CareTrust REIT(US:CTRE)2026-02-13 19:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2025, normalized FFO increased by 42.7% quarter-over-quarter to $104.1 million, while normalized FAD rose 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 involving three communities in Texas with 270 assisted living and memory care units [11] - The blended stabilized yield on Q4 investments was 8.8% [11] - Since year-end, the company 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 small SHOP deal and loans [13] - The company noted increased competition in the SHOP sector, with cap rates compressing as investors seek exposure to operating trends [13][34] 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 strategic push into the UK Care Homes and SHOP sectors is expected to drive sustainable growth across skilled nursing, senior housing, and UK Care Home sectors [14] - The company plans to maintain a strong focus on long-term operator partnerships and creative transaction structuring [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - The skilled nursing operating environment is currently stable and supportive across most states, with operators eager to return to growth mode [9] - The company anticipates a substantial year of external growth in 2026, supported by a deeper and more capable team [10] - Management expressed confidence in achieving another substantial year, given the current market conditions and the company's capabilities [42] 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] - Initial guidance for fiscal year 2026 is for normalized FFO per share of $1.90-$1.95, representing a year-over-year increase of 9.4% [17] 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 evaluating both large and small opportunities [22] Question: Sustainability of coverage levels in skilled nursing facilities - Management believes the skilled nursing environment is in a good place, with improved labor conditions and regulatory support [24] Question: Focus of data analytic hires - The data science team is primarily focused on building out SHOP capabilities but will impact the entire organization [29] 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 [33] Question: Competitive landscape in property types - SHOP is currently the most competitive segment, with significant capital pursuing deals [34] Question: Future funding strategies - Management plans to maintain a balance between equity and debt financing, depending on market conditions [58]