As many of you know, I like history. And I like looking back in time at our industry. That is how in October 2020 we concluded that we would not get back to pre-pandemic occupancy levels until 2024 to 2025. It was an analysis no one wanted to hear, but the smart ones removed their rose-tinted glasses.
In this month’s issue of The SeniorCare Investor, we will take a 10-year lookback at the three largest owners of seniors housing assets: Welltower, Ventas and Brookdale Senior Living. If you had to guess, when do you think occupancy peaked before the pandemic? How about operating margins? How far are they from getting back to “normal?” While progress has been made, what is keeping them from achieving their goals, and what might help?
You might be surprised by some of the answers. I know I was. But the answers may help you make some of your investment decisions, and the industry will need a lot of new investment over the next 10 years.