10-KPeriod: FY2006

WELLTOWER INC. Annual Report, Year Ended Dec 31, 2006

Filed March 1, 2007For Securities:WELL

Summary

Health Care REIT, Inc. (WELL) has filed its 2006 10-K report, highlighting robust growth and strategic expansion. The company's portfolio significantly increased in size and diversity, notably through the substantial $1.0 billion merger with Windrose Medical Properties Trust in December 2006. This acquisition expanded WELL's presence across various health care delivery system segments. Financially, the company demonstrated strong revenue growth, with rental income increasing by 22% in 2006, driven by strategic acquisitions and investments totaling over $559 million. The company also increased its quarterly dividend, signaling confidence in its financial performance and commitment to shareholder returns. WELL's balance sheet reflects substantial growth in net real estate investments, reaching over $4.1 billion, supported by increased total assets and equity. The company maintains a healthy liquidity position, with significant available borrowing capacity under its credit facilities. The risk factors section emphasizes the inherent risks in the healthcare real estate sector, including the dependency on operator financial health, regulatory changes impacting reimbursement rates (Medicare/Medicaid), increasing insurance costs for operators, and potential challenges in transferring facilities. The company's strategy includes rigorous asset management and portfolio diversification to mitigate these risks.

Key Highlights

  • 1Completed a $1.0 billion merger with Windrose Medical Properties Trust, significantly expanding and diversifying the company's portfolio.
  • 2Reported a 22% year-over-year increase in rental income for 2006, reaching $300.1 million.
  • 3Achieved net income available to common stockholders of $81.3 million, a 30% increase from the prior year.
  • 4Increased its quarterly dividend to $0.64 per share, marking its 143rd consecutive dividend payment.
  • 5Total investments grew to $4.13 billion, with net real estate investments increasing to $4.12 billion as of December 31, 2006.
  • 6Maintained strong liquidity with $36.2 million in cash and cash equivalents and $515 million in available borrowing capacity under its unsecured lines of credit.
  • 7The company's portfolio is diversified across property types including independent living/CCRCs, assisted living facilities, skilled nursing facilities, and medical office buildings, with a significant geographic spread across 37 states.

Frequently Asked Questions

The key financial drivers for Health Care REIT in 2006 were strong revenue growth, primarily from increased rental income driven by acquisitions, and a significant increase in net income available to common stockholders. The completion of the Windrose Medical Properties Trust merger also played a crucial role in expanding the company's asset base and diversifying its revenue streams.

The company faces risks related to the financial health of its operators, including their ability to make rent payments and meet loan obligations. Other significant risks include changes in government healthcare regulations and reimbursement policies (Medicare/Medicaid), increasing operating expenses for operators (such as labor and insurance), competition within the healthcare and senior housing industries, and potential difficulties in transitioning or re-leasing properties if an operator faces financial distress or bankruptcy.

The merger with Windrose Medical Properties Trust, completed in December 2006 for approximately $1.0 billion, significantly diversified Health Care REIT's portfolio across the health care delivery system. It expanded the company's asset base and is expected to contribute to future revenue and earnings growth. The results of Windrose have been consolidated into the company's financial statements from the acquisition date.

Health Care REIT's strategy is to protect stockholder capital and enhance stockholder value by paying consistent cash dividends and increasing them over time through portfolio growth and increases in rental and interest income. The company plans to invest in additional properties, anticipating gross new investments of $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion in 2007, funded through a combination of temporary borrowings, internally generated cash, and potentially equity and debt offerings. The company also aims to manage its portfolio through rigorous asset management and diversification by property type, operator, and geography to mitigate risks.