Taylor Pickett, CEO of Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE: OHI), sat down for a video interview during Nareit’s REITworld: 2025 Annual Conference in Dallas, Dec. 8–11.
Pickett discussed how the aging population is the most significant force shaping health care real estate, supporting rising occupancies across skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. Alongside this demand growth, resident acuity levels continue to increase, requiring more sophisticated clinical care and higher-quality operators. Operator selection is critical to ensuring both strong outcomes for residents and sustainable performance for owners, he noted.
On the reimbursement front, Pickett remains optimistic, expecting continued government support in both the U.S. and the UK, which underpins confidence in the industry’s fundamentals.
Pickett discussed how the REIT’s core strategy centers on maintaining a strong balance sheet with low leverage and ample liquidity, which allows it to act opportunistically across a wide range of investments. While stability is paramount, the firm also remains open to innovation, including alternative ownership structures such as RIDEA, joint ventures, and selective investments in technology that can enhance long-term returns and operational efficiency.
Geographically, the UK has become an increasingly important part of the portfolio, now representing nearly 20% of the business. Pickett highlighted favorable demographics and a robust opportunity set, noting expectations for continued growth from the current $2 billion asset base. However, U.S. skilled nursing remains the company’s core foundation.