MARKHAM, Ontario, Sept. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sienna Senior Living Inc. (“Sienna” or the “Company”) (TSX: SIA) today announced a dividend of $0.078 per common share of the Company (each, a “Common Share”) for the month of September 2025, representing $0.936 per Common Share on an annualized basis. The dividend will be payable on October 15, 2025 to shareholders of record as at September 30, 2025. The Company's dividends are designated as eligible dividends for Canadian tax purposes in accordance wit ...

Diana Olick: Senior living. Long and under the radar real estate play with a sometimes unattractive reputation, but it is on the edge of a boom, a baby boom, to be exact, more than 4 million boomers will hit 80 in the next five years, and occupancy at both active adult and assisted living communities is already rising fast. This as annual inventory growth just dropped below 1% the first time that's happened since tracking began in 2006 ventas a $31 billion Senior Living.Reid is betting big on the longevity ...

Investment Highlights - Senior living investments are yielding returns in the 7% range [1] - Leveraged Internal Rate of Return (IRR) for senior living investments are in the low to mid-teens (13-15%) [1] - The senior living sector presents a unique combination of investment characteristics [1] Market Dynamics - The senior living sector is driven by needs-based demand [2] - The sector benefits from strong, durable, and decade-long tailwinds [2] - The senior living market is in its fourth year of growth, with continued and accelerating expansion [2]

Market Trends & Opportunities - Senior living REITs like Ventas and Welltower are experiencing significant gains, with Welltower shares up over 40% [1] - Over 4 million baby boomers will reach 80 years old in the next 5 years, driving occupancy rates in senior living communities to new highs [2] - Ventas, a senior living REIT with a $31 billion market capitalization, has seen its stock rise approximately 14% year-to-date [2] - The industry is seeing returns in the sevens going in with low to mid-teens on levered IRRs, indicating significant growth in assets [3] Investment & Development - Ventas is buying billions of dollars a year in senior living assets below replacement costs [3] - Annual inventory growth at senior living facilities in Q2 dropped below 1% for the first time since NIC began tracking this in 2006 [4] - The number of senior housing units under construction in the fourth quarter of last year was fewer than 22,000, the lowest in over a decade [5] - Construction labor scarcity, material costs, and current rent levels are making new development returns challenging to justify [5] - Population growth is expected to more than offset even the highest level of new development in senior housing [5]

Senior Living Market Opportunity - Senior living industry is on the cusp of a demand boom, especially from the baby boomer generation, with over 4 million boomers reaching 80 in the next 5 years [1] - Occupancy rates at senior living communities are hitting new highs [1] - Ventas, a senior living REIT with a $31 billion market cap, has seen its stock rise by approximately 14% year-to-date [2] Investment and Returns - Ventas is investing billions of dollars annually in senior living, observing returns in the 7% range initially, potentially reaching mid-teens with leverage [3] - Acquisitions are being made below replacement costs, a rare investment characteristic in the real estate sector [3] Supply and Demand Dynamics - Annual inventory growth at senior living facilities dropped below 1% in Q2, a record low since 2006 [4] - The number of senior housing units under construction reached a decade low of fewer than 22,000 units in the fourth quarter of last year [4] - High construction labor costs, material costs, and current rent levels are making new development financially challenging [5] - Population growth is expected to outpace even the highest levels of new development in senior housing [6] Multifamily Market - Strong demand is absorbing record supply in the multifamily market, leading to increased occupancies and rents [7][8] - Multifamily starts were the primary driver of gains in overall housing starts [8]

Core Viewpoint - Sienna Senior Living Inc. has announced a $175 million offering of series E senior unsecured debentures to strengthen its financial position and support growth initiatives, coinciding with the completion of a significant acquisition [1][4]. Group 1: Debenture Offering - The company will issue $175 million in series E senior unsecured debentures at an interest rate of 4.112% per annum, maturing on August 21, 2030 [1]. - The offering is being conducted on a best efforts agency basis by a syndicate of agents, with the closing expected around August 21, 2025, subject to customary conditions [1]. - The debentures must be rated at least "BBB" with a "Stable" trend by Morningstar DBRS to close [1]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the debenture offering will be used to repay existing debt, finance acquisitions, fund developments, and for general corporate purposes [2]. Group 3: Recent Acquisition - Sienna has completed the acquisition of Credit River Retirement Residence for $60.2 million, which includes 133 suites located in Streetsville, Ontario [3]. - The acquisition is expected to yield an initial investment return of 5.75% and was completed at a discount to replacement cost [3]. - The company anticipates achieving a stabilized occupancy rate of 95% within the first year and expects the acquisition to be immediately accretive to its AFFO per share [3]. Group 4: Market Context - The CEO highlighted that the debenture offering and acquisition align with the company's growth strategy, particularly in light of Canada's aging population and limited new construction in senior living residences, which is expected to sustain demand [4].

Core Points - Sienna Senior Living Inc. announced a dividend of $0.078 per common share for August 2025, which annualizes to $0.936 per common share [1] - The dividend will be payable on September 15, 2025, to shareholders of record as of August 29, 2025 [1] Dividend Information - The dividends are designated as eligible dividends for Canadian tax purposes according to the Income Tax Act (Canada) [2] - Sienna offers a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) allowing eligible shareholders to reinvest cash dividends in additional common shares at a 3% discount from the market price [3] - Participation in the DRIP is optional, and shareholders not participating will continue to receive cash dividends [3] Company Overview - Sienna Senior Living Inc. provides a full range of senior living options, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, long-term care, and specialized programs [4] - The company employs approximately 14,500 individuals dedicated to enhancing daily life for residents [4]

Core Insights - Maplewood Senior Living and its luxury brand Inspīr have achieved national recognition with three executive chefs winning awards at the 2025 DISHED Senior Living Dining Innovation Awards [1][6] - The return of Jason Wallin as Corporate Director of Culinary Services marks a new chapter in enhancing wellness-driven dining experiences [2][5] - The awards highlight the exceptional talent and creativity of the culinary teams, emphasizing a commitment to innovation in senior living dining [3][6] Culinary Innovation Recognition - The DISHED Culinary Canvas Award was given to Picasso Petion, Executive Chef at Maplewood at Strawberry Hill, for his ability to blend artistry with comfort in menu design [4] - Richard McCreadie, Executive Chef for Inspīr Embassy Row, focuses on crafting menus that reflect residents' stories while prioritizing local and seasonal ingredients [8] - Steven Weintraub, Executive Chef at Inspīr Carnegie Hill, is recognized for his innovative approach to wellness, particularly in memory care programs [8] Leadership and Vision - Jason Wallin brings over 20 years of culinary leadership back to Maplewood, enhancing the company's commitment to exceptional dining experiences [5][6] - Eileen Duggan, SVP of Operations, emphasizes Wallin's alignment with the company's mission to deliver outstanding experiences to residents [6] - The combination of award-winning chefs and visionary leadership is set to elevate the dining experience in senior living [3][6] Company Overview - Maplewood Senior Living operates 16 upscale senior living communities across several states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, and Ohio [7] - The Inspīr brand redefines urban senior living, offering luxury accommodations and a focus on whole-person wellness [10] - The flagship residence, Inspīr Carnegie Hill, is located in New York City, with a new location, Inspīr Embassy Row, recently opened in Washington D.C. [10]

Core Viewpoint - Sienna Senior Living Inc. reported strong financial results for Q2 2025, highlighting strategic growth through acquisitions and operational improvements, alongside recognition as one of Canada's Best Companies in 2025 [3][5][12]. Financial Performance - Revenue for Q2 2025 increased by 17.4% to $253.6 million compared to Q2 2024, driven by higher occupancy and rental rate adjustments in the Retirement segment [5][7]. - Same Property Net Operating Income (NOI) rose by 8.2% to $45.1 million in Q2 2025, with the Retirement segment up 12.3% and the Long-Term Care (LTC) segment up 4.8% year-over-year [5][11]. - Adjusted Funds from Operations (AFFO) increased by 21.0% to $24.1 million in Q2 2025, although AFFO per share decreased by 4.0% to $0.262 due to equity issuances [5][11][19]. Growth Initiatives - Sienna completed $315 million in acquisitions during Q2 2025, focusing on properties in Alberta and Ontario, with additional contracts under negotiation for further growth [4][5]. - The company aims to achieve a stabilized average occupancy of 95% in its retirement portfolio by Q1 2026, with targeted Same Property NOI growth exceeding 10% in 2025 [16][20]. Operational Highlights - Average Same Property occupancy in the retirement segment increased by 150 basis points year-over-year to 92.1% in Q2 2025, further rising to 93.1% in July 2025 [5][15]. - The LTC segment maintained high occupancy levels at 98.5% in Q2 2025, reflecting a stable operating environment [18]. Development Projects - Sienna completed the Northern Heights redevelopment project in North Bay, Ontario, with a total development cost of approximately $80 million and an expected yield of 8.0% [13]. - The company has additional development projects in Brantford and Keswick, with expected completion in 2025 and 2027, respectively, which are anticipated to positively impact operating results [20][21]. Market Outlook - The long-term fundamentals in Canadian senior living are supported by the growing senior population and limited new supply, positioning Sienna for continued growth [14][22]. - The company is actively working on initiatives to enhance its NOI through occupancy growth, acquisitions, and asset optimization [22][23].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA grew 26.1% year over year in Q2 2025, with same store net operating income (NOI) increasing 1.8% year over year and nearly 4% sequentially [7][18] - Total portfolio NOI improved 5% sequentially, while year over year NOI growth was slower due to challenging comparisons from Q2 2024 [7][20] - Year over year occupancy grew 40 basis points from 86.1% to 86.5% on a same store basis, with annualized same store revenues increasing by $12 million or 5.1% [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The acquisition portfolio saw an 8.1% sequential increase in revenues, reflecting a strong annual rate increase and contributions from newly acquired communities [19] - Same store direct labor increased approximately $1.5 million year over year, with revenues growing at approximately double this rate [26] - The company maintained a flat G&A level while investing in sales and marketing capabilities, resulting in a net zero impact on G&A despite personnel restructuring [28] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved a record high occupancy of 88.2% for its same store portfolio in July 2025, positioning for strong growth in the latter half of the year [10] - Nearly half of the communities remain over 90% occupied, with eight communities operating at 100% occupancy [14] - The company reported a 4% year over year increase in quarterly same store move ins, indicating strong lead volume and demand [8][12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on disciplined capital deployment in accretive opportunities, particularly in non-stabilized assets [33] - A strategic inorganic growth plan remains on track, with two acquisitions completed in Q2 and a third announced for Q3 [11][33] - The company aims to enhance operational integration and capitalize on high-quality assets coming to market [34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted an unusually high uptick in resident deaths impacting occupancy growth, but improvements in clinical response processes are expected to mitigate this in the future [7][8] - The company is optimistic about future revenue and margin growth, with significant opportunities for occupancy, rate, and margin improvements [35] - Management emphasized the importance of culture and team development in sustaining growth and operational success [35] Other Important Information - The company successfully closed a restated financing agreement with Ally Bank, extending the term and improving the balance sheet [29][30] - The weighted average interest rate for the portfolio is 5.6%, with 59% of total debt being fixed rate [30] - The company is in compliance with all financial covenants required under its mortgages and credit facility [31] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide more detail on move out and move in activity? - Management noted that move outs increased due to higher deaths in April, but saw a decrease in the latter half of the quarter and a strong uptick in July driven by improved digital marketing efforts [38][39] Question: What are the occupancy and stabilized yields for acquisitions? - Management indicated that acquisitions typically have occupancy in the mid-70s to low 80s and are expected to benefit from enhanced sales and marketing capabilities [42][43] Question: How does the labor cost increase compare to RevPAR growth? - Management confirmed that labor costs increased due to targeted wage increases for nursing staff, but overall turnover has decreased, allowing for better expense management [48][49]