Capital Senior Living(SNDA) - 2021 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third quarter of 2021 saw a significant liquidity boost with a strategic investment raising $154.8 million, enhancing the company's ability to fund recovery and address debt maturities [5][51] - Occupancy increased by 290 basis points sequentially to 81% in Q3 from 78.1% in Q2, outperforming the net senior housing industry occupancy growth of 120 basis points [12][13] - Consolidated resident revenue increased by $2.3 million or 5% from the second quarter, with a 1.7% increase in average rate [14][43] - Net operating margin for owned communities was 21%, slightly down from 21.5% in Q2, indicating ongoing challenges in maintaining margins [16][46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a sequential growth in resident revenue of 5.6% for its 60 owned communities, with average rates increasing by $60 [14][43] - The labor market remains competitive, leading to increased labor costs, particularly in contract labor, which represented 8.2% of total labor costs in Q3 [15][32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Lead and tour volume increased by 19% and 16% sequentially from Q2, indicating strong demand despite the pandemic [28] - The company’s reputation score improved significantly to 721, well above the industry average of 488, reflecting positive community engagement [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to rebrand as Sonida Senior Living, aiming to enhance its market presence and community reputation [8][9] - A focus on capital investments in community upgrades and memory care offerings is expected to drive occupancy and rate growth by mid-2022 [24][30] - The company aims to return to providing financial guidance for 2022, indicating confidence in future growth prospects [20][63] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about margin expansion in 2022, contingent on labor market improvements and inflationary pressures easing [59][60] - The company is confident in its ability to grow organically and stabilize its balance sheet, with a focus on enhancing resident experience and operational excellence [19][36] Other Important Information - The company has successfully transitioned ownership of 14 out of 18 underperforming properties to Fannie Mae, recognizing a $54.1 million gain on extinguished debt [53][54] - Capital expenditures year-to-date totaled $7.1 million, with plans for further investments to improve community amenities and resident programming [50][55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Will the expected rate increases lead to margin expansion in 2022? - Management hopes for margin expansion, but timing depends on labor market conditions and inflation [59][60] Question: How does the expected rate growth compare to market trends? - Management believes their rate growth will be in line with market expectations, with some opportunities for higher rates [61] Question: Will the new managed properties be consolidated in financial results? - The new managed properties will follow a management fee structure and will not be consolidated [66][67]