Welltower Inc. (NYSE: WELL) has kicked off 2025 with robust financial results, reporting a normalized Funds from Operations (FFO) of $1.01 per share for the first quarter. This represents an impressive 18.8% increase compared to the same period last year and beats the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.94. As a result, the company has raised its full-year FFO outlook, signaling confidence in its continued growth prospects.
In addition to strong earnings, Welltower reported a 12.9% year-over-year increase in same-store net operating income (NOI) across its total portfolio, with the Seniors Housing Operating (SHO) portfolio experiencing a remarkable 25.5% rise. The company completed significant investments of $449 million in the first quarter, including $208 million dedicated to acquisitions and loan funding. As of March 31, Welltower's liquidity remained robust with $6.5 billion available, combining cash reserves and credit capacity.
Demonstrating a commitment to returning value to shareholders, Welltower's Board of Directors has approved a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend to $0.67 per share. Further affirming its strength, the company has adjusted its 2025 earnings guidance upwards, projecting net income of $1.60 to $1.76 per share and normalized FFO between $4.79 and $4.95 per share. These strategic moves highlight Welltower's resilient positioning within the healthcare real estate sector, as reported by Nasdaq.