • Move-ins have exceeded 2,000 for three consecutive months.
• Occupancy: Ventas’s SHOP portfolio has now experienced a five consecutive month trend of occupancy growth. Spot occupancy has increased 424 basis points from the pandemic low reached in mid-March through July 31, 2021.
  • The SHOP portfolio reported 74 basis points of approximate spot occupancy increase from June 30 through July 31, 2021, with the U.S. growing 84 basis points and Canada growth improving to 47 basis points in the month.
• Clinical Trends: The Company’s SHOP communities continue to experience de minimis confirmed resident cases of COVID-19, with high vaccination rates among residents and staff members.

Investments in Ardent

• Ardent continues to deliver strong performance as an industry-leading owner and operator of 30 hospitals in six states and Ventas’s $1.4 billion investment in Ardent real estate is currently yielding over 9% with strong 3.6x trailing twelve month cash flow coverage.
• In addition, Ventas’s 10% equity interest in Ardent, in partnership with Equity Group Investments, and Ventas’s prior investment in $200 million of Ardent 2026 Senior Notes (defined below), continue to provide significant benefits to Ventas.
  • In the second quarter, Ventas benefitted from Ardent’s strong performance and recognition of HHS Grants which was approximately $7 million at Ventas’s share.
  • In July 2021, Ardent redeemed Ventas’s investment in $200 million of 9.75% senior notes due 2026 (the “Ardent 2026 Senior Notes”), in connection with Ardent’s successful offering of newly issued senior notes at a coupon of 5.75%. In addition to repayment of principal in full, Ventas received $15 million in prepayment premium, as required by Ardent’s 2026 Senior Notes. The redemption, including the prepayment premium, will be recognized in the third quarter. Ventas’s investment in the Ardent 2026 Senior Notes yielded a 13% unlevered IRR.

Capital Allocation

• Ventas’s total 2021 investments completed or announced to date are $2.6 billion. The Company also has $1.1 billion of ongoing development principally in the Life Science, R&I and Canadian senior housing markets. In addition, the Company also has a forward pipeline of approximately $1 billion in Life Science, R&I projects.
• On June 28, 2021, Ventas announced that it had entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Ventas will acquire New Senior (NYSE: SNR) in an all-stock transaction valued at approximately $2.3 billion, including $1.5 billion of New Senior debt. Under the terms of the agreement, New Senior stockholders will receive 0.1561 shares of newly issued Ventas common stock for each share of New Senior common stock they own. Completion of the transaction, which is expected to occur during the second half of this year, is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions, including the approval by the common stockholders of New Senior.
• Ventas also extended its successful track record of development with its partner Le Groupe Maurice (“LGM”):
  • On June 1, 2021, Ventas and LGM opened a new, 287-unit development, in Montreal known as Elogia II, which already reached 50% occupancy as of July 31. This property was developed adjacent to an existing 289-unit LGM property and joined via connecting bridge. Due to the proximity and physical connectivity, residents of both buildings will enjoy LGM’s signature state-of-the-art amenities, including beautiful gardens, fitness facilities, a movie theatre, a light therapy room, an indoor swimming pool, an expansive rooftop and a panoramic lounge with views of Montreal’s skyline.
  • Two LGM development properties opened in the fourth quarter of 2020 continue to enjoy robust demand and are currently 94% occupied.
  • Two additional development projects are underway totaling over $200 million in project costs and spanning 627 units, with additional sites in the pre-development stage.
• Ventas is in advanced stages for a Life Science, R&I development project anchored by a premier research university. The project, which is principally lab space and related uses, will be 60% pre-leased. Project costs approximate $0.5 billion with an expected stabilized cash yield between 6.5% and 7.0%. The university tenant is ranked in the top 5% of universities for both NIH funding and R&D spend. The development is one of the pre-identified Life Science, R&I development projects that is eligible for inclusion in the attractive R&I development partnership with GIC.
• The Company continues to enhance the quality of its portfolio through asset sales and to receive repayment of high return, well-structured loans. Year to date through August 5, 2021, the Company has received nearly $450M of disposition proceeds, including these Recent Dispositions:
  • Ardent’s redemption in July 2021 of Ventas’s investment in $200 million of Ardent 2026 Senior Notes, along with a $15 million prepayment premium as described above.
  • Holiday’s full repayment in July of $66 million of 9.4% notes due 2025. Ventas originally received the notes along with $34 million of cash as consideration for the conversion of 26 Holiday-operated independent living communities from a NNN lease to a SHOP operating model in the second quarter of 2020.
  • Two MOBs sold during the second quarter for total proceeds of approximately $107 million.

Financial Strength & Liquidity

• As of August 5, 2021, the Company has robust liquidity of $3.3 billion, including $2.7 billion of undrawn revolver capacity, $0.6 billion in cash and cash equivalents on hand, and no commercial paper outstanding.
  • For the second quarter 2021, Ventas’s Net Debt to Adjusted Pro Forma EBITDA ratio was 7.0x, a sequential improvement of 10 basis points from the first quarter. Total Indebtedness to Gross Asset Value was stable at 37% in the second quarter 2021.
  • During and subsequent to the second quarter, the Company received $300 million in gross proceeds under its “at the market” equity offering program, totaling 5.2 million shares of common stock sold at an average gross price of $58.56 per share in anticipation of the closing of the New Senior transaction.
  • Using proceeds from Recent Dispositions, Ventas will fully repay $664 million in aggregate principal amount of outstanding senior notes. On August 16, 2021, the Company will retire $264 million aggregate principal amount of 3.25% senior notes due August 2022 and on September 1, 2021, the Company will retire $400 million aggregate principal amount of 3.125% senior notes due June 2023.

Second Quarter Dividend

The Company paid its second quarter 2021 dividend of $0.45 per share on July 14, 2021 to stockholders of record as of July 1, 2021.

Third Quarter 2021 Guidance

The Company currently expects to report third quarter 2021 Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Common Stockholders, Nareit FFO and Normalized FFO within the following per share ranges:

Key assumptions underlying the third quarter 2021 guidance include, among other things:

• Approximate spot occupancy in the Company’s sequential same-store SHOP business is assumed to increase 150 – 250 basis points from June 30, 2021 to September 30, 2021, creating revenue growth, which is expected to be approximately offset by increasing operating costs due to an additional day in the quarter, higher occupancy, labor, routine seasonal items and potential COVID-19 related expenditures.
• No HHS Grants are assumed to be received in the third quarter.
• A net benefit in the third quarter compared to the second quarter of two cents from “Ardent Activities”. Specifically, recognition of the receipt by Ventas of a $15 million prepayment fee in connection with Ardent’s redemption of the Ardent 2026 Senior Notes in the third quarter, net of $7 million (at Ventas’s share) of HHS Grants recognized by Ardent in the second quarter.
• Stable performance in the Office and NNN segments.
• Fully diluted share count of 383 million shares reflecting the equity raised in July.
• The Company continues to expect a total of approximately $1.0 billion in asset sales and loan repayments in 2021 principally in senior housing and medical office properties with proceeds used to reduce near term indebtedness and to fund investment in development.
• No material changes in the impact of COVID-19 on our business. The trajectory and future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the impact of the Delta or any other variant, remain highly uncertain and may change rapidly. The extent of the pandemic’s continuing and ultimate effect on our operational and financial performance will depend on a variety of factors, including the speed at which vaccines and other clinical treatments are successfully developed and deployed. Significant changes or impacts of the pandemic are excluded from our guidance.
• The Company’s current third quarter 2021 guidance excludes any contribution or impact from the pending acquisition of New Senior, which is expected to close during the second half of this year.

Other third quarter 2021 assumptions are set forth below:

A presentation outlining the Company’s second quarter results and business update is posted to the Events & Presentations section of Ventas’s website at ir.ventasreit.com/events-and-presentations. Additional information regarding the Company can be found in its second quarter 2021 supplemental posted at ir.ventasreit.com. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by any reference into, and is not part of, this document.

Second Quarter 2021 Results Conference Call

Ventas will hold a conference call to discuss this earnings release today at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time (9:00 a.m. Central Time).

The dial-in number for the conference call is (833) 968-1984 (or +1 (778) 560-2824 for international callers), and the participant passcode is 1487218. A live webcast can be accessed from the Investor Relations section of www.ventasreit.com.

A telephonic replay will be available at (800) 585-8367 (or +1 (416) 621-4642 for international callers), passcode 1487218, after the earnings call and will remain available for 30 days. The webcast replay will be posted in the Investor Relations section of www.ventasreit.com.

About Ventas

Ventas, an S&P 500 company, operates at the intersection of two powerful and dynamic industries – healthcare and real estate. As one of the world’s foremost Real Estate Investment Trusts (REIT), we use the power of capital to unlock the value of real estate, partnering with leading care providers, developers, research and medical institutions, innovators and healthcare organizations whose success is buoyed by the demographic tailwind of an aging population. For more than twenty years, Ventas has followed a successful strategy that endures: combining a high-quality diversified portfolio of properties and capital sources to manage through cycles, working with industry leading partners, and a collaborative and experienced team focused on producing consistent growing cash flows and superior returns on a strong balance sheet, ultimately rewarding Ventas stakeholders. As of June 30, 2021, Ventas owned or had investments in approximately 1,200 properties.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This press release includes certain financial performance measures not defined by generally accepted accounting principles in the Unites States (“GAAP”). Reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures are included in this press release. We believe such measures provide investors with additional information concerning our operating performance and a basis to compare our performance with the performance of other REITs. Our definitions and calculations of these non-GAAP measures may not be the same as similar measures reported by other REITs.

These non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered as alternatives to net income attributable to common stockholders (determined in accordance with GAAP) as indicators of our financial performance or as alternatives to cash flow from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as measures of our liquidity, nor are these measures necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of our needs.

Cautionary Statements

Certain of the information contained herein, including intra-quarter operating information and number of confirmed cases of COVID-19, has been provided by our operators and we have not verified this information through an independent investigation or otherwise. We have no reason to believe that this information is inaccurate in any material respect, but we cannot assure you of its accuracy.

This press release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements include, among others, statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated results from operations and developments and other matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding our and our officers’ intent, belief or expectation as identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “project,” “expect,” “believe,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “seek,” “target,” “forecast,” “plan,” “potential,” “estimate,” “could,” “would,” “should” and other comparable and derivative terms or the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s beliefs as well as on a number of assumptions concerning future events. You should not put undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which are not a guarantee of performance and are subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. You are urged to carefully review the disclosures we make concerning risks and uncertainties that may affect our business and future financial performance in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those made in the “Risk Factors” section and “Management’s Discussion & Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section of our most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We do not undertake a duty to update these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made.

Certain factors that could affect our future results and our ability to achieve our stated goals include, but are not limited to: (a) the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including of the Delta or any other variant, on our revenue, level of profitability, liquidity and overall risk exposure and the implementation and impact of regulations related to the CARES Act and other stimulus legislation and any future COVID-19 relief measures; (b) our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits and synergies from the proposed acquisition of, and the risk of greater than expected costs or other difficulties related to the integration of, New Senior and the cost of capital to fund the acquisition and any debt paydown; (c) the proposed acquisition of New Senior may not be completed on the currently contemplated timeline or terms, or at all; (d) our exposure and the exposure of our tenants, borrowers and managers to complex healthcare and other regulation and the challenges and expense associated with complying with such regulation; (e) the potential for significant general and commercial claims, legal actions, regulatory proceedings or enforcement actions that could subject us or our tenants, borrowers or managers to increased operating costs and uninsured liabilities; (f) the impact of market and general economic conditions, including economic and financial market events, or events that affect consumer confidence, our occupancy rates and resident fee revenues, and the actual and perceived state of the real estate markets, labor markets and public capital markets; (g) our ability, and the ability of our tenants, borrowers and managers, to navigate the trends impacting our or their businesses and the industries in which we or they operate; (h) the risk of bankruptcy, insolvency or financial deterioration of our tenants, borrowers, managers and other obligors and our ability to foreclose successfully on the collateral securing our loans and other investments in the event of a borrower default; (i) our ability to identify and consummate future investments in or dispositions of healthcare assets and effectively manage our portfolio opportunities and our investments in co-investment vehicles; (j) our ability to attract and retain talented employees; (k) the limitations and significant requirements imposed upon our business as a result of our status as a REIT and the adverse consequences (including the possible loss of our status as a REIT) that would result if we are not able to comply; (l) the risk of changes in healthcare law or regulation or in tax laws, guidance and interpretations, particularly as applied to REITs, that could adversely affect us or our tenants, borrowers or managers; (m) increases in the Company’s borrowing costs as a result of becoming more leveraged or as a result of changes in interest rates and phasing out of LIBOR rates; (n) our reliance on third parties to operate a majority of our assets and our limited control and influence over such operations and results; (o) our dependency on a limited number of tenants and managers for a significant portion of our revenues and operating income; (p) the adequacy of insurance coverage provided by our policies and policies maintained by our tenants, managers or other counterparties; (q) the occurrence of cyber incidents that could disrupt our operations, result in the loss of confidential information or damage our business relationships and reputation; (r) the impact of merger, acquisition and investment activity in the healthcare industry or otherwise affecting our tenants, borrowers or managers; and (s) the risk of catastrophic or extreme weather and other natural events and the physical effects of climate change.