National Health Investors(NHI) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a Normalized FFO per share growth of 8.9% year-over-year for Q4 2025, with a full-year growth of 10.6% [4][22] - Total FAD increased by 13.7% year-over-year, reaching $232.1 million for the full year [23] - Net income per share for Q4 2025 was $0.80, a decrease of 15.8% from the prior year, primarily due to non-recurring gains in the previous year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The SHOP platform's total NOI increased by 125% year-over-year, with a same-store growth of 7.6% [4][5] - Cash rental income from the triple net portfolio increased by approximately 7% year-over-year, driven by acquisitions [4][18] - The company announced investments of $392 million in 2025, significantly exceeding the initial guidance of $225 million [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The senior housing market is experiencing favorable tailwinds, with fewer than 25,000 units under construction, representing only 2.2% of total inventory, the lowest level since 2012 [7] - Demand is expected to accelerate as the first baby boomers turn 80, positioning the company to capitalize on long-term growth [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to allocate 70% of its investment activity in 2026 to the SHOP segment, focusing on need-driven senior living communities in secondary suburban markets [9][10] - The company is actively expanding its SHOP capabilities and has increased its SHOP investment by 106% over the last 12 months to approximately $740 million [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving a normalized growth rate of 5%-6% for 2026, despite a guidance midpoint of only 1.2% due to non-recurring items in 2025 [11] - The company is optimistic about long-term FFO per share growth and is investing in resources to scale future growth, particularly in the SHOP segment [12] Other Important Information - The company announced a change in its leverage policy, lowering the range from 4x-5x to 3.5x-4.5x net debt to adjusted EBITDA [28] - A new board member, Lily Donohue, was welcomed, bringing extensive experience in senior living operations [12][13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Same-store SHOP guidance for 2026 - Management indicated that the guidance reflects current visibility and plans for corrective measures that could enhance upside potential [33][35] Question: Momentum in SHOP pipeline for 2026 - Management expects the momentum to continue, with a focus on executing based on reasonable visibility [37] Question: NHC lease negotiations - Management described the current posture as being in a quiet period regarding negotiations, with no specific updates available [40][41] Question: Pricing power in secondary markets - Management emphasized that each market is different, but they believe there is potential for revenue growth through responsible rate increases [54][56] Question: Higher volume of dispositions - Management explained that the higher volume is driven by reallocating resources from non-core assets to focus on relationships with greater growth potential [59][60]