Brookdale Senior Living(US:BKD) Prnewswireยท2025-06-11 20:05Core Viewpoint - Brookdale Senior Living Inc. emphasizes the importance of its refreshed Board of Directors and management team in driving the company's success and urges shareholders to support its nominees against Ortelius' attempt to take control, which could disrupt operational progress and the ongoing CEO search [1][2][3]. Group 1: Board and Management - The Brookdale Board and management have a proven track record in optimizing the company's real estate portfolio and enhancing operational performance [2]. - The Board has streamlined operations, simplified the business, rationalized the lease portfolio, and reduced leverage, with a 19% reduction in leased units since Q1 2021 [2]. - The Board consists of eight highly qualified directors with diverse skills relevant to Brookdale's strategy, including healthcare, finance, hospitality, and senior living experience [2][8]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Brookdale's Adjusted EBITDA Margin improved to over 11% in 2023 and 12% in 2024, with expectations of being Adjusted Free Cash Flow positive in 2025, ranging from $30 million to $50 million [2]. - In Q1 2025, Adjusted EBITDA increased by 27.2% year-over-year, approximately 255% higher than Q1 2021, with a $7.5 million increase in the midpoint of Adjusted EBITDA guidance [2]. - The company's Trailing Twelve Months Adjusted EBITDA after cash financing lease payments more than doubled since 2022, achieving a 10x reduction in Annualized Leverage since pandemic highs [2]. Group 3: Shareholder Engagement - Brookdale strongly urges shareholders to vote "FOR" only its eight director nominees on the BLUE proxy card, emphasizing the importance of their vote regardless of the number of shares owned [3][4]. - The company has been open to shareholder recommendations for director candidates, appointing three since 2015 [2].