Summary
Health Care REIT, Inc. (WELL) reported its first quarter results for the period ending March 31, 2008. The company demonstrated solid revenue growth, with total revenues increasing to $135.9 million compared to $110.2 million in the same period of the prior year. This growth was primarily driven by a significant rise in rental income and interest income, reflecting the company's ongoing investments in its portfolio. Net income available to common stockholders saw a substantial increase to $30.5 million, or $0.35 per diluted share, up from $23.4 million, or $0.32 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2007. This performance indicates a strengthening operational and financial position for the REIT. The company also showed increased activity in its investment and financing strategies. The balance sheet reflects growth in real estate investments, with net real property owned increasing to $4.77 billion. However, this growth was accompanied by an increase in borrowings, particularly under the unsecured line of credit, which rose to $432.5 million from $307.0 million at year-end 2007. Despite increased leverage, the company maintained its credit strength with a debt-to-book capitalization ratio of 52% and an interest coverage ratio of 2.87x. Management remains optimistic about the health care real estate market due to demographic trends and expects continued investment opportunities.
Key Highlights
- 1Total revenues increased by approximately 23% year-over-year to $135.9 million for the first quarter of 2008.
- 2Net income available to common stockholders grew by approximately 30% to $30.5 million in Q1 2008.
- 3Diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) increased to $0.35 in Q1 2008 from $0.32 in Q1 2007.
- 4Total assets grew to $5.39 billion as of March 31, 2008, with net real estate investments comprising the majority.
- 5Borrowings under the unsecured line of credit increased significantly to $432.5 million at the end of Q1 2008.
- 6The company completed $181.3 million in gross new investments during the first quarter of 2008.
- 7The quarterly dividend per common share was increased to $0.68, marking the 148th consecutive quarterly dividend payment.