Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Normalized FFO per share increased by 10% year over year to $0.88 [26] - Total company same store cash NOI grew by 8%, with SHOP growth leading at 16% [26] - The company raised its full year guidance, expecting 9% growth in normalized FFO per share and 7.5% growth in total company same store cash NOI at the midpoint of the improved guidance [11][29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The SHOP segment experienced a 19% same store cash NOI growth in the U.S. and a 340 basis points increase in occupancy [10][15] - The Outpatient Medical and Research business reported same store cash NOI growth of 3.7% year over year, with outpatient medical occupancy improving to 90.6% [26] - Research business same store cash NOI decreased by $400,000 year over year due to lower rents on certain tenants [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. senior housing market is experiencing record low supply, with only 1,200 new units started in Q3 [8] - The over-80 population is projected to grow by 28% over the next five years, driving demand for senior housing [8] - The company has a robust pipeline of investment opportunities in senior housing, with $2.5 billion in investment guidance for 2025 [12][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its private pay senior housing business, which has become its number one capital allocation priority [11][12] - The strategy includes converting triple net leased communities to SHOP, with 27 out of 45 communities already transitioned [12][20] - The company aims to leverage its scale, platform, and financial strength to capitalize on favorable demand dynamics in senior housing [8][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management anticipates at least another decade of accelerating demand for senior housing due to demographic trends [7] - The company is well-positioned to increase deal activity and capitalize on the growing aging population [14] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to deliver superior performance and create value for shareholders [30] Other Important Information - The company has improved its leverage, with a net debt to EBITDA ratio of 5.3 times, a full turn improvement from the previous year [27] - The company has over $4 billion in liquidity to support growth and financial flexibility [28] - The company has completed $4.1 billion in senior housing investments since mid-last year, with a strong focus on quality and attractive markets [22][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the underwriting criteria and potential for lower initial yield requirements? - Management indicated they are ambitious in growing the senior housing business and are open to acquiring properties with higher growth potential, even if initial yields are lower [34][36] Question: What is the target leverage and how do you weigh equity and debt for growth? - Management confirmed the strategy of organic growth plus equity-funded investments is working well, and they expect to continue this approach as market conditions allow [38][39] Question: Can you provide updates on the Brookdale SHOP transitions and the CapEx plans? - Management detailed that the transitions are progressing well, with a focus on routine refreshes and minimal disruption to current results [45][46] Question: How does the independent living pool in the U.S. perform, and what drives that performance? - Management noted strong occupancy growth in independent living, particularly in former Holiday communities, contributing positively to overall performance [100][103] Question: What is the outlook for external growth in senior housing? - Management expressed confidence in the ability to accelerate investment activity in senior housing for the foreseeable future, with no signs of slowdown [87][88]