Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR) is included among the 14 Best Real Estate Stocks to Buy According to Hedge Funds. Morgan Stanley Raises Ventas (VTR) Price Target on Improving Occupancy Outlook Photo by Vitaly Taranov on Unsplash On February 14, Morgan Stanley raised its price recommendation on Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR) to $90 from $80. It maintained an Equal Weight rating on the stock. The firm said the increase followed a strong quarterly performance and reflected expectations for further upside in 2026, driven ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, normalized FFO increased by 42.7% over the prior quarter to $104.1 million, while normalized FAD increased by 38.7% to $103 million [15] - On a per-share basis, normalized FFO increased by $0.07, or 17.5%, to $0.47 per share, and normalized FAD increased by $0.05, or 12.2%, to $0.46 per share [15] - For the full year, normalized FFO per share increased by $0.26, or 17.3%, to $1.76 per share, and normalized FAD increased by $0.22, or 14.3%, to $1.76 per share [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4, the company completed approximately $562 million of investments, including its first SHOP deal, which involved three communities in Texas totaling 270 assisted living and memory care units [11] - The blended stabilized yield on Q4 investments was 8.8% [11] - Since year-end, the company has closed on approximately $215 million of investments, including six skilled nursing facilities and two care homes in the UK [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The investment pipeline remains strong at approximately $500 million, with about half in UK care homes, a third in skilled nursing, and the remainder in a combination of SHOP deals and loans [12][35] - The skilled nursing operating environment is stable and largely supportive across most states, with the senior housing environment in both the U.S. and U.K. also stable and gaining strength [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to be a unique healthcare REIT focused on disciplined investments in assets and operators that can significantly impact senior housing and care [10] - The company has doubled its team and added capabilities in areas like tax and data science to support long-term growth [6] - The strategic push into the UK care home market and the SHOP segment is seen as a significant growth opportunity [9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the skilled nursing environment, noting improvements in labor conditions and regulatory frameworks [25] - The company anticipates a substantial year of external growth, supported by a strong balance sheet and access to capital [9][19] - Initial guidance for fiscal year 2026 indicates normalized FFO per share of $1.90-$1.95, representing a year-over-year increase of 9.4% [17] Other Important Information - The company sold 6.5 million shares on a forward basis at an average price of $37.30, generating gross proceeds of approximately $242.5 million [16] - The company maintains low leverage with net debt to EBITDA of 0.7 times and a fixed charge coverage ratio of 10.5 times [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Guidance and expectations for the pipeline going forward - Management indicated that they are seeing consistent inbound interest in SHOP deals and are open to both large and small opportunities [22][23] Question: Sustainability of coverage levels in skilled nursing facilities - Management believes the skilled nursing environment is strong, with operators eager to grow and occupancy levels providing room for improvement [25][26] Question: Focus of data analytic hires - The data science team is primarily focused on enhancing SHOP capabilities but will impact the entire organization [31] Question: Details on the investment pipeline - The pipeline consists of approximately half UK care homes, a third US skilled nursing, and the remainder in SHOP and loans [35] Question: Competitive landscape in property types - SHOP is noted as the most competitive segment, with significant capital pursuing deals [36] Question: Future funding strategies - Management plans to balance between equity issuances and utilizing balance sheet capacity as opportunities arise [60][61] Question: Underwriting criteria within SHOP - The company continues to seek low double-digit IRR and evaluates each deal's path to achieving that, despite cap rate compression [59]

Core Viewpoint - Ventas, Inc. is a leading real estate investment trust (REIT) focusing on senior housing and healthcare properties, with a diverse portfolio that includes senior housing communities, medical office buildings, and hospitals [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Ventas reported an "outstanding year" in 2025, driven by its senior housing segment, with a 9% increase in normalized funds from operations (FFO) per share and a 15% growth in same-store SHOP cash net operating income (NOI) [3] - The company's enterprise value exceeded $50 billion, with fourth-quarter annualized NOI and SHOP NOI reaching $2.5 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively [4] Group 2: Market Position and Strategy - Ventas competes with other REITs like Welltower and Healthpeak Properties in the healthcare real estate sector [1] - The company employs a "1, 2, 3 strategy" focusing on senior housing growth, value-creating investments, and portfolio cash flow, which has contributed to its financial success [3] Group 3: Stock Performance and Analyst Insights - On February 10, 2026, RBC Capital set a new price target of $91 for VTR, suggesting a potential increase of about 9.92% from its trading price of $82.79 at that time [2] - The stock's current price is $82.87, showing a slight increase of 0.15% from the previous day, with fluctuations between $82.67 and $83.14 during the trading day [2] Group 4: Future Outlook - Ventas has increased its quarterly dividend and expects continued growth in 2026, led by its Senior Housing Operating Portfolio (SHOP) [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2025, normalized FFO per share increased by 9%, with same-store SHOP cash net operating income growing by 15%, marking the fourth consecutive year of double-digit SHOP NOI growth [5][26] - The enterprise value exceeded $50 billion, with fourth quarter annualized NOI and SHOP NOI reaching $2.5 billion and $1.3 billion, respectively [5][26] - Total shareholder returns for 2025 were 35%, significantly outperforming industry benchmarks and the S&P 500 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The SHOP same-store portfolio saw revenue growth of over 8%, driven by a 300 basis points year-over-year occupancy increase [12] - NOI for SHOP grew by 15.4% year-over-year in the fourth quarter, with margins increasing by 180 basis points to over 28% [13] - The Outpatient Medical and Research (OMR) business grew same-store cash NOI by nearly 4% year-over-year in the fourth quarter [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The over 80 population is projected to grow by 28% in the next five years, with over 2 million people turning 80 in 2026 [6][8] - New supply of senior housing remains constrained, with only about 2,500 new units started in the fourth quarter of 2025 [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to capitalize on the significant value creation opportunity in senior housing through its 1, 2, 3 strategy, focusing on organic growth, value-creating investments, and driving cash flow [4][9] - The company plans to continue aggressive investment in senior housing, targeting $2.5 billion in acquisitions for 2026 [10][22] - The Ventas Operational Insights Platform is a key competitive advantage, enhancing operational performance and analytics capabilities [19][20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the multi-year NOI growth and value creation opportunities ahead, driven by strong demand trends in senior housing [6][9] - The company expects to deliver high single-digit growth in normalized FFO per share in 2026, with SHOP producing its fifth consecutive year of double-digit same-store cash NOI growth [10][29] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining strong relationships with operators and enhancing engagement to drive performance [20] Other Important Information - The board approved an 8% increase in the quarterly dividend, reflecting strong performance and a positive multi-year outlook [11] - The company raised over $7 billion in capital during 2025, including nearly $4 billion in bank, bonds, and mortgage debt [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the Brookdale reset on the triple net side - Management indicated that a reasonable assumption for the triple net business would be around 3% on average for escalators, with the January Brookdale increases being an outlier [33] Question: Guidance on share count for 2026 - Management did not provide a specific year-end share count but noted that the $2.5 billion of investments would be principally funded with equity [34] Question: Acquisition guidance and market competition - Management confirmed a very active pipeline and noted that half of the $800 million closed was off-market, despite increased competition in marketed deals [38][40] Question: Impact of flu season on occupancy - Management reported minimal flu impacts and highlighted improved infection control measures since the pandemic [42][43] Question: Future growth opportunities in underperforming markets - Management acknowledged ongoing pruning within the portfolio and noted that some senior housing assets may be disposition candidates [50] Question: Brookdale transitions and immediate growth drivers - Management highlighted the advantages of the transitioned Brookdale communities and expected modest growth in 2026, with significant potential ramp-up in 2027 [55] Question: Supply concerns in senior housing - Management emphasized that the demand from the aging population would likely overwhelm any new supply, projecting a long runway for growth [94][95] Question: Affordability of senior housing products - Management reiterated that the senior housing product provides valuable benefits at an affordable cost, especially for the wealthiest generation of baby boomers [98][99]

Core Insights - StepStone Real Estate (SRE) and Blue Moon Capital Partners have completed a $250 million continuation vehicle to operate five Class A stabilized senior housing communities [1] - The partnership aims to acquire additional high-quality senior housing communities and enhance their existing portfolio [1][2] Company Overview - StepStone Group is a global private markets investment firm managing approximately $771 billion in total capital, with $209 billion in assets under management as of September 30, 2025 [3] - Blue Moon Capital Partners focuses exclusively on senior housing, investing in Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Memory Care sectors [4] Strategic Focus - SRE is committed to building its senior housing exposure by partnering with experienced operators like Blue Moon across the US and Europe [2] - The collaboration emphasizes incorporating technology into operations and advancing workforce culture to maintain market leadership in senior housing [2][3] Growth Potential - Blue Moon aims to capitalize on the expected dramatic growth in resident demand for senior housing over the next two decades [4]

Company Overview - Ventas, Inc. (NYSE: VTR) is an S&P 500 company focused on creating exceptional environments for a growing aging population [4] - The company operates approximately 1,400 properties in North America and the United Kingdom, playing a vital role in the longevity economy [4] - Ventas's portfolio includes over 850 senior housing communities, outpatient medical buildings, research centers, and healthcare facilities [4] Growth Strategy - The company's growth is driven by its senior housing communities, which provide essential services to residents [4] - Ventas aims to achieve superior performance by leveraging operational expertise, data-driven insights from its Ventas OI™ platform, and strong financial relationships [4] - The commitment of Ventas's seasoned team is to help people live longer, healthier, and happier lives [4] Upcoming Earnings Release - Ventas will release its fourth quarter 2025 earnings after the close of trading on February 5, 2026 [1] - A conference call to discuss the earnings will take place on February 6, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time [1]

Core Insights - Healthpeak Properties, Inc. (DOC) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust (REIT) with a market cap of $11.6 billion, focusing on a diversified portfolio of healthcare properties [1][2] Company Overview - DOC is classified as a large-cap stock, emphasizing its significant size and influence in the healthcare REIT sector [2] - The company specializes in high-quality healthcare assets that benefit from long-term leases and stable cash flows [2] Stock Performance - DOC's stock has decreased by 21.9% from its 52-week high of $21.28, reached on March 10, and has underperformed the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DOWI) [3][4] - Over the past three months, DOC shares have declined by 8.1%, while DOWI has risen by 5.7% [3] - In the last 52 weeks, DOC has fallen by 20.6%, compared to DOWI's increase of 10.4% [4] - The stock has been trading below its 200-day moving average since late October and has recently dipped below its 50-day moving average [4] Financial Performance - In the third quarter, Healthpeak reported total revenue of approximately $705.9 million, slightly exceeding expectations, supported by stable outpatient medical and lab leasing activity [5] - The company generated Nareit FFO of about $0.45 per share and Adjusted FFO of $0.46, aligning with guidance [5] - Healthpeak recorded a net loss of roughly $0.17 per share, primarily due to equity losses from unconsolidated ventures, which affected diluted EPS [5] - Occupancy trends were mixed, with rising outpatient medical demand but pressure on lab occupancy [5] Competitive Position - Healthpeak's underperformance is notable when compared to its competitor, Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (OHI), which has seen a 13.3% rise over the past 52 weeks and an 18.8% increase over the past six months [6]

Core Viewpoint - Ventas, Inc. is a leading U.S. real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on healthcare and senior living assets, with a market cap of $37.6 billion, and is well-positioned to benefit from the aging population trend [1][2]. Company Overview - Ventas operates a diversified portfolio that includes senior housing communities, medical office buildings, life science facilities, and hospitals, targeting the growing aging population [1]. - The company is classified as a large-cap stock, valued over $10 billion, and is perceived as having stable cash flows and moderate growth prospects [2]. Stock Performance - Ventas shares have decreased by 5.1% from their 52-week high of $81.89, but have increased by 12.3% over the past three months, outperforming the S&P 500 Index's 5.4% gain during the same period [3]. - Year-to-date, Ventas shares have risen by 32%, surpassing the S&P 500's 17.1% increase, and have gained nearly 27.1% over the past 52 weeks compared to the S&P 500's 14.1% rise [4]. Financial Performance - In Q3, Ventas reported a 20.4% increase in total revenues to $1.5 billion, exceeding consensus estimates by 3.9%, driven by an 8% year-over-year rise in same-store cash operating revenues [5]. - The company has actively expanded its portfolio, deploying $2.2 billion towards senior housing acquisitions in the first nine months of 2025 [5]. Competitive Landscape - Ventas's competitor, Welltower Inc. (WELL), has shown stronger stock performance, with a year-to-date increase of 51.6% and a 52-week rise of 47.8% [6].

Core Viewpoint - Ventas, Inc. is recognized as a strong dividend stock in the real estate sector, with a recent Buy rating from Wells Fargo and a price target set at $88 for the stock [1]. Financial Performance - For Q3 2025, Ventas reported completing purchase transactions related to senior housing facilities worth $2.2 billion in promising markets, which is expected to enhance growth and financial returns [2]. - The investment volume forecast for senior housing in 2025 has been increased from $2 billion to $2.5 billion, supported by a solid liquidity position of $4.1 billion as of Q3 2025 [2]. Corporate Updates - Peter J. Bulgarelli, the Executive Vice President and CEO of Lillibridge Healthcare Services, announced plans to retire on May 1, 2026, after a significant tenure at Ventas and a prior 28-year career at Jones Lang LaSalle [3]. Company Overview - Ventas, Inc. is a real estate investment trust specializing in senior housing communities, outpatient medical buildings, research centers, and healthcare facilities [4].

Core Viewpoint - Welltower Inc. is highlighted as a strong investment opportunity due to its robust financial performance and strategic focus on senior housing, with analysts maintaining positive ratings and price targets [1][4]. Financial Performance - The company reported solid third-quarter results, showing growth in normalized funds from operations per share, which led to an increase in guidance above consensus estimates [2]. - Welltower's concentration of senior housing has increased to 72% of in-place net operating income, up from 59%, indicating a strategic shift towards this segment [3]. Strategic Initiatives - The company is transitioning away from medical office buildings and focusing more on senior housing, which is expected to drive future growth [2][3]. - Analysts expect Welltower's substantial transactional activity, alongside its focus on senior housing, to position the company favorably for future performance [3]. Analyst Ratings - BMO Capital Markets analyst Juan Sanabria reiterated a Buy rating with a price target of $200, reflecting confidence in the company's strategic direction and financial results [1]. - Morgan Stanley analyst Ronald Kamdem also maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $170, citing expectations of strong performance in the senior housing segment and significant investment activities totaling $23 billion [4].