EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 877860
Filing Year: 2021
Filename: 877860_10-K_2021_0000877860-21-000015.json

---

ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
National Health Investors, Inc., established in 1991 as a Maryland corporation, is a self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”) specializing in sale-leaseback, joint venture, mortgage and mezzanine financing of need-driven and discretionary senior housing and medical facility investments. Our portfolio consists of real estate investments in independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, entrance-fee communities, senior living campuses, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals and medical office buildings. We fund our real estate investments primarily through: (1) operating cash flow, (2) debt offerings, including bank lines of credit and term debt, both unsecured and secured, and (3) the sale of equity securities.
At December 31, 2020, we had investments in real estate, mortgage and other notes receivable involving 242 facilities located in 34 states. These investments involve 162 senior housing properties, 75 skilled nursing facilities, 3 hospitals, 2 medical office buildings and other notes receivable. These investments (excluding our corporate office of $2,689,000) consisted of properties with an original cost of $3,262,381,000, rented under primarily triple-net leases to 34 lessees, and $297,373,000 aggregate carrying value of mortgage and other notes receivable, excluding an allowance for expected credit losses of $4,946,000, due from 9 borrowers.
Our investments in real estate and mortgage loans are secured by real estate located within the United States. We are managed as one reporting unit, rather than multiple reporting units, for internal reporting purposes and for internal decision making. Therefore, we have concluded that we operate as a single segment. Information about revenues from our tenants and borrowers, our net income, cash flows and balance sheet can be found in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
COVID-19 Pandemic
See Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - COVID-19 Pandemic.
Sources of Revenues
Our revenues are derived primarily from rental income and mortgage and other notes receivable interest income. During 2020, rental income was $307,208,000 (92.3%) and interest income from mortgages and other notes receivable was $25,603,000 (7.7%) of total revenue of $332,811,000, an increase of 4.6% over 2019. Our revenues depend on the operating success of our tenants and borrowers whose source and amount of revenues are determined by (i) the licensed beds or other capacity of the facility, (ii) their occupancy rate, (iii) the extent to which the services provided at each facility are utilized by the residents and patients, (iv) the mix of private pay, Medicare and Medicaid patients, and (v) the rates paid by private payors and by the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Classification of Properties in our Portfolio
We classify all of the properties in our portfolio as either senior housing or medical properties. Because our leases represent different underlying revenue sources and result in differing risk profiles, we further classify our senior housing communities as either need-driven (assisted living and memory care communities and senior living campuses) or discretionary (independent living and entrance-fee communities.)
Senior Housing
As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included 151 senior housing properties (“SHO”) leased to operators and mortgage loans secured by 11 SHOs. The SHOs in our portfolio are either need-driven or discretionary for end users and consist of independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, senior living campuses, and entrance-fee communities, which are more fully described below.
Need-Driven Senior Housing
Assisted Living Facilities. As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included 94 assisted living facilities (“ALF”) leased to operators and mortgage loans secured by nine ALFs. ALFs are free-standing facilities that provide basic room and
board functions for elderly residents. As residents typically receive assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming, administering medication and memory care services, we consider these facilities to be need-driven senior housing. On-site staff personnel are available to assist in minor medical needs on an as-needed basis. Operators of ALFs are typically paid from private sources without assistance from government. ALFs may be licensed and regulated in some states, but generally do not require the issuance of a Certificate of Need (“CON”) as required for skilled nursing facilities.
Senior Living Campuses. As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included 14 senior living campuses (“SLC”) leased to operators. SLCs contain one or more buildings that include skilled nursing beds combined with an independent or assisted living facility that provides basic room and board functions for elderly residents. They may also provide assistance to residents with activities of daily living such as bathing, grooming and administering medication. On-site staff personnel are available to assist in minor medical needs on an as-needed basis. As the decision to transition to a senior living campus is typically more than a lifestyle choice and is usually driven by the need to receive some moderate level of care, we consider this facility type to be need-driven. Operators of SLCs are typically paid from private sources and from government programs such as Medicare and Medicaid for skilled nursing residents.
Discretionary Senior Housing
Independent Living Facilities. As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included 32 independent living facilities (“ILF”) leased to operators. ILFs offer specially designed residential units for active senior adults and provide various ancillary services for their residents including restaurants, activity rooms and social areas. Services provided by ILF operators are generally paid from private sources without assistance from government payors. ILFs are generally, but not always, unlicensed facilities and do not require the issuance of a CON as required for skilled nursing facilities. As ILFs typically do not provide assistance with activities of daily living, we consider the decision to transition to an ILF to be discretionary.
Entrance-Fee Communities. As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included 11 entrance-fee communities (“EFC”) leased to operators and mortgage loans secured by two EFCs. Entrance-fee communities, frequently referred to as continuing care retirement communities (“CCRC”) typically include a combination of detached cottages, an independent living facility, an assisted living facility and a skilled nursing facility on one campus. These communities appeal to residents because there is no need to relocate when health and medical needs change. EFCs are classified as either Type A, B, or C depending upon the amount of healthcare benefits included in the entrance fee. “Type A” EFCs, or “Lifecare” communities, such as the Sagewood community, which secures two of our mortgage loans, and Timber Ridge, held by us since January 31, 2020, in a joint venture, include substantially all future healthcare costs in the payment of an entrance fee and thereafter payment of a set service fee paid monthly. The Entrance Fee is divided into a refundable and non-refundable portion depending upon the resident’s chosen contract program. The service fee is determined at the time of move-in into an independent living (“IL”) unit and is subject to certain inflation-based adjustments regardless of the resident’s future care needs. A resident must move into an IL unit initially and not require care at the time of move-in. Thereafter the resident’s care requirements from assisted living to memory care to skilled nursing are provided for. Communities providing a modified healthcare contract offering access to skilled nursing care but only paying for a maximum number of days are referred to as “Type B” EFCs. Finally, “Type C” EFCs, the type which is indicative of ten communities in our lease portfolio and one community securing a mortgage loan, are fee-for-service communities which do not provide any healthcare benefits and correspondingly have the lowest entrance fees. However, monthly fees may be higher to reflect the current healthcare components delivered to each resident. EFC licensure is state-specific, but generally skilled nursing beds included in our EFC portfolio are subject to state licensure and regulation. As the decision to transition to an EFC is typically made as a lifestyle choice and not as the result of a pressing medical concern, we consider the decision to transition to an EFC to be discretionary. Accordingly, the predominant source of revenue for operators of EFCs is from private payor sources.
Medical
As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included 77 medical facilities leased to operators and mortgage loans secured by three medical facilities. The medical facilities within our portfolio consist of skilled nursing facilities, hospitals and medical office buildings, which are more fully described below.
Skilled Nursing Facilities. As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included 72 skilled nursing facilities (“SNF”) leased to operators and mortgage loans secured by three SNFs. SNFs provide some combination of skilled and intermediate nursing and rehabilitative care, including speech, physical and occupational therapy. As the decision to utilize the services of a SNF is typically made as the result of a pressing medical concern, we consider this to be a need-
driven medical facility. The operators of the SNFs receive payment from a combination of private pay sources and government payors such as Medicaid and Medicare. SNFs are required to obtain state licenses and are highly regulated at the federal, state and local level. Operators in 11 of the 13 states in which we own SNFs must obtain a CON from the state before opening or expanding such facilities. Some SNFs also include assisted living beds.
Hospitals. As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included three hospitals (“HOSP”) leased to operators. Hospitals provide a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services, including acute psychiatric and rehabilitation services, and are subject to extensive federal, state and local legislation and regulation. Hospitals undergo periodic inspections regarding standards of medical care, equipment and hygiene as a condition of licensure. Services provided by hospitals are generally paid for by a combination of private pay sources and government payors. As the decision to utilize the services of a hospital is typically made as the result of a pressing medical concern, we consider this to be a need-driven medical facility.
Medical Office Buildings. As of December 31, 2020, our portfolio included two medical office buildings (“MOB”) leased to operators. MOBs are specifically configured office buildings whose tenants are primarily physicians and other medical practitioners. As the decision to utilize the services of an MOB is typically made as the result of a pressing medical concern, we consider this to be a need-driven medical facility. MOBs differ from conventional office buildings due to the special requirements of the tenants. Each of our MOBs is leased to one lessee and is either physically attached to or located on an acute care hospital campus. The lessee sub-leases individual office space to the physicians or other medical practitioners. The lessee is responsible to us for the lease obligations of the entire building, regardless of their ability to sub-lease the individual office space.
Nature of Investments
Our investments are typically structured as acquisitions of properties through purchase-leaseback transactions, acquisitions of properties from other real estate investors, loans or operations through structures allowed by the REIT Investment Diversification Empowerment Act of 2007 (“RIDEA”). We have provided construction loans for facilities for which we were already committed to provide long-term financing or for which the operator agreed to enter into a purchase option and lease with us upon completion of construction or after the facility is stabilized. The annual interest rates on our mortgage, construction and mezzanine loans ranged between 6.5% and 13% during 2020. We believe our lease and loan terms are competitive within our peer group. Typical characteristics of these transactions are as follows:
Leases. Our leases generally have an initial leasehold term of 10 to 15 years with one or more 5-year tenant renewal options. The leases are “triple net leases” under which the tenant is responsible for the payment of all taxes, utilities, insurance premiums, repairs and other charges relating to the operation of the properties, including required levels of capital expenditures each year. The tenant is obligated at its expense to keep all improvements, fixtures and other components of the properties covered by “all risk” insurance in an amount equal to at least the full replacement cost thereof, and to maintain specified minimum personal injury and property damage insurance, protecting us as well as the tenant. The leases also require the tenant to indemnify and hold us harmless from all claims resulting from the use, occupancy and related activities of each property by the tenant, and to indemnify us against all costs related to any release, discovery, clean-up and removal of hazardous substances or materials, or other environmental responsibility with respect to each facility.
Most of our existing leases contain annual escalators in rent payments. For financial statement purposes, rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease where the lease contains fixed escalators. Certain of our operators hold purchase options allowing them to acquire properties they currently lease from NHI. When present, tenant purchase options generally give the lessee an option to purchase the underlying property for consideration determined by i) a sliding base dependent upon the extent of appreciation in the property plus a specified proportion of any appreciation; ii) our acquisition costs plus a specified proportion of any appreciation; iii) an agreed capitalization rate applied to the current rental; or iv) our acquisition costs plus a profit floor plus a specified proportion of any appreciation. Where stipulated above, appreciation may be established by independent appraisal.
Some of the obligations under the leases are guaranteed by the parent corporation of the lessee, if any, or affiliates or individual principals of the lessee. In some leases, a third-party manager will also guarantee some portion of the lease obligations. Some obligations are backed further by other collateral such as security deposits, trade receivables, equipment, furnishings and other personal property.
We monitor our triple-net lessee credit quality and identify any material changes by performing the following activities:
•Obtaining financial statements on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis to assess the operational trends of our tenants and the financial position and capability of those tenants
•Calculating the operating cash flow for each of our tenants
•Calculating the lease service coverage ratio and other ratios pertinent to our tenants
•Obtaining property-level occupancy rates for our tenants
•Verifying the payment of real estate taxes by our tenants
•Obtaining certificates of insurance for each tenant
•Obtaining reviewed or audited financial statements of our lessee guarantors on an annual basis
•Conducting a periodic inspection of our properties to ascertain proper maintenance, repair and upkeep
•Monitoring those tenants with indications of continuing and material deteriorating credit quality through discussions with our executive management and Board of Directors
Mortgage loans. We have mortgage loans with original maturities generally greater than five years, with varying amortization schedules from interest-only to fully-amortizing. Most of the loans are at a fixed interest rate; however, some interest rates increase based on a fixed schedule. In most cases, the owner of the facility is committed to make minimum annual capital expenditures for the purpose of maintaining or upgrading their respective facility. Additionally, most of our loans are collateralized by first or second mortgage liens and corporate or personal guarantees. As of December 31, 2020, we have seven mortgage loans bearing interest ranging from 7% to 8.25%.
Mezzanine loans. Frequently in situations calling for temporary financing or when our borrowers’ in-place lending arrangements prohibit the extension of mortgage security, we typically extend credit based on corporate and/or personal guarantees. These mezzanine loans often combine with an NHI purchase option covering the subject property. As of December 31, 2020, we have three mezzanine loans with interest rates that range from approximately 6.5% to 9%.
Construction loans. From time to time, we also provide construction loans that become mortgage loans upon the completion of the construction of the subject facility. We may also obtain a purchase option to acquire the facility at a future date and lease the facility back to the operator. During the term of the construction loan, funds are usually advanced pursuant to draw requests made by the borrower in accordance with the terms and conditions of the loan. Interest is typically assessed on these loans at rates equivalent to the eventual mortgage rate upon conversion. In addition to the security of the lien against the property, we will generally require additional security and collateral in the form of either payment and performance completion bonds or completion guarantees by the borrower’s parent, affiliates of the borrower or one or more of the individuals who control the borrower. As of December 31, 2020, we have six construction loans bearing interest ranging from 7.25% to 9%.
Other notes receivable. We have provided a revolving line of credit to a borrower involved in the senior housing industry who has provided personal and business guarantees as security that bears interest at a variable rate. As of December 31, 2020, this rate was 6.93%.
RIDEA Transactions. Our arrangement with an affiliate of Life Care Services, which we completed in January 2020, is structured to be compliant with the provisions of RIDEA, which permits NHI to receive rent payments through a triple-net lease between a property company and an operating company and gives NHI the opportunity to capture additional value on the improving performance of the operating company through distributions to a Taxable REIT Subsidiary (“TRS”). Accordingly, the TRS holds our 25% equity interest in an unconsolidated operating company, and provides an organizational structure that allows the TRS to engage in a broad range of activities and share in revenues that would otherwise be non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests. The TRS is subject to state and federal income taxes.
Operator Composition
For the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 22% of our portfolio revenue was from publicly owned operators, 56% was from regional operators, 19% was from privately owned national chains and 3% was from smaller operators. Tenants which individually provided more than 3% and collectively 79% of our total revenues were (in alphabetical order): Bickford Senior Living (“Bickford”); Chancellor Health Care; Discovery Senior Living (“Discovery”); Health Services Management; Holiday Retirement (“Holiday”); Life Care Services; National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC”); Senior Living Communities (“Senior Living”); Senior Living Management; and The Ensign Group. We make reference to the parent company whenever we describe our business with these tenants, their subsidiaries and/or affiliates regardless of the specific subsidiary entity indicated on the lease or loan documents.
Tenant Concentration
The following table contains information regarding tenant concentration in our portfolio, based on the percentage of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, related to tenants or affiliates of tenants, that exceed 10% of total revenue ($ in thousands):
As of December 31, 2020 Revenues1
Asset Real Notes For the Year Ended December 31,
Class Estate Receivable 2020 2019 2018
Senior Living EFC $ 573,631 $ 43,980 $ 50,734 15% $ 48,450 15% $ 45,868 15%
Bickford ALF 534,376 34,466 49,451 15% 56,210 17% 52,293 18%
Holiday ILF 531,378 - 40,705 12% 40,459 13% 43,311 15%
NHC SNF 171,235 - 37,820 11% 38,131 12% 37,843 13%
All others Various 1,451,761 218,927 144,448 44% 129,033 41% 115,297 39%
Escrow funds received from tenants
for property operating expenses Various - - 9,653 3% 5,798 2% - -%
$ 3,262,381 $ 297,373 $ 332,811 $ 318,081 $294,612
1 includes interest income on notes receivable
The amounts in the table above are reflected with disposals being reclassified into the “All others” category.
At December 31, 2020, the one state in which we had an investment concentration of 10% or more was South Carolina (10.3%). At December 31, 2019, the two states in which we had an investment concentration of 10% or more were South Carolina (10.9%) and Texas (10.5%).
Senior Living - As of December 31, 2020, we leased 10 retirement communities totaling 2,068 units to Senior Living. The 15-year master lease, which began in December 2014, contains two five-year renewal options and provides for an annual escalator of 3%. Straight-line rent of $4,271,000, $4,934,000 and $5,436,000 and interest revenue of $3,024,000, $2,970,000 and $1,528,000 were recognized from Senior Living for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
We provided a $12,000,000 revolving line of credit whose borrowings are to be used primarily to finance construction projects within the Senior Living portfolio, including building additional units. No more than $10,000,000 may be used to meet general working capital needs. Beginning January 1, 2022, availability under the revolver reduces to $7,000,000 with the limit for general working capital needs reduced to $5,000,000. The revolver matures in December 2029 at the time of lease maturity. At December 31, 2020, the $11,280,000 outstanding under the facility bears interest at 6.93% per annum, the prevailing 10-year U.S. Treasury rate plus 6%.
In June 2019, we provided a mortgage loan of $32,700,000 to Senior Living for the acquisition of a 248-unit continuing care retirement community in Columbia, South Carolina. The financing is for a term of five years with two one year extensions and carries an interest rate of 7.25%. Additionally, the loan conveys to NHI a purchase option at a stated minimum price of $38,250,000, subject to adjustment for market conditions.
On July 31, 2020, Senior Living repaid two fully drawn mezzanine loans of $12,000,000 and $2,000,000, respectively. The purpose of the mezzanine loans were to partially fund construction of a 186-unit senior living campus on Daniel Island in South Carolina, which opened in April 2018. The loans bore interest, payable monthly, at a 10% annual rate.
Bickford - As of December 31, 2020, we leased 48 facilities under five master leases to Bickford Senior Living. Lease maturity dates range from 2023 through 2033. Straight-line rent of $2,764,000, $4,531,000 and $5,028,000 and interest revenue of $2,849,000, $3,466,000 and $2,200,000 were recognized from Bickford for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As discussed in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations- COVID-19 Pandemic,” we granted lease concessions to Bickford in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On January 27, 2020, we acquired a 60-unit assisted living/memory care facility located in Shelby, Michigan, from Bickford. The acquisition price was $15,100,000, including $100,000 in closing costs, and the cancellation of an outstanding construction note receivable of $14,091,000, including interest. We added the facility to an existing master lease for a term of twelve years at an initial lease rate of 8%, with CPI escalators subject to a floor and ceiling.
At December 31, 2020, our construction loans to Bickford are summarized in the following table ($ in thousands):
Commencement Rate Maturity Commitment Drawn Location
January 2018 9% 5 years $ 14,000 $ (14,000) Virginia
July 2018 9% 5 years 14,700 (14,548) Michigan
June 2020 9% 5 years 14,200 (1,918) Virginia
$ 42,900 $ (30,466)
The $14,200,000 construction loan agreement is for Bickford’s development of a 64-unit assisted living facility.
The construction loans are secured by first mortgage liens on substantially all real and personal property as well as a pledge of any and all leases or agreements which may grant a right of use to the property. Usual and customary covenants extend to the agreements, including the borrower’s obligation for payment of insurance and taxes. NHI has a fair market value purchase option on the properties at stabilization of the underlying operations. On these development projects, Bickford as borrower is entitled to up to $2,000,000 per project in incentive loan draws based on the achievement of predetermined operational milestones and, if funded, will increase the principal amount and NHI's future purchase price and eventual NHI lease payment.
On October 30 and November 2, 2020, the Company repaid ten HUD mortgage loans with a combined balance of $42,629,000, plus accrued interest of $157,000 and a prepayment fee of $1,619,000. The HUD mortgage loans were secured by ten properties leased to Bickford with a net book value of $47,436,000. Nine of the mortgage notes required monthly payments of principal and interest from 4.3% to 4.4% (inclusive of mortgage insurance premiums) with original maturities in August and October 2049. One additional HUD mortgage loan assumed in 2014 at a discount, required monthly payments of principal and interest of 2.9% (inclusive of mortgage insurance premium) with an original maturity in October 2047.
Holiday - As of December 31, 2020, we leased 26 independent living facilities to Holiday. The master lease, which matures in 2035, was amended in November 2018 and provides for annual lease escalators beginning November 1, 2020, with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3%. Straight-line rent of $6,542,000, $6,621,000, and $5,616,000 was recognized from the Holiday lease for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our tenant operates the facilities pursuant to a management agreement with a Holiday-affiliated manager.
NHC - The facilities leased to NHC, a publicly held company, are under two master leases and consist of three independent living facilities and 39 skilled nursing facilities (four of which are subleased to other parties for whom the lease payments are guaranteed to us by NHC). These facilities are leased to NHC under the terms of an amended master lease agreement originally dated October 17, 1991 (“the 1991 lease”), which includes our 35 legacy properties and a master lease agreement dated August 30, 2013 (“the 2013 lease”), which includes seven skilled nursing facilities acquired in 2013.
The 1991 lease expiration is December 31, 2026. There are two additional five year renewal options, each at fair rental value as negotiated between the parties and determined without including the value attributable to any improvements to the leased property voluntarily made by NHC at its expense. Under the terms of the 1991 lease, the base annual rental is $30,750,000 and rent escalates by 4% of the increase, if any, in each facility’s revenue over a 2007 base year. The 2013 lease provides for a base annual rental of $3,450,000 and has a lease expiration of August 2028. Under the terms of the 2013 lease, rent escalates 4% of the increase, if any, in each facility’s revenue over the 2014 base year. For both the 1991 lease and the 2013 lease, we refer to this additional rent component as “percentage rent.” During the last three years of the 2013 lease, NHC will have the option to purchase the facilities for $49,000,000. Total percentage rent of $3,673,000, $3,984,000, and $3,696,000 was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Two of our board members, including our chairman, are also members of NHC’s board of directors. As of December 31, 2020, NHC owned 1,630,642 shares of our common stock.
Commitments and Contingencies
In the normal course of business, we enter into a variety of commitments, typically consisting of funding of revolving credit arrangements, construction and mezzanine loans to our operators to conduct expansions and acquisitions for their own account, and commitments for the funding of construction for expansion or renovation to our existing properties under lease. In our leasing operations, we offer to our tenants and to sellers of newly acquired properties a variety of inducements which originate
contractually as contingencies but which may become commitments upon the satisfaction of the contingent event. Contingent payments earned will be included in the respective lease bases when funded.
As of December 31, 2020, we had working capital and construction loan commitments to nine operators for $278,650,000, of which we had funded $215,205,000 toward these commitments.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $53,945,000 of development commitments for construction and renovation for eleven properties of which we had funded $48,790,000 toward these commitments. In addition to these commitments, Discovery PropCo, discussed more fully in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, has committed to funding up to $2,000,000 for the purchase of condominium units located at one of the facilities of which $968,000 had been funded.
As of December 31, 2020, we had $31,850,000 of contingent lease inducement commitments in six lease agreements which are generally based on the performance of facility operations and may or may not be met by the tenant. At December 31, 2020, we had funded $500,000 toward these commitments.
In addition, as described in “Item 1A. Risk Factors”, Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had and is expected to continue to have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Competition and Market Conditions
We compete primarily with other REITs, private equity funds, banks and insurance companies in the acquisition, leasing and financing of health care real estate.
Operators of our facilities compete on a local and regional basis with operators of facilities that provide comparable services. Operators compete for residents and/or patients and staff based on quality of care, reputation, location and physical appearance of facilities, services offered, family preference, physicians, staff and price. Competition is with other operators as well as companies managing multiple facilities, some of which are substantially larger and have greater resources than the operators of our facilities. Some of these facilities are operated for profit, while others are owned by governmental agencies or tax exempt not-for-profit entities.
Our senior housing properties generally rely on private-pay residents who may be negatively impacted in an economic downturn. In addition, the success of these properties is often impacted by the existence of comparable, competing facilities in a local market.
Human Capital
We employ individuals who possess a broad range of experiences, background and skills, and we believe that to continue to deliver long-term value to our stockholders, we must provide and maintain a work environment that attracts, develops, and retains top talent and affords our employees an engaging work experience that allows for career development and opportunities. Along with a competitive compensation program including incentive bonuses and a stock option plan, NHI provides a 401(k) plan with a safe harbor contribution, paid employee health insurance coverage and tuition reimbursement.
As of December 31, 2020, we had 19 full-time employees, an increase of three over the total at December 31, 2019, and one part-time employee. Of those employees, 18 are located in the Murfreesboro, Tennessee office, one is located in Colorado, and one in Texas. The tenure of our current employees includes eight who have been with the Company for over five years, and four who have been with the Company over 10 years. None of our employees are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. We empower our employees and reinforce our corporate culture through onboarding, training, and social and team-building events. We actively support charitable organizations within our community that promote health education and social well-being, and we encourage our employees to personally volunteer with organizations that are meaningful to them. We consider our employee relations to be good.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we initiated a number of safety protocols to ensure employee safety, including encouraging employees to work from home, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting procedures and implementing clear protocols and procedures for monitoring and reporting close contact and illness.
Certain essential services such as internal audit, tax compliance, information technology and legal services are outsourced to third-party professional firms.
Government Regulation
Overview. Our tenants and borrowers that operate SNFs, hospitals, SLCs, ALFs and EFCs are typically subject to extensive and complex federal, state and local healthcare laws and regulations, including those relating to Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, fraud and abuse, licensure and certification, privacy and security of health information and other personal data, certificates of need, appropriateness and classification of care, and the operation of healthcare facilities. In addition, many of our tenants and borrowers that operate ILFs may be subject to state licensing, and all of our properties are subject to environmental regulations related to real estate. We expect that the healthcare industry, in general, will continue to face increased regulation and pressure in these and other areas. These laws and regulations are wide-ranging, vary across jurisdictions, and are administered by several government agencies. Further, these laws and regulations are subject to change, enforcement practices may evolve, and it is difficult to predict the impact of new laws and regulations. Our tenants may find it increasingly difficult and costly to operate within this complex and evolving regulatory environment. Noncompliance with applicable laws and regulations may result in the imposition of civil and criminal penalties that could adversely affect the operations and financial condition of tenants or borrowers, which in turn may adversely affect us. The following is a brief discussion of certain laws and regulations applicable to certain of our tenants and borrowers and, in certain cases, to us.
Licensure and Certification. Various licenses, certifications and permits are required to operate SNFs, ALFs, EFCs, hospitals and, to a lessor degree, ILFs, to dispense narcotics, to handle radioactive materials and to operate equipment. Licensure and certification may be conditioned on requirements related to, among other things, the quality of medical care provided, qualifications of the operator’s administrative personnel and clinical staff, adequacy of the physical plant and equipment, capital and other expenditures, record keeping, dietary services, and patient rights. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) has issued additional requirements for certain healthcare facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including requirements to test SNF staff and residents for COVID-19 and to report COVID-19 data to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”). Licensed facilities are generally subject to periodic inspections by regulators to determine compliance with applicable licensure and certification standards. Sanctions for failure to comply with these laws and regulations include (but are not limited to) loss of licensure and ability to participate in the Medicare, Medicaid, and other government healthcare programs, suspension of or non-payment for new admissions, fines, as well as potential criminal penalties. The failure of any tenant or borrower to comply with such laws and regulations could affect its ability to operate its facility or facilities and could adversely affect such tenant’s or borrower’s ability to make lease or debt payments to us. In addition, if we have to replace a tenant, we may experience difficulties in finding a replacement because our ability to replace the tenant may be affected by federal and state laws governing changes in control and ownership.
The healthcare facilities in which we invest may be subject to state CON laws, which require government approval prior to the construction or establishment of new facilities, the expansion of existing facilities, the addition of beds to existing facilities, the addition of services or certain capital expenditures. CON requirements are not uniform throughout the United States and are subject to change. We cannot predict the impact of regulatory changes with respect to CONs on the operations of our tenants and borrowers.
Medicare and Medicaid Reimbursement. A significant portion of the revenue of our SNF tenants and borrowers is derived from government-funded reimbursement programs, primarily Medicare and Medicaid. The Medicare and Medicaid programs are highly regulated and subject to frequent and substantial changes resulting from legislation, regulations and administrative and judicial interpretations of existing law.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for persons age 65 and over, some disabled persons, and persons with end-stage renal disease. Medicare generally covers SNF services for beneficiaries who require skilled nursing or therapy services after a qualifying hospital stay. Medicare generally pays a per diem rate for each beneficiary. The reimbursement rates are set forth under a prospective payment system (“PPS”), an acuity-based classification system that uses nursing and therapy indexes, adjusted by additional factors such as geographic differences in wage rates, to calculate per diem rates for each Medicare beneficiary. The payment rates cover all services to be provided to a beneficiary, including room and board, skilled nursing care, therapy, and medications. CMS updates Medicare payment rates annually. For fiscal year 2021, which started October 1, 2020, CMS estimates that payments to SNFs will increase by $750 million, or 2.2%, compared to fiscal year 2020.
CMS has implemented policies intended to shift Medicare to value-based payment methodologies that tie reimbursement to quality of care rather than quantity. For example, effective October 1, 2019, CMS implemented the Patient Driven Payment Model (“PDPM”). This payment methodology classifies beneficiaries into payment groups based on clinical factors using diagnosis codes rather than by volume of services. In addition, under the SNF Quality Reporting Program, CMS requires SNFs to report certain quality data, and SNFs that fail to do so are subject to payment reductions. Under the SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program, CMS reduces SNF Medicare payments by 2 percentage points, and redistributes some of these funds as incentive payments based on SNF quality measure performance. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, CMS has granted exceptions and made temporary modifications to the SNF Quality Reporting Program and Value-Based Purchasing Program.
Medicaid is a medical assistance program for eligible needy persons that is funded jointly by federal and state governments. Medicaid programs are operated by state agencies under plans approved by the federal government. Reimbursement methodologies, eligibility requirements and covered services vary from state to state. In many instances, revenues from Medicaid programs are insufficient to cover the actual costs incurred in providing care to patients, particularly in SNFs. In recent years, budgetary pressures have resulted in decreased spending, or decreased spending growth, for Medicaid programs in many states. Changes in federal policy and funding may be an additional source of uncertainty. The need to control Medicaid expenditures may be exacerbated by the increased enrollment in Medicaid resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Budgetary pressures are expected to continue in the future, and many states are actively seeking ways to reduce Medicaid spending, including for SNF care, by methods such as capitated payments, reductions in reimbursement rates, and increased enrollment in managed Medicaid plans. Some states and managed care plans are pursuing alternatives to institutional care, such as community and home-based services. Several of the states in which we have investments have actively sought to reduce or slow the increase of Medicaid spending for care in SNFs and other settings.
In addition to reimbursement pressures and changes in governmental healthcare programs, healthcare facilities are experiencing increasing pressure from private payors attempting to control healthcare costs. In some cases, private payors rely on governmental reimbursement systems to determine reimbursement rates. Changes to Medicare and Medicaid that reduce payments under these programs may negatively impact payments from private payors. We cannot make any assessment as to the ultimate timing or the effect that any future reforms may have on our tenants’ and borrowers’ costs of doing business and on the amount of reimbursement by government and other third-party payors. There can be no assurance that future payment rates for either government or private payors will be sufficient to cover potential cost increases in providing services to patients. Any changes in government or private payor reimbursement policies which reduce payments to levels that are insufficient to cover the cost of providing patient care could adversely affect the operating revenues of tenants and borrowers in our properties that rely on such payments, and thereby adversely affect their ability to make their lease or debt payments to us.
CARES Act and Related Legislation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, in 2020, Congress enacted a series of economic stimulus and relief measures through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act (“PPPHCE Act”) and the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (“CAA”). In total, the CARES Act, the PPPHCE Act, and the CAA authorize $178 billion in funding to be distributed to healthcare providers through the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund (“Provider Relief Fund”). These funds are intended to reimburse eligible providers for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenues attributable to COVID-19. Recipients are not required to repay Provider Relief Fund payments as long as they attest to and comply with certain terms and conditions, including reporting requirements, limitations on balance billing, and not using Provider Relief Fund payments to reimburse expenses or losses that other sources have or are obligated to reimburse.
The Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) began distributing Provider Relief Fund payments in April 2020 and has made funds available to various provider groups in phases. HHS continues to evaluate and provide allocations of, and issue regulations and guidance regarding, grants made under the CARES Act and related legislation. A number of our tenants and borrowers have received grants under these laws; however, there are uncertainties regarding the extent to which our tenants and borrowers will receive such funds, the financial impact of receiving such funds on their operations or financial condition, and whether such tenants and borrowers will be able to meet the compliance requirements associated with the funds.
The CARES Act and related legislation include other provisions offering financial relief, for example suspending Medicare sequestration payment adjustments from May 1, 2020, through March 31, 2021, which would have otherwise reduced payments to Medicare providers by 2%, but also extending sequestration through 2030. In addition to offering economic relief to individuals and businesses, the CARES Act and related legislation include provisions intended to expand coverage of COVID-19 testing and preventative services, address healthcare workforce needs, ease restrictions on telehealth services during the crisis, and ease other legal and regulatory burdens on healthcare providers. Due to the recent enactment of the CARES Act, the PPPHCE Act, and the CAA, there is still a high degree of uncertainty surrounding their implementation, and the public health emergency continues to evolve.
Fraud and Abuse. Participants in the healthcare industry are subject to various complex federal and state civil and criminal laws and regulations governing a wide array of healthcare provider referrals, relationships and arrangements. These laws include: (i) federal and state false claims acts, which generally prohibit providers from filing false claims or making false statements to receive payment from Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs; (ii) federal and state anti-kickback and fee-splitting statutes, including the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits the payment or receipt of any consideration in exchange for referral of Medicare and Medicaid patients; (iii) federal and state physician self-referral laws, including the federal prohibition commonly referred to as the Stark Law, which generally prohibit referrals by physicians to entities for designated health services (some of which are provided in SNFs) with which the physician or an immediate family member has a financial relationship; and (iv) the federal Civil Monetary Penalties Law, which requires a lower burden of proof than other fraud and abuse laws. These laws and regulations subject violators to severe penalties, including exclusion from the
Medicare and Medicaid programs, denial of Medicare and Medicaid payments, punitive sanctions, fines and even prison sentences. They are enforced by a variety of federal, state and local agencies, and can also be enforced by private litigants through, among other things, federal and state false claims acts, which allow private litigants to bring qui tam or “whistleblower” actions. In recent years, both federal and state governments have significantly increased investigation and enforcement activity to detect and punish wrongdoers.
It is anticipated that the trend toward increased investigation and enforcement activity will continue. In the event that any tenant or borrower were to be found in violation of any of these laws and regulations, that tenant’s or borrower’s ability to operate the facility could be jeopardized, which could adversely affect the tenant’s or borrower’s ability to make lease or debt payments to us and could thereby adversely affect us.
Privacy and Security. Privacy and security regulations issued pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HIPAA”) restrict the use and disclosure of individually identifiable health information (“protected health information”), provide for individual rights, and require safeguards for protected health information and notification of breaches of unsecure protected health information. Entities subject to HIPAA include health plans, healthcare clearinghouses, and most healthcare providers (including some of our tenants and borrowers). Business associates of these entities who create, receive, maintain or transmit protected health information are also subject to certain HIPAA provisions. Violations of HIPAA may result in substantial civil and/or criminal fines and penalties. The costs to the business or, for an operator of a healthcare property, associated with developing and maintaining programs and systems to comply with data privacy and security laws, defending against privacy and security related claims or enforcement actions and paying any assessed fines can be substantial. Moreover, such costs could have a material adverse effect on the ability of an operator to meet its obligations to us. Breaches of unsecured protected health information and other violations of HIPAA may have other material adverse consequences including material loss of business, regulatory enforcement, substantial legal liability and reputational harm.
There are several other laws and legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state levels addressing privacy and security of personal information. In addition, healthcare providers and industry participants are subject to a growing number of requirements intended to promote the interoperability and exchange of patient information. Noncompliance may result in penalties or other disincentives. Federal and state data privacy and security laws and regulations and related requirements continue to evolve, and changes may result in uncertainty with regard to compliance obligations, business operations or transactions that depend on data. New privacy and security laws further could require substantial investment in resources to comply with regulatory changes as privacy and security laws proliferate in divergent ways or impose additional obligations.
Americans with Disabilities Act. Our properties generally must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”) and any similar state or local laws to the extent that such properties are public accommodations as defined in those statutes. The ADA may require removal of barriers to access by persons with disabilities in certain public areas of our properties where such removal is readily achievable. While under our triple-net lease structure, our tenants would generally be responsible for additional costs that may be required to make our facilities ADA-compliant, should barriers to access by persons with disabilities be discovered, we may be indirectly responsible for additional costs that may be required to make facilities ADA-compliant. Noncompliance with the ADA could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. Our commitment to make readily achievable accommodations pursuant to the ADA is ongoing, and we continue to assess our properties and make modifications as appropriate in this respect.
Environmental Regulations. As an owner of real property, we are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations regarding environmental, health and safety matters. These laws and regulations address, among other things, asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls, fuel, oil management, wastewater discharges, air emissions, radioactive materials, medical wastes, and hazardous wastes, and in certain cases, the costs of complying with these laws and regulations and the penalties for non-compliance can be substantial. We may be held primarily or jointly and severally liable for costs relating to the investigation and clean-up of any property that we own from which there is or has been an actual or threatened release of a regulated material and any other affected properties, regardless of whether we knew of or caused the release. Such costs typically are not limited by law or regulation and could exceed the property’s value. In addition, we may be liable for certain other costs, such as governmental fines and injuries to persons, property or natural resources, as a result of any such actual or threatened release. Under the terms of our leases, we generally have a right to indemnification by our tenants, for any contamination caused by them. However, we cannot assure you that our tenants will have the financial capability or willingness to satisfy their respective indemnification obligations to us, and any such inability or unwillingness to do so may require us to satisfy the underlying environmental claims.
Investment Policies
Our investment objectives are (i) to provide consistent and growing current income for distribution to our stockholders through investments primarily in healthcare related facilities or in the operations thereof through independent third-party management, (ii) to provide the opportunity to realize capital growth resulting from appreciation, if any, in the residual value of
our portfolio properties, and (iii) to preserve and protect stockholders’ capital through a balance of diversity, flexibility and liquidity. There can be no assurance that these objectives will be realized. Our investment policies include making investments in real estate, mortgage and other notes receivable, and joint ventures structured to comply with the provisions of RIDEA. We consider the creditworthiness of the operator to be an important factor in underwriting the lease or loan investment, and we generally have the right to approve any changes in operators.
During 2020, we made commitments to fund new investments in real estate and loans totaling approximately $226,942,000. In making new investments, we consider such factors as (i) the geographic area and type of property, (ii) the location, construction quality, condition and design of the property, (iii) the current and anticipated cash flow and its adequacy to meet operational needs, and lease or mortgage obligations to provide a competitive income return to our investors, (iv) the growth, tax and regulatory environments of the communities in which the properties are located, (v) occupancy and demand for similar facilities in the same or nearby communities, (vi) the quality, experience and creditworthiness of the management operating the facilities located on the property and (vii) the mix of private and government-sponsored residents. There can be no assurances that investments meeting our standards regarding these attributes will be found or closed.
We will not, without the approval of a majority of the Board of Directors and review of a committee comprised of independent directors, enter into any joint venture or partnership relationships with or acquire from or sell to any director, officer or employee of NHI, or any affiliate thereof, as the case may be, any of our assets or other property.
The Board of Directors, without the approval of the stockholders, may alter our investment policies if it determines that such a change is in our best interests and our stockholders’ best interests. The methods of implementing our investment policies may vary as new investment and financing techniques are developed or for other reasons. Management may recommend changes in investment criteria from time to time.
Our investments in healthcare related facilities may utilize borrowed funds or issuance of equity. We may negotiate lines of credit or arrange for other short or long-term borrowings from lenders. We may arrange for long-term borrowings from institutional investors or through public offerings. We have previously invested, and may in the future invest, in properties subject to existing loans or secured by mortgages, deeds of trust or similar liens with favorable terms or in mortgage investment pools.
Investor Information
We publish our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to such reports to our website at www.nhireit.com. We have a policy of publishing these on the website as soon as reasonably practicable after filing them with, or furnishing them to, the SEC. Information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We also maintain the following documents on our web site:
▪The NHI Code of Business Conduct and Ethics which has been adopted for all employees, officers and directors of the Company.
▪Information on our “NHI Valuesline” which allows all interested parties to communicate with NHI executive officers and directors. The toll free number is 877-880-2974 and the communications may be made anonymously, if desired.
▪The NHI Restated Audit Committee Charter.
▪The NHI Revised Compensation Committee Charter.
▪The NHI Revised Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee Charter.
▪The NHI Corporate Governance Guidelines.
We will furnish, free of charge, a copy of any of the above documents to any interested investor upon receipt of a written request.
Our transfer agent is Computershare. Computershare will assist registered owners with the NHI Dividend Reinvestment plan, change of address, transfer of ownership, payment of dividends, replacement of lost checks or stock certificates. Computershare’s contact information is: Computershare Trust Company, N.A., P.O. Box 43078, Providence, RI 02940-3078. The toll free number is 800-942-5909 and the website is www.computershare.com.

---

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
There are many significant factors that could materially adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, distributions and stock price. The following are risks we believe are material to our stockholders. There may be additional risks and uncertainties that we have not presently identified or have not deemed material. Some of the following risk factors constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to “Forward Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Risk Related to COVID-19
Actual or perceived risks associated with public health epidemics or outbreaks, such as the Coronavirus (COVID-19), have had and are expected to continue to have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a negative impact and is expected to continue to have a negative impact on the business and results of operations of the operators of our properties and on the Company. Revenues for the operators of our properties are significantly impacted by occupancy. Building occupancy rates have been and will likely continue to be adversely affected by COVID-19. COVID-19 is particularly dangerous for seniors, and the mortality rate increases with age. The occupancy at several of our properties has decreased significantly because of COVID-19 as a result of early resident move-outs, our operators’ delays in accepting new residents due to quarantines or otherwise, and potential occupants’ postponement of moving to a senior housing facility. Such decreased occupancy is likely to continue in 2021. Although at least two potential vaccines for COVID-19 have recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration, the supply and distribution of these vaccines has been strictly limited. Some of our senior housing tenants have received certain supplies of the vaccines, but it will likely be some time before a significant percentage of the population has received a vaccination against COVID-19. A decrease in occupancy or increase in costs is likely to have a material adverse effect on the ability of our operators to meet their financial and other contractual obligations to us, including the payment of rent, as well as on our results of operations. In addition, actions our operators take to address COVID-19 are expected to materially increase their operating costs, including costs related to enhanced health and safety precautions among other measures, which could have a material adverse effect on the ability of our operators to meet their financial and other contractual obligations to us, including the payment of rent. The federal, state and local governments have implemented or announced assistance programs in connection with COVID-19 that have benefited or in the future may benefit certain of our operators, but such government assistance may be insufficient to offset the downturn in business of our operators. In some cases, we may have to write-off unpaid rental payments, incur lease accounting charges due to the uncollectibility of rental payments and/or restructure our operators’ long-term rent obligations and may not be able to do so on terms that are as favorable to us as those currently in place. Furthermore, infections at our facilities could lead to material increases in litigation costs for which our operators, or possibly we, may be liable.
COVID-19 has also caused, and is likely to continue to cause, severe economic, market and other disruptions worldwide. We cannot assure you that conditions in the bank lending, capital and other financial markets will not continue to deteriorate as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, or that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings. Such future constraints could increase our borrowing costs, which would make it more difficult or expensive to obtain additional financing or refinance existing obligations and commitments.
The impact of COVID-19 on our results of operations, liquidity and financial condition could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends at expected levels or at all. All dividends are made at the discretion of our Board of Directors in accordance with Maryland law and depend on our earnings, our financial condition, debt and equity capital available to us, our expectation of our future capital requirements and operating performance, restrictive covenants in our financial and other contractual arrangements, maintenance of our REIT qualification, restrictions under Maryland law and other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time. Our Board of Directors will continue to assess our dividend rate on an ongoing basis, as COVID-19 and related market conditions and our financial position continue to evolve.
If these developments continue or increase in severity, such developments are likely to have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. The extent to which COVID-19 could impact our business and results of operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence, including the duration and scope of the outbreak, the actions taken to contain COVID-19 or treat its impact and the distribution and efficacy of a vaccine, among others.
Risks Related to Our Tenants and Borrowers
We depend on the operating success of our tenants and borrowers for collection of our lease and note payments.
Revenues for the operators of our properties are primarily driven by occupancy, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement and private pay rates. Revenues from government reimbursement have, and may continue to, come under pressure due to reimbursement cuts resulting from federal and state budget shortfalls and constraints. Periods of weak economic growth in the U.S. which affect housing sales, investment returns and personal incomes may adversely affect senior housing occupancy rates. An oversupply of senior housing real estate may also apply downward pressure to the occupancy rates our operators receive. Expenses for the facilities are driven by the costs of labor, food, utilities, taxes, insurance and rent or debt service. Liability insurance and staffing costs continue to increase for our operators. Historically low unemployment has created significant wage pressure for our operators. To the extent any decrease in revenues and/or any increase in operating expenses results in a property not generating enough cash to make scheduled payments to us, our revenues, net income and funds from operations would be adversely affected. Such events and circumstances would cause us to evaluate whether there was an impairment of the real estate or mortgage loan that should be charged to earnings. Such impairment would be measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeded its fair value. Consequently, we might be unable to maintain or increase our current dividend and the market price of our stock may decline.
We are exposed to the risk that our tenants and borrowers may become subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings.
Although our lease agreements provide us the right to evict a tenant/operator and demand immediate payment of rent and exercise other remedies, and our mortgage loans provide us the right to terminate any funding obligations, demand immediate repayment of principal and unpaid interest, foreclose on the collateral and exercise other remedies, the bankruptcy laws afford certain rights to a party that has filed for bankruptcy or reorganization. A tenant or borrower in bankruptcy may be able to limit or delay our ability to collect unpaid rent in the case of a lease or to receive unpaid principal and/or interest in the case of a mortgage loan and to exercise other rights and remedies. For example, a lessee may reject its lease with us in a bankruptcy proceeding. In such a case, our claim against the lessee for unpaid and future rents would be limited by the statutory cap of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This statutory cap could be substantially less than the remaining rent owed under the lease, and any claim we have for unpaid rent might not be paid in full. In addition, a lessee may assert in a bankruptcy proceeding that its lease should be re-characterized as a financing agreement. If such a claim is successful, our rights and remedies as a lender, compared to a landlord, are generally more limited. We may be required to fund certain expenses (e.g. real estate taxes, maintenance and capital improvements) to preserve the value of a property, avoid the imposition of liens on a property and/or transition a property to a new tenant or borrower. In some instances, we have terminated our lease with a tenant and leased the facility to another tenant. In some of those situations, we provided working capital loans to, and limited indemnification of, the new tenant. If we cannot transition a leased facility to a new tenant, we may take possession of that property, which may expose us to certain successor liabilities. Should such events occur, our revenue and operating cash flow may be adversely affected.
Certain tenants in our portfolio account for a significant percentage of the rent we expect to generate from our portfolio, and the failure of any of these tenants to meet their obligations to us could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
The successful performance of our real estate investments is materially dependent on the financial stability of our tenants/operators. For the year ended December 31, 2020, approximately 53% of our total revenue is generated by four tenants, including Bickford (15%), Senior Living (15%), Holiday (12%) and NHC (11%). Payment defaults or a decline in the operating performance by these or other tenants/operators could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to pay expected dividends to our stockholders. In the event of a tenant default, we may experience delays in enforcing our rights as landlord and may incur substantial costs in protecting our investment and re-leasing our property. Further, we may not be able to re-lease the property for the rent previously received, or at all, or lease terminations may cause us to sell the property at a loss. The result of any of the foregoing risks could materially and adversely affect our business, financial conditions and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders.
We are exposed to risks related to governmental regulations and payors, principally Medicare and Medicaid, and the effect that changes to government regulation or reimbursement rates would have on our tenants’ and borrowers’ business.
Our tenants and borrowers are subject to complex federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to governmental healthcare programs. See “Item 1. Business - Government Regulation.” As a result, our tenants are subject to statutory and regulatory changes, administrative rulings, and policy interpretations. Regulation of the healthcare industry generally has intensified over time both in the number and type of regulations and in the efforts to enforce those regulations. Federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting the healthcare industry include those relating to, among other things, licensure, conduct of operations, addition of facilities and equipment, allowable costs, services, protection and privacy of health information (HIPAA), prices for services, quality of care, patient rights, fraudulent or abusive behavior, and financial and other arrangements that may be entered into by healthcare providers. In addition, changes in enforcement policies by federal and state governments have resulted in an increase in the number of inspections, citations of regulatory deficiencies and other regulatory
sanctions, including terminations from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, bars on Medicare and Medicaid payments for new admissions, civil monetary penalties and even criminal penalties. The status of health care regulations may be subject to change as a result of political, legislative, regulatory, and administrative developments and judicial proceedings. In addition, the replacement of an operator that has defaulted on its lease or loan could be delayed by the approval process of any federal, state or local agency necessary for the transfer of the facility or the replacement of the operator licensed to manage the facility. If the operations, cash flows or financial condition of our operators and tenants are materially adversely impacted by current or future government regulation, our revenue and operations may be adversely affected as well. More generally, and because of the dynamic nature of the legislative and regulatory environment for health care products and services, and in light of existing federal deficit and budgetary concerns, we cannot predict the impact that broad-based, far-reaching legislative or regulatory changes could have on the U.S. economy or on our business or that of our tenants and borrowers.
Our tenants’ and borrowers’ businesses are also affected by government reimbursement and the rates paid by private pay sources. To the extent that any of our facilities receive a significant portion of their revenues from governmental payors, primarily Medicare and Medicaid, such revenues may be subject to statutory and regulatory changes, retroactive rate adjustments, recovery of program overpayments or set-offs, administrative rulings, policy interpretations, payment or other delays by fiscal intermediaries, government funding restrictions (at a program level or with respect to specific facilities) and interruption or delays in payments due to any ongoing governmental investigations and audits at such facilities. In recent years, governmental payors have frozen or reduced payments to health care providers due to budgetary pressures. Such reductions in Medicare reimbursement will have an adverse effect on the financial operations of our borrowers and lessees who operate SNFs. Changes in health care reimbursement will likely continue to be of paramount importance to federal and state programs. The President and members of the U.S. Congress may approve or propose various spending cuts and tax reform initiatives that could result in changes (including substantial reductions in funding) to Medicare, Medicaid or Medicare Advantage Plans. In addition, a number of states are currently managing budget deficits, which may put pressure on states to decrease reimbursement rates for our tenants and operators with a goal of decreasing state expenditures under their state Medicaid programs. We cannot make any assessment as to the ultimate timing or effect any future legislative reforms may have on the financial condition of the health care industry. There can be no assurance that adequate reimbursement levels will continue to be available for services provided by any facility operator, whether the facility receives reimbursement from Medicare, Medicaid or private pay sources. Significant limits on the scope of services reimbursed and on reimbursement rates and fees could have a material adverse effect on an operator’s liquidity, financial condition and results of operations, which could adversely affect the ability of an operator to meet its obligations to us.
We are exposed to the risk that the cash flows of our tenants and borrowers would be adversely affected by increased liability claims and liability insurance costs.
ALF and SNF operators have experienced substantial increases in both the number and size of patient care liability claims in recent years, particularly in the states of Texas and Florida. As a result, general and professional liability costs have increased and may continue to increase. Nationwide, long-term care liability insurance rates are increasing because of large jury awards in states like Texas and Florida. Both Texas and Florida have now adopted SNF liability laws that modify or limit tort damages. Despite some of these reforms, the long-term care industry overall continues to experience very high general and professional liability costs. Insurance companies have responded to this claims crisis by severely restricting their capacity to write long-term care general and professional liability policies. No assurance can be given that the climate for long-term care general and professional liability insurance will improve in any of the foregoing states or any other states where the facility operators conduct business. Insurance companies may continue to reduce or stop writing general and professional liability policies for ALFs and SNFs. Thus, general and professional liability insurance coverage may be restricted, very costly or not available, which may adversely affect the facility operators’ future operations, cash flows and financial condition and may have a material adverse effect on the facility operators’ ability to meet their obligations to us.
We are exposed to the risk that we may not be fully indemnified by our lessees and borrowers against future litigation.
Our leases and notes require that the tenant/borrowers name us as an additional insured party on their insurance policies covering professional liability or personal injury claims. These instruments also require the tenant/borrower to indemnify and hold us harmless for all claims arising out of or incidental to the occupancy and use of each facility. We cannot give any assurance that these protective measures will completely eliminate any risk to us related to future litigation, the costs of which could have a material adverse impact on us.
We are subject to risks of damage from catastrophic weather and other natural or man-made disasters and the physical effects of climate change.
Natural and man-made disasters, including terrorist attacks and acts of nature such as hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, flooding and wildfires, may cause damage to our properties or business disruption to our tenants and borrowers. These adverse weather and natural or manmade events could cause substantial damage or loss to our properties which could exceed applicable property insurance coverage. Such events could also have a material adverse impact on our tenant’s operations and ability to meet its obligations to us. In the event of a loss in excess of insured limits, we could lose our capital invested in the affected property, as well as anticipated future revenue from that property. Any such loss could materially and adversely affect our business and our financial condition and results of operations.
Climate change may also have indirect effects on our business by increasing the cost of (or making unavailable) property insurance on terms we find acceptable. To the extent that significant changes in the climate occur in areas where our properties are located, we may experience more frequent extreme weather events which may result in physical damage to or a decrease in demand for properties located in these areas or affected by these conditions. In addition, changes in federal and state legislation and regulation on climate change could result in increased capital expenditures to improve the energy efficiency of our existing properties and could also require us to spend more on our new development properties without a corresponding increase in revenue. Should the impact of climate change be material in nature, including destruction of our properties, or occur for lengthy periods of time, our financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.
Risks Related to Our Business and Operations
We depend on the success of property development and construction activities, which may fail to achieve the operating results we expect.
When we decide to invest in the renovation of an existing property or in the development of a new property, we make assumptions about the future potential cash flows of that property. We estimate our return based on expected occupancy, rental rates and future capital costs. If our projections prove to be inaccurate due to increased capital costs, lower occupancy or other factors, our investment in that property may not generate the cash flow we expected. Recently developed properties may take longer than expected to achieve stabilized operating levels, if at all. To the extent such facilities fail to reach stabilized operating levels or achieve stabilization later than expected, it could materially adversely affect our tenants’ abilities to make payments to us under their leases and thus adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We are exposed to the risk that the illiquidity of real estate investments could impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties.
Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and, therefore, our ability to quickly sell or exchange any of our properties in response to changes in economic and other conditions may be limited. All of our properties are "special purpose" properties that cannot be readily converted to general residential, retail or office use. Facilities that participate in Medicare or Medicaid must meet extensive program requirements, including physical plant and operational requirements. Transfers of operations of facilities are subject to regulatory approvals not required for transfers of other types of real estate. Thus, if the operation of any of our properties becomes unprofitable due to competition, age of improvements or other factors such that our lessee or borrower becomes unable to meet its obligations on the lease or mortgage loan, the liquidation value of the property may be less than the net book value or the amount owed on any related mortgage loan, because the property may not be readily adaptable to other uses. The sale of the property or the replacement of an operator that has defaulted on its lease or loan could also be delayed by the approval process of any federal, state or local agency necessary for the transfer of the property or the replacement of the operator with a new operator licensed to manage the facility. No assurances can be given that we will recognize full value for any property that we are required to sell for liquidity reasons. Should such events occur, our results of operations and cash flows could be adversely affected.
We are exposed to risks associated with our investments in unconsolidated entities, including our lack of sole decision-making authority and our reliance on the financial condition of other interests.
Our investments in unconsolidated entities could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority regarding major decisions, our reliance on the financial condition of other interests, any disputes that may arise between us and other partners, and our exposure to potential losses from the actions of partners. Risks of dealing with parties outside NHI include limitations on unilateral major decisions opposed by other interests, the prospect of divergent goals of ownership including disputes regarding management, ownership or disposition of a property, or limitations on the transfer of our interests without the consent of our partners. Risks of the unconsolidated entity extend to areas in which the financial health of our partners may impact our plans. Our partners might become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions, which may hinder significant action in the entity. We may disagree with our partners about decisions affecting a property or the entity itself, which could result in litigation or arbitration that increases our expenses, distracts our officers and directors and
disrupts the day-to-day operations of the property, including by delaying important decisions until the dispute is resolved; and finally, we may suffer losses as a result of actions taken by our partners with respect to our investments.
We are subject to additional risks related to healthcare operations associated with our investments in unconsolidated entities, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Since January 31, 2020, we have an investment in an unconsolidated entity that is structured to be in compliance with RIDEA. As such, we are exposed to various operational risks with respect to those operating properties that may increase our costs or adversely affect our ability to increase revenues. These risks include fluctuations in resident occupancy, operating expenses, economic conditions; competition; certification and inspection laws, regulations, and standards; the availability of and increases in cost of general and professional liability insurance coverage; litigation; federal, state and local taxes and regulations; costs associated with government investigations and enforcement actions; the availability and increases in cost of labor; and other risks applicable to any operating business. Any one or a combination of these factors may adversely affect our revenue and operations.
We are subject to risks associated with our joint venture investment with Life Care Services for Timber Ridge, an Entrance Fee CCRC, associated with Type A benefits offered to the residents of the joint venture's Entrance Fee community and related accounting requirements.
Effective January 31, 2020, we entered into a joint venture with Life Care Services (“LCS”) which consists of two parts, Timber Ridge PropCo which owns the real estate and is owned 80% NHI and 20% LCS and Timber Ridge OpCo which operates the property and is owned 25% NHI and 75% LCS. Rents received from the Timber Ridge OpCo in the RIDEA structure are treated as qualifying rents from real property for REIT tax purposes only if (i) they are paid pursuant to a lease of a “qualified healthcare property” and (ii) the operator qualifies as an “eligible independent contractor,” as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”). If either of these requirements are not satisfied, then the rents will not be qualifying rents.
As part of acquisition of the real estate, Timber Ridge PropCo accepted the property subject to trust liens previously granted to residents of Timber Ridge. Beginning in 2008, early residents of Timber Ridge executed loans to the then owner/operators backed by liens and entered into a Deed of Trust and Indenture of Trust (the “Deed and Indenture”) for the benefit of the trustee on behalf of all residents who made mortgage loans to the owner/operator in accordance with a resident agreement. The Deed and Indenture granted a security interest in the Timber Ridge property to secure the loans made by the early residents of the property. Subsequent to these early transactions, the practice was discontinued at Timber Ridge. Therefore, the remaining outstanding “old” loans made by the residents are still secured by a security interest in the Timber Ridge property. The trustee for all of the residents who made “old” loans in accordance with the resident agreements entered into a subordination agreement concurrent with Timber Ridge PropCo’s acquisition, pursuant to which the trustee acknowledged and confirmed that the security interests created under the Deed and Indenture were subordinate to any security interests granted in connection with the loan made by NHI to Timber Ridge PropCo. With the periodic settlement of some of the outstanding resident loans in the course of normal entrance-fee community operations by Timber Ridge OpCo, the balance owing on the Deed and Indenture at December 31, 2020 was $17,155,300. By terms of the resident loan assumption agreement, during the term of the lease (7 years with two renewal options), Timber Ridge OpCo is to indemnify Timber Ridge PropCo for any repayment by Timber Ridge PropCo of these liabilities under the guarantee. We cannot give any assurance that these protective measures will completely eliminate any risk to us related to claims under the Deed and Indenture.
As a result of the RIDEA structure, we have an investment in the operations of Timber Ridge. Timber Ridge is a Class A quality, Type A care CCRC. A Type A Entrance Fee community generally means the care of the resident is provided for upon payment of an entrance fee and thereafter payment of a monthly set service fee. The entrance fee is divided into a refundable and non-refundable portion depending upon the resident’s chosen contract program. The service fee is determined at the time of move-in into an IL unit and is subject to certain inflation-based adjustments regardless of the resident’s future care needs. A resident must move into an IL unit initially and not require care at the time of move-in. However, thereafter the resident’s care requirements from assisted living to memory care to skilled nursing are provided for. The refundable portion of the upfront entrance fee is recorded as a liability on the financial statements of the Timber Ridge OpCo. The non-refundable portion of the upfront entrance fee is recorded as deferred revenue and amortized over the actuarial life of the resident. We believe the structure of the joint venture does not require that the Timber Ridge OpCo’s financial statements be consolidated into NHI, but if we are unable to properly maintain that structure or become required for any reason to consolidate the Timber Ridge OpCo’s financial statements into ours, the results would have a material adverse impact on our financial results.
If our efforts to maintain the privacy and security of Company information are not successful, we could incur substantial costs and reputational damage, and could become subject to litigation and enforcement actions.
Our business, like that of other REITs, involves the receipt, storage and transmission of information about our Company, our tenants and borrowers, and our employees, some of which is entrusted to third-party service providers and vendors. We also work with third-party service providers and vendors to provide technology, systems and services that we use in connection with the receipt, storage and transmission of this information.
Our information systems, and those of our third-party service providers and vendors, may be vulnerable to continually evolving cybersecurity risks. Unauthorized parties may attempt to gain access to these systems or our information through fraud or deception of our associates, third-party service providers or vendors. Hardware, software or applications we obtain from third parties may contain defects in design or manufacture or other problems that could unexpectedly compromise information security. The methods used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service or sabotage systems are also constantly changing and evolving and may be difficult to anticipate or detect for long periods of time. We have implemented and regularly review and update processes and procedures to protect against unauthorized access to or use of secured data and to prevent data loss. However, the ever-evolving threats mean we and our third-party service providers and vendors must continually evaluate and adapt our respective systems and processes, and there is no guarantee that they will be adequate to safeguard against all data security breaches or misuses of data. Any significant compromise or breach of our data security, whether external or internal, or misuse of our data, could result in significant costs, fines, lawsuits, and damage to our reputation. In addition, as the regulatory environment related to information security, data collection and use, and privacy becomes increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to our business, compliance with those requirements could also result in significant additional costs.
We are exposed to risks related to environmental laws and the costs associated with liabilities related to hazardous substances.
Under various federal and state laws, owners or operators of real property may be required to respond to the release of hazardous substances on the property and may be held liable for property damage, personal injuries or penalties that result from environmental contamination. These laws also expose us to the possibility that we may become liable to reimburse the government for damages and costs it incurs in connection with the contamination. Generally, such liability attaches to a person based on the person’s relationship to the property. Our tenants or borrowers are primarily responsible for the condition of the property they occupy. Moreover, we review environmental site assessment of the properties that we purchase or encumber prior to taking an interest in them. Those assessments are designed to meet the “all appropriate inquiry” standard, which qualifies us for the innocent purchaser defense if environmental liabilities arise. Based upon such assessments, we do not believe that any of our properties are subject to material environmental contamination. However, environmental liabilities, including mold, may be present in our properties and we may incur costs to remediate contamination, which could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
We depend on the success of our future acquisitions and investments.
We are exposed to the risk that our future acquisitions may not prove to be successful. We could encounter unanticipated difficulties and expenditures relating to any acquired properties, including contingent liabilities, and newly acquired properties might require significant attention of NHI’s management that would otherwise be devoted to our existing business. If we agree to provide construction funding to a borrower and the project is not completed, we may need to take steps to ensure completion of the project. Moreover, if we issue equity securities or incur additional debt, or both, to finance future acquisitions, it may reduce our per share financial results.
We depend on our ability to reinvest cash in real estate investments in a timely manner and on acceptable terms.
From time to time, we will have cash available from principal payments on our notes receivable and the sale of properties, including tenant purchase option exercises, under the terms of master leases or similar financial support arrangements. We must reinvest these proceeds, on a timely basis, in health care investments or in qualified short-term investments. We compete for real estate investments with a broad variety of potential investors. This competition for attractive investments may negatively affect our ability to make timely investments on terms acceptable to us. Delays in acquiring properties may negatively impact revenues and the amount of distributions to stockholders.
Competition for acquisitions may result in increased prices for properties.
We may face increased competition for acquisition opportunities from other well-capitalized investors, including publicly traded and privately held REITs, private real estate funds, partnerships and others. This may mean that we are unsuccessful in a
potential acquisition of a desired property at acceptable prices or, even if we are able to acquire a desired property, competition from other real estate investors may significantly increase the purchase price.
We are exposed to the risk that our assets may be subject to impairment charges.
As a REIT, a significant percentage of our assets is invested in real estate. We regularly evaluate our real estate investments and other assets for impairment indicators. The judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based on factors such as market conditions, operator performance and legal structure. If we determine that a significant impairment has occurred, we would be required to make an adjustment to the net carrying value of the asset, which could have a material adverse effect on our reported results of operations in the period in which the impairment charge occurs. Such impairment charges may make it more difficult for us to meet the financial ratios in our indebtedness and may reduce the borrowing base, which may reduce the amounts of cash we would otherwise have available to pay expenses, make dividend distributions, service other indebtedness and operate our business.
Risks Related to Our Debt
We may need to refinance existing debt or incur additional debt in the future, which may not be available on terms acceptable to us.
We operate with a policy of incurring debt when, in the opinion of our Board of Directors, it is advisable. Currently, we believe that our current liquidity, availability under our unsecured credit facility, and our capacity to service additional debt will enable us to meet our obligations, including dividends, and continue to make investments in healthcare real estate. While we currently have a low debt ratio, in the future, we may increase our borrowings. In January 2021, we issued $400 million in public bonds. The proceeds of this offering were used primarily to pay down our unsecured credit facility and other debt obligations. As a result, as of January 31, 2021 we have approximately $1,535,325,000 in outstanding indebtedness and approximately $520,000,000 available to draw under our unsecured credit facility. We may incur additional debt by borrowing under our unsecured credit facility, mortgaging properties we own and/or issuing debt securities in a public offering or in a private transaction. We believe we will be able to raise additional debt and equity capital at reasonable costs to refinance our existing indebtedness at or prior to its maturity. Our ability to raise reasonably priced capital is not guaranteed. We may be unable to raise reasonably priced capital because of reasons related to our business or for reasons beyond our control, such as market conditions. If our access to capital becomes limited, it could have an impact on our ability to refinance our debt obligations, fund dividend payments, acquire properties and fund acquisition activities.
We have covenants related to our indebtedness which impose certain operational limitations and a breach of those covenants could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
The terms of our current indebtedness as well as debt instruments that the Company may enter into in the future are subject to customary financial and operational covenants. Among other things, these provisions require us to maintain certain financial ratios and minimum net worth and impose certain limits on our ability to incur indebtedness, create liens and make investments or acquisitions. Our continued ability to incur debt and operate our business is subject to compliance with these covenants, which limit operational flexibility. Breaches of these covenants could result in a default under applicable debt instruments, even if payment obligations are satisfied. Financial and other covenants that limit our operational flexibility, as well as defaults resulting from a breach of any of these covenants in our debt instruments, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Downgrades in our credit ratings could have a material adverse effect on our cost and availability of capital.
We plan to manage the Company to maintain a capital structure consistent with our current profile, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain our current credit ratings. Moody's Investors Services (“Moody's”) announced on November 5, 2020 that it assigned an investment grade issuer credit rating and a senior unsecured debt rating of Baa3 with a “Negative” outlook to the Company. Fitch Ratings (“Fitch”) reaffirmed its BBB- and “Stable” outlook on the Company on September 30, 2020 and S&P Global Ratings (“S&P Global”) also reaffirmed its BBB- and “Stable” outlook on the Company at November 4, 2020. Any downgrades of ratings or changes to outlooks by any or all of the rating agencies could have a material adverse effect on our cost and availability of capital, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, liquidity, cash flows, the trading/redemption price of our securities and our ability to satisfy our debt service obligations and to pay dividends and distributions to our equity holders.
We depend on revenues derived mainly from fixed rate investments in real estate assets, while a portion of our debt used to finance those investments bears interest at variable rates.
Our business model assumes that we can earn a spread between the returns earned from our investments in real estate as compared to our cost of debt and/or equity capital. Current interest rates on our debt are at low levels, and, as a result, the spread and our profitability on our investments have been at high levels. We are exposed to interest rate risk in the potential for a narrowing of our spread and profitability if interest rates increase in the future. Certain of our debt obligations are floating rate obligations with interest rates that vary with the movement of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or other indexes. Our revenues are derived mainly from fixed rate investments in real estate assets. Although our leases generally contain escalating rent clauses that provide a partial hedge against interest rate fluctuations, if interest rates rise, our interest costs for our existing floating rate debt and any new debt we incur would also increase. This increasing cost of debt could reduce our profitability by increasing the cost of financing our existing portfolio and our investment activity. Rising interest rates could limit our ability to refinance existing debt upon maturity or cause us to pay higher rates upon refinancing. We manage a portion of our exposure to interest rate risk by accessing debt with staggered maturities and through the use of derivative instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements with major financial institutions. Increased interest rates may also negatively affect the market price of our common stock and increase the cost of new equity capital.
We are subject to risks related to changes in the method of determining LIBOR, or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative reference rate, which may adversely affect interest rates on our current or future indebtedness and may otherwise adversely affect our financial condition and result of operations.
In 2017, the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority announced that after 2021 it would no longer compel banks to submit the rates required to calculate the LIBOR. This announcement indicates that the continuation of LIBOR on the current basis cannot and will not be guaranteed after 2021. We have a significant number of debt instruments with attributes that are dependent on LIBOR. The transition from LIBOR to an alternative reference rate could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
Risk Related to Our Status as a Real Estate Investment Trust
We depend on the ability to continue to qualify for taxation as a Real Estate Investment Trust.
We intend to operate as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code and believe we have and will continue to operate in such a manner. Since REIT qualification requires us to meet a number of complex requirements, it is possible that we may fail to fulfill them. If we fail to qualify as a REIT:
•we will not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in computing our taxable income;
•we will be subject to corporate-level income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates;
•we could be subject to increased state and local income taxes; and
•unless we are entitled to relief under relevant statutory provisions, we will be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we fail to qualify as a REIT.
Because of all these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT could also impair our ability to expand our business and could materially adversely affect the value of our common stock. The present federal income tax treatment of REITs may be modified, possibly with retroactive effect, by legislative, judicial or administrative action at any time, which could affect the federal income tax treatment of an investment in us. The federal income tax rules dealing with REITs constantly are under review by persons involved in the legislative process, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (the “IRS”) and the U.S. Treasury Department, which results in statutory changes as well as frequent revisions to regulations and interpretations. Revisions in federal tax laws and interpretations thereof could affect or cause us to change our investments and commitments and affect the tax considerations of an investment in us.
Complying with REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive acquisition opportunities or liquidate otherwise attractive investments, which could materially hinder our performance.
To qualify as a REIT for U.S. Federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy certain tests, including tests concerning the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our stock. To meet these tests, we may be required to forego investments or acquisitions we might otherwise make. Thus, compliance with the REIT requirements may materially hinder our performance.
Legislative, regulatory, or administrative changes could adversely affect us or our security holders.
The tax laws or regulations governing REITs or the administrative interpretations thereof may be amended at any time. We cannot predict if or when any new or amended law, regulation, or administrative interpretation will be adopted, promulgated, or become effective, and any such change may apply retroactively. The last significant legislation affecting REITs came with the passage of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, effective for tax years beginning in 2018. We and our security holders may be adversely affected by any new or amended law, regulation, or administrative interpretation.
Prospective investors are urged to consult with their tax advisors with respect to the status of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and any other regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on investment in our securities.
Risk Related to Our Organizational Structure
We have ownership limits in our charter with respect to our common stock and other classes of capital stock which may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our charter, subject to certain exceptions, contains restrictions on the ownership and transfer of our common and preferred stock that are intended to assist us in preserving our qualification as a REIT. Our charter provides that any transfer that would cause NHI to be beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons or would cause NHI to be “closely held” under the Internal Revenue Code would be void, which, subject to certain exceptions, results in no person or entity being allowed to own, actually or constructively, more than 9.9% of the outstanding shares of our stock. Our Board of Directors, in its sole discretion, may exempt a proposed transferee from the ownership limit and such an exemption has been granted through Excepted Holder Agreements to members of the Carl E. Adams family. Based on the Excepted Holder Agreements currently outstanding, the individual ownership limit for all other stockholders is approximately 7.5%. Our charter gives our Board of Directors broad powers to prohibit and rescind any attempted transfer in violation of the ownership limits. These ownership limits may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
We are subject to certain provisions of Maryland law and our charter and bylaws that could hinder, delay or prevent a change in control transaction, even if the transaction involves a premium price for our common stock or our stockholders believe such transaction to be otherwise in their best interests.
The Maryland Business Combination Act provides that, unless exempted, a Maryland corporation may not engage in business combinations, including mergers, dispositions of 10% or more of its assets, issuances of shares of stock and other specified transactions with an “interested stockholder” or an affiliate of an interested stockholder for five years after the most recent date on which the interested stockholder became an interested stockholder, and thereafter, unless specified criteria are met. An interested stockholder is generally a person owning or controlling, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding stock of a Maryland corporation. Unless our Board of Directors takes action to exempt us, generally or with respect to certain transactions, from this statute in the future, the Maryland Business Combination Act will be applicable to business combinations between us and other persons. The Company’s charter and bylaws also contain certain provisions that could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire, or discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire, control of the Company. Such provisions could limit the price that certain investors might be willing to pay in the future for the common stock. These provisions include a staggered board of directors, blank check preferred stock, and the application of Maryland corporate law provisions on business combinations and control shares. The foregoing matters may, together or separately, have the effect of discouraging or making more difficult an acquisition or change of control of the Company.

---

ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
None.

---

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES OWNED OR ASSOCIATED WITH MORTGAGE LOAN INVESTMENTS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2020
PROPERTIES OWNED ($ in thousands)
Location SHO SNF HOSP & MOB Investment Rental Income
South Carolina 6 4 - $ 335,632 $ 32,825
Florida 9 10 1 278,073 31,021
Texas 2 21 1 322,491 28,139
Tennessee 3 16 1 92,059 18,554
Washington 7 - - 239,052 17,839
California 9 - 1 183,723 17,331
Illinois 15 - - 221,645 16,016
Connecticut 3 - - 135,918 12,498
Oregon 8 3 - 134,571 12,249
North Carolina 6 - - 136,079 11,192
Ohio 8 - - 131,884 10,203
Georgia 5 - - 113,065 9,942
Michigan 11 - - 97,477 9,269
Indiana 11 - - 124,924 8,452
Iowa 10 - - 63,593 6,325
Massachusetts 1 4 - 65,838 4,583
Kentucky - 1 1 20,746 4,406
Oklahoma 2 - - 56,238 4,369
Maryland 2 - - 55,902 4,081
Nebraska 4 - - 34,278 3,557
Virginia 3 1 - 34,197 3,358
Wisconsin 2 1 - 57,121 3,298
New Hampshire - 3 - 23,688 3,207
Arkansas 2 - - 49,789 3,180
Alabama 1 2 - 17,260 2,995
Idaho 4 - - 29,373 2,937
Louisiana 5 - - 39,569 2,756
Missouri 1 5 - 27,695 2,726
Minnesota 5 - - 30,872 2,371
Kansas 2 - - 42,072 2,260
Pennsylvania 2 - - 28,446 2,046
New Jersey 1 - - 24,380 1,620
Arizona - 1 - 7,131 1,315
Colorado 1 - - 7,600 635
151 72 5 $ 3,262,381 $ 297,555
Corporate office 2,689 -
Escrow funds received from tenants for property operating expenses - 9,653
$ 3,265,070 $ 307,208
PROPERTIES ASSOCIATED WITH MORTGAGE LOAN INVESTMENTS ($ in thousands)
Mortgage
Location SHO SNF Investment Interest
Arizona 3 - $ 158,814 $ 11,438
Florida 1 - 10,000 825
Indiana 3 - 11,172 694
Michigan 1 - 14,548 1,321
New Hampshire1
- - - 747
South Carolina 1 - 32,700 3,234
Virginia 2 3 20,525 2,006
Wisconsin 2 - 12,480 1,163
13 3 $ 260,239 $ 21,428
Other non-mortgage income 4,175
$ 25,603
1 Current year pay off.
10-YEAR LEASE EXPIRATIONS
The following table provides additional information on our leases which are scheduled to expire based on the maturity date contained in the most recent lease agreement or extension. We expect that, prior to maturity, we will negotiate new terms of a lease to either the current tenant or another qualified operator.
Annualized Percentage of
Number Rentable Number Gross Rent** Annualized
Year of Properties Square Feet* of Units/Beds (in thousands)
Gross Rent
2021 12 - 864 $ 4,213 1.5 %
2022 4 - 156 4,373 1.6 %
2023 15 - 852 14,971 5.4 %
2024 9 - 687 7,406 2.7 %
2025 3 61,500 132 2,850 1.0 %
2026 35 - 4,897 34,247 12.3 %
2027 5 27,017 798 15,829 5.7 %
2028 14 - 1,557 12,095 4.4 %
2029 31 - 4,149 70,676 25.4 %
2030 7 - 555 5,083 1.8 %
Thereafter 93 - 8,644 106,039 38.2 %
100.0 %
*Rentable Square Feet represents total square footage in two MOB investments.
**Annualized Gross Rent refers to the amount of lease revenue that our portfolio would have generated in 2020 if all leases were in effect for the twelve-month calendar year, regardless of the commencement date, maturity date, or renewals.
The above table does not reflect purchase options. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements for discussion of purchase options.

---

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Our facilities are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. Our lessees and borrowers have indemnified, and are obligated to continue to indemnify us, against all liabilities arising from the operation of the facilities, and are further obligated to indemnify us against environmental or title problems affecting the real estate underlying such facilities. While there may be lawsuits pending against certain of the owners and/or lessees of the facilities, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all such pending proceedings will have no material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2018, East Lake Capital Management LLC and certain related entities, including SH-Regency Leasing, LLC (“Regency”) (for three assisted living facilities in Tennessee, Indiana and North Carolina), filed suit against NHI in Texas seeking injunctive and declaratory relief and unspecified monetary damages. NHI responded with counterclaims and filed motions requesting the immediate appointment of a receiver and for pre-judgment possession. Resulting from these claims and
counterclaims, on December 6, 2018, the parties entered into an agreement resulting in Regency vacating the facilities in December 2018. Litigation is ongoing.

---

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not Applicable
PART II.

---

ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
The Company’s charter contains certain provisions which are designed to ensure that the Company’s status as a REIT is protected for federal income tax purposes. One of the provisions ensures that any transfer (of shares) which would cause NHI to be beneficially owned by fewer than 100 persons or would cause NHI to be “closely-held” under the Internal Revenue Code would be void which, subject to certain exceptions, result in no stockholder being allowed to own, either directly or indirectly pursuant to certain tax attribution rules, more than 9.9% of the Company’s common stock with the exception of prior agreements in 1991 which were confirmed in writing in 2008 with the Company’s founders Dr. Carl E. Adams and Jennie Mae Adams and their lineal descendants. Based on these agreements, the ownership limit for all other stockholders is approximately 7.5%. If a stockholder’s stock ownership exceeds the limit, then such shares over the limit become Excess Stock within the meaning in the Company’s charter and lose rights to vote and receive dividends in certain situations. Our charter gives our Board of Directors broad powers to prohibit and rescind any attempted transfer in violation of the ownership limits. In addition, W. Andrew Adams’ Excess Holder Agreement also provides that he will not own shares of stock in any tenant of the Company if such ownership would cause the Company to constructively own more than a 9.9% interest in such tenant. The purpose of these provisions is to protect the Company’s status as a REIT for tax purposes.
In order to qualify for the beneficial tax treatment accorded to a REIT, we must make distributions to holders of our common stock equal on an annual basis to at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (excluding net capital gains), as defined in the Internal Revenue Code. Cash available for distribution to our stockholders is primarily derived from rental payments received under our leases and from interest payments received on our notes. All distributions will be made by us at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend on our cash flow and earnings, our financial condition, covenants contained in our financing documents and such other factors as the Board of Directors deems relevant. Our REIT taxable income is calculated without reference to our cash flow. Therefore, under certain circumstances, our required distributions may exceed the cash available for distribution.
Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NHI”. As of February 15, 2021, there were approximately 746 holders of record of shares and 70,448 beneficial owners of shares.
The Company’s outstanding stock incentive awards have been granted under two incentive compensation plans - the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) and the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (“the 2019 Plan”). These plans, as amended, have been approved by our stockholders. The following table provides information as of December 31, 2020 about our common stock that may be issued upon the exercise of options under our existing equity compensation plans.
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in the first column)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders 1,033,838 $83.54 2,769,336
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders - $- -
The following graph demonstrates the performance of the cumulative total return to the stockholders of our common stock during the previous five years in comparison to the cumulative total return on the MSCI US REIT Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Stock Index. The MSCI US REIT Index is a free float-adjusted market capitalization weighted index that is comprised of Equity REIT securities. The MSCI US REIT Index includes securities with exposure to core real estate (e.g. residential and retail properties) as well as securities with exposure to other types of real estate (e.g. casinos, theaters).
2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
NHI $100.00 $128.21 $136.93 $144.75 $164.36 $149.52
MSCI $100.00 $92.43 $116.31 $110.99 $116.62 $126.65
S&P 500 $100.00 $118.40 $155.68 $148.85 $181.35 $203.04

---

ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.
The following table represents our financial information for the five years ended December 31, 2020. This financial information has been derived from our historical financial statements including those for the most recent three years included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with those consolidated financial statements, accompanying footnotes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in Item 7.
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
STATEMENT OF INCOME DATA: 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016
Revenues $ 332,811 $ 318,081 $ 294,612 $ 278,659 $ 248,460
Income from continuing operations $ 185,311 $ 160,449 $ 154,333 $ 159,365 $ 152,716
Net income $ 185,311 $ 160,449 $ 154,333 $ 159,365 $ 152,716
Net loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests (185) 7 - - (1,176)
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 185,126 $ 160,456 $ 154,333 $ 159,365 $ 151,540
PER SHARE DATA:
Basic earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 4.14 $ 3.70 $ 3.68 $ 3.90 $ 3.88
Diluted earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 4.14 $ 3.67 $ 3.67 $ 3.87 $ 3.87
OTHER DATA:
Common shares outstanding, end of year 45,185,992 44,587,486 42,700,411 41,532,154 39,847,860
Weighted average common shares:
Basic 44,696,285 43,417,828 41,943,873 40,894,219 39,013,412
Diluted 44,698,004 43,703,248 42,091,731 41,151,453 39,155,380
Regular dividends declared per common share $ 4.41 $ 4.20 $ 4.00 $ 3.80 $ 3.60
BALANCE SHEET DATA: (at year end)
Real estate properties, net $ 2,667,432 $ 2,560,393 $ 2,366,882 $ 2,285,701 $ 2,159,774
Mortgages and other notes receivable, net 292,427 340,143 246,111 141,486 133,493
Investments in preferred stock and marketable securities - - - - 11,745
Assets held for sale, net - 18,420 - - -
Total assets 3,120,489 3,042,235 2,750,570 2,545,821 2,403,633
Debt 1,499,285 1,440,465 1,281,675 1,145,497 1,115,981
Total liabilities 1,597,544 1,543,983 1,360,857 1,223,704 1,194,043
Total equity 1,522,945 1,498,252 1,389,713 1,322,117 1,209,590

---

ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion and analysis is based primarily on the consolidated financial statements of National Health Investors, Inc. for the periods presented and should be read together with the notes thereto contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Other important factors are identified in “Item 1. Business” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors” above. This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses 2020 and 2019 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2020 and 2019. Discussions of 2018 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2019 and 2018 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Executive Overview
National Health Investors, Inc., established in 1991 as a Maryland corporation, is a self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”) specializing in sale-leaseback, joint-venture, mortgage and mezzanine financing of need-driven and discretionary senior housing and medical facility investments. Our portfolio consists of real estate investments in independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, entrance-fee communities, senior living campuses, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals and medical office buildings. We fund our real estate investments primarily through: (1) operating cash flow, (2) debt offerings, including bank lines of credit and term debt, both unsecured and secured, and (3) the sale of equity securities.
Portfolio
At December 31, 2020, we had investments in real estate and mortgage and other notes receivable involving 242 facilities located in 34 states. These investments involve 162 senior housing properties, 75 skilled nursing facilities, 3 hospitals, 2 medical office buildings and other notes receivable. These investments (excluding our corporate office of $2,689,000) consisted of properties with an original cost of approximately $3,262,381,000 rented under primarily triple-net leases to 34 lessees, and $297,373,000 aggregate carrying value of mortgage and other notes receivable, excluding an allowance for expected credit losses of $4,946,000, due from 9 borrowers.
We classify all of the properties in our portfolio as either senior housing or medical properties. Because our leases represent different underlying revenue sources and result in differing risk profiles, we further classify our senior housing communities as either need-driven (assisted living and memory care communities and senior living campuses) or discretionary (independent living and entrance-fee communities.)
Senior Housing - Need-Driven includes assisted living and memory care facilities (“ALF”) and senior living campuses (“SLC”) which primarily attract private payment for services from residents who require assistance with activities of daily living. Need-driven properties are subject to regulatory oversight.
Senior Housing - Discretionary includes independent living facilities (“ILF”) and entrance-fee communities (“EFC”) which primarily attract private payment for services from residents who are making the lifestyle choice of living in an age-restricted multi-family community that offers social programs, meals, housekeeping and in some cases access to healthcare services. Discretionary properties are subject to limited regulatory oversight. There is a correlation between demand for this type of community and the strength of the housing market.
Medical Facilities within our portfolio receive payment primarily from Medicare, Medicaid and health insurance. These properties include skilled nursing facilities (“SNF”), medical office buildings (“MOB”) and hospitals that attract patients who have a need for acute or complex medical attention, preventative medicine, or rehabilitation services. Medical properties are subject to state and federal regulatory oversight and, in the case of hospitals, Joint Commission accreditation.
The following tables summarize our investments in real estate and mortgage and other notes receivable as of December 31, 2020 ($ in thousands):
Real Estate Properties Properties Beds/Sq. Ft.* Revenue % Investment
Senior Housing - Need-Driven
Assisted Living 94 5,131 $ 76,112 22.9 % $ 950,643
Senior Living Campus 14 1,976 23,824 7.2 % 307,514
Total Senior Housing - Need-Driven 108 7,107 99,936 30.1 % 1,258,157
Senior Housing - Discretionary
Independent Living 32 3,703 47,063 14.1 % 599,321
Entrance-Fee Communities 11 2,707 60,416 18.2 % 742,985
Total Senior Housing - Discretionary 43 6,410 107,479 32.3 % 1,342,306
Total Senior Housing 151 13,517 207,415 62.4 % 2,600,463
Medical Facilities
Skilled Nursing Facilities 72 9,433 81,465 24.5 % 595,461
Hospitals 3 207 7,736 2.3 % 55,971
Medical Office Buildings 2 88,517 * 667 0.2 % 10,486
Total Medical Facilities 77 89,868 27.0 % 661,918
Total Real Estate Properties 228 297,283 89.4 % $ 3,262,381
Current Year Disposals and Held for Sale 272
Escrow Funds Received From Tenants
for Property Operating Expenses 9,653
Total Rental Income 307,208
Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
Senior Housing - Need-Driven 9 565 4,782 1.5 % $ 63,369
Senior Housing - Discretionary 2 714 13,808 4.1 % 191,514
Medical Facilities 3 180 425 0.1 % 4,608
Other Notes Receivable - - 3,059 0.9 % 37,882
Total Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable 14 1,459 22,074 6.6 % $ 297,373
Current Year Note Payoffs 2,947
Other Income 582
Total Revenue $ 332,811
Portfolio Summary Properties Revenue % Investment
Real Estate Properties 228 $ 297,283 93.1 % $ 3,262,381
Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable 14 22,074 6.9 % 297,373
Total Portfolio 242 $ 319,357 100.0 % $ 3,559,754
Portfolio by Operator Type
Public 66 $ 70,151 22.0 % $ 511,231
National Chain (Privately-Owned) 28 60,941 19.1 % 825,085
Regional 134 179,491 56.2 % 2,090,847
Small 14 8,774 2.7 % 132,591
Total Portfolio 242 $ 319,357 100.0 % $ 3,559,754
For the year ended December 31, 2020, operators of facilities who provided 3% or more and collectively 79% of our total revenues were (parent company, in alphabetical order): Bickford Senior Living; Chancellor Health Care; Discovery Senior Living; Health Services Management; Holiday Retirement; Life Care Services; National HealthCare Corporation; Senior Living Communities; Senior Living Management; and The Ensign Group.
As of December 31, 2020, our average effective annualized rental income was $8,724 per bed for SNFs, $11,704 per unit for SLCs, $14,355 per unit for ALFs, $12,701 per unit for ILFs, $22,747 per unit for EFCs, $39,330 per bed for hospitals, and $8 per square foot for MOBs.
COVID-19 Pandemic
The World Health Organization declared coronavirus disease 2019 (“COVID-19”) a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The continually evolving pandemic has resulted in a widespread health crisis adversely affecting governments, businesses, and financial markets. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many state, local and federal agencies instituted various health and safety measures including temporary closures of many businesses, “shelter in place” orders, and social distancing guidelines that remain in place to some degree. The COVID-19 pandemic and related health and safety measures have created a significant strain on the operations of many of the Company’s tenants, operators and borrowers.
The federal government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act into law in March 2020 that provides economic assistance and other forms of relief from the financial hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds have been distributed by various government agencies including the US Department of Treasury and the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) which oversees the distributions to healthcare providers who participate in various government reimbursement programs (e.g., Medicare). This federal government assistance has mitigated to some extent the negative financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic for certain of our tenants and operators who are eligible.
Revenues for the operators of our properties are significantly impacted by occupancy. Building occupancy rates have been and may continue to be adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic if it continues to cause sustained negative trends such as early resident move-outs, delays in admitting new residents, or other collateral events such as a weakening in the housing market, a typical funding source for our senior housing operators’ customers. In addition, actions our operators take to address outbreaks could materially increase their operating costs, including costs related to enhanced health and safety precautions among other measures. A decrease in occupancy or increase in costs could have a material adverse effect on the ability of our operators to meet their financial and other contractual obligations to us, including the payment of rent, as well as on our results of operations.
For the year ended December 31, 2020, contractual cash collected and deferred or abated was as follows:
Date Percentage of Contractual Cash Collected1
Percentage of Contractual Cash Deferred or Abated
Q1 2020 100% -%
Q2 2020 100% -%
Q3 2020 96.2% 3.8%
Q4 2020 93.9% 6.1%
1Contractual cash collected for January 2021 is approximately 95.1%.
We agreed to defer rent due from Bickford Senior Living totaling $5,850,000 for 2020 and $750,000 for January 2021 as a result of the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 2020 deferral, $2,100,000 related to the third quarter with half of the deferral placed in escrow. We continue our negotiations with Bickford for the sale of nine properties which are currently leased to Bickford and have a gross book value of approximately $76,658,000 as of December 31, 2020. The $2,100,000 of deferred rent will be forgiven contingent upon Bickford’s ability to close on the acquisition of these properties. Rental income from this portfolio was $7,878,000 (net of $182,000 of the deferral mentioned above) for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $9,383,000 and $8,859,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, including straight-line rental income of $283,000, $680,000 and $331,000, respectively.
The deferred rent for Bickford of $3,750,000 pertaining to the fourth quarter and the $750,000 pertaining to January 2021 bears interest at 8% per annum with repayments, including accrued interest, over twelve months beginning in June 2021.
We agreed to rent concessions with another tenant totaling $1,072,000 in deferrals for 2020, $50,000 in abatements for 2020, and $447,000 in deferrals related to the first quarter of 2021. Of the 2020 totals, approximately $534,000 in deferrals and $20,000 in abatements are related to the third quarter and $538,000 in deferrals and $30,000 in abatements relate to the fourth quarter. The deferred amounts accrue interest from the date of the deferral until paid in full with payments due starting in July 2021 and due no later than December 2022. The initial interest is 8% on the deferrals through December 31, 2021, after which time the rate increases to 9%.
In the fourth quarter of 2020, we also modified a transition property’s lease in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that extended the lease term by one year and deferred rent of $160,000. See “Other Portfolio Activity” Transitioning Tenants for information regarding our transition properties.
When applicable, we have elected not to apply the modification guidance under ASC 842 and have decided to account for the related concessions as variable lease payments, recorded as rental income when received. We will evaluate any rent deferral requests as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on a tenant-by-tenant basis. The extent of future concessions we make as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have a material impact on our future operating results, cannot be reasonably or reliably projected by us at this time.
We believe our liquidity positions us to manage through the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As of January 31, 2021, we had approximately $37,205,000 in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents on hand and $520,000,000 in availability under our unsecured revolving credit facility. In addition, we have access to additional debt sources and maintain availability under our at-the-market (“ATM”) equity issuance program and shelf registration statement to fund our future obligations, although no assurances can be made. See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for further discussion.
See “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding the risks presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critical Accounting Policies
Estimates
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These accounting principles require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. If actual experience differs from the assumptions and other considerations used in estimating amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements, the resulting changes could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, liquidity and/or financial condition.
We consider an accounting estimate or assumption critical if:
1.the nature of the estimates or assumptions is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change; and
2.the impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material.
Valuations and Impairments
We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying values of our properties on a property-by-property basis. We review our properties for recoverability when events or circumstances, including significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions and significant deterioration of the underlying cash flows of the property, indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable. The need to recognize an impairment charge is based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows from a property compared to the carrying value of that property. If recognition of an impairment charge is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the fair value of the property.
Lease accounting standards require that, for purposes of lease classification, we assess whether the lease, by its terms, transfers substantially all of the fair value of the asset under lease. This consideration will drive accounting for the alternative classifications among either operating, sales-type, or direct financing types of leases. For classification purposes, we distinguish cash flows that follow under terms of the lease from those that will derive, subsequent to the lease, from the ultimate disposition or re-deployment of the asset. From this segregation of the sources of cash flow, we are able to establish whether the lease is, in essence, a sale or financing in its having transferred substantially all of the fair value of the leased asset. Accordingly, management’s projected residual values represent significant assumptions in our accounting for leases.
While we do not incorporate residual value guarantees in our lease provisions, the contractual structure of other provisions provides a basis for expectations of realizable value from our properties, upon expiration of their lease terms. Additionally, we consider historical, demographic and market trends in developing our estimates. For each new lease, we discount our estimate of unguaranteed residual value and include this amount along with the stream of lease payments (also discounted) called for in
the lease. We assess the stream of lease payments and the value deriving from eventual return of our property to establish whether the lease payments themselves comprise a return of substantially all of the fair value of the property under lease. We do not use a “bright line” in considering what constitutes “substantially all of the fair value,” but we undertake heightened vigilance in our assessment when the lease payments approach 90% of the composition of all future cash flows expected from the asset.
For our mortgage and other notes receivable, we evaluate the estimated collectibility of contractual loan payments amid general economic conditions on the basis of a like-kind pooling of our loans. We estimate credit losses over the entire contractual term of the instrument from the date of initial recognition of that instrument. In developing our expectation of losses, we will consider financial assets that share similar risk characteristics such as rate, age, type, location and adequacy of collateral on a collective basis. Other note investments which do not share common features will continue to be evaluated on an instrument-by-instrument basis.
The determination of fair value and whether a shortfall in operating revenues or the existence of operating losses is indicative of a loss in value involves significant judgment. Our estimates consider all available evidence including, as appropriate, the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at market rates, general economic conditions and trends, the duration of the fair value deficiency, and any other relevant factors. When an economic downturn whose duration is expected to span a year or more is encountered, such as the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, we consider projections about an expected economic recovery before we conclude that evidence of impairment exists. While we believe our assumptions are reasonable, changes in these assumptions may have a material impact on our financial results.
While we believe that the carrying amounts of our properties are recoverable and our notes receivable and other investments are realizable, it is possible that future events could require us to make significant adjustments or revisions to these estimates.
Revenue Recognition
We collect rent and interest from our tenants and borrowers. Generally, our policy is to recognize income on an accrual basis as earned. However, when we determine, based on current collections and the lack of expected future collections, that rent or interest is not probable of collection until received, our policy is to recognize rental or interest income when assured, which we consider to be the period in which cash is received or accrued on the basis of tenant security deposits available to us for the recognition of lease revenue in the period in which it was earned. We identify investments as nonperforming if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due. This policy could cause our revenues to vary significantly from period to period. Rental income from minimum lease payments under our leases is recognized on a straight-line basis to the extent that future lease payments are considered collectible. Lease payments that depend on a factor directly related to future use of the property, such as an increase in annual revenues over base year revenues, are considered to be contingent rentals and are included in rental income when they are determinable and earned.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include our accounts, the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the accounts of joint ventures in which we own a majority voting interest with the ability to control operations and where no substantive participating rights or substantive kick-out rights have been granted to the noncontrolling interests. In addition, we consolidate a legal entity deemed to be a variable interest entity (“VIE”) when we determine that we are the VIE’s primary beneficiary. All material inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance for our arrangements with VIEs which requires us to identify entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights and to determine which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. A VIE is broadly defined as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity’s activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. We may change our assessment of a VIE due to events such as modifications of contractual arrangements that affect the characteristics or adequacy of the entity’s equity investments at risk and the disposal of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.
Real Estate Properties
Real property we develop is recorded at cost, including the capitalization of interest during construction. The cost of real property investments we acquire is allocated to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities based on their relative fair values. We make estimates as part of our allocation of the purchase price of acquisitions to the various components of the acquisition based upon the fair value of each component. For properties acquired in transactions accounted for as asset purchases, the purchase price, which includes transaction costs, is allocated based on the relative fair values of the assets and liabilities acquired. Cost includes the amount of contingent consideration, if any, deemed to be probable at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration is deemed to be probable to the extent that a significant reversal in amounts recognized is not likely to occur when the uncertainty associated with the contingent consideration is subsequently resolved. The most significant components of our allocations are typically the allocation of fair value to land, equipment, buildings and other improvements, and intangible assets and liabilities, if any. Our estimates of the values of these components will affect the amount of depreciation and amortization we record over the estimated useful life of the property acquired or the remaining lease term.
Investment Highlights
Since January 1, 2020, we have completed or announced the following real estate and note investments ($ in thousands):
Date Properties Asset Class Amount
Real Estate Investments
Bickford Senior Living January 2020 1 SHO $ 15,100
Life Care Services January 2020 1 SHO 134,892
Autumn Trace May 2020 2 SHO 14,250
41 Management September 2020 1 SHO 12,300
Note Investments
Timber Ridge OpCo January 2020 1 SHO 5,000
Bickford Senior Living February 2020 1 SHO 4,000
Bickford Senior Living June 2020 1 SHO 14,200
Watermark Retirement June 2020 2 SHO 5,000
41 Management November 2020 1 SHO 22,200
$ 226,942
Bickford
On January 27, 2020, we acquired a 60-unit assisted living/memory care facility located in Shelby, Michigan, from Bickford. The acquisition price was $15,100,000, including $100,000 in closing costs, and the cancellation of an outstanding construction note receivable of $14,091,000, including interest. We added the facility to an existing master lease for a term of twelve years at an initial lease rate of 8%, with CPI escalators subject to a floor and ceiling.
On February 21, 2020, we sold to Bickford two assisted living properties previously classified as held-for-sale in exchange for a term note of $4,000,000.
On June 30, 2020, we entered into a $14,200,000 construction loan agreement with Bickford to construct a 64-unit assisted living facility in Virginia, of which $1,918,000 was funded as of December 31, 2020.
Life Care Services
On January 31, 2020 we acquired an 80% equity interest in a property company, NHI-LCS JV I, LLC (“Timber Ridge PropCo”), which owns a 401-unit CCRC located in Issaquah, Washington comprising 330 independent living units, 26 assisted living/memory care units and 45 skilled nursing beds. The same transaction conveyed to NHI a 25% equity interest in the newly formed operating company, Timber Ridge OpCo, LLC (“Timber Ridge OpCo”).
Total consideration for NHI’s interests in the combined venture was $124,989,000, comprised of the $59,350,000 remaining balance of a mortgage note initially funded in 2015, an additional loan of $21,650,000, and cash of $43,114,000 to Timber Ridge PropCo and $875,000 to Timber Ridge OpCo. Total debt due from Timber Ridge PropCo of $81,000,000, which is eliminated upon consolidation, bears interest to NHI at 5.75%. LCS Timber Ridge LLC (“LCS”) paid $10,778,000 for its 20% equity stake in Timber Ridge PropCo and provided $2,625,000 for a 75% equity participation in Timber Ridge OpCo. To
provide working capital in support of the CCRC’s entry-fee model, NHI agreed to supply a revolving line of credit permitting draws up to a maximum of $5,000,000.
The lease between Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo carries a rate of 6.75% for an initial term of seven years plus renewal options and has a CPI-based lease escalator, subject to floor and ceiling. Including interest payments on debt to NHI and our lease participation in the Timber Ridge PropCo, as detailed above, we received approximately $7,532,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020. NHI’s contribution was allocated to our interest in the tangible assets of Timber Ridge PropCo with no material fair value allocated to Timber Ridge OpCo beyond our initial investment. The lease between Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo includes an “earn out” provision whereby Timber Ridge OpCo could become eligible for a payment of $10,000,000 based on the attainment of certain operating metrics.
Our investment in Timber Ridge OpCo was structured to be compliant with the provisions of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 ("RIDEA") which permits us to receive rent payments through a triple-net lease between Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo and is designed to give us the opportunity to capture additional value on the improving performance of the operating company through distributions from the TRS. Accordingly, the TRS holds our 25% equity interest in Timber Ridge OpCo in order to provide an organizational structure that will allow the TRS to engage in a broad range of activities and share in cash flows that would otherwise be non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests.
Timber Ridge OpCo’s activities are managed through an "eligible independent contractor" subject to the oversight of Timber Ridge OpCo’s executive board. This organizational structure meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code regulations for TRS entities. LCS is the managing member of Timber Ridge OpCo, although we have retained specific non-controlling rights. As a result of LCS’s retention of operations oversight and control over all day-to-day business matters, our participating influence at Timber Ridge OpCo does not amount to control of the entity.
Timber Ridge OpCo meets the criteria to be considered a variable interest entity based on ASC Topic 810, Consolidation. However, we are not the primary beneficiary of Timber Ridge OpCo as our participating rights do not give us the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Timber Ridge OpCo’s economic performance. As a result, we report our investment in Timber Ridge OpCo under the equity method of accounting as prescribed by ASC Topic 970, Real Estate - General, Subtopic 323-30 Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Our equity share in the losses of Timber Ridge OpCo during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $3,126,000 and was recorded as a reduction in our carrying value of Timber Ridge OpCo. As of December 31, 2020, we have recognized our share of Timber Ridge OpCo’s operating losses in excess of our initial investment as a result of the Company’s outstanding commitment to fund an additional $5,000,000 under a revolving credit facility. These cumulative losses in excess of our basis of $2,250,000 are included in the line item “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Autumn Trace
On May 1, 2020, we acquired two senior housing facilities each with 44 assisted living units for a total purchase price of $14,250,000, including $150,000 in closing costs. The facilities are located in Indiana and are leased to Autumn Trace Senior Communities, which is a new operator relationship for NHI. The 15-year master lease has an initial lease rate of 7.25% with fixed annual escalators of 2.25% and offers two optional extensions of five years each. NHI was also granted a purchase option on a newly opened Indiana facility.
Watermark Retirement
On June 12, 2020, we provided a $5,000,000 loan commitment to Watermark Retirement to provide working capital liquidity in connection with the renewal of an existing lease on two continuing care retirement communities.
41 Management
On September 30, 2020, we acquired a 43-unit assisted living and memory care facility located in Bellevue, Wisconsin, from 41 Management. The acquisition price was $12,300,000 and included the full payment of an outstanding mortgage loan of $3,870,000, plus accrued interest. The property is leased to an affiliate of 41 Management pursuant to a 15-year master lease that has an initial lease rate of 7.5% with fixed annual escalators of 2.5% and offers two optional extensions of five years each.
On November 24, 2020, we committed to providing first mortgage financing to 41 Management, LLC for up to $22,200,000 to construct, a 110-unit independent living, assisted living and memory care community in Sussex, Wisconsin. The approximate four year loan has an annual interest rate of 8.5% and two one year extensions. The agreement includes a purchase option,
effective upon stabilization of the facility. Additional security on the loan includes personal and corporate guarantees and the funding of a $4,900,000 working capital escrow. The total amount funded on the note was $4,040,000 as of December 31, 2020.
Notes Receivable Repayments
On July 31, 2020, Senior Living Communities repaid two fully drawn mezzanine loans of $12,000,000 and $2,000,000, respectively. The purpose of the mezzanine loans were to partially fund construction of a 186-unit senior living campus on Daniel Island in South Carolina, which opened in April 2018. The loans bore interest, payable monthly, at a 10% annual rate.
On September 30, 2020, Evolve repaid a fully drawn mortgage loan of $10,000,000, including accrued interest. The loan bore interest, payable monthly, at an 8% annual rate.
Asset Dispositions
As of December 31, 2019, we classified a portfolio of eight assisted living properties located in Arizona (4), Tennessee (3) and South Carolina (1) as held for sale, after the current tenant, Brookdale Senior Living, expressed an intention to exercise its purchase option on the properties. The purchase option called for the parties to split any appreciation on a 50/50 basis above $37,520,000. During the first quarter of 2020, NHI and the tenant agreed to a fair valuation of $41,000,000 for the properties, and, accordingly, on January 22, 2020, we disposed of the properties at the agreed price of $39,260,000. We recognized rental income from this portfolio of $229,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $4,250,000 for both of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
On February 21, 2020, we disposed of two assisted living properties previously classified as held-for-sale in exchange for a term note of $4,000,000 from the buyer, Bickford. The note, which is due February 2025 and bears interest at 7%, began amortizing on a 25-year basis in January 2021. In January 2019, we classified these properties as held-for-sale, recorded an adjustment to lease revenues to write off the associated $124,000 in straight-line receivables and recognized an impairment loss of $2,500,000 to write down the properties to their estimated net realizable value.
Tenant Purchase Options
Certain of our leases contain purchase options allowing tenants to acquire the leased properties. For options open or coming open in the near future, we are engaged in preliminary negotiations to continue as lessor or in some other capacity.
A summary of these tenant options, excluding properties classified as held for sale, is presented below ($ in thousands):
Asset Number of Lease 1st Option Option Contractual
Type Properties Expiration Open Year Basis Rent
SHO 3 December 2021 Open iii $ 1,324
MOB 1 February 2025 Open i $ 312
HOSP 1 March 2025 Open iv $ 2,016
HOSP1
1 September 2027 Open iv $ 2,815
HOSP 1 June 2022 2022 i $ 3,544
SNF 7 August 2028 2025 iii $ 3,638
SHO 2 May 2035 2027 iv $ 5,348
SNF 1 September 2028 2028 iii $ 482
1 In January 2021, we received notification of tenant’s intention to exercise its purchase option on the property in July 2021 for approximately $26,375,000.
Tenant purchase options generally give the lessee an option to purchase the underlying property for consideration determined by (i) greater of fixed base price or fair market value; (ii) a fixed base price plus a specified share in any appreciation; (iii) fixed base price; or (iv) a fixed capitalization rate on lease revenue.
We cannot reasonably estimate at this time the probability that these purchase options will be exercised in the future. Consideration to be received from the exercise of any tenant purchase option is expected to exceed our net investment in the leased property or properties.
Other
Our leases are typically structured as “triple net leases” on single-tenant properties having an initial leasehold term of 10 to 15 years with one or more 5-year renewal options. As such, there may be reporting periods in which we experience few, if any, lease renewals or expirations. There were no material renewing or expiring leases during 2020 that did not renew.
Most of our existing leases contain annual escalators in rent payments. For financial statement purposes, rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Certain of our operators hold purchase options allowing them to acquire properties they currently lease from NHI. Typically, for options open or coming open in the short term, we are engaged in negotiations to continue as lessor or in some other capacity.
Tenant Concentration
As discussed in more detail in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, we have four lessees (including their affiliated entities, which are the legal tenants) from whom we individually derive at least 10% and collectively 53% of our rental income.
The following table summarizes the average portfolio occupancy for Senior Living Communities, Bickford and Holiday for the periods indicated, excluding development properties in operation less than 24 months, notes receivable, and properties transitioned to new operators or disposed. NHC is a publicly traded company and we do not report specific occupancy information from them.
Properties 4Q19 1Q20 2Q20 3Q20 4Q20 December 2020 January 2021
SLC 9 80.4% 80.3% 79.1% 79.0% 77.3% 76.2% 77.3%
Bickford 47 86.3% 85.2% 82.5% 81.7% 78.9% 76.7% 75.6%
Holiday 26 87.0% 87.3% 83.5% 79.6% 77.2% 76.8% 75.3%
Tenant Monitoring
Our operators report to us the results of their operations on a periodic basis, which we in turn subject to further analysis as a means of monitoring potential concerns within our portfolio. We have identified EBITDARM (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, rent and management fees) as a primary performance measure for our tenants, based on results they have reported to us. We believe EBITDARM is useful in our most fundamental analyses, as it is a property-level measure of our operators’ success, by eliminating the effects of the operator’s method of acquiring the use of its assets (interest and rent), its non-cash expenses (depreciation and amortization), expenses that are dependent on its level of success (income taxes), and also excluding the effect of the operator’s payment of its management fees, as typically those fees are contractually subordinate to our lease payment. For operators of our entrance-fee communities, our calculation of EBITDARM includes other cash flow adjustments typical of the industry which may include, but are not limited to, net cash flows from entrance fees; amortization of deferred entrance fees; adjustments for tenant rent obligations, depreciation and amortization; and management fee true-ups. The eliminations and adjustments reflect covenants in our leases and provide a comparable basis for assessing our various relationships.
We believe that EBITDARM is a useful way to analyze the cash potential of a group of assets. From EBITDARM we calculate a coverage ratio (EBITDARM/Cash Rent), measuring the ability of the operator to meet its monthly obligation. In addition to EBITDARM and the coverage ratio, we rely on a careful balance sheet analysis, and other analytical procedures to help us identify potential areas of concern relative to our operators’ ability to generate sufficient liquidity to meet their obligations, including their obligation to continue to pay the amount due to us. Typical among our operators is a varying lag in reporting to us the results of their operations. Across our portfolio, however, our operators report their results, typically within either 30 or 45 days and at the latest, within 90 days of month’s end. For computational purposes, we exclude development and lease-up properties that have been in operation less than 24 months and selected immaterial properties identified in 2019 as available for sale and subsequently sold in the first quarter of 2020. For stabilized acquisitions in the portfolio less than 24 months and renewing leases with changes in scheduled rent, we include pro forma cash rent. Same-store portfolio coverage excludes properties that have transitioned operators in past 24 months.
The results of our coverage ratio analysis are presented in the tables below on a trailing twelve-month basis, as of September 30, 2020 and 2019 (the most recent periods available). The tables exclude mortgages and other notes receivable, transitioned properties leased pursuant to cash flow-based leases, and development and lease up properties in operation less
than 24 months. The tables include pro forma rents for stabilized acquisitions in the portfolio less than 24 months. Same-store portfolio coverage excludes properties that have transitioned operators in past 24 months.
Total Portfolio
SHO SNF HOSP MOB TOTAL
Properties 135 74 3 2 214
3Q19 1.19x 2.74x 2.01x 6.49x 1.67x
3Q20 1.12x 2.94x 2.33x 7.05x 1.69x
Need Driven Need Driven excl. Bickford Discretionary Discretionary excl. SLC & Holiday Medical Medical excl. NHC
Properties 96 49 39 4 79 37
3Q19 1.10x 1.15x 1.27x 1.86x 2.70x 1.95x
3Q20 1.04x 1.06x 1.20x 1.65x 2.91x 2.23x
NHC1
SLC Bickford Holiday
Properties 42 9 47 26
3Q19 3.69x 1.10x 1.06x 1.21x
3Q20 3.84x 1.08x 1.01x 1.14x
Same-Store Portfolio
SHO SNF HOSP MOB Total
Properties 127 74 2 2 205
3Q19 1.19x 2.74x 1.63x 6.49x 1.67x
3Q20 1.11x 2.94x 1.49x 7.05x 1.67x
Need Driven Need Driven excl. Bickford Discretionary Discretionary excl. SLC & Holiday Medical Medical excl. NHC
Properties 89 42 38 3 78 36
3Q19 1.11x 1.15x 1.27x 1.91x 2.70x 1.90x
3Q20 1.02x 1.03x 1.20x 1.71x 2.88x 2.13x
NHC 1
SLC Bickford Holiday
Properties 42 9 47 26
3Q19 3.69x 1.10x 1.06x 1.21x
3Q20 3.84x 1.08x 1.01x 1.14x
1 NHC based on corporate-level Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio and includes 3 independent living facilities.
These results include any amounts received and recognized by the operators from the HHS CARES Act Provider Relief Fund but do not include any funds received under the Paycheck Protection Program. Our operators may not consistently account for any pandemic relief funds received which can impact comparability among operators and across periods.
Fluctuations in portfolio coverage are a result of market and economic trends, local market competition, and regulatory factors as well as the operational success of our tenants. We use the results of individual leases to inform our decision making with respect to specific tenants, but trends described above by property type and operator bear analysis. Our senior housing portfolio shows a decline brought about primarily by a softening in occupancy and lower net entrance-fees within particular
markets, as well as rising wage pressures. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. has further softened coverage for these operators as well as across our portfolio. For many of the affected operators, as is typical of our portfolio in general, NHI has security deposit escrows in place and/or corporate guarantees should actual cash rental shortfalls eventually materialize. In certain instances, our operators may increase their security deposits with us in an amount equal to the coverage shortfall, and, upon subsequent compliance with the required lease coverage ratio, the operator would then be entitled to a full refund. The sufficiency of credit enhancements (e.g. tenant deposits and guarantees) as a protection against economic downturn will be a focus as the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue. The metrics presented in the tables above give no effect to the presence of these security deposit escrows. Each MOB’s coverage is driven by the underlying performance of its on-campus hospital as the tenant or guarantor under the lease. As a result, it is typical for MOB operations to have large fluctuations in coverage resulting from hospital operations.
Other Portfolio Activity
Tenant Transitioning
Nine properties were transitioned during 2019 to five new tenants following a period of non-compliance by the former operators. Two leases with the new tenants for six of these properties specify periods during which rental income is based on operating income, net of management fees. We recognized rental income from these nine properties for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 of $4,593,000 and $3,643,000, respectively. No properties were transitioned during 2020.
The following table summarizes the transition properties during the year ended December 31, 2020:
Occupancy1
Facility Name (New Tenant) Units State December 2019 March 2020 June 2020 September 2020 December 2020
Discovery Commons of College Park 148 IN 15.5% 16.0% 14.2% 13.8% 15.7%
The Charlotte (SLC) 99 NC 20.8% 28.5% 34.8% 38.9% 42.9%
Maybelle Carter (Vitality) 135 TN 80.1% 82.2% 77.3% 76.8% 73.1%
Chancellor TX-IL portfolio 196 IL/TX 65.9% 67.1% 57.2% 54.4% 53.7%
Beaver Dam Assisted Living (BAKA) 120 WI 66.9% 68.3% 61.7% 61.8% 60.4%
698 51.7% 53.9% 49.6% 49.2% 49.0%
1 Monthly Average
Real Estate and Mortgage Write-downs
In addition to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, our borrowers and tenants experience periods of significant financial pressures and difficulties similar to those encountered by other health care providers. Our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2020 do not reflect any significant impairment of our long-lived assets as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic or other factors. We have no significant intangible assets currently recorded on our balance sheet for the year ended December 31, 2020 that would require assessment for impairment. In 2019, we recognized an impairment loss of $2,500,000 to write down properties to their estimated net realizable value.
In July 2020, Quorum Health Corporation (“Quorum”) completed a Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. As a result, NHI wrote off straight-line rent receivable under the lease of $380,000 in the first quarter of 2020 and began recognizing revenues under the lease as cash is received. Quorum continues to operate the hospital while timely paying its rent under the lease, which totaled $3,523,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Effective January 1, 2020, we adopted ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses, which broadened the information we must consider in developing our expected credit loss estimates to include forecasted economic information in addition to our historical experience. We have established a reserve for estimated credit losses of $4,946,000 and a liability of $270,000 for estimated credit losses on unfunded loan commitments as of December 31, 2020. We evaluate the reserves for estimated credit losses each reporting period and make adjustments based on current circumstances as considered necessary.
We believe that the carrying amounts of our real estate properties are recoverable and that mortgage and other notes receivable are realizable and supported by the value of the underlying collateral. However, it is possible that future events could require us to make significant adjustments to these carrying amounts.
Results of Operations
The significant items affecting revenues and expenses are described below ($ in thousands):
Years Ended
December 31, Period Change
2020 2019 $ %
Revenues:
Rental income
CCRC leased to Timber Ridge OpCo $ 8,346 $ - $ 8,346 NM
SHOs leased to Discovery Senior Living 11,073 8,370 2,703 32.3 %
ALFs leased to 41 Management 2,097 68 2,029 NM
SNF leased to Ignite Team Partners 1,492 - 1,492 NM
EFCs leased to Senior Living Communities 43,440 41,993 1,447 3.4 %
ALFs lease to Comfort Care Senior Living 3,104 2,377 727 30.6 %
ALFs leased to Autumn Trace Communities 689 - 689 NM
ALFs leased to Bickford Senior Living 43,795 46,749 (2,954) (6.3) %
Other new and existing leases 162,801 161,967 834 0.5 %
Current year disposals 307 4,776 (4,469) (93.6) %
277,144 266,300 10,844 4.1 %
Straight-line rent adjustments, new and existing leases 20,411 22,084 (1,673) (7.6) %
Escrow funds received from tenants for property operating expenses 9,653 5,798 3,855 66.5 %
Total Rental Income 307,208 294,182 13,026 4.4 %
Interest income from mortgage and other notes
Bickford construction loans 2,758 1,353 1,405 NM
41 Management construction loans 750 172 578 NM
Discovery Senior Living mortgage and other notes 482 154 328 NM
Mortgage loan payoffs 2,946 3,166 (220) (6.9) %
Life Care Services mortgages and construction loans 11,438 12,113 (675) (5.6) %
Other existing mortgages and notes 6,647 6,740 (93) (1.4) %
Total Interest Income from Mortgage and Other Notes 25,021 23,698 1,323 5.6 %
Other income 582 201 381 NM
Total Revenue 332,811 318,081 14,730 4.6 %
Expenses:
Depreciation
CCRC leased to Timber Ridge OpCo 3,436 - 3,436 NM
SHOs leased to Discovery Senior Living 5,525 4,026 1,499 37.2 %
ALFs leased to 41 Management 765 106 659 NM
SNF leased to Ignite Team Partners 445 - 445 NM
Other new and existing assets 72,979 72,684 295 0.4 %
Total Depreciation 83,150 76,816 6,334 8.2 %
Interest 52,882 56,299 (3,417) (6.1) %
Payroll and related compensation expenses 6,198 5,812 386 6.6 %
Non-cash share-based compensation expense 3,061 3,646 (585) (16.0) %
Loan and realty losses 991 2,440 (1,449) (59.4) %
Taxes and insurance on leased properties 9,653 5,798 3,855 66.5 %
Other expenses 5,831 5,998 (167) (2.8) %
161,766 156,809 4,957 3.2 %
Loss on early retirement of debt (3,924) (823) (3,101) NM
Loss from equity method investment (3,126) - (3,126) NM
Gains on sales of real estate 21,316 - 21,316 NM
Net income 185,311 160,449 24,862 15.5 %
Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (185) 7 (192) NM
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 185,126 $ 160,456 $ 24,670 15.4 %
NM - not meaningful
Financial highlights of the year ended December 31, 2020, compared to 2019 were as follows:
•Rental income received from our tenants increased $13,026,000, or 4.4%, primarily as a result of new investments funded since December 2019, net of rent concessions granted in 2020 totaling $6,972,000.
•Funds received for reimbursement of property operating expenses total $9,653,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020, and are reflected as a component of rental income. These property operating expenses are recognized in operating expenses in the line item “Taxes and insurance on lease properties.” The increase in the reimbursement income and corresponding property expenses is the result of additional amounts received from tenants and expenses paid on their behalf.
•Rental income includes a $1,673,000 decrease in straight-line rent adjustments based on the timing and volume of entering into new leases and the overall rate of increase in existing leases.
•Interest income from mortgage and other notes increased $1,323,000, primarily due to interest income received on loans to Bickford Senior Living, 41 Management and Discovery Senior Living net of note payoffs during 2020.
•Depreciation expense increased $6,334,000 primarily due to new real estate investments completed since December 2019.
•Interest expense decreased $3,417,000 primarily as a result of $210,000,000 notional amount of fixed rate swaps that matured in June 2020 that relate to the unsecured credit facility and the payoff of the HUD mortgages discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, as well as the decrease in our LIBOR reference rate on our unswapped variable rate debt.
•Loan and realty losses include $2,500,000 in write-downs recognized in 2019 related to two facilities classified as held for sale and subsequently sold in the first quarter of 2020. Loan and realty losses recorded in 2020 relate to adjustments made to our estimate of expected credit losses.
•Loss on early retirement of debt in 2020 represents the prepayment fee of $1,619,000 and unamortized discount and deferred financing cost of $1,172,000 and $1,133,000, respectively, recognized on the repayment of ten HUD mortgages loans in 2020. The prior year amount represents the loss recognized upon the repayment of $60,000,000 of the convertible notes.
•During 2020, we recorded $3,126,000 as our equity share in the losses of Timber Ridge OpCo as described in Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.
•During 2020, we recorded $21,316,000 in gains from the disposition of real estate assets as described under the heading “Asset Dispositions” in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
•The following table summarizes our real estate under lease to transitioning tenants ($ in thousands):
Years Ended
December 31, Period Change
2020 2019 $ %
Revenues:
Rental income
SHOs leased to Chancellor Health Care $ 850 $ 1,162 $ (312) (26.9) %
SHO leased to Senior Living Communities 166 - 166 NM
SHO leased to Discovery Senior Living 62 - 62 NM
SLC leased to Vitality Senior Living 273 172 101 58.7 %
ALF leased to BAKA Enterprises1
780 1,075 (295) (27.4) %
Straight-line rent adjustments 2,462 1,234 1,228 99.5 %
Total Revenues 4,593 3,643 950 26.1 %
Expenses:
Depreciation
SHOs leased to Chancellor Health Care 1,623 1,623 - - %
SHO leased to Senior Living Communities 617 527 90 17.1 %
SHO leased to Discovery Senior Living 686 684 2 0.3 %
SLC leased to Vitality Senior Living 631 616 15 2.4 %
ALF leased to BAKA Enterprises 539 581 (42) (7.2) %
Total Depreciation 4,096 4,031 65 1.6 %
Legal (16) 491 (507) NM
Franchise, excise and other taxes - 660 (660) (100.0) %
4,080 5,182 (1,102) (21.3) %
Net income (loss) $ 513 $ (1,539) $ 2,052 NM
1 includes $625,000 received during 2019 as a settlement payment
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At December 31, 2020, we had $252,000,000 available to draw on our revolving credit facility, $43,344,000 in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents, and the potential to access capital through the issuance of common stock under the Company’s $500,000,000 ATM equity program. In addition, the Company maintains an effective automatic shelf registration statement through which capital could be raised via the issuance of debt and or equity securities.
In July 2020, we entered into a new one-year $100,000,000 term loan bearing interest at a rate of 30-day LIBOR (with a 50 basis point floor) plus 185 basis points, based on our current leverage ratios. The proceeds from this loan were used to repay amounts outstanding on the unsecured revolving credit facility. The term loan was subsequently repaid in January 2021.
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we issued 535,990 common shares through the ATM program with an average price of $66.30, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $34,649,000 initially used to pay down our revolving credit facility. During the year ended December 31, 2019, 1,209,522 common shares were issued for $95,774,000 in net proceeds. We intend to use the proceeds from any further activity under the ATM program for general corporate purposes, which may include future acquisitions and repayment of indebtedness, including borrowings under our credit facility.
On October 30 and November 2, 2020, the Company repaid ten HUD mortgage loans with a combined balance of $42,629,000, plus accrued interest of $157,000 and a prepayment fee of $1,619,000. The HUD mortgage loans were secured by ten properties leased to Bickford with a net book value of $47,436,000. Nine of the mortgage notes required monthly payments of principal and interest from 4.3% to 4.4% (inclusive of mortgage insurance premiums) with maturities in August and October 2049. One additional HUD mortgage loan assumed in 2014 at a discount, required monthly payments of principal and interest of 2.9% (inclusive of mortgage insurance premium) and had an original maturity of October 2047.
On January 26, 2021, we issued $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.00% senior notes that mature on February 1, 2031 and pay interest semi-annually (the “2031 Senior Notes”). The 2031 Senior Notes were sold at an issue price of 99.196% of face value before the underwriters’ discount. Our net proceeds from the 2031 Senior Notes offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and expenses, were approximately $392,431,000. We used the net proceeds from the 2031 Senior Notes offering to repay our $100,000,000 term loan and reduce borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
Sources and Uses of Funds
Our primary sources of cash include rent payments, principal and interest payments on mortgage and other notes receivable, proceeds from the sales of real property, net proceeds from offerings of equity securities and borrowings from our loans and revolving credit facility. Our primary uses of cash include debt service payments (both principal and interest), new investments in real estate and notes receivable, dividend distributions to our stockholders and general corporate overhead.
These sources and uses of cash are reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as summarized below ($ in thousands):
Year Ended One Year Change Year Ended One Year Change
12/31/2020 12/31/2019 $ % 12/31/2018 $ %
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, January 1 $ 15,669 $ 9,912 $ 5,757 NM 8,075 $ 1,837 22.7 %
Net cash provided by operating activities 232,148 240,955 (8,807) (3.7) % 207,869 33,086 15.9 %
Net cash used in investing activities (89,712) (342,521) 252,809 (73.8) % (250,290) (92,231) 36.8 %
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (111,762) 107,323 (219,085) NM 44,258 63,065 NM
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, December 31 $ 46,343 $ 15,669 $ 30,674 NM 9,912 $ 5,757 58.1 %
Operating Activities - Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 was favorably impacted by the collection of lease and interest payments on new real estate and note investments completed during 2020 and 2019. Working capital changes contributed an additional $19,271,000 to operating cash flow in 2019 that included approximately $17,125,000 in cash receipts in settlement of a Holiday receivable, charged to deferred revenues and straight line rent receivables related to the Holiday restructure.
Investing Activities - Net cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 were comprised primarily of $175,080,000 of investments in real estate and notes, and was partially offset by the collection of principal on mortgage and other notes receivable of $46,612,000 and $39,631,000 in net proceeds from the disposition of real estate assets. Net cash flows used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2019 were comprised primarily of $345,418,000 of investments in real estate and notes, which were partially offset by collection of notes receivable.
Financing Activities - Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 is primarily the result of a $118,000,000 decrease in net borrowings, inclusive of the $100,000,000 term loan in 2020, a $61,125,000 decrease in proceeds from issuance of common shares and dividend payments which increased $14,845,000 over the same period in 2019.
Debt Obligations
As of December 31, 2020, we had outstanding debt of $1,499,285,000. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information about our outstanding indebtedness. Also, reference “Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” for more details on our indebtedness and the impact of interest rate risk.
Unsecured Bank Credit Facility - Our bank credit facility derives from the Credit Agreement dated as of August 3, 2017 (the “2017 Agreement”), and two Term Loan Agreements dated as of September 17, 2018 (the “2018 Agreement”) and July 9, 2020 (the “2020 Agreement”). Together these agreements establish our unsecured $1,200,000,000 bank credit facility, which consists of three term loans -$100,000,000 maturing in July 2021, $250,000,000 maturing in August 2022 and $300,000,000 maturing in September 2023 - and a $550,000,000 revolving credit facility that matures in August 2021 with a one year extension option available after payment of a 10 basis point extension fee. The $100,000,000 term loan was repaid in January 2021 with the proceeds from the 2031 Senior Notes previously described.
The revolving facility fee is currently 20 basis points per annum, and based on our current leverage ratios, the facility presently provides for floating interest on the revolver and the term loans at 30-day LIBOR plus 120 basis points and a blended 132 basis points, respectively. At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 30-day LIBOR was 14 basis points and 176 basis points, respectively. Through June 2020, the Company utilized $610,000,000 in interest rate swaps, designated as cash flow hedges, to fix the variable interest rate on the amounts outstanding on our term loans and revolving credit facility. On June 29 and 30, 2020, $80,000,000 and $130,000,000 of these hedges expired, respectively. As of December 31, 2020, we had $548,000,000 of outstanding variable rate debt exposed to interest rate risk through December 2021, at which time our remaining hedges expire. Our swaps and the financial instruments to which they relate are described in the table below, under the caption “Interest Rate Swap Agreements.” The current interest spreads and facility fee reflect our leverage-ratio compliance based on the applicable margin for LIBOR loans, measuring debt to “Total Asset Value,” at Level 3 in the Interest Rate Schedule provided below in summary format:
Interest Rate Schedule
LIBOR Margin
Level Leverage Ratio Revolver $300m Term Loan $250m Term Loan $100m Term Loan Revolver Facility Fee
1 < 0.35 1.10% 1.20% 1.25% 1.75% 0.15%
2 ≥ 0.35 & < 0.40 1.15% 1.25% 1.30% 1.80% 0.20%
3 ≥ 0.40 & < 0.45 1.20% 1.30% 1.35% 1.85% 0.20%
4 ≥ 0.45 & < 0.50 1.25% 1.40% 1.45% 1.95% 0.25%
Beyond the applicable ratios detailed above, increasing levels of leverage (not shown) will subject our debt to defined increases in interest rates and fees.
The 2017 Agreement requires that we calculate specified financial statement metrics and meet or exceed a variety of financial ratios, which are usual and customary in nature. These ratios are calculated quarterly and as of December 31, 2020, were within required limits. The calculation of our leverage ratio involves intermediate determinations of our “total indebtedness” and of our “total asset value,” as defined in the 2017 agreement. As discussed below in connection with our leverage-based LIBOR Margin schedule, under provisions of which we are given credit for collateral based on cash rental revenue (capitalized at standard rates based on asset class), if we experience significant declines in rent collections, we could shift to Level 4 or beyond, resulting in significant additional interest expense.
The 2020 and 2018 Agreements generally include the same covenants and financial statement metrics required for compliance with terms of the 2017 Agreement. Although we are currently eligible under the term loan agreements to transact in our unsecured bank credit facilities at the respective scheduled rates represented by Level 3, the movement of our leverage ratio into Level 4 at current levels of debt would result in additional annual interest charges of $1,074,000, assuming an average revolver balance of approximately $298,000,000. Further movement of our leverage ratio beyond levels currently contemplated
by management would be subject to escalating increases in interest. If, in addition to changes in the leverage ratio, certain qualitative indicators of our risk profile were to materially change, further interest-rate escalations may result.
We remain in compliance with all debt covenants under the unsecured bank credit facility and other debt agreements.
Convertible Senior Notes - As of December 31, 2020, our $60,000,000 of senior unsecured convertible notes were convertible at a rate of 14.95 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, representing a conversion price of approximately $66.89 per share for a total of 896,994 shares. For the year ended December 31, 2020, there was no dilution resulting from the conversion option within our convertible debt. If NHI’s current share price increases above the adjusted $66.89 conversion price, dilution may become attributable to the conversion feature. At December 31, 2020, the face amount of the convertible debt exceeded its value on conversion, when value on conversion was computed as if the debt were immediately eligible to convert.
Effective October 1, 2020, the conversion feature was generally available to noteholders. The notes are “optional net-share settlement” instruments, allowing NHI the option to settle the principal amount of the indebtedness in cash and common stock for any excess. The amounts and timing of conversions will depend on prevailing market conditions, liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.
When we take on new debt or when we modify or replace existing debt, we incur debt issuance costs. These costs are subject to amortization over the term of the new debt instrument and may result in the write-off of fees associated with debt which has been replaced or modified. Sustaining long-term dividend growth will require that we consider all sources of capital mentioned above, with the goal of maintaining a low-leverage balance sheet and staggered debt maturities as mitigation against potential adverse changes in the business of our industry, tenants and borrowers.
Debt Maturities - Reference Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for more information on our debt maturities.
Credit Ratings - Moody's announced on November 5, 2020 that it assigned an investment grade issuer credit rating and a senior unsecured debt rating of Baa3 with a “Negative” outlook to the Company. Both Fitch and S&P Global announced in November 2019 a public issuer credit rating of BBB- with an outlook of “Stable”. Fitch confirmed its rating most recently on September 30, 2020 and S&P Global confirmed its rating on November 4, 2020. Our unsecured bank credit facility includes an option to shift from the leverage-based LIBOR margin schedule in the table above to a ratings-based LIBOR margin schedule. Shifting to a ratings-based LIBOR margin schedule potentially reduces volatility of our interest cost during periods of time when our leverage may fluctuate modestly. Our decision to move to a ratings-based LIBOR margin schedule will be based on several factors including the relative cost of the ratings-based versus leverage-based LIBOR margin schedules and our desire to have a more stable interest cost if our leverage modestly changes as compared to the existing leverage-based LIBOR margin schedule. Our unsecured private placement term loan agreements include a rate increase provision that is effective if any rating agency lowers our credit rating below investment grade and our compliance leverage increases to 50% or more.
Reference Rate Reform - LIBOR is scheduled for discontinuation by December 2021. In the United States, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a group convened by the Federal Reserve Board and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York has identified the Secured Overnight Financing Rate as its preferred alternative rate for USD LIBOR. The Company continues to monitor the establishment of a new replacement index with the assistance of its banking advisors. We may choose not to hedge any more of our LIBOR positions for the relatively short duration remaining during which LIBOR may be referenced.
If a suitable replacement to LIBOR is not identified, bank facilities provide for rate alternatives which have historically been disadvantageous. Upon the discontinuation of LIBOR, the imposition of a new index rate may materially change interest expense and the credit spread, relative to that determined under the Company’s original pricing structure. Upon the issuance of the 2031 Senior Notes, the company has reduced its LIBOR based financial instruments.
Debt Metrics - We believe that our fixed charge coverage ratio, which is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, including amounts in discontinued operations, excluding real estate asset impairments and gains on dispositions) to fixed charges (interest expense at contractual rates net of capitalized interest and principal payments on debt), and the ratio of consolidated net debt to Adjusted EBITDA are meaningful measures of our ability to service our debt. We use these two measures as a useful basis to compare the strength of our balance sheet with those in our peer group. We also believe our balance sheet gives us a competitive advantage when accessing debt markets.
We calculate our fixed charge coverage ratio as approximately 6.0x for the year ended December 31, 2020 (see our discussion below under the heading Adjusted EBITDA including a reconciliation to our net income). Giving effect to our
acquisitions and financings on an annualized basis, our consolidated net debt to Adjusted EBITDA ratio is approximately 4.7x for the year ended December 31, 2020 ($ in thousands):
Consolidated Total Debt $ 1,499,285
Less: cash and cash equivalents (43,344)
Consolidated Net Debt $ 1,455,941
Adjusted EBITDA $ 307,351
Annualized Adjustment 2,066
$ 309,417
Consolidated Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA 4.7 x
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Our existing interest rate swap agreements will collectively continue through December 2021 as a hedge against fluctuations in variable interest rates applicable to $400,000,000 of our bank loans. In June 2020, there were $210,000,000 notional amount of swaps that matured. During the next year, approximately $7,149,000 of losses, which are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)” in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, are projected to be reclassified into earnings.
As of December 31, 2020, we employed the following interest rate swap contracts to mitigate our interest rate risk on our bank term and revolver loans described above ($ in thousands):
Date Entered Maturity Date Swap Rate Rate Index Notional Amount Fair Value (Liability)
March 2019 December 2021 2.22% 1-month LIBOR $ 100,000 $ (2,092)
March 2019 December 2021 2.21% 1-month LIBOR $ 100,000 $ (2,105)
June 2019 December 2021 1.61% 1-month LIBOR $ 150,000 $ (2,210)
June 2019 December 2021 1.63% 1-month LIBOR $ 50,000 $ (743)
For instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative has been reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss), and reclassified into earnings in the same period, or periods, during which the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the derivative representing either hedge ineffectiveness or hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness have been recognized in earnings.
Supplemental Guarantor Financial Information
The Company’s $1,200,000,000 bank credit facility, unsecured private placement term loans due January 2023 through January 2027 with an aggregate principal amount of $400,000,000, and 2031 Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of the Company’s subsidiaries, except for certain excluded subsidiaries (“Guarantors”). The Guarantors are either owned, controlled or are affiliates of the Company.
The following tables present summarized financial information for the Company and the Guarantors, on a combined basis after eliminating (i) intercompany transactions and balances among the guarantor entities and (ii) equity in earnings from, and any investments in, any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor ($ in thousands):
As of
December 31, 2020
Real estate properties, net
$ 2,341,406
Other assets, net
439,193
Note receivable due from non-guarantor subsidiary
81,396
Totals assets
$ 2,861,995
Debt
$ 1,404,632
Other liabilities
95,855
Total liabilities
$ 1,500,487
Noncontrolling interest
$ 531
Year Ended
December 31, 2020
Revenues
$ 300,837
Interest revenue on note due from non-guarantor subsidiary 4,275
Expenses
146,241
Loss from equity method investee (3,126)
Gains on sales of real estate 21,316
Loss on early retirement of debt (3,924)
Net income
$ 173,137
Net income attributable to NHI and the subsidiary guarantors $ 172,954
Equity
At December 31, 2020, we had 45,185,992 shares of common stock outstanding with a market value of $3,125,516,000. Equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheet totaled $1,522,945,000.
Dividends - We manage our business with a goal of increasing the regular annual dividends paid to stockholders. Our Board of Directors approves a regular quarterly dividend which is reflective of expected taxable income on a recurring basis. Our transactions that are infrequent and non-recurring that generate additional taxable income have been distributed to stockholders in the form of special dividends. Taxable income is determined in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and differs from net income for financial statements purposes determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our goal of increasing annual dividends requires a careful balance between identification of high-quality lease and mortgage assets in which to invest and the cost of our capital with which to fund such investments. We consider the competing interests of short and long-term debt (interest rates, maturities and other terms) versus the higher cost of new equity. We accept some level of risk associated with leveraging our investments. We intend to continue to make new investments that meet our underwriting criteria and where the spreads over our cost of equity and debt capital on a leverage neutral basis will generate sufficient returns to our stockholders.
We intend to comply with REIT dividend requirements that we distribute at least 90% of our annual taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2020 and thereafter. Historically, the Company has distributed at least 100% of annual taxable income. Dividends declared for the fourth quarter of each fiscal year are paid by the end of the following January and are, with some exceptions, treated for tax purposes as having been paid in the fiscal year just ended as provided in IRS Code Sec. 857(b)(8).
Our dividends per share for the last three years are as follows:
2020 2019 2018
$ 4.41 $ 4.20 $ 4.00
ATM Equity Program - We maintain an ATM program which allows us to sell our common stock directly into the market. In March 2020 the Company entered into a new ATM equity offering sales agreement pursuant to which the Company may sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate sales price of $500,000,000 of the Company’s common shares through the ATM equity program. The Company terminated its previously existing ATM equity program, dated February 22, 2017, upon entering into the new agreement. During 2020, we issued 535,990 common shares through the ATM program with an average price of $66.30, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $34,649,000. During 2019, we issued 1,209,522 shares under the February 22, 2017 program, with an average price of $80.58 per share, generating net proceeds of approximately $95,774,000.
The following table summarizes the share issuances under our ATM program as of December 31, 2020 ($ in thousands):
Year Shares Weighted Average Share Price Net Proceeds
2019 1,209,522 $ 80.58 $ 95,999
2020 535,990 $ 66.30 35,003
1,745,512 $ 131,002
The table above does not include indirect legal and accounting costs associated with updating and maintaining our shelf registration statement.
Our use of ATM proceeds rebalanced our leverage in response to our acquisitions and keeps our options flexible for further expansion. We anticipate continued use of proceeds from the ATM program for general corporate purposes, which may include future acquisitions and repayment of indebtedness, including borrowings under our credit facility. As we continue to acquire real estate, we will continue to explore various other funding sources including term loans, convertible debt, traditional equity placement, unsecured bonds and senior notes, debt private placement, public debt and secured government agency financing to balance the overall degree of leverage on our portfolio. We view our ATM program as an effective way to match-fund our smaller acquisitions by exercising control over the timing and size of transactions and achieving a more favorable cost of capital as compared to larger follow-on offerings. Acquisitions, if any, whose magnitude would entail an equity match unable to be efficiently sourced through the ATM would likely trigger a prospectus supplement and an overnight or marketed offering of NHI common stock, rather than placement through the ATM.
Shelf Registration Statement - In March 2020, the Company renewed its automatic shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission that allows the Company to offer and sell to the public an unspecified amount of common stock, preferred stock, debt securities, warrants and or units at prices and on terms to be announced when and if such securities are offered. The details of any future offerings, along with the use of proceeds from any securities offered, will be described in a prospectus supplement or other offering materials, at the time of offering. Our shelf registration statement expires March 2023.
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
As part of the Timber Ridge transaction in January 2020, we acquired the property subject to trust liens previously granted to residents of Timber Ridge. Beginning in 2008, the initial residents of Timber Ridge executed loans to the then owner/operators which were backed by a Deed of Trust and Indenture of Trust (the “Deed and Indenture”) for the benefit of the trustee (now Wilmington Trust, N.A., “Trustee”) on behalf of all the residents who made loans to the owner/operator in accordance with a resident agreement. The Deed and Indenture granted a security interest in the Timber Ridge property to secure the loans made by the residents of the property. Subsequent to these early transactions, the repayment obligation with respect to “new” loans made to the owner/operator was no longer secured by the Timber Ridge property under the Deed and Indenture.
Our entry into the Timber Ridge transaction involved the separation of the existing owner/operator configuration into property and operating companies. Accomplishing the split required the allocation of assets and liabilities of the previously unified entity. Timber Ridge PropCo acquired the Timber Ridge property, subject to the resident mortgages secured by the Deed and Indenture. Accordingly, the remaining outstanding “old” loans made by the residents are still secured by a security interest in the Timber Ridge property. The trustee for all of the residents who made “old” loans in accordance with the resident agreements, entered into a subordination agreement concurrent with our acquisition, pursuant to which the Trustee acknowledged and confirmed that the security interests created under the Deed and Indenture were subordinate to any security interests granted in connection with the loan made by NHI to Timber Ridge PropCo.
With the periodic settlement of some of the outstanding resident loans in the normal course of entrance-fee operations, the balance secured by the Deed and Indenture at the date of our acquisition on January 31, 2020 had been reduced to $20,063,000
and was further reduced to $17,155,300 at December 31, 2020. By terms of the resident loan assumption agreement, during the term of the lease (seven years with two renewal options), Timber Ridge OpCo is to indemnify Timber Ridge PropCo for any repayment by Timber Ridge PropCo of these liabilities under the guarantee. As a result of the subordination agreement mentioned above and Timber Ridge OpCo’s indemnity guarantee, a liability was not recorded for the resident loan obligation upon acquisition and as of December 31, 2020.
As described in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, our leases, mortgages and other notes receivable with certain unconsolidated entities represent variable interests in those enterprises. However, because we do not control these entities, nor do we have any role in their day-to-day management, we are not their primary beneficiary and therefore do not consolidate their financial statements. Except as discussed, under Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities, we have no further material obligations arising from our transactions with these entities, and we believe our maximum exposure to loss at December 31, 2020, due to this involvement would be limited to our contractual commitments and contingent liabilities and the amount of our current investments with them, as detailed further in Notes 2, 3, 5 and 7 to the consolidated financial statements.
In March 2014, we issued convertible notes, which have a carrying amount of $60,000,000 as of December 31, 2020 and mature April 1, 2021. For the conversion feature we calculate the dilutive effect using market prices prevailing over the reporting period. Because the dilution calculation is market-driven, and per share guidance we provide is based on diluted amounts, the theoretical effects of the conversion feature result in per share unpredictability.
Effective October 1, 2020, the notes were convertible, however, generally accepted accounting principles require us to periodically report the amount by which the notes’ convertible value exceeds their principal amount, without regard to the current availability of the conversion feature. Further, the mechanics of the calculation require the use of an end-of-period stock price, so that using that amount for the remaining notes outstanding of $60,000,000 at December 31, 2020 delivers an excess of $2,045,000, whereas the use of another price point would give a different result.
The notes are “optional net-share settlement” instruments, meaning that NHI has the option to settle the principal amount of the indebtedness in cash, with possible dilutive share issuances for any excess. Settlement of the notes requires management to allocate the consideration we ultimately pay between the debt component and the equity conversion feature as though they were separate instruments. The allocation is effected by valuing the debt component first, with any remainder allocated to the conversion feature. Amounts expended to settle the notes will be recognized first as a settlement of the notes at par and then will be recognized in income to the extent the portion allocated to the debt instrument differs from par value. The remainder of the allocation, if any, will be treated as settlement of equity and adjusted through our paid in capital account.
Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities
As of December 31, 2020, our contractual payment obligations were as follows ($ in thousands):
Total Less than 1 year 1-3 years 3-5 years More than 5 years
Debt, including interest1
$ 1,541,770 $ 496,788 $ 725,796 $ 219,186 $ 100,000
Development commitments 5,156 5,156 - - -
Loan commitments 63,445 63,445 - - -
$ 1,610,371 $ 565,389 $ 725,796 $ 219,186 $ 100,000
1 Interest is calculated based on the weighted average interest rate of outstanding debt balances as of December 31, 2020. The calculation also includes a facility fee of 0.20%.
Commitments and Contingencies
The following tables summarize information as of December 31, 2020 related to our outstanding commitments and contingencies which are more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements ($ in thousands):
Asset Class Type Total Funded Remaining
Loan Commitments:
LCS Sagewood Note A SHO Construction $ 118,800 $ (98,752) $ 20,048
LCS Sagewood Note B SHO Construction 61,200 (61,200) -
Bickford Senior Living SHO Construction 42,900 (30,466) 12,434
41 Management SHO Construction 22,200 (4,040) 18,160
Senior Living Communities SHO Revolving Credit 12,000 (11,280) 720
41 Management SHO Construction 10,800 (8,717) 2,083
Timber Ridge OpCo SHO Working Capital 5,000 - 5,000
Watermark Retirement SHO Working Capital 5,000 - 5,000
Discovery Senior Living SHO Working Capital 750 (750) -
$ 278,650 $ (215,205) $ 63,445
See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for full details of our loan commitments. As provided above, loans funded do not include the effects of discounts or commitment fees.
The credit loss liability for unfunded loan commitments is estimated using the same methodology as for our funded mortgage and other notes receivable based on the estimated amount that we expect to fund. The liability for expected credit losses on our unfunded loans was $270,000 as of December 31, 2020.
Asset Class Type Total Funded Remaining
Development Commitments:
Ignite Medical Resorts SNF Construction $ 25,350 $ (25,350) $ -
Woodland Village SHO Renovation 7,515 (7,425) 90
Senior Living Communities SHO Renovation 9,930 (9,763) 167
Wingate Healthcare SHO Renovation 1,900 (1,808) 92
Discovery Senior Living SHO Renovation 900 (853) 47
Watermark Retirement SHO Renovation 6,500 (3,000) 3,500
Other SHO Various 1,850 (591) 1,259
$ 53,945 $ (48,790) $ 5,155
In addition to the commitments listed above, Discovery PropCo has committed to Discovery for funding up to $2,000,000 toward the purchase of condominium units located at one of the facilities, of which $968,000 has been funded as of December 31, 2020.
Asset Class Total Funded Remaining
Contingencies (Lease Inducements):
Timber Ridge OpCo SHO $ 10,000 $ - $ 10,000
Comfort Care Senior Living SHO 6,000 - 6,000
Wingate Healthcare SHO 5,000 - 5,000
Navion Senior Solutions SHO 4,850 (500) 4,350
Discovery Senior Living SHO 4,000 - 4,000
Ignite Medical Resorts SNF 2,000 - 2,000
$ 31,850 $ (500) $ 31,350
We adjust rental income for the amortization of lease inducements paid to our tenants. Amortization of these payments against revenues was $987,000, $845,000 and $387,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020 , 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Litigation
Our facilities are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. Our lessees and borrowers have indemnified, and are obligated to continue to indemnify us, against all liabilities arising from the operation of the facilities, and are further obligated to indemnify us against environmental or title problems affecting the real estate underlying such facilities. While there may be lawsuits pending against certain of the owners and/or lessees of the facilities, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all such pending proceedings will have no material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2018, East Lake Capital Management LLC and certain related entities, including Regency (for three assisted living facilities in Tennessee, Indiana and North Carolina), filed suit against NHI in Texas seeking injunctive and declaratory relief and unspecified monetary damages. NHI responded with counterclaims and filed motions requesting the immediate appointment of a receiver and for pre-judgment possession. Resulting from these claims and counterclaims, on December 6, 2018, the parties entered into an agreement resulting in Regency vacating the facilities in December 2018. Litigation is ongoing.
FFO, AFFO & FAD
These supplemental operating performance measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other REITs. Consequently, our Funds From Operations (“FFO”), Normalized FFO, Normalized Adjusted Funds From Operations (“AFFO”) and Normalized Funds Available for Distribution (“FAD”) may not provide a meaningful measure of our performance as compared to that of other REITs. Since other REITs may not use our definition of these operating performance measures, caution should be exercised when comparing our FFO, Normalized FFO, Normalized AFFO and Normalized FAD to that of other REITs. These financial performance measures do not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) (these measures do not include changes in operating assets and liabilities) and therefore should not be considered an alternative to net earnings as an indication of operating performance, or to net cash flow from operating activities as determined by GAAP as a measure of liquidity, and are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs.
Funds From Operations - FFO
Our FFO per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased $0.02 or 0.4% over the same period in 2019 due primarily to the impact of new investments completed since December 2019, partially offset by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. FFO, as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) and applied by us, is net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of real estate property, impairments of real estate, and real estate depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures, if any. The Company’s computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or have a different interpretation of the current NAREIT definition from that of the Company; therefore, caution should be exercised when comparing our Company’s FFO to that of other REITs. Diluted FFO assumes the exercise of stock options and other potentially dilutive securities.
Our Normalized FFO per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased $0.10 or 1.8% over the same period in 2019 due primarily to the impact of new investments completed since December 2019, partially offset by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Normalized FFO excludes from FFO certain items which, due to their infrequent or unpredictable nature, may create some difficulty in comparing FFO for the current period to similar prior periods, and may include, but are not limited to, impairment of non-real estate assets, gains and losses attributable to the acquisition and disposition of non-real estate assets and liabilities, and recoveries of previous write-downs.
FFO and Normalized FFO are important supplemental measures of operating performance for a REIT. Because the historical cost accounting convention used for real estate assets requires depreciation (except on land), such accounting presentation implies that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen and fallen with market conditions, presentations of operating results for a REIT that uses historical cost accounting for depreciation could be less informative, and should be supplemented with a measure such as FFO. The term FFO was designed by the REIT industry to address this issue.
Adjusted Funds From Operations - AFFO
Our Normalized AFFO per diluted common share for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased $0.19 or 3.7% over the same period in 2019 due primarily to the impact of new investments completed since December 2019, partially offset by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the adjustments included in the calculation of normalized FFO, normalized AFFO excludes the impact of any straight-line rent revenue, amortization of the original issue discount on our convertible senior notes and amortization of debt issuance costs.
Normalized AFFO is an important supplemental measure of operating performance for a REIT. GAAP requires a lessor to recognize contractual lease payments into income on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease. This straight-line adjustment has the effect of reporting lease income that is significantly more or less than the contractual cash flows received pursuant to the terms of the lease agreement. GAAP also requires the original issue discount of our convertible senior notes and debt issuance costs to be amortized as non-cash adjustments to earnings. We also adjust Normalized AFFO for the net change
in our allowance for expected credit losses as well as certain non-cash items related to our equity method investment such as straight-line lease expense and amortization of purchase accounting adjustments. Normalized AFFO is useful to our investors as it reflects the growth inherent in the contractual lease payments of our real estate portfolio.
Funds Available for Distribution - FAD
Our Normalized FAD for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased $13,213,000 or 5.8% over the same period in 2019 due primarily to the impact of new investments completed since December 2019, partially offset by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the adjustments included in the calculation of Normalized AFFO, Normalized FAD excludes the impact of non-cash stock based compensation as well as certain non-cash items related to our equity method investment. Normalized FAD is an important supplemental measure of liquidity for a REIT as a useful indicator of the ability to distribute dividends to stockholders.
The following table reconciles net income, the most directly comparable GAAP metric, to FFO, Normalized FFO, Normalized AFFO and Normalized FAD and is presented for both basic and diluted weighted average common shares ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
Years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 185,126 $ 160,456 $ 154,333
Elimination of certain non-cash items in net income:
Depreciation 83,150 76,816 71,349
Depreciation related to noncontrolling interests (777) (52) -
Gain on sale of real estate (21,316) - -
Impairment of real estate - 2,500 -
NAREIT FFO attributable to common stockholders $ 246,183 $ 239,720 $ 225,682
Loss on early retirement of debt 3,924 823 738
Non-cash write-off of straight-line rent receivable 380 - 3,701
Note receivable impairment - - 363
Recognition of unamortized note receivable commitment fees - - (515)
Normalized FFO attributable to common stockholders $ 250,487 $ 240,543 $ 229,969
Straight-line lease revenue, net (20,791) (22,084) (21,736)
Straight-line lease revenue, net, related to noncontrolling interests 111 13 -
Amortization of lease incentives 987 845 387
Amortization of original issue discount 303 761 788
Amortization of debt issuance costs 2,979 2,805 2,526
Equity method investment adjustments, net 1,374 - -
Note receivable credit loss expense 991 - -
Normalized AFFO attributable to common stockholders $ 236,441 $ 222,883 $ 211,934
Equity method investment capital expenditure (420) - -
Equity method investment non-refundable fees received 660 - -
Non-cash stock-based compensation 3,061 3,646 2,490
Normalized FAD attributable to common stockholders $ 239,742 $ 226,529 $ 214,424
BASIC
Weighted average common shares outstanding 44,696,285 43,417,828 41,943,873
NAREIT FFO attributable to common stockholders per share $ 5.51 $ 5.52 $ 5.38
Normalized FFO attributable to common stockholders per share $ 5.60 $ 5.54 $ 5.48
Normalized AFFO attributable to common stockholders per share $ 5.29 $ 5.13 $ 5.05
DILUTED
Weighted average common shares outstanding 44,698,004 43,703,248 42,091,731
NAREIT FFO attributable to common stockholders per share $ 5.51 $ 5.49 $ 5.36
Normalized FFO attributable to common stockholders per share $ 5.60 $ 5.50 $ 5.46
Normalized AFFO attributable to common stockholders per share $ 5.29 $ 5.10 $ 5.04
Adjusted EBITDA
We consider Adjusted EBITDA to be an important supplemental measure because it provides information which we use to evaluate our performance and serves as an indication of our ability to service debt. We define Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, excluding real estate asset impairments and gains on dispositions and certain items which, due to their infrequent or unpredictable nature, may create some difficulty in comparing Adjusted EBITDA for the current period to similar prior periods. These items include, but are not limited to, impairment of non-real estate assets, gains and losses attributable to the acquisition and disposition of assets and liabilities, and recoveries of previous write-downs. Adjusted EBITDA also includes our proportionate share of unconsolidated equity method investments presented on a similar basis. Since others may not use our definition of Adjusted EBITDA, caution should be exercised when comparing our Adjusted EBITDA to that of other companies. EBITDA reflects GAAP interest expense, which excludes amounts capitalized during the period.
The following table reconciles net income, the most directly comparable GAAP metric, to Adjusted EBITDA ($ in thousands):
Years ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Net income $ 185,311 $ 160,449 $ 154,333
Interest expense 52,882 56,299 49,055
Franchise, excise and other taxes 534 1,550 1,166
Depreciation 83,150 76,816 71,349
NHI’s share of EBITDA adjustments for unconsolidated entities 1,495 - -
Gain on sale of real estate (21,316) - -
Impairment of real estate - 2,500 -
Loss on early retirement of debt 3,924 823 738
Non-cash write-off of straight-line rent receivable 380 - 3,701
Note receivable credit loss expense 991 - -
Note receivable impairment - - 363
Recognition of unamortized note receivable commitment fees - - (515)
Adjusted EBITDA $ 307,351 $ 298,437 $ 280,190
Interest expense at contractual rates $ 43,458 $ 53,923 $ 45,789
Interest rate swap payments, net 6,352 294 186
Principal payments 1,082 1,187 1,062
Fixed Charges $ 50,892 $ 55,404 $ 47,037
Fixed Charge Coverage 6.0x 5.4x 6.0x
For all periods presented, EBITDA reflects GAAP interest expense, which excludes amounts capitalized during the period.

---

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Interest Rate Risk
At December 31, 2020, we were exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on approximately $548,000,000 of variable-rate indebtedness (excludes $400,000,000 of variable-rate debt that has been hedged through interest-rate swap contracts) and on our mortgage and other notes receivable. The unused portion ($252,000,000 at December 31, 2020) of our revolving credit facility, should it be drawn upon, is subject to variable rates.
Interest rate fluctuations will generally not affect our future earnings or cash flows on our fixed rate debt and loans receivable unless such instruments mature or are otherwise terminated. However, interest rate changes will affect the fair value of our fixed rate instruments. Conversely, changes in interest rates on variable rate debt and investments would change our future earnings and cash flows, but not significantly affect the fair value of those instruments. Assuming a 50 basis-point increase or decrease in the interest rate related to variable-rate debt, and assuming no change in the outstanding balance as of December 31, 2020, net interest expense would increase or decrease annually by approximately $2,740,000 or $0.06 per common share on a diluted basis.
We use derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business to mitigate interest rate risk. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Derivatives are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. We may engage in hedging strategies to manage our exposure to market risks in the future, depending on an analysis of the interest rate environment and the costs and risks of such strategies.
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our debt ($ in thousands):
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Balance1
% of total Rate3
Balance1
% of total Rate3
Fixed rate:
Convertible senior notes $ 60,000 4.0 % 3.25 % $ 60,000 4.1 % 3.25 %
Private placement term loans 400,000 26.6 % 4.15 % 400,000 27.6 % 4.15 %
Bank term loans - unsecured 340,000 22.6 % 3.27 % 550,000 38.0 % 3.36 %
HUD mortgage loans2
- - % - % 43,376 3.0 % 4.04 %
Fannie Mae term loans 95,354 6.3 % 3.94 % 95,706 6.6 % 3.94 %
Revolving credit facility - unsecured 60,000 4.0 % 2.81 % 60,000 4.1 % 2.81 %
Variable rate:
Bank term loans - unsecured 310,000 20.7 % 1.77 % - - % - %
Revolving credit facility - unsecured 238,000 15.8 % 1.34 % 240,000 16.6 % 2.96 %
$ 1,503,354 100.0 % 2.91 % $ 1,449,082 100.0 % 3.54 %
1 Differs from carrying amount due to unamortized discounts and loan costs.
2 Includes 10 HUD mortgages; rate is a weighted average inclusive of a mortgage insurance premium
3 Total is weighted average rate
The unsecured bank term loans and $60,000,000 of the revolving credit facility in the table above reflect the effect of $400,000,000 notional amount interest rate swaps which mature in December 2021, that effectively convert variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. These loans bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread, currently a blended 157 basis points, based on our leverage-based LIBOR margin.
To highlight the sensitivity of our convertible senior notes and secured mortgage debt to changes in interest rates, the following summary shows the effects on fair value (“FV”) assuming a parallel shift of 50 basis points (“bps”) in market interest rates for a contract with similar maturities as of December 31, 2020 ($ in thousands):
Balance Fair Value1
FV reflecting change in interest rates
Fixed rate: -50 bps +50 bps
Private placement term loans - unsecured $ 400,000 $ 417,009 $ 424,464 $ 409,716
Convertible senior notes 60,000 60,329 60,429 60,229
Fannie Mae loans 95,354 97,955 99,915 96,035
1 The change in fair value of our fixed rate debt was due primarily to the overall change in interest rates.
At December 31, 2020, the fair value of our mortgage and other notes receivable, discounted for estimated changes in the risk-free rate, was approximately $321,021,000. A 50 basis-point increase in market rates would decrease the estimated fair value of our mortgage and other loans by approximately $1,480,000, while a 50 basis-point decrease in such rates would increase their estimated fair value by approximately $13,007,000.
Equity Price Risk
The Company is not subject to equity risk since it owns no marketable securities.
Common Stock Price Volatility
Our compensation committee has historically granted stock incentive awards to employees in the form of stock options. Compensation expense is recognized for stock options over the requisite service period using the fair value of these grants as estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model and the market value of our publicly traded common stock on the date of grant. This expense is reflected in the “General and administrative” expense line item in our consolidated statements of income. In addition to the market value of our common stock, one of the inputs into this model that significantly impacts the fair value of the options is the expected volatility of our common stock over the estimated life of the option. We estimate expected volatility by using the most recent historical experience.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, our common stock has experienced periods of elevated volatility in its trading. Any grants of stock options in 2021 will include an increase in expected volatility in the estimation of fair value of stock options that would result in a higher fair value and related stock-based compensation expense for these awards when compared to prior years.
The pro forma fair value of a stock option award granted at December 31, 2020 would be approximately $14.85, using the closing market value of the common stock of $69.17 on December 31, 2020 and an estimate of expected volatility of 47.6%, while all other inputs remain consistent with the option grants in 2020. This pro forma fair value is $9.28 per share greater than the weighted-average fair value of all stock options granted in 2020 and would result in approximately $5,500,000 in additional expense, assuming an equivalent number of stock options were granted. An increase in the expected volatility of five percentage points would increase the fair value of the option by approximately $1.87 per share. A decrease in the expected volatility of five percentage points would decrease the fair value of the option by approximately $1.90 per share.

---

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
National Health Investors, Inc.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National Health Investors, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated February 22, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Asset Impairment - Real Estate Properties
As described in the Company's consolidated financial statements, the Company had total real estate properties, net of approximately $2.7 billion as of December 31, 2020. As described in Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, management evaluates the recoverability of the carrying amounts of real estate properties on a property-by-property basis when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be fully recoverable. A real estate property is impaired when the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the property are less than the net carrying amount of the property.
We identified management’s identification and assessment of the indicators of potential impairment of real estate properties as a critical audit matter. Indicators of an impairment of real estate properties may include significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, or significant deterioration of the underlying cash flows of the property. Auditing these elements involved auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of auditor effort required to address these matters, including the degree of auditor judgment.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
•Testing the design and operating effectiveness of controls related to management’s identification and assessment of indicators of an impairment of real estate properties, including significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, or significant deteriorations of the underlying cash flows of the property.
•Assessing the reasonableness of management’s assumptions and inputs, including certain factors such as the evaluation of the condition of the properties, changes in general economic conditions, and deterioration of the underlying cash flows of the property, which are used by management to identify and assess whether an impairment indicator existed.
•Reviewing internal documentation including Board of Director minutes, letters of intent, and operations department communications for real estate properties, including those with lower lease coverage ratios, to assess whether additional indicators of impairment were present.
Variable Interest Entity Accounting (Timber Ridge)
As described in Notes 2 and 3 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, management consolidates a variable interest entity (“VIE”) for which control of the entity is achieved through means other than voting rights and for which the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. The Company accounts for investments under the equity method of accounting when the requirements for consolidation are not met and the Company has significant influence over the operations of the entity. During 2020, the Company acquired an 80% equity interest in Timber Ridge PropCo, which owns a continuing care retirement community known as Timber Ridge, and a 25% equity interest in Timber Ridge OpCo, which operates Timber Ridge. The Company consolidates Timber Ridge PropCo and accounts for its equity investment in Timber Ridge OpCo under the equity method of accounting.
We identified the accounting for Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo as a critical audit matter due to the judgment required in evaluating management’s assessments of whether Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo were VIEs and, if so, whether each entity should be consolidated by the Company. Determination of whether Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo meet the definition of a VIE and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary required significant judgment by management. Increased effort was required to evaluate management’s judgments, including which activities significantly impact the design and purpose of each entity, whether certain rights of each entity’s equity holders were participating or protective rights, and which equity holder has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact economic performance of each entity. Auditing these determinations involved especially challenging auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of auditor effort required to address these matters, including the need to involve professionals with specialized knowledge in consolidation accounting assessments.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included:
•Analyzing the relevant agreements and other related documents, as well as understanding the design, purpose and significant activities of Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo and the nature of the rights conveyed to the Company through its equity investments in these entities.
•Utilizing professionals with specialized knowledge and experience to assist in reviewing and assessing the significant judgments impacting management’s conclusion as to whether the Company should consolidate Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo.
We have served as the Company's auditor since 2004.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
February 22, 2021
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
December 31
Assets: 2020 2019
Real estate properties:
Land $ 220,361 $ 213,617
Buildings and improvements 3,041,616 2,836,673
Construction in progress 3,093 24,556
3,265,070 3,074,846
Less accumulated depreciation (597,638) (514,453)
Real estate properties, net 2,667,432 2,560,393
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net of credit loss reserve of $4,946 and $-
292,427 340,143
Cash and cash equivalents 43,344 5,215
Straight-line rent receivable 95,703 86,044
Assets held for sale, net - 18,420
Other assets 21,583 32,020
Total Assets $ 3,120,489 $ 3,042,235
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt $ 1,499,285 $ 1,440,465
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 25,189 26,313
Dividends payable 49,818 46,817
Lease deposit liabilities 10,638 10,638
Deferred income 12,614 19,750
Total Liabilities 1,597,544 1,543,983
Commitments and Contingencies
National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 100,000,000 and 60,000,000 shares authorized;
45,185,992 and 44,587,486 shares issued and outstanding, respectively 452 446
Capital in excess of par value 1,540,946 1,505,948
Cumulative dividends in excess of net income (22,015) (5,331)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (7,149) (3,432)
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity 1,512,234 1,497,631
Noncontrolling interests 10,711 621
Total Equity 1,522,945 1,498,252
Total Liabilities and Equity $ 3,120,489 $ 3,042,235
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Revenues:
Rental income $ 307,208 $ 294,182 $ 280,813
Interest income and other 25,603 23,899 13,799
332,811 318,081 294,612
Expenses:
Depreciation 83,150 76,816 71,349
Interest 52,882 56,299 49,055
Legal 1,252 507 309
Franchise, excise and other taxes 534 1,550 1,166
General and administrative 13,304 13,399 12,547
Taxes and insurance on leased properties 9,653 5,798 -
Loan and realty losses 991 2,440 5,115
161,766 156,809 139,541
Loss on early retirement of debt (3,924) (823) (738)
Loss from equity method investment (3,126) - -
Gains on sales of real estate 21,316 - -
Net income 185,311 160,449 154,333
Less: net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (185) 7 -
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 185,126 $ 160,456 $ 154,333
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 44,696,285 43,417,828 41,943,873
Diluted 44,698,004 43,703,248 42,091,731
Earnings per common share:
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders - basic $ 4.14 $ 3.70 $ 3.68
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ 4.14 $ 3.67 $ 3.67
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
($ in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Net income $ 185,311 $ 160,449 $ 154,333
Other comprehensive income (loss):
(Decrease) increase in fair value of cash flow hedges (10,047) (3,940) 1,722
Reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income (loss) 6,330 (791) 164
Total other comprehensive (loss) income (3,717) (4,731) 1,886
Comprehensive income 181,594 155,718 156,219
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests (185) 7 -
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders $ 181,409 $ 155,725 $ 156,219
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
($ in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income $ 185,311 $ 160,449 $ 154,333
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation 83,150 76,816 71,349
Amortization of deferred loan costs, debt discounts and prepaids 5,392 5,117 4,437
Amortization of commitment fees and note receivable discounts (867) (493) (662)
Amortization of lease incentives 987 845 387
Straight-line lease revenue (20,411) (22,084) (22,787)
Non-cash interest income on mortgage and other notes receivable (3,839) (2,204) (1,680)
Gain on sales of real estate (21,316) - -
Loss on early retirement of debt 3,924 823 738
Loss from equity method investment 3,126 - -
Loan and realty losses 991 2,440 5,115
Payment of lease incentives (623) (3,100) (5,280)
Non-cash share-based compensation 3,061 3,646 2,490
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Other assets 160 1,604 (5,298)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (6,681) 300 4,587
Deferred income (217) 16,796 140
Net cash provided by operating activities 232,148 240,955 207,869
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in mortgage and other notes receivable (58,356) (108,232) (106,991)
Collection of mortgage and other notes receivable 46,612 2,897 4,346
Investment in real estate (102,712) (219,187) (131,758)
Investment in real estate development (158) - -
Investment in renovations of existing real estate (13,854) (17,999) (15,887)
Equity method investment (875) - -
Proceeds from sale of real estate properties 39,631 - -
Net cash used in investing activities (89,712) (342,521) (250,290)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility 205,000 397,000 306,000
Payments on revolving credit facility (207,000) (181,000) (443,000)
Proceeds from borrowings on term loans 100,000 - 300,000
Payments on term loans (43,729) (1,187) (1,144)
Prepayment fee for early retirement of debt (1,619) - -
Deferred loan costs (1,039) (126) (2,171)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests (748) (15) -
Proceeds from noncontrolling interests 13 643 -
Taxes remitted on employee stock options exercised (2,705) (1,559) (1,835)
Proceeds from equity offering, net 34,649 95,774 81,784
Convertible bond redemption - (22,468) (29,985)
Dividends paid to stockholders (194,584) (179,739) (165,391)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (111,762) 107,323 44,258
Increase in cash and cash equivalents 30,674 5,757 1,837
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period 15,669 9,912 8,075
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period $ 46,343 $ 15,669 $ 9,912
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
($ in thousands)
Years Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized $ 43,406 $ 54,027 $ 45,882
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Real estate acquired in exchange for straight-line rent receivable $ - $ 38,000 $ -
Real estate acquired in exchange for mortgage notes receivable $ 63,220 $ 14,000 $ -
Noncash portion of noncontrolling interest conveyed in acquisition $ 10,778 $ - $ -
Increase in mortgage note receivable from sale of real estate $ 4,000 $ - $ -
Change in other assets related to investments in real estate $ 348 $ 291 $ -
Change in accounts payable related to investments in real estate construction $ - $ (1,082) $ -
Change in accounts payable related to investments in real estate acquisition $ - $ 2,911 $ 1,689
Change in accounts payable related to renovations of existing real estate $ 784 $ - $ -
Change in accounts payable related to distributions to noncontrolling interests $ 138 $ - $ -
Tenant investment in leased asset $ - $ - $ 3,775
Tenant forfeiture of lease escrow deposit $ - $ - $ 10,637
Settlement of contingent asset acquisition liability $ - $ - $ 750
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
($ in thousands except share and per share amounts)
Common Stock Capital in Excess of Par Value Cumulative Net Income in Excess (Deficit) of Dividends Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Total National Health Investors Stockholders’ Equity Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
Shares Amount
Balances at December 31, 2017 41,532,154 $ 415 $ 1,289,919 $ 32,605 $ (822) $ 1,322,117 $ - $ 1,322,117
Cumulative effect of change in accounting - - - (235) 235 - - -
Total comprehensive income - - - 154,333 1,886 156,219 - 156,219
Equity component in redemption of convertible notes - - (2,427) - - (2,427) - (2,427)
Issuance of common stock, net 1,112,363 12 81,772 - - 81,784 - 81,784
Taxes paid on employee stock options exercised - - (1,835) - - (1,835) - (1,835)
Shares issued on stock options exercised 55,894 - - - - - - -
Share-based compensation - - 2,490 - - 2,490 - 2,490
Dividends declared, $4.00 per common share - - - (168,635) - (168,635) - (168,635)
Balances at December 31, 2018 42,700,411 427 1,369,919 18,068 1,299 1,389,713 - 1,389,713
Noncontrolling interests capital contribution - - - - - - 643 643
Noncontrolling interests distribution - - - - - - (15) (15)
Total comprehensive income - - - 160,456 (4,731) 155,725 (7) 155,718
Issuance of common stock, net 1,209,522 12 95,762 - - 95,774 - 95,774
Shares issued in convertible debt redemption 626,397 6 38,180 - - 38,186 - 38,186
Taxes paid on employee stock options exercised - - (1,559) - - (1,559) - (1,559)
Shares issued on stock options exercised 51,156 1 - - - 1 - 1
Share-based compensation - - 3,646 - - 3,646 - 3,646
Dividends declared, $4.20 per common share - - - (183,855) - (183,855) - (183,855)
Balances at December 31, 2019 44,587,486 446 1,505,948 (5,331) (3,432) 1,497,631 621 1,498,252
Cumulative effect of change in accounting - - - (4,225) - (4,225) (4,225)
Noncontrolling interests capital contribution - - - - - - 10,791 10,791
Noncontrolling interests distribution - - - - - - (886) (886)
Total comprehensive income - - - 185,126 (3,717) 181,409 185 181,594
Issuance of common stock, net 535,990 5 34,644 - - 34,649 - 34,649
Taxes paid on employee stock options exercised - - (2,705) - - (2,705) - (2,705)
Shares issued on stock options exercised 62,516 1 (2) - - (1) - (1)
Share-based compensation - - 3,061 - - 3,061 - 3,061
Dividends declared, $4.41 per common share - - - (197,585) - (197,585) - (197,585)
Balances at December 31, 2020 45,185,992 $ 452 $ 1,540,946 $ (22,015) $ (7,149) $ 1,512,234 $ 10,711 $ 1,522,945
The accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2020
Note 1. Organization and Nature of Business
National Health Investors, Inc. (“NHI,” “the Company,” “we,” “us” or “our”), established in 1991 as a Maryland corporation, is a self-managed real estate investment trust (“REIT”) specializing in sale-leaseback, joint venture, mortgage and mezzanine financing of need-driven and discretionary senior housing and medical facility investments. Our portfolio consists of lease, mortgage and other note investments in independent living facilities, assisted living facilities, entrance-fee communities, senior living campuses, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals and medical office buildings. As of December 31, 2020, we had investments of $3,262,381,000 (excluding our corporate office of $2,689,000) in 228 health care real estate properties located in 34 states and leased pursuant primarily to triple-net leases to 34 lessees consisting of 151 senior housing communities (“SHO”), 72 skilled nursing facilities, 3 hospitals and 2 medical office buildings. Our portfolio of 14 mortgages along with other notes receivable totaled $297,373,000, excluding an allowance for expected credit losses of $4,946,000, as of December 31, 2020. Units, beds and square footage disclosures in these consolidated financial statements are unaudited.
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. We also consolidate certain entities when control of such entities can be achieved through means other than voting rights (“variable interest entities” or “VIEs”) if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary of such entities. All material intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.
A VIE is broadly defined as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity’s activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights.
We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance for our arrangements with VIEs which requires us to identify entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights and to determine which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. In accordance with FASB guidance, management must evaluate each of the Company’s contractual relationships which creates a variable interest in other entities. If the Company has a variable interest and the entity is a VIE, then management must determine whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. If it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary, NHI would consolidate the VIE. We identify the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the entity. We perform this analysis on an ongoing basis.
If the Company has determined that an entity is not a VIE, the Company assesses the need for consolidation under all other provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 810 Consolidation. These provisions provide for consolidation of majority-owned entities where a majority voting interest held by the Company demonstrates control of such entities in the absence of any legal constraints.
At December 31, 2020, we held interests in seven unconsolidated VIEs, and, because we lack either directly or through related parties the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact their economic performance, we have concluded that the Company is not the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, we account for our transactions with these entities and their subsidiaries at either amortized cost or net realizable value for straight-line receivables, excluding Timber Ridge OpCo, LLC (“Timber Ridge OpCo”) which is accounted for under the equity method. See Note 5 for a discussion of Timber Ridge OpCo.
The Company’s unconsolidated VIEs are summarized below by date of initial involvement. For further discussion of the nature of the relationships, including the sources of our exposure to these VIEs, see the notes to our consolidated financial statements cross-referenced below.
Date Name Source of Exposure Carrying Amount Maximum Exposure to Loss Note Reference
2012 Bickford Senior Living Various1
$ 63,304,000 $ 75,738,000 Notes 3,4
2014 Senior Living Communities Notes and straight-line receivable $ 82,691,000 $ 83,410,000 Notes 3,4
2016 Senior Living Management Notes and straight-line receivable $ 26,912,000 $ 26,912,000 -
2018 Sagewood, LCS affiliate Notes $ 158,814,000 $ 178,862,000 Note 4
2019 41 Management, LLC Notes and straight-line receivable $ 13,328,000 $ 33,572,000 Note 4
2020 Timber Ridge OpCo Various2
$ (2,250,000) $ 2,750,000 Notes 3,5
2020 Watermark Retirement Notes and straight-line receivable $ 4,145,000 $ 9,145,000 Note 4
1 Notes, loan commitments, straight-line rent receivables, and unamortized lease incentives
2 Loan commitment, equity method investment and straight-line rent receivables
We are not obligated to provide support beyond our stated commitments to these tenants and borrowers whom we classify as VIEs, and accordingly, our maximum exposure to loss as a result of these relationships is limited to the amount of our commitments, as shown above and discussed in the notes. Economic loss on a lease, above what is presented in the table above, if any, would be limited to that resulting from a short period of arrearage and non-payment of monthly rent before we are able to take effective remedial action, as well as costs incurred in transitioning the lease to a new tenant. The potential extent of such loss would be dependent upon individual facts and circumstances, and is therefore not included in the table above.
In the future, NHI may be deemed the primary beneficiary of the operations if the tenants do not have adequate liquidity to accept the risks and rewards as the tenant and operator of the stabilizing properties and might be required to consolidate the statements of financial position and results of operations of the operators into our consolidated financial statements.
We consolidate two real estate partnerships formed with our partners, Discovery Senior Housing Investor XXIV, LLC, (“Discovery”) and LCS Timber Ridge LLC (“LCS”), to invest in senior housing facilities. As of and for the year ended December 31, 2020, our non-controlling interests relate to these partnerships with Discovery and LCS. NHI directs the activities that most significantly impact economic performance of these joint venture entities, subject to limited protective rights extended to our JV partners for specified business decisions. We consider both entities to be VIEs, based on our determination that the total equity at risk in each is insufficient to finance activities without additional subordinated financial support. Because of our control of these entities, we include their assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interests and operations in our consolidated financial statements.
We use the equity method of accounting when we own an interest in an entity whereby we can exert significant influence over but cannot control the entity’s operations. We discontinue equity method accounting if our investment in an entity (and net advances) is reduced to zero unless we have guaranteed obligations of the entity or are otherwise committed to provide further financial support for the entity.
We structured our Timber Ridge OpCo investment to be compliant with the provisions of RIDEA which permits us to receive rent payments through a triple-net lease between a property company and an operating company and allows us to receive distributions from the operating company to a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”). Our TRS holds our equity interests in unconsolidated operating companies thus providing an organizational structure that allows the TRS to engage in a broad range of activities and share in revenues that are otherwise non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests.
Noncontrolling Interests - As mentioned above, we consolidate real estate partnerships formed with Discovery Senior Housing Investor XXIV, LLC in June 2019 and LCS Timber Ridge LLC in January 2020, both of which invest in senior housing facilities. The noncontrolling interests reflected in the consolidated financial statements relate to these partnerships from the date of inception of these arrangements.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Earnings Per Share - The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive. Diluted earnings per share also incorporate the potential dilutive impact of our 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2021. We apply the treasury stock method to our convertible debt instruments, the effect of
which is that conversion will not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share unless the average share price of our common stock for the period exceeds the conversion price per share.
Fair Value Measurements - Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy is required to prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs.
The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 - Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
If the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the hierarchy, the level within which the entire fair value measurement falls is the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. When an event or circumstance alters our assessment of the observability and thus the appropriate classification of an input to a fair value measurement which we deem to be significant to the fair value measurement as a whole, we will transfer that fair value measurement to the appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy.
Real Estate Properties - Real estate properties are recorded at cost or, if acquired through business combination, at fair value, including the fair value of contingent consideration, if any. Cost or fair value at the time of acquisition is allocated among land, buildings, improvements, personal property and lease and other intangibles. For properties acquired in transactions accounted for as asset purchases, the purchase price, which includes transaction costs, is allocated based on the relative fair values of the assets acquired. Cost includes the amount of contingent consideration, if any, deemed to be probable at the acquisition date. Contingent consideration is deemed to be probable to the extent that a significant reversal in amounts recognized is not likely to occur when the uncertainty associated with the contingent consideration is subsequently resolved. Cost also includes capitalized interest during construction periods. We use the straight-line method of depreciation for buildings over their estimated useful lives of 40 years, and improvements over their estimated useful lives ranging to 25 years. For contingent consideration arising from business combinations, the liability is adjusted to estimated fair value at each reporting date through earnings.
We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying amount of our real estate properties on a property-by-property basis. We review our properties for recoverability when events or circumstances, including significant physical changes in the property, significant adverse changes in general economic conditions and significant deterioration of the underlying cash flows of the property, indicate that the carrying amount of the property may not be recoverable. The need to recognize an impairment charge is based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows from a property compared to the carrying amount of that property. If recognition of an impairment charge is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the fair value of the property.
Leases - Leases entered into or modified since 2019 are accounted for under the guidance of ASC Topic 842, Leases. All of our leases are classified as operating leases and generally have an initial leasehold term of 10 to 15 years followed by one or more 5-year tenant renewal options. The leases are “triple net leases” under which the tenant is responsible for the payment of all taxes, utilities, insurance premiums, repairs and other charges relating to the operation of the properties, including required levels of capital expenditures each year. The tenant is obligated at its expense to keep all improvements, fixtures and other components of the properties covered by “all risk” insurance in an amount equal to at least the full replacement cost thereof, and to maintain specified minimal personal injury and property damage insurance. The leases also require the tenant to indemnify and hold us harmless from all claims resulting from the use, occupancy and related activities of each property by the tenant, and to indemnify us against all costs related to any release, discovery, clean-up and removal of hazardous substances or materials, or other environmental responsibility with respect to each facility. While we do not incorporate residual value guarantees, the above lease provisions and considerations impact our expectation of realizable value from our properties upon
the expiration of their lease terms. The residual value of our real estate under lease is still subject to various market, asset, and tenant-specific risks and characteristics. As the classification of our leases is dependent on the fair value of estimated cash flows at lease commencement, management’s projected residual values represent significant assumptions in our accounting for operating leases. Similarly, the exercise of renewal options is also subject to these same risks, making a tenant’s lease term another significant variable in a lease’s cash flows. Initial direct costs that are incremental to entering into a lease are capitalized in accordance with the provisions of Topic 842.
Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable - Effective January 1, 2020, we estimate an allowance for credit losses upon origination of a loan, based on expected credit losses over the term of the loan and update this estimate each reporting period. We calculate the estimated credit losses on mortgages by pooling these loans into two groups - investments in existing or new mortgages and construction mortgages. Mezzanine and revolving lines of credit are evaluated at the individual loan level. We estimate the allowance for credit losses by utilizing a loss model that relies on future expected credit losses, rather than incurred losses. This loss model incorporates our historical experience, adjusted for current conditions and our forecasts, using the probability of default and loss given default method. Incorporated into the construction mortgage loss model is an estimate of the probability that NHI will acquire the property. Using the resulting estimate, a portion of the outstanding construction mortgage balance which we currently expect will be reduced by our acquisition of the underlying property when construction is complete, is deducted from the construction mortgage balance included in the expected loss calculation. Mezzanine loans and revolving lines of credit are also based on the loss model to recognize expected future credit losses and are applied to each individual loan using borrower specific information. We also perform a qualitative assessment beyond model estimates and apply adjustments as necessary. The credit loss estimate is based on the net amortized cost balance of our mortgage and other notes receivables as of the balance sheet date.
Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash - Cash equivalents consist of all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. Restricted cash includes amounts required to be held on deposit or subject to an agreement (e.g. with a qualified intermediary subject to an Internal Revenue Code Section 1031 exchange agreement or in accordance with agency agreements governing our Fannie Mae mortgages and Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) mortgages).
The following table sets forth our “Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash” reported within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows ( $ in thousands):
As of December 31,
2020 2019
Cash and cash equivalents $ 43,344 $ 5,215
Restricted cash (included in Other assets) 2,999 10,454
$ 46,343 $ 15,669
Concentration of Credit Risks - Our credit risks primarily relate to cash and cash equivalents and investments in mortgage and other notes receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments. We maintain our bank deposit accounts with large financial institutions in amounts that often exceed federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts. Our mortgages and other notes receivable consist primarily of secured loans on facilities.
Our financial instruments, principally our investments in notes receivable, are subject to the possibility of loss of the carrying values as a result of the failure of other parties to perform according to their contractual obligations which may make the instruments less valuable. We obtain collateral in the form of mortgage liens and other protective rights for notes receivable and continually monitor these rights in order to reduce such possibilities of loss. We evaluate the need to provide for reserves for potential losses on our financial instruments based on management’s periodic review of our portfolio on an instrument-by-instrument basis.
Deferred Loan Costs - Costs incurred to acquire debt are capitalized and amortized by the straight-line method, which approximates the effective-interest method, over the term of the related debt.
Deferred Income - Deferred income primarily includes non-refundable commitment fees received by us, which are amortized into income over the expected period of the related loan or lease. In the event that our financing commitment to a potential borrower or lessee expires, the related commitment fees are recognized into income immediately. Commitment fees may be charged based on the terms of the lease agreements and the creditworthiness of the parties.
Rental Income - Our leases generally provide for rent escalators throughout the term of the lease. Base rental income is recognized using the straight-line method over the term of the lease to the extent that lease payments are considered collectible and the lease provides for specific contractual escalators. Under certain leases, we receive additional contingent rent, which is calculated on the increase in revenues of the lessee over a base year or base quarter. We recognize contingent rent annually or quarterly based on the actual revenues of the lessee once the target threshold has been achieved. Lease payments that depend on a factor directly related to future use of the property, such as an increase in annual revenues over a base year, are considered to be contingent rentals and are excluded from the schedule of minimum lease payments.
If rental income calculated on a straight-line basis exceeds the cash rent due under a lease, the difference is recorded as an increase to straight-line rent receivable in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and an increase in rental income in the Consolidated Statements of Income. If rental income on a straight-line basis is calculated to be less than cash received, there is a decrease in the same accounts.
Property operating expenses that are reimbursed by our operators are recorded as Rental income upon adoption of Topic 842 in 2019. Accordingly, we record a corresponding Taxes and insurance on leased properties expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Rental income related to reimbursement of property operating expenses for the years ended December 2020 and 2019, are $9,653,000 and $5,798,000, respectively.
Rental income is reduced for the non-cash amortization of payments made upon the eventual settlement of commitments and contingencies originally identified and recorded as lease inducements. We record lease inducements to the extent that it is probable that a significant reversal of amounts recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the contingent consideration is subsequently resolved.
The Company reviews its operating lease receivables for collectibility on a regular basis, taking into consideration changes in factors such as the tenant’s payment history, the financial condition of the tenant, business conditions in which the tenant operates and economic conditions in the area where the property is located. In the event that collectibility with respect to any tenant is not probable, a direct write-off of the receivable is made as an adjustment to rental income and any future rental revenue is recognized only when the tenant makes a rental payment.
Interest Income from Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable - Interest income is recognized based on the interest rates and principal amounts outstanding on the notes receivable. We identify a mortgage loan as non-performing if a required payment is not received within 30 days of the date it is due. Our policy related to mortgage interest income on non-performing mortgage loans is to recognize mortgage interest income in the period when the cash is received. As of December 31, 2020, we did not identified any of our mortgages as non-performing.
Derivatives - In the normal course of business, we are subject to risk from adverse fluctuations in interest rates. We have chosen to manage this risk through the use of derivative financial instruments, primarily interest rate swaps. Counterparties to these contracts are major financial institutions. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by these counterparties. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Our objective in managing exposure to market risk is to limit the impact on cash flows relating to the change in market interest rates on our variable rate debt.
To qualify for hedge accounting, our interest rate swaps must effectively reduce the risk exposure that they are designed to hedge. In addition, at inception of a qualifying cash flow hedging relationship, the underlying transaction or transactions must be, and be expected to remain, probable of occurring in accordance with our related assertions. All of our hedges are cash flow hedges.
We recognize all derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives required to be bifurcated, as assets or liabilities at their fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges or that do not meet the criteria of hedge accounting are recognized in earnings. For derivatives designated in qualifying cash flow hedging relationships, the change in fair value of the effective portion of the derivatives is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), whereas the change in fair value of any ineffective portion is recognized in earnings. Gains and losses are reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings once the underlying hedged transaction is recognized in earnings.
Federal Income Taxes - We intend at all times to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Aside from such income taxes which may be applicable to the taxable income in the TRS, we will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, provided that we continue to qualify as a REIT and make distributions to stockholders at least equal to or in excess of 90% our taxable income. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been made in
the consolidated financial statements. A failure to qualify under the applicable REIT qualification rules and regulations would have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of dividends to stockholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due primarily to differences in the basis of assets, estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation expense, gains on sales of real estate, non-cash compensation expense and recognition of commitment fees.
Our tax returns filed for years beginning in 2017 are subject to examination by taxing authorities. We classify interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in our Consolidated Statements of Income as a component of income tax expense.
Segment Disclosures - We are in the business of owning and financing health care properties. We are managed as one segment for internal purposes and for internal decision making.
New Accounting Pronouncements
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - With the adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses effective January 1, 2020, we estimate and record an allowance for credit losses upon origination of the loan, based on expected credit losses over the term of the loan and update this estimate each reporting period. We calculate the estimated credit losses on mortgages by pooling these loans into two groups - investments in existing or new mortgages and construction mortgages. Mezzanine and revolving lines of credit are evaluated at the individual loan level. We estimate the allowance for credit losses by utilizing a loss model that relies on future expected credit losses, rather than incurred losses. This loss model incorporates our historical experience, adjusted for current conditions and our forecasts, using the probability of default and loss given default method. Incorporated into the construction mortgage loss model is an estimate of the probability that NHI will acquire the property. Using the resulting estimate, a portion of the outstanding construction mortgage balance which we currently expect will be reduced by our acquisition of the underlying property when construction is complete, is deducted from the construction mortgage balance included in the expected loss calculation. Mezzanine loans and revolving lines of credit are also based on the loss model to recognize expected future credit losses and are applied to each individual loan using borrower specific information. We also perform a qualitative assessment beyond model estimates and apply adjustments as necessary. The credit loss estimate is based on the net amortized cost balance of our mortgage and other notes receivables as of the balance sheet date.
Calculation of the allowance for credit losses involves significant judgement. It is possible that actual credit losses will differ materially from our current estimates. Write-offs are deducted from the allowance for credit losses when we judge the principal to be uncollectible.
Upon adoption, we recorded an allowance for expected credit losses of $3,900,000 that is reflected as an adjustment to “Mortgage and other notes receivable, net of credit loss reserve” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and recorded a corresponding cumulative-effect adjustment to “Cumulative dividends in excess of net income”. Upon adoption, we also recorded a $325,000 reserve for estimated credit losses pertaining to unfunded loan commitments as an adjustment to “Cumulative dividends in excess of net income”. The corresponding credit loss liability is included in the financial statement line item “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
FASB Lease Modifications Related to Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic - In April 2020, the FASB issued a question-and-answer document (the “Lease Modification Q&A”) focused on the application of lease accounting guidance to lease concessions provided as a result of the coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”). The Lease Modification Q&A clarifies that entities may elect not to evaluate whether lease-related relief provided to mitigate the economic effects of COVID-19 is a lease modification under ASC 842. Instead, an entity that elects not to evaluate whether a concession directly related to COVID-19, which does not substantially increase either its rights as lessor or the obligations of the tenant, is a modification can elect whether to apply the modification guidance. Such election being applied consistently to leases with similar characteristics and similar circumstances. During 2020, the Company provided $6,922,000 in lease concessions as a result of COVID-19, as discussed in more detail in Note 8. NHI has elected not to apply the modification guidance under ASC 842 and has accounted for the related concessions as variable lease payments, recorded as rental income when received.
Reference Rate Reform - In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848). ASU 2020-04 contains practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance in ASU 2020-04 is optional and may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future London Inter-bank
Offered Rate (”LIBOR”) indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. We continue to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur.
Leases - On January 1, 2019, we adopted ASU 2016-02, Leases, which has been codified under ASC Topic 842, using the effective date method provided in Topic 842 and elected the practical expedients available for implementation under the standard. As such, our reporting in the consolidated financial statements for comparative periods prior to the adoption of Topic 842 will continue to be in accordance with prior guidance. The adoption of Topic 842 had no material impact on our financial statements.
Note 3. Real Estate Properties and Investments
2020 Acquisitions and New Leases of Real Estate
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we completed the following real estate acquisitions as described below ($ in thousands):
Operator Date Properties Asset Class Land Improvements Total
Bickford Senior Living Q1 2020 1 SHO $ 1,588 $ 13,512 $ 15,100
Life Care Services Q1 2020 1 SHO 4,370 130,522 134,892
Autumn Trace Q2 2020 2 SHO 344 13,906 14,250
41 Management Q3 2020 1 SHO 504 11,796 12,300
$ 6,806 $ 169,736 $ 176,542
Bickford - Shelby, MI
On January 27, 2020, we acquired a 60-unit assisted living/memory care facility located in Shelby, Michigan, from Bickford. The acquisition price was $15,100,000 and included the full payment of an outstanding construction note receivable to us of $14,091,000, including interest. We added the facility to an existing master lease for a term of twelve years at an initial lease rate of 8%, with CPI escalators subject to a floor and ceiling.
Life Care Services
On January 31, 2020, we acquired an 80% equity interest in a property company, NHI-LCS JV I, LLC (“Timber Ridge PropCo”), which owns a 401-unit Continuing Care Retirement Community (“CCRC”) located in Issaquah, Washington comprising 330 independent living units, 26 assisted living/memory care units and 45 skilled nursing beds. The same transaction conveyed to NHI a 25% equity interest in the newly formed operating company, Timber Ridge OpCo .
Total consideration for NHI’s interests in the combined venture was $124,989,000, comprised of the $59,350,000 remaining balance of a mortgage note initially funded in 2015, an additional loan of $21,650,000, and cash of $43,114,000 to Timber Ridge PropCo and $875,000 to Timber Ridge OpCo. Total debt due from Timber Ridge PropCo of $81,000,000, which is eliminated upon consolidation, bears interest to NHI at 5.75%. LCS paid $10,778,000 for its 20% equity stake in Timber Ridge PropCo and provided $2,625,000 for a 75% equity participation in Timber Ridge OpCo.
The lease between Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo carries a rate of 6.75% for an initial term of seven years plus renewal options and has a CPI-based lease escalator, subject to floor and ceiling. NHI’s contribution was allocated to our interest in the tangible assets of Timber Ridge PropCo with no material fair value allocated to Timber Ridge OpCo beyond our initial investment. The lease between Timber Ridge PropCo and Timber Ridge OpCo includes an “earn out” provision whereby Timber Ridge OpCo could become eligible for a payment of $10,000,000 based on the attainment of certain operating metrics. See Note 5 for a discussion of Timber Ridge PropCo.
Autumn Trace
On May 1, 2020, we acquired two senior housing facilities each with 44 assisted living units for a total purchase price of $14,250,000, including $150,000 in closing costs. The facilities are located in Indiana and are leased to Autumn Trace Senior Communities, which is a new operator relationship for NHI. The 15-year master lease has an initial lease rate of 7.25% with
fixed annual escalators of 2.25% and offers two optional extensions of 5 years each. NHI was also granted a purchase option on a newly opened Indiana facility.
41 Management
On September 30, 2020, we acquired a 43-unit assisted living and memory care facility located in Bellevue, Wisconsin from 41 Management. The acquisition price was $12,300,000 and included the full payment of an outstanding mortgage loan of $3,870,000, plus accrued interest. The property is leased to an affiliate of 41 Management pursuant to a 15-year master lease that has an initial lease rate of 7.5% with fixed annual escalators of 2.5% and offers two optional extensions of five years each.
2019 Acquisitions and New Leases of Real Estate
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we completed the following real estate acquisitions and commitments as described below ($ in thousands):
Operator Date Properties Asset Class Land Improvements Amount
Wingate Healthcare Q1 2019 1 SHO $ 5,500 $ 46,700 $ 52,200
Holiday Retirement Q1 2019 1 SHO 550 37,450 38,000
Comfort Care Senior Living Q2 2019 1 SHO 570 10,230 10,800
Comfort Care Senior Living Q2 2019 1 SHO 410 13,090 13,500
Discovery Senior Living Q2 2019 6 SHO 6,301 121,616 127,917
Cappella Living Solutions Q3 2019 1 SHO 169 7,431 7,600
Bickford Senior Living Q3 2019 1 SHO 1,244 13,856 15,100
41 Management Q4 2019 1 SHO 515 8,825 9,340
$ 15,259 $ 259,198 $ 274,457
Wingate
In January 2019, we acquired a 267-unit senior living campus in Massachusetts for a purchase price of $50,300,000, including closing costs of $300,000. The facility is being leased to Wingate Healthcare, Inc. (“Wingate”) for a term of 10 years, with three renewal options of 5 years each, at an initial lease rate of 7.5% plus annual fixed escalators. We have committed to the additional funding of up to $1,900,000 in capital improvements, of which $1,808,000 has been funded at December 31, 2020. The lease also provides for incentive payments up to $5,000,000 that became available beginning in 2020 upon the attainment of certain operating metrics. NHI has a right of first offer on two additional Wingate operated facilities.
Holiday
In January 2019, we acquired a senior housing facility in Vero Beach, Florida from Holiday consisting of 157 independent living and 71 assisted living units in exchange for $38,000,000 toward the $55,125,000 receivable arising from the lease amendment, discussed below in Major Tenants. The property was added to the master lease at a 6.71% lease rate. Under the restructured master lease, annual lease escalators ranging from 2% to 3%, based on portfolio revenue growth, went into effect on November 1, 2020. Holiday settled the remaining commitment to NHI with cash of $17,125,000 at closing. Receipt of the Vero Beach property and collection of the remaining commitment in cash was recognized as adjustments to the outstanding Holiday lease receivable. This resulted in a change of our straight-line receivable from Holiday at the beginning of 2019 into a straight-line payable, which is included in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Deferred income”.
Comfort Care Senior Living
In April 2019, we acquired a newly-constructed 60-unit assisted living facility in Shelby, Michigan which has 14 memory care units. The total commitment of $10,800,000 includes $9,560,000 funded at closing with the remaining amount to be funded once certain post closing and construction requirements are met. On May 20, 2019, we acquired a property in Brighton, Michigan, consisting of 73 assisted living/memory care units. The purchase price for the Brighton acquisition was $13,500,000, inclusive of closing costs. We leased the properties to Comfort Care Senior Living (“Comfort Care”), under leases which provide for initial lease rate of 7.75%, with annual fixed escalators beginning in year three over the term of 10 years plus two renewal options of 5 years each. The leases each include a $3,000,000 earnout incentive which will be added to the respective lease base if funded.
Discovery
In May 2019, we contributed $25,028,000 in cash for a 97.5% equity interest in a consolidated subsidiary ("Discovery PropCo"), which simultaneously acquired from a third party six senior housing facilities comprising 145 independent-living units, 356 assisted-living units and 95 memory-care units, for a total of 596 units. Discovery Senior Housing Investor XXIV, LLC, contributed $631,000 for its non-controlling 2.5% equity interest. We invested an additional $102,258,000 as a preferred equity contribution, for a total NHI investment of $127,286,000. The additional equity contribution of $102,258,000 carries a preference in liquidation as well as in the distribution of operating cash flow. Total cash of $127,917,000 invested in Discovery PropCo included approximately $1,067,000 in closing costs.
The facilities were leased by Discovery PropCo to an affiliate of Discovery for a term of 10 years with two renewal periods of five years at an initial lease rate of 6.5% with fixed annual escalators through the fifth year of the initial lease term followed by CPI-based escalators, subject to floor and ceiling, thereafter.
Discovery is eligible, beginning in 2023, for up to $4,000,000 of lease inducement payments upon meeting specified performance metrics. Inducement payments funded under the agreement will be added to the lease base. Additionally, Discovery PropCo has committed to Discovery for funding up to $2,000,000 toward the purchase of condominium units located at one of the facilities, $968,000 of which was funded as of December 31, 2020.
Cappella Living Solutions
In July 2019, we acquired a 51-unit assisted living facility in Pueblo, Colorado for $7,600,000 including $100,000 of closing costs. We leased the facility to Christian Living Services, Inc., d/b/a Cappella Living Solutions, for a term of 15 years at an initial lease rate of 7.25%, with CPI escalators subject to floor and ceiling.
Bickford Senior Living
In September 2019, we acquired a 60-unit assisted living/memory care facility located in Gurnee, Illinois, from Bickford. The acquisition price was $15,100,000, including $100,000 in closing costs, and the cancellation of an outstanding construction note receivable of $14,035,000, including interest. We leased the building for a term of twelve years at an initial lease rate of 8%, with CPI escalators subject to a floor and ceiling.
41 Management
We transitioned four Minnesota properties on October 1, 2019, from Bickford Senior Living to 41 Management. The transitioned properties are under a master lease which calls for total first-year rent of $906,000 and includes our commitment to make available up to $400,000 in targeted improvements. The lease term of 15 years has two renewal options of five years each and an initial rate of 7%. Under the master lease, escalators are fixed at 2.5%, and the lease is secured by corporate and personal guarantees. On December 27, 2019, for a cash purchase price of $9,340,000, including closing costs of $140,000, we acquired a 48 unit assisted living and memory care facility in the St. Paul, Minnesota area. The St. Paul facility was added to the master lease.
Major Tenants
as of December 31, 2020 Revenues1
Asset Real Notes Year Ended December 31,
Class Estate Receivable 2020 2019 2018
Senior Living Communities EFC $ 573,631 $ 43,980 $ 50,734 15% $ 48,450 15% $ 45,868 15%
Bickford Senior Living ALF 534,376 34,466 49,451 15% 56,210 17% 52,293 18%
Holiday Retirement ILF 531,378 - 40,705 12% 40,459 13% 43,311 15%
National HealthCare Corporation SNF 171,235 - 37,820 11% 38,131 12% 37,843 13%
All others Various 1,451,761 218,927 144,448 44% 129,033 41% 115,297 39%
Escrow funds received from tenants
for property operating expenses Various - - 9,653 3% 5,798 2% - -%
$ 3,262,381 $ 297,373 $ 332,811 $ 318,081 $294,612
1 includes interest income on notes receivable
The amounts in the table above are reflected with disposals being reclassified into the All others category.
At December 31, 2020 the one state in which we had an investment concentration of 10% or more was South Carolina, (10.3%). At December 31, 2019, the two states in which we had an investment concentration of 10% or more were South Carolina (10.9%) and Texas (10.5%).
Senior Living Communities
As of December 31, 2020, we leased 10 retirement communities totaling 2,068 units to Senior Living Communities, LLC (“Senior Living”). The 15-year master lease, which began in December 2014, contains two renewal options of five years each and provides for an annual escalator of 3% effective January 1, 2019. Straight-line rent of $4,271,000, $4,934,000 and $5,436,000 was recognized from the Senior Living Communities lease for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Bickford Senior Living
As of December 31, 2020, we leased 48 facilities under five master leases to Bickford Senior Living. Lease maturity dates range from 2023 through 2033. Straight-line rent of $2,764,000, $4,531,000 and $5,028,000 was recognized from the Bickford leases for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. As discussed more fully in Note 8, we granted lease concessions to Bickford in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In September 2019, NHI amended a master lease, which matures in May 2031 and covers 14 Bickford properties, to change the annual escalator from a fixed percentage to a CPI-based escalator with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3%. A four-building portfolio in Minnesota that had been held by Bickford through September 30, 2019, transitioned to 41 Management, LLC, on October 1, 2019. Also, as of October 1, 2019, a master lease covering nine buildings subject to HUD mortgages was modified to reflect a decrease in monthly rent and provide for CPI-based escalators. As discussed more fully in Note 7, the Company repaid ten HUD mortgage loans on October 30, and November 2, 2020.
Holiday
As of December 31, 2020, we leased 26 independent living facilities to Holiday. The master lease, which matures in 2035, was amended in November 2018 and provides for annual lease escalators beginning November 1, 2020, with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 3%. Straight-line rent of $6,542,000, $6,621,000, and $5,616,000 was recognized from the Holiday lease for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Our tenant operates the facilities pursuant to a management agreement with a Holiday-affiliated manager.
NHC
The facilities leased to NHC, a publicly held company, are under two master leases and consist of three independent living facilities and 39 skilled nursing facilities (four of which are subleased to other parties for whom the lease payments are guaranteed to us by NHC). These facilities are leased to NHC under the terms of an amended master lease agreement originally dated October 17, 1991 (“the 1991 lease”), which includes our 35 legacy properties and a master lease agreement dated August 30, 2013 (“the 2013 lease”), which includes seven skilled nursing facilities acquired in 2013.
The 1991 lease expiration is December 31, 2026. There are two additional 5-year renewal options, each at fair rental value as negotiated between the parties and determined without including the value attributable to any improvements to the leased property voluntarily made by NHC at its expense. Under the terms of the 1991 lease, the base annual rental is $30,750,000 and rent escalates by 4% of the increase, if any, in each facility’s revenue over a 2007 base year. The 2013 lease provides for a base annual rental of $3,450,000 and has a lease expiration of August 2028. Under the terms of the 2013 lease, rent escalates 4% of any increase in each facility’s revenue over the 2014 base year. For both the 1991 lease and the 2013 lease, we refer to this additional rent component as “percentage rent.” During the last three years of the 2013 lease, NHC will have the option to purchase the facilities for $49,000,000.
The following table summarizes the percentage rent income from NHC ($ in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Current year $ 3,687 $ 3,650 $ 3,411
Prior year final certification1
(14) 334 285
Total percentage rent income $ 3,673 $ 3,984 $ 3,696
1 For purposes of the percentage rent calculation described in the master lease agreement, NHC’s annual revenue by facility for a given year is certified to NHI by March 31st of the following year.
Two of our board members, including our chairman, are also members of NHC’s board of directors. As of December 31, 2020, NHC owned 1,630,642 shares of our common stock.
Other Portfolio Activity
Tenant Transitioning
Nine properties were transitioned during 2019 to five new tenants following a period of non-compliance by the former operator. Two leases with the new tenants for six of these properties specify periods during which rental income is based on operating income, net of management fees. We recognized rental income from these nine properties for years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 of $4,593,000 and $3,643,000, respectively.
Asset Dispositions
On January 22, 2020, we sold a portfolio of eight assisted living properties located in Arizona (4), Tennessee (3) and South Carolina (1) to Brookdale Senior Living for cash consideration of $39,260,000 pursuant to the exercise of its option to purchase the properties. These properties were classified in assets held for sale on the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2019. We recorded a gain of $20,752,000 from the sale. We recognized rental income from this portfolio of $229,000 for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $4,250,000 for both of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.
On February 21, 2020, we disposed of two assisted living properties previously classified as held-for-sale in exchange for a term note of $4,000,000 from the buyer, Bickford. The note, which is due February 2025 and bears interest at 7%, will begin amortizing on a twenty-five-year basis in January 2021. In the first quarter of 2019, we recorded an adjustment to write off straight-line rent receivables of $124,000 and recognized an impairment loss of $2,500,000, included in loan and realty (gains) losses on the Consolidated Statements of Income to write down the properties to their estimated net realizable value upon classification of these properties as held-for-sale.
Purchase Options
Certain of our leases contain purchase options allowing tenants to acquire the leased properties. At December 31, 2020, we had a net investment of $40,420,000 in six real estate properties which are subject to exercisable tenant purchase options.
Tenant purchase options on 11 properties in which we had an aggregate net investment of $100,871,000 at December 31, 2020, become exercisable between 2022 and 2028.
Rental income from leased properties with tenant purchase options either currently exercisable or exercisable in the future was $19,319,000, $19,473,000 and $19,194,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. We cannot reasonably estimate at this time the probability that these purchase options will be exercised in the future. Consideration to be received from the exercise of any tenant purchase option is expected to exceed our net investment in the leased property or properties.
In January 2021, the company received notification of a tenant’s intention to exercise its purchase option on a behavioral hospital located in Tennessee in July 2021 for approximately $26,375,000. The aggregate net investment at December 31, 2020 was $21,239,000. Rental income for years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 were $2,733,000, $2,730,000, and $2,730,000, respectively.
Future Minimum Lease Payments
Future minimum lease payments to be received by us under our operating leases at December 31, 2020 are as follows ($ in thousands):
Year Ending December 31,
2021 $ 299,904
2022 286,000
2023 282,285
2024 275,742
2025 272,208
Thereafter 1,432,609
$ 2,848,748
We assess the collectibility of lease payments to be received from our tenants, which includes receivables, consisting primarily of straight-line rents receivable, based on several factors, including payment history, the financial strength of the tenant and any guarantors, historical operations and operating trends of the property, and current economic conditions. If our evaluation of these factors indicates it is not probable that we will be able to collect substantially all of the lease payments, we recognize lease payments on a cash basis and de-recognize all rent receivable assets, including the straight-line rent receivable asset and record as a reduction in rental revenue.
Variable Lease Payments
Most of our existing leases contain annual escalators in rent payments. For financial statement purposes, rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease where the lease contains fixed escalators. Some of our leases contain escalators that are determined annually based on a variable index or other factor that is indeterminable at the inception of the lease. The table below indicates the revenue recognized as a result of fixed and variable lease escalators ($ in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Lease payments based on fixed escalators, net of deferrals $ 272,630 $ 262,178 $ 254,302
Lease payments based on variable escalators 5,501 4,967 4,111
Straight-line rent income 20,411 22,084 22,787
Escrow funds received from tenants for property operating expenses 9,653 5,798 -
Amortization of lease incentives (987) (845) (387)
Rental income $ 307,208 $ 294,182 $ 280,813
Note 4. Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
At December 31, 2020, our investments in mortgage notes receivable totaled $259,491,000 secured by real estate and other assets of the borrower (e.g., UCC liens on personal property) related to 14 facilities and other notes receivable totaled $37,883,000 guaranteed by significant parties to the notes or by cross-collateralization of properties with the same owner. At
December 31, 2019, our investments in mortgage notes receivable totaled $294,120,000 and other notes receivable totaled $46,023,000. The mortgage and other notes receivable balances, indicated above, exclude a credit loss reserve of $4,946,000 and $- at December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
2020 Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
During the year ended December 31, 2020 we made the following note receivable investments and commitments as described below ($ in thousands):
Operator Date Properties Asset Class Amount Funded Remaining
Note Investments
Timber Ridge OpCo (See Note 5) Q1 2020 1 SHO $ 5,000 $ - $ 5,000
Bickford Senior Living (See Note 3) Q1 2020 2 SHO 4,000 (4,000) -
Bickford Senior Living Q2 2020 1 SHO 14,200 (1,918) 12,282
Watermark Retirement Q2 2020 2 SHO 5,000 - 5,000
41 Management Q4 2020 1 SHO 22,200 (4,040) 18,160
$ 50,400 $ (9,958) $ 40,442
Watermark Retirement
On June 12, 2020, we provided a $5,000,000 loan commitment to Watermark Retirement to provide working capital liquidity in connection with the renewal of an existing lease on two continuing care retirement communities. No amounts have been drawn as of December 31, 2020.
41 Management
On November 24, 2020, we committed to providing first mortgage financing to 41 Management, LLC for up to $22,200,000 to construct, a 110-unit independent living, assisted living and memory care community in Sussex, Wisconsin. The approximate four year loan has an annual interest rate of 8.5% and two one year extensions. The agreement includes a purchase option, effective upon stabilization of the facility. Additional security on the loan includes personal and corporate guarantees and the funding of a $4,900,000 working capital escrow. The total amount funded on the note was $4,040,000 as of December 31, 2020.
Our loans to and receivables from 41 Management represent variable interests. 41 Management is structured to limit liability for potential claims for damages, is capitalized to achieve that purpose and is considered a VIE within the definition set forth in Note 2. As discussed more fully in Note 2, we have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of 41 Management
2019 Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
During the year ended December 31, 2019 we made the following note receivable investments and commitments as described below ($ in thousands):
Operator Date Properties Asset Class Amount Funded Remaining
Note Investments
Senior Living Communities Q2 2019 1 SHO $ 32,700 $ (32,700) $ -
41 Management Q2 2019 1 SHO 10,800 (8,717) 2,083
Discovery Senior Living Q3 2019 1 SHO 750 (750) -
Discovery Senior Living Q3 2019 1 SHO 6,423 (6,423) -
41 Management Q4 2019 1 SHO 3,870 (3,870) -
$ 54,543 $ (52,460) $ 2,083
41 Management
In June 2019, we committed to providing first mortgage financing to 41 Management, LLC for up to $10,800,000 to fund the construction of a 51-unit assisted living facility in Wisconsin. The loan carries an interest rate of 8.50% for its term of five years, subject to two renewals of one year each. The agreement includes a purchase option, which is effective upon stabilization of the facility. Additional security on the loan includes personal and corporate guarantees and the funding of a $2,400,000 working capital escrow. The total amount funded on the note was $8,717,000 as of December 31, 2020.
In December 2019, the Company extended a second mortgage loan of $3,870,000 to 41 Management to refinance the subordinated debt on a newly constructed 48-unit assisted living/memory care facility in Bellevue, Wisconsin. The loan was subsequently paid in full when we acquired the property in September 2020. See Note 3 for more details regarding the acquisition.
Discovery
In August 2019, NHI extended a senior mortgage loan of $6,423,000 at 7% annual interest to affiliates of Discovery to acquire a senior housing facility in Indiana for which Discovery PropCo, will have the option to purchase at stabilization. The facility consists of 52 assisted living units and 22 memory care units. NHI provided an additional working capital loan for amounts up to $750,000 at an interest rate of 6.5%, which was fully funded in 2020.
Other Activity
Bickford Senior Living
At December 31, 2020, our construction loans to Bickford Senior Living are summarized as follows ($ in thousands):
Commencement Rate Maturity Commitment Drawn Location
January 2018 9% 5 years 14,000 (14,000) Virginia
July 2018 9% 5 years 14,700 (14,548) Michigan
June 2020 9% 5 years 14,200 (1,918) Virginia
$ 42,900 $ (30,466)
On June 30, 2020, we entered into a $14,200,000 construction loan agreement with Bickford to develop a 64-unit assisted living facility.
The construction loans are secured by first mortgage liens on substantially all real and personal property as well as a pledge of any and all leases or agreements which may grant a right of use to the property. Usual and customary covenants extend to the agreements, including the borrower’s obligation for payment of insurance and taxes. NHI has a fair market value purchase option on the properties at stabilization of the underlying operations. On these development projects, Bickford as borrower is entitled to up to $2,000,000 per project in incentives based on the achievement of predetermined operational milestones and, if funded, will increase NHI's future purchase price and eventual NHI lease payment.
Our loans to Bickford represent a variable interest and Bickford is considered a VIE. We have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary.
Life Care Services - Sagewood
In December 2018, we entered into an agreement to lend LCS-Westminster Partnership IV LLP (“LCS-WP IV”), an affiliate of LCS, the manager of the facility, up to $180,000,000. The loan agreement conveys a mortgage interest and will facilitate the construction of Phase II of Sagewood, a Type-A Continuing Care Retirement Community in Scottsdale, AZ.
The loan takes the form of two notes under a master credit agreement. The senior note (“Note A”) totals $118,800,000 at a 7.25% interest rate with 10 basis-point annual escalators after three years and has a term of 10 years. We have funded $98,752,000 and $77,340,000 of Note A as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Note A is interest-only and is locked to prepayment until January 2021. After 2020, the prepayment penalty starts at 2% and declines to 1% in 2022. The second note (“Note B”) is a construction loan for up to $61,200,000 at an annual interest rate of 8.5% and carries a maturity of five years. The total amount funded on Note B was $61,200,000 and $45,938,000 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. As an affiliate of a larger company, LCS-WP IV is structured to limit liability for potential damage claims, is capitalized to achieve that purpose and is considered a VIE within the definition set forth in Note 2. As discussed more fully in Note 2, we have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of LCS-WP IV.
Life Care Services - Timber Ridge
In February 2015, we entered into a loan agreement in which the proceeds were used to fund the construction of Phase II of Timber Ridge at Talus, a Type-A continuing care retirement community in Issaquah, Washington. The outstanding balance due from LCS-Westminster Partnership III LLP (“LCS-WP III”), an affiliate of LCS and the manager of the facility, was $59,350,000 as of January 31, 2020, when we acquired the property. Timber Ridge PropCo assumed the debt (see Note 3)
which was increased to $81,000,000 as part of the transaction. To provide working capital in support of the CCRC’s entry-fee model, NHI agreed to supply a revolving line of credit permitting draws up to a maximum of $5,000,000. Because of our control of Timber Ridge PropCo, we consolidate its assets, liabilities, noncontrolling interest and operations in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 5 for more information about our equity-method investment in Timber Ridge OpCo.
Senior Living Communities
We provided a $12,000,000 revolving line of credit whose borrowings are to be used primarily to finance construction projects within the Senior Living portfolio, including building additional units. No more than $10,000,000 may be used to meet general working capital needs. Beginning January 1, 2022, availability under the revolver reduces to $7,000,000 with the limit for general working capital needs reduced to $5,000,000. The revolver matures in December 2029 at the time of lease maturity. The outstanding balance under the facility at December 31, 2020 and 2019, was $11,280,000 and $5,174,000, respectively and bears interest at 6.93% per annum, the prevailing 10-year U.S. Treasury rate plus 6%.
On July 31, 2020, Senior Living Communities repaid two fully drawn mezzanine loans of $12,000,000 and $2,000,000, respectively. The purpose of the mezzanine loans were to partially fund construction of a 186-unit senior living campus on Daniel Island in South Carolina. The loans bore interest, payable monthly, at a 10% annual rate.
In June 2019, we provided a mortgage loan of $32,700,000 to Senior Living for the acquisition of a 248-unit continuing care retirement community in Columbia, South Carolina. The financing is for a term of five years with two one year extensions and carries an interest rate of 7.25%. Additionally, the loan conveys to NHI a purchase option at a stated minimum price of $38,250,000, subject to adjustment for market conditions.
Our loans to Senior Living and its subsidiaries totaling $43,980,000, represent a variable interest. Senior Living is structured to limit liability for potential claims for damages, is appropriately capitalized for that purpose and is considered a VIE. As discussed more fully in Note 2, we have concluded that we are not the primary beneficiary of Senior Living.
Credit Loss Reserve
Our principal measures of credit quality, except for construction mortgages, are debt service coverage for amortizing loans and interest or fixed charge coverage for non-amortizing loans collectively (“Coverage”). A Coverage ratio provides a measure of the borrower’s ability to make scheduled principal and interest payments. The Coverage ratios presented in the following table have been calculated utilizing the most recent date for which data is available, September 30, 2020, using EBITDARM (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, rent and management fees) and the requisite debt service, interest service or fixed charges, as defined in the applicable loan agreement. We categorize Coverage into three levels: (i) more than 1.5x, (ii) between 1.0x and 1.5x, (iii) below 1.0x. We update the calculation of coverage on a quarterly basis. Coverage is not a meaningful credit quality indicator for construction mortgages as either these developments are not generating any operating income, or they have insufficient operating income as occupancy levels necessary to stabilize the properties have not yet been achieved. We measure credit quality for these mortgages by considering the construction and stabilization timeline and the financial condition of the borrower as well as economic and market conditions. As of December 31, 2020, we did not have any construction loans that we considered underperforming. The tables below present outstanding note balances as of December 31, 2020 at amortized cost.
We consider the guidance in ASC 310-20 when determining whether a modification, extension or renewal constitutes a current period origination. The credit quality indicator as of September 30, 2020, is presented below for the amortized cost, net by year of origination ($ in thousands):
2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Prior Total
Mortgages
more than 1.5x $ 5,755 $ 8,643 $ 187,362 $ - $ - $ 4,608 $ 206,368
between 1.0x and 1.5x - - - - 10,000 - 10,000
below 1.0x 4,000 39,123 - - - - 43,123
No coverage available - - - - - - -
9,755 47,766 187,362 - 10,000 4,608 259,491
Mezzanine
more than 1.5x - - - - - - -
between 1.0x and 1.5x - - - - - - -
below 1.0x - - - - 14,485 11,367 25,852
No coverage available - 750 - - - - 750
- 750 - - 14,485 11,367 26,602
Revolver
more than 1.5x -
between 1.0x and 1.5x 11,280
below 1.0x -
11,280
Credit loss reserve (4,946)
$ 292,427
Due to the economic uncertainty created by COVID-19 and the potential impact on the collectibility of our mortgages and other notes receivable, we are forecasting a 20% increase in the probability of a default and a 20% increase in the amount of loss from a default resulting in an effective adjustment of 44%.
The allowance for expected credit losses for our commercial loans is presented in the following table for the year ended December 31, 2020 ($ in thousands):
Beginning balance January 1, 2020 (upon adoption of ASU 2016-13) $ 3,900
Additions for expected credit losses 1,639
Deduction for expected credit losses (593)
Balance December 31, 2020 $ 4,946
Note 5. Equity Method Investment
As discussed in Note 2, our investment in the operating company, Timber Ridge OpCo, held by our TRS and recorded in the initial amount of $875,000, arose in conjunction with the acquisition of a CCRC from LCS-Westminster Partnership III, LLP. We structured our arrangement with our JV partner, LCS Timber Ridge LLC, to be compliant with the provisions of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 ("RIDEA") which permits the TRS to engage in activities and share in cash-flows that would otherwise be non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests.
Timber Ridge OpCo’s activities are managed through an "eligible independent contractor" subject to the oversight of Timber Ridge OpCo’s board. This organizational structure meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code regulations for TRS entities. LCS is the managing member of Timber Ridge OpCo, although we have retained specific non-controlling rights. As a result of LCS’s retention of operations oversight and control over all day-to-day business matters, our participating influence at Timber Ridge OpCo does not amount to control of the entity.
As part of our acquisition of the Timber Ridge property in January 2020, we accepted the property subject to trust liens previously granted to residents of Timber Ridge. Beginning in 2008, early residents of Timber Ridge executed loans to the then owner/operators backed by liens and entered into a Deed of Trust and Indenture of Trust (the “Deed and Indenture”) for the benefit of the trustee (now Wilmington Trust, N.A., “Trustee”) on behalf of all residents who made mortgage loans to the owner/operator in accordance with a resident agreement. The Deed and Indenture granted a security interest in the Timber
Ridge property to secure the loans made by the early residents of the property. Subsequent to these early transactions, the practice was discontinued at Timber Ridge.
Our entry into the Timber Ridge joint venture involved the separation of the existing owner/operator configuration into property and operating companies. Accomplishing the split required the allocation of assets and liabilities of the previously unified entity. Timber Ridge PropCo acquired the Timber Ridge property, subject to the resident mortgages secured by the Deed and Indenture. Accordingly, the remaining outstanding “old” loans made by the residents are still secured by a security interest in the Timber Ridge property. The trustee for all of the residents who made “old” loans in accordance with the resident agreements, entered into a subordination agreement concurrent with our acquisition, pursuant to which the Trustee acknowledged and confirmed that the security interests created under the Deed and Indenture were subordinate to any security interests granted in connection with the loan made by NHI to Timber Ridge PropCo.
With the periodic settlement of some of the outstanding resident loans in the normal course of entrance-fee operations, the balance secured by the Deed and Indenture at the date of our acquisition on January 31, 2020, had been reduced to $20,063,000 and was further reduced to $17,155,300 at December 31, 2020. By terms of the resident loan assumption agreement, during the term of the lease (seven years with two renewal options), Timber Ridge OpCo is to indemnify Timber Ridge PropCo for any repayment by Timber Ridge PropCo of these liabilities under the guarantee. As a result of the subordination agreement mentioned above and Timber Ridge OpCo’s indemnity guarantee, a liability was not recorded for the resident loan obligation upon acquisition and as of December 31, 2020.
Timber Ridge OpCo meets the criteria to be considered a VIE. However, we are not the primary beneficiary of Timber Ridge OpCo as our participating rights do not give us the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact Timber Ridge OpCo’s economic performance. As a result, we report our investment in Timber Ridge OpCo under the equity method of accounting as prescribed by ASC Topic 970, Real Estate - General, Subtopic 323-30 Equity Method and Joint Ventures. Our equity share in the losses of Timber Ridge OpCo during the year ended December 31, 2020 was $3,126,000. Under the equity method, we decrease the carrying value of our investment for losses in the entity and distributions to NHI for cumulative amounts up to and including our basis plus any commitments to fund operations. As of December 31, 2020, we have recognized our share of Timber Ridge OpCo’s operating losses in excess of our initial investment. These cumulative losses of $2,250,000 in excess of our original basis are included in “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Our commitments are currently limited to an additional $5,000,000 under a revolving credit facility.
Note 6. Other Assets
Our other assets consist of the following ($ in thousands):
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
Accounts receivable and prepaid expenses $ 2,594 $ 3,212
Lease incentive payments, net 9,782 10,146
Regulatory escrows 6,208 8,208
Restricted cash 2,999 10,454
$ 21,583 $ 32,020
Note 7. Debt
Debt consist of the following ($ in thousands):
December 31,
2020 December 31, 2019
Revolving credit facility - unsecured $ 298,000 $ 300,000
Bank term loans - unsecured 650,000 550,000
Private placement term loans - unsecured 400,000 400,000
HUD mortgage loans (net of discount of $ - and $1,238) - 42,138
Fannie Mae term loans - secured, non-recourse 95,354 95,706
Convertible senior notes - unsecured (net of discount of $- and $303) 60,000 59,697
Unamortized loan costs (4,069) (7,076)
$ 1,499,285 $ 1,440,465
Aggregate principal maturities of debt as of December 31, 2020 for each of the next five years and thereafter are included in the table below. These maturities do not include the impact of any debt incurred or repaid subsequent to December 31, 2020 ($ in thousands):
For The Year Ending December 31,
2021 $ 458,371
2022 250,389
2023 475,408
2024 75,425
2025 143,761
Thereafter 100,000
1,503,354
Less: unamortized loan costs (4,069)
$ 1,499,285
Unsecured revolving credit facility and bank term loans
Our unsecured bank credit facility consists of three term loans -$100,000,000 maturing in July 2021, $250,000,000 maturing in August 2022 and $300,000,000 maturing in September 2023 - and a $550,000,000 revolving credit facility that matures in August 2021 with a one year extension option available after payment of a 10 basis point extension fee. We have swap agreements to fix the interest rates on $340,000,000 of term loans and $60,000,000 of our revolving credit facility that expire in December 2021, when LIBOR is scheduled for discontinuation.
We entered into the $100,000,000 term loan in July 2020, which bears interest at 30-day LIBOR (with a 50 basis point floor) plus 185 basis points, based on our current leverage ratios. The term loan provides us with the option to extend the maturity by one year subject to the payment of a 20 basis point extension fee. The proceeds from this loan were used to reduce the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility. The Company incurred approximately $1,039,000 of deferred financing cost associated with this loan. The term loan was subsequently repaid in January 2021 with the proceeds from the issuance of the Senior Notes due 2031 discussed below.
The revolving facility fee is currently 20 basis points per annum, and based on our current leverage ratios, the facility presently provides for floating interest on the revolver and the term loans at 30-day LIBOR plus 120 basis points and a blended 132 basis points, respectively, excluding the $100,000,000 term loan repaid in January 2021. At December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, 30-day LIBOR was 14 and 176 basis points, respectively.
At December 31, 2020, we had $252,000,000 available to draw on the revolving portion of our credit facility, subject to usual and customary covenants. Among other stipulations, the unsecured credit facility agreement requires that we maintain certain financial ratios within limits set by our creditors. At December 31, 2020, we were in compliance with these ratios.
Pinnacle Bank is a participating member of our banking group. A member of NHI’s Board of Directors and chairman of our audit committee is also the chairman of Pinnacle Financial Partners, Inc., the holding company for Pinnacle Bank. NHI’s local banking transactions are conducted primarily through Pinnacle Bank.
Private placement term loans
Our unsecured private placement term loans, payable interest-only, are summarized below ($ in thousands):
Amount Inception Maturity Fixed Rate
$ 125,000 January 2015 January 2023 3.99%
50,000 November 2015 November 2023 3.99%
75,000 September 2016 September 2024 3.93%
50,000 November 2015 November 2025 4.33%
100,000 January 2015 January 2027 4.51%
$ 400,000
Except for specific debt-coverage ratios and net worth minimums, covenants pertaining to the private placement term loans are generally conformed with those governing our credit facility. Our unsecured private placement term loan agreements include a rate increase provision that is effective if any rating agency lowers our credit rating on our senior unsecured debt below investment grade and our compliance leverage increases to 50% or more.
Repayment of HUD mortgage loans
On October 30, and November 2, 2020, the Company repaid ten HUD mortgage loans with a combined balance of $42,629,000, plus accrued interest of $157,000. The payoff included a prepayment fee of $1,619,000 and the recognition of the unamortized discount and deferred financing cost of $1,172,000 and $1,133,000, respectively, which are reflected in the line item “Loss on early retirement of debt” in our Consolidated Statements of Income. The HUD mortgage loans were secured by ten properties leased to Bickford with a net book value of $47,436,000. Nine of the mortgage notes required monthly payments of principal and interest from 4.3% to 4.4% (inclusive of mortgage insurance premiums) with original maturities in August and October 2049. One additional HUD mortgage loan assumed in 2014 at a discount, required monthly payments of principal and interest of 2.9% (inclusive of mortgage insurance premium) with an original maturity in October 2047.
Fannie Mae term loans
In March 2015 we obtained $78,084,000 in Fannie Mae financing. The term debt financing consists of interest-only payments at an annual rate of 3.79% and a 10-year maturity. The mortgages are non-recourse and secured by thirteen properties leased to Bickford. In a December 2017 acquisition, we assumed additional Fannie Mae debt that amortizes through 2025 when a balloon payment will be due, is subject to prepayment penalties until 2024, bears interest at a nominal rate of 4.60%, and has remaining balance of $17,270,000 at December 31, 2020. All together, these notes are secured by facilities having a net book value of $130,006,000 at December 31, 2020.
Convertible senior notes
In March 2014 we issued $200,000,000 of 3.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due April 2021 (the “Notes”) with interest payable April 1st and October 1st of each year. The Notes were convertible at an initial rate of 13.93 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, representing a conversion price of approximately $71.81 per share for a total of approximately 2,785,200 underlying shares. The conversion rate is subsequently adjusted upon each occurrence of certain events, as defined in the indenture governing the Notes, including the payment of dividends at a rate exceeding that prevailing in 2014. The conversion option was accounted for as an “optional net-share settlement conversion feature,” meaning that upon conversion, NHI’s conversion obligation may be satisfied, at our option, in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Therefore, we use the treasury stock method to account for potential dilution in the calculation of earnings per diluted share.
In December 2019, through the issuance of common stock and cash we retired $60,000,000 of the remaining $120,000,000 of convertible notes outstanding at that time. Settlement of the notes requires management to allocate the consideration we ultimately pay between the debt component and the equity conversion feature as though they were separate instruments. The allocation is effected by recording the fair value of the debt component first, with any remainder allocated to the conversion feature. Amounts expended to settle the notes are recognized first as a settlement of the notes at our carrying value and then are recognized in income to the extent the portion allocated to the debt instrument differs from carrying value. The remainder of the allocation, if any, is treated as settlement of equity and adjusted through our capital in excess of par account.
Total consideration given in the exchange of $73,102,000 included the issuance of 626,397 shares of NHI common stock with a fair value of $51,002,000 and cash disbursed of $22,100,000. The consideration was allocated as $60,285,000 to the note retirement with the remaining expenditure of $12,816,000 allocated to retirement of the equity feature of the notes. A loss of $823,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019, resulted from the excess allocation of cash expenditures over the book value of the notes retired, net of discount and issuance costs.
As of December 31, 2020, our $60,000,000 of senior unsecured convertible notes were convertible at a rate of 14.95 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, representing a conversion price of approximately $66.89 per share for a total of 896,994 shares on the remaining $60,000,000 of senior unsecured convertible notes. For the year ended December 31, 2020, there was no dilution resulting from the conversion option within our convertible debt. If our current share price increases above the adjusted $66.89 conversion price, dilution may be attributable to the conversion feature. At December 31, 2020, the value of the convertible debt, computed as if the debt were immediately eligible for conversion, exceeded its face value amount by $2,045,000.
Senior Notes due 2031
On January 26, 2021, we issued $400,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 3.00% senior notes that mature on February 1, 2031 and pay interest semi-annually (the “2031 Senior Notes”). The 2031 Senior Notes were sold at an issue price of 99.196% of face value before the underwriters’ discount. Our net proceeds from the 2031 Senior Notes offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and expenses, were approximately $392,431,000. We used the net proceeds from the 2031 Senior Notes offering to repay our 2020 Term Loan and reduce borrowings outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility.
Interest Rate Swap Agreements
Our existing interest rate swap agreements will collectively continue through December 2021 to hedge against fluctuations in variable interest rates applicable to $400,000,000 of our bank loans. In June 2020, there were $210,000,000 notional amount of swaps that matured. During the next year, approximately $7,149,000 of losses, which are included in accumulated other comprehensive loss, are projected to be reclassified into earnings.
As of December 31, 2020, we employ the following interest rate swap contracts to mitigate our interest rate risk on our bank term and revolver loans described above ($ in thousands):
Date Entered Maturity Date Swap Rate Rate Index Notional Amount Fair Value (Liability)
March 2019 December 2021 2.22% 1-month LIBOR $ 100,000 $ (2,092)
March 2019 December 2021 2.21% 1-month LIBOR $ 100,000 $ (2,105)
June 2019 December 2021 1.61% 1-month LIBOR $ 150,000 $ (2,210)
June 2019 December 2021 1.63% 1-month LIBOR $ 50,000 $ (743)
If the fair value of the hedge is an asset, we include it in our Consolidated Balance Sheets in the line item “Other assets”, and, if a liability, as a component of “Accounts payable and accrued expenses”. See Note 12 for fair value disclosures about our interest rate swap agreements. Net liability balances for our hedges included as components of “Accounts payable and accrued expenses” on December 31, 2020 and 2019 were $7,150,000 and $3,433,000, respectively.
The following table summarizes interest expense ($ in thousands):
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Interest expense on debt at contractual rates $ 43,458 $ 53,923 $ 45,789
(Gains) losses reclassified from accumulated other
comprehensive income (loss) into interest expense 6,330 (791) 164
Capitalized interest (254) (399) (212)
Amortization of debt issuance costs, debt discount and other 3,348 3,566 3,314
Total interest expense 52,882 56,299 49,055
Note 8. Commitments, Contingencies and Uncertainties
In the normal course of business, we enter into a variety of commitments, typically consisting of funding of revolving credit arrangements, construction and mezzanine loans to our operators to conduct expansions and acquisitions for their own account classified below as loan commitments, and commitments for the funding of construction for expansion or renovation to our existing properties under lease classified below as development commitments. In our leasing operations, we offer to our tenants and to sellers of newly acquired properties a variety of inducements which originate contractually as contingencies but which may become commitments upon the satisfaction of the contingent event. Contingent payments earned will be included in the respective lease bases when funded. The tables below summarize our existing, known commitments and contingencies as of December 31, 2020 according to the nature of their impact on our leasehold or loan portfolios ($ in thousands):
Asset Class Type Total Funded Remaining
Loan Commitments:
LCS Sagewood Note A SHO Construction $ 118,800 $ (98,752) $ 20,048
LCS Sagewood Note B SHO Construction 61,200 (61,200) -
Bickford Senior Living SHO Construction 42,900 (30,466) 12,434
41 Management SHO Construction 22,200 (4,040) 18,160
Senior Living Communities SHO Revolving Credit 12,000 (11,280) 720
41 Management SHO Construction 10,800 (8,717) 2,083
Timber Ridge OpCo SHO Working Capital 5,000 - 5,000
Watermark Retirement SHO Working Capital 5,000 - 5,000
Discovery Senior Living SHO Working Capital 750 (750) -
$ 278,650 $ (215,205) $ 63,445
See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements for full details of our loan commitments. As provided above, loans funded do not include the effects of discounts or commitment fees.
The credit loss liability for unfunded loan commitments is estimated using the same methodology as for our funded mortgage and other notes receivable based on the estimated amount that we expect to fund. We applied the same COVID-19 adjustments as discussed in Note 4.
The liability for expected credit losses on our unfunded loans is presented in the following table for the year ended December 31, 2020 ($ in thousands):
Beginning balance January 1, 2020 (upon adoption of ASU 2016-13) $ 325
Benefit to expected credit losses (55)
Balance at December 31, 2020 $ 270
Asset Class Type Total Funded Remaining
Development Commitments:
Ignite Medical Resorts SNF Construction $ 25,350 $ (25,350) $ -
Woodland Village SHO Construction 7,515 (7,425) 90
Senior Living Communities SHO Renovation 9,930 (9,763) 167
Wingate Healthcare SHO Renovation 1,900 (1,808) 92
Discovery Senior Living SHO Renovation 900 (853) 47
Watermark Retirement SHO Renovation 6,500 (3,000) 3,500
Other SHO Various 1,850 (591) 1,259
$ 53,945 $ (48,790) $ 5,155
In addition to the commitments listed above, Discovery PropCo has committed to Discovery Senior Living for funding up to $2,000,000 toward the purchase of condominium units located at one of the facilities. As of December 31, 2020, we have funded $968,000 toward the commitment.
As of December 31, 2020, we had the following contingent lease inducements which are generally based on the performance of facility operations and may or may not be met by the tenant ($ in thousands):
Asset Class Total Funded Remaining
Contingencies (Lease Inducements):
Timber Ridge OpCo SHO $ 10,000 $ - $ 10,000
Comfort Care Senior Living SHO 6,000 - 6,000
Wingate Healthcare SHO 5,000 - 5,000
Navion Senior Solutions SHO 4,850 (500) 4,350
Discovery Senior Living SHO 4,000 - 4,000
Ignite Medical Resorts SNF 2,000 - 2,000
$ 31,850 $ (500) $ 31,350
COVID-19 Pandemic Contingencies
The World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic on March 11, 2020. The continually evolving pandemic has resulted in a widespread health crisis adversely affecting governments, businesses, and financial markets. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many state, local and federal agencies instituted various health and safety measures including temporary closures of many businesses, “shelter in place” orders, and social distancing guidelines that remain in place to some degree. The COVID-19 pandemic and related health and safety measures have created a significant strain on the operations of many of our tenants, operators and borrowers.
We agreed to defer rent due from Bickford Senior Living totaling $5,850,000 for 2020 and $750,000 for January 2021 as a result of the impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the 2020 deferral, $2,100,000 related to the third quarter with half of the deferral placed in escrow. We continue our negotiations with Bickford for the sale of nine properties which are currently leased to Bickford and have a gross book value of approximately $76,658,000 as of December 31, 2020. The $2,100,000 of deferred rent will be forgiven contingent upon Bickford’s ability to close on the acquisition of these properties. Rental income from this portfolio was $7,878,000 (net of $182,000 of the deferral mentioned above) for the year ended December 31, 2020 and $9,383,000 and $8,859,000, for both of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, including straight-line rental income of $283,000, $680,000 and $331,000, respectively.
The deferred rent for Bickford of $3,750,000 pertaining to the fourth quarter and the $750,000 pertaining to January 2021 bears interest at 8% per annum with repayments, including accrued interest, over twelve months beginning in June 2021.
We agreed to rent concessions with another tenant totaling $1,072,000 in deferrals for 2020, $50,000 in abatements for 2020, and $447,000 in deferrals related to the first quarter of 2021. Of the 2020 totals, approximately $534,000 in deferrals and $20,000 in abatements are related to the third quarter and $538,000 in deferrals and $30,000 in abatements relate to the fourth quarter. The deferred amounts accrue interest from the date of the deferral until paid in full with payments due starting in July 2021 and due no later than December 2022. In initial interest is 8% on the deferrals through December 31, 2021, at which time the rate increases to 9%.
We have accounted for these concessions as variable lease payments, recorded as rental income when received, in accordance with the FASB's Lease Modification Q&A discussed in Note 2.
In the fourth quarter of 2020, we also modified a transition property’s lease in response to the COVID-19 pandemic that extended the lease term by one year and deferred rent of $160,000. See Note 3 Other Portfolio Activity Transitioning Tenants for information regarding our transition properties.
We will evaluate any rent deferral requests as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic on a tenant-by-tenant basis. The extent of future concessions we make as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which could have a material impact on our future operating results, cannot be reasonably or reliably projected by us at this time.
Litigation
Our facilities are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. Our lessees and borrowers have indemnified, and are obligated to continue to indemnify us, against all liabilities arising from the operation of the facilities, and are further obligated to indemnify us against environmental or title problems affecting the real estate underlying such facilities. While there may be lawsuits pending against certain of the owners and/or lessees of the facilities, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all such pending proceedings will have no material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
In June 2018, East Lake Capital Management LLC and certain related entities, including Regency (for three assisted living facilities in Tennessee, Indiana and North Carolina), filed suit against NHI in Texas seeking injunctive and declaratory relief and unspecified monetary damages. NHI responded with counterclaims and filed motions requesting the immediate appointment of a receiver and for pre-judgment possession. Resulting from these claims and counterclaims, on December 6, 2018, the parties entered into an agreement resulting in Regency vacating the facilities in December 2018. Litigation is ongoing.
Note 9. Equity and Dividends
Additional Common Shares Authorized
At our annual meeting on May 6, 2020, our stockholders approved an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized common shares from 60,000,000 to 100,000,000.
At-the-Market (ATM) Equity Program
In March 2020 the Company entered into a new ATM equity offering sales agreement pursuant to which the Company may sell, from time to time, up to an aggregate sales price of $500,000,000 of the Company’s common shares through the ATM equity program. Upon entering into the new agreement, the Company terminated its previously existing ATM equity program, dated February 22, 2017. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we issued 535,990 common shares through the ATM program with an average price of $66.30, resulting in net proceeds of approximately $34,649,000. During the year ended December 31, 2019, 1,209,522 common shares were issued for $95,774,000 in net proceeds.
Dividends
The following table summarizes dividends declared by the Board of Directors during the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019:
Year Ended December 31, 2020
Date of Declaration Date of Record Date Paid/Payable Quarterly Dividend
February 19, 2020 March 30, 2020 May 8, 2020 $1.1025
June 15, 2020 June 30, 2020 August 7, 2020 $1.1025
September 14, 2020 September 30, 2020 November 6, 2020 $1.1025
December 15, 2020 December 31, 2020 January 29, 2021 $1.1025
Year Ended December 31, 2019
Date of Declaration Date of Record Date Paid/Payable Quarterly Dividend
February 19, 2019 March 29, 2019 May 10, 2019 $1.05
May 7, 2019 June 28, 2019 August 9, 2019 $1.05
August 8, 2019 September 30, 2019 November 8, 2019 $1.05
November 7, 2019 December 31, 2019 January 31, 2020 $1.05
Note 10. Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize share-based compensation for all stock options granted over the requisite service period using the fair value of these grants as estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model over the requisite service period using the market value of our publicly-traded common stock on the date of grant.
Share-Based Compensation Plans
The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors (the “Committee”) has the authority to select the participants to be granted options; to designate whether the option granted is an incentive stock option (“ISO”), a non-qualified option, or a stock appreciation right; to establish the number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the option; to establish the vesting provision for any award; and to establish the term any award may be outstanding. The exercise price of any ISO’s granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted and the term of an ISO may not be more than ten years. The exercise price of any non-qualified options granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.
The Company’s outstanding stock incentive awards have been granted under two incentive plans - the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (“2012 Plan”) and the 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (“2019” Plan”). The individual option grant awards may vest over periods up to five years. The term of the options under the 2019 Plan is up to ten years from the date of grant. As of December 31, 2020, shares available for future grants totaled 2,756,836 all under the 2019 Plan and 12,500 shares remain available for issuance under the 2012 Plan.
Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest. Accordingly, forfeitures that were not expected may result in the reversal of previously recorded compensation expense. We consider the historical employee turnover rate in our estimate of the number of stock option forfeitures. The following is a summary of stock-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures, included in “General and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income ($ in thousands):
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense $ 3,061 $ 3,646 $ 2,490
Determining Fair Value of Option Awards
The fair value of each option award was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the weighted average assumptions indicated in the following table. Each grant is valued as a single award with an expected term based upon expected employee and termination behavior. Compensation cost is recognized on the graded vesting method over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the award as though the award were, in substance, multiple awards. The expected volatility is derived using daily historical data for periods preceding the date of grant. The risk-free interest rate is the approximate yield on the United States Treasury Strips having a life equal to the expected option life on the date of grant. The expected life is an estimate of the number of years an option will be held before it is exercised.
Stock Options
The weighted average fair value of options granted was $5.57, $6.30 and $4.49 for December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The fair value of each grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Dividend yield 5.1% 5.5% 6.5%
Expected volatility 17.1% 18.2% 19.4%
Expected lives 2.9 years 2.7 years 2.9 years
Risk-free interest rate 1.30% 2.39% 2.39%
Stock Option Activity
The following tables summarize our outstanding stock options, after giving effect to modifications of 83,334 options in November 2019 as, in substance, the forfeiture of old and issuance of new options concurrent with an employee’s retirement:
Weighted Average
Number Weighted Average Remaining
of Shares Exercise Price Contractual Life (Years)
Outstanding December 31, 2017 859,182 $70.11
Options granted under 2012 Plan 560,000 $64.33
Options exercised under 2005 Plan (6,668) $72.11
Options exercised under 2012 Plan (462,167) $65.03
Options canceled under 2012 Plan (30,001) $66.73
Outstanding December 31, 2018 920,346 $69.24
Options granted under 2012 Plan 685,334 $79.08
Options exercised under 2012 Plan (501,664) $71.52
Options forfeited under 2012 Plan (100,002) $73.89
Outstanding December 31, 2019 1,004,014 $74.35
Options granted under 2012 Plan 319,669 $90.79
Options granted under 2019 Plan 272,331 $89.76
Options exercised under 2012 Plan (512,509) $72.98
Options forfeited under 2012 Plan (16,669) $81.37
Options forfeited under 2019 Plan (32,998) $90.79
Options outstanding, December 31, 2020 1,033,838 3.39
Exercisable at December 31, 2020 601,994 3.08
Remaining
Grant Number Exercise Contractual
Date of Shares Price Life in Years
2/22/2016 20,000 $ 60.52 0.15
2/22/2017 55,331 $ 74.78 1.15
2/20/2018 88,170 $ 64.33 2.14
2/21/2019 313,504 $ 79.96 3.14
2/21/2020 549,333 $ 90.79 4.15
5/1/2020 7,500 $ 53.76 4.33
Options outstanding, December 31, 2020 1,033,838
Including outstanding stock options, our stockholders have authorized an additional 3,803,174 shares of common stock that may be issued under the share-based payments plans.
The following table summarizes our outstanding non-vested stock options:
Number of Shares Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested December 31, 2019 473,851 $5.64
Options granted under 2012 Plan 319,669 $5.52
Options granted under 2019 Plan 272,331 $5.63
Options vested under 2012 Plan (495,675) $5.42
Options vested under 2019 Plan (88,665) $5.63
Non-vested options forfeited under 2012 Plan (16,669) $6.12
Non-vested options forfeited under 2019 Plan (32,998) $5.55
Non-vested December 31, 2020 431,844 $5.79
As of December 31, 2020, unrecognized compensation expense totaling $723,000 associated with unvested stock options is expected to be recognized over the following periods: 2021 - $648,000 and 2022 - $75,000. Share-based compensation is included in “General and administrative expense” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
At December 31, 2020, the aggregate intrinsic value of stock options outstanding and exercisable was $715,000 and $638,000, respectfully. The aggregate intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was $8,118,000 or $15.84 per share; $5,659,000 or $11.28 per share, and $6,105,000 or $13.02 per share, respectively.
Note 11. Earnings Per Common Share
The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options and the conversion of our convertible debt using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive. Dilution resulting from the conversion option within our convertible debt is determined by computing an average of incremental shares included in each quarterly diluted EPS computation. If our average stock price for the period increases over the conversion price of our convertible debt, the conversion feature will be considered dilutive.
The following table summarizes the average number of common shares and the net income used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
Year Ended December 31,
2020 2019 2018
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 185,126 $ 160,456 $ 154,333
BASIC:
Weighted average common shares outstanding 44,696,285 43,417,828 41,943,873
DILUTED:
Weighted average common shares outstanding 44,696,285 43,417,828 41,943,873
Stock options 1,719 75,196 67,735
Convertible subordinated debentures - 210,224 80,123
Weighted average dilutive common shares outstanding 44,698,004 43,703,248 42,091,731
Net income attributable to common stockholders - basic $ 4.14 $ 3.70 $ 3.68
Net income attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ 4.14 $ 3.67 $ 3.67
Incremental anti-dilutive shares excluded:
Net share effect of stock options with an exercise price in excess of the
average market price for our common shares 390,596 4,678 518
Regular dividends declared per common share $ 4.41 $ 4.20 $ 4.00
Note 12. Fair Value Of Financial Instruments
Our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (based on the hierarchy of the three levels of inputs described in Note 2) on a recurring basis include derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments include our interest rate swap agreements.
Derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. The market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument’s term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation model for interest rate swaps are observable in active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.
Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows ($ in thousands):
Fair Value Measurement
Balance Sheet Classification December 31,
2020 December 31, 2019
Level 2
Interest rate swap liability Accounts payable and accrued expenses $ (7,150) $ (3,433)
Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows ($ in thousands):
Carrying Amount Fair Value Measurement
2020 2019 2020 2019
Level 2
Variable rate debt $ 945,078 $ 845,744 $ 948,000 $ 850,000
Fixed rate debt $ 554,207 $ 594,721 $ 575,292 $ 602,926
Level 3
Mortgage and other notes receivable $ 292,427 $ 340,143 $ 321,021 $ 347,543
Fixed rate debt. Fixed rate debt is classified as Level 2 and its value is based on quoted prices for similar instruments or calculated utilizing model derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable in active markets.
Mortgage and other notes receivable. The fair value of mortgage and other notes receivable is based on credit risk and discount rates that are not observable in the marketplace and therefore represents a Level 3 measurement.
Carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of our borrowings under our revolving credit facility and other variable rate debt are reasonably estimated at their notional amounts at December 31, 2020 and 2019, due to the predominance of floating interest rates, which generally reflect market conditions.
Note 13. Income Taxes
Beginning with our inception in 1991, we have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively, we have recorded state income tax expense of $140,000, $142,000 and $138,000 related to a Texas franchise tax that has attributes of an income tax. Some of our leases require taxes to be reimbursed by our tenants. State income taxes are combined in “Franchise, excise and other taxes” in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
The Company has a deferred tax asset, which is fully reserved through a valuation allowance, of $930,000 and $273,000 as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, as a result of its participation in the operations of a joint venture during the years 2012 through 2016, and Timber Ridge OpCo structured as a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) under provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. See Note 5 for a discussion of Timber Ridge OpCo.
The Company made state income tax payments of $140,000, $112,000,and $124,000 for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019, and 2018, respectively.
Dividend payments to common stockholders for the last three years are characterized for tax purposes as follows on a per share basis:
(Unaudited) December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019 December 31, 2018
Ordinary income $ 3.50398 $ 4.20000 $ 3.33730
Capital gain 0.10999 - -
Return of capital 0.79603 - 0.66270
Dividends paid per common share $ 4.41 $ 4.20 $ 4.00
Note 14. Selected Quarterly Financial Data (UNAUDITED)
The following table sets forth selected quarterly financial data for the two most recent fiscal years ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts).
2020 Quarter Ended
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
Net revenues $ 83,076 $ 84,174 $ 84,301 $ 81,260
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 61,023 $ 44,368 $ 42,595 $ 37,140
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 44,613,593 44,650,002 44,661,650 44,859,894
Diluted 44,618,139 44,650,002 44,662,403 44,861,469
Earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders - basic $ 1.37 $ 0.99 $ 0.95 $ 0.83
Net income attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ 1.37 $ 0.99 $ 0.95 $ 0.83
2019 Quarter Ended
March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31,
Net revenues $ 76,107 $ 78,096 $ 81,682 $ 82,196
Net income attributable to common stockholders $ 35,679 $ 39,979 $ 42,758 $ 42,040
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic 42,825,824 43,232,384 43,505,332 44,107,770
Diluted 43,125,032 43,498,021 43,861,089 44,328,847
Earnings per common share:
Net income attributable to common stockholders - basic $ 0.83 $ 0.92 $ 0.98 $ 0.95
Net income attributable to common stockholders - diluted $ 0.83 $ 0.92 $ 0.97 $ 0.95

---

ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.

---

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures. As of December 31, 2020, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of management’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) to ensure information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms; and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and our CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving desired control objectives, and management is necessarily required to apply its judgment when evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of potential controls and procedures. Based upon the evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2020.
There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation during the year ended December 31, 2020 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
MANAGEMENT’S ANNUAL REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
The management of National Health Investors, Inc. is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020 using the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on that assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2020. The Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, BDO USA, LLP, has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting included herein.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and Stockholders
National Health Investors, Inc.
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited National Health Investors, Inc.’s (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows, and equity for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedules and our report dated February 22, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Item 9A, Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Nashville, Tennessee
February 22, 2021

---

ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
None.
PART III.

---

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

---

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

---

ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

---

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.

---

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Incorporated by reference from the information in our definitive proxy statement for the 2021 annual meeting of stockholders, which we will file within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year to which this report relates.
PART IV.

---

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
(a) (1) Financial Statements
The Consolidated Financial Statements are included in Item 8 and are filed as part of this report.
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
The Financial Statement Schedules are included here following the signature page.
(3) Exhibits
Exhibits required as part of this report are listed in the Exhibit Index.
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2020
Description
3.1 Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-192322)
3.2 Articles of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of National Health Investors, Inc. dated as of June 8, 1994. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-3 Registration Statement No. 333-194653 of National Health Investors, Inc.)
3.3 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated May 1, 2009 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement filed March 23, 2009)
3.4 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation approved by shareholders on May 2, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-Q dated August 4, 2014)
3.5 Restated Bylaws, as amended November 5, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-K filed February 15, 2013)
3.6 Amendment No. 1 to Restated Bylaws dated February 14, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Form 10-K filed February 14, 2014)
3.7 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation approved by shareholders on May 6, 2020 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed August 10, 2020)
4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 39 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863, filed in paper - hyperlink is not required pursuant to Rule 105 of Regulation S-T)
4.2 Indenture, dated as of March 25, 2014, between National Health Investors, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated March 31, 2014)
4.3 First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 25, 2014, to the Indenture, dated as of March 25, 2014, between National Health Investors, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated March 31, 2014)
4.4 Indenture dated as of January 26, 2021, among National Health Investors, Inc. and Regions Bank, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K dated January 26, 2021)
4.5 First Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 26, 2021, among National Health Investors, Inc., Regions Bank, as trustee, and the subsidiary guarantors set forth therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K dated January 26, 2021)
4.6 Description of Securities (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Form 10-K filed February 19, 2020)
10.1 Master Agreement of Lease dated as of October 17, 1991 by and among National Health Investors, Inc. and National HealthCorp, L.P. including amendments No. 1 through 4 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-K filed February 19, 2020)
10.2 Amendment No. 5 to the Company’s Master Agreement to Lease with NHC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-K dated March 10, 2006)
10.3 Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Master Agreement to Lease with NHC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q dated November 4, 2013)
10.4 Amended and Restated Amendment No. 6 to the Company’s Master Agreement to Lease with NHC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-K filed February 14, 2014)
*10.5 2005 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s registration statement on Form S-8 filed August 4, 2005)
*10.6 2012 Stock Option Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed March 23, 2012)
*10.7 First Amendment to the 2005 Stock Option, Restricted Stock & Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed March 17, 2006)
*10.8 Second Amendment to the 2005 Stock Option, Restricted Stock & Stock Appreciation Rights Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit B to the Company’s Proxy Statement filed March 23, 2009)
10.9 Excepted Holder Agreement - W. Andrew Adams (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-K dated February 24, 2009)
10.10 Excepted Holder Agreement between the Company and Andrea Adams Brown with Schedule A identifying substantially identical agreements and setting forth the material details in which such agreements differ from this agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q dated November 3, 2010)
10.11 Agreement with Care Foundation of America, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Form 10-K dated February 22, 2010)
10.12 Extension of Master Agreement to Lease dated December 28, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to Form 10-K dated February 15, 2013)
10.13 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement dated as of June 24, 2013 among Care Investment Trust Inc., Care YBE Subsidiary LLC and NHI-Bickford RE, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q dated August 5, 2013)
10.14 Master Lease dated as of December 23, 2013 between NHI- REIT of Next House, LLC, Myrtle Beach Retirement Residence LLC and Voorhees Retirement Residence LLC, individually and collectively as Landlord, and NH Master Tenant LLC, as Tenant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K dated December 23, 2013)
10.15 Guarantee of Lease Agreement dated as of December 23, 2013 between NHI-REIT of Next House, LLC, Myrtle Beach Retirement Residence LLC and Voorhees Retirement Residence LLC, individually and collectively as Landlord, and Holiday AL Holdings, LP as Guarantor (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K dated December 23, 2013)
10.16 Purchase Agreement dated as of November 18, 2013 between the Registrant and certain subsidiaries of Holiday Acquisition Holdings LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Form 10-K filed February 18, 2014)
10.17 Amendment No. 7 to Master Agreement to Lease with NHC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-K filed February 14, 2014)
10.18 Asset Purchase Agreement dated December 1, 2014 with Senior Living Communities, LLC and certain of its affiliates, relating to the acquisition of a portfolio of eight retirement communities (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to Form 10-K filed February 17, 2015)
10.19 $225 million Note Purchase Agreement dated January 13, 2015 with Prudential Capital Group and certain of its affiliates (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-K filed February 17, 2015)
*10.20 First amendment to 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Proxy Statement filed March 20, 2015)
10.21 Construction and Term Loan Agreement dated February 10, 2015 between the Company and LCS-Westminster Partnership (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to Form 10-K filed February 16, 2018)
10.22 Multifamily Loan and Security Agreement for Urbandale Bickford Cottage by and between Care YBE Subsidiary LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and KeyBank National Association, a national banking association with Appendix 1 identifying substantially identical agreements and setting forth the material details in which such agreements differ from this agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q dated May 7, 2015)
10.23 Multifamily Loan and Security Agreement for Omaha II Bickford Cottage by and between Care YBE Subsidiary LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and KeyBank National Association, a national banking association with Appendix 1 identifying substantially identical agreements and setting forth the material details in which such agreements differ from this agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to Form 10-Q dated May 7, 2015)
10.24 Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement dated as of June 30,2015 among the Corporation, The Prudential Insurance Company of America and the other Purchasers named therein (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q dated August 5, 2015)
*10.25 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated as of February 15, 2019, by and between National Health Investors, Inc. and D. Eric Mendelsohn (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K dated February 22, 2019)
10.26 $50,000,000 of 8-year notes with a coupon of 3.99% and $50,000,000 of 10-year notes with a coupon of 4.33% to a private placement lender (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to Form 10-K filed February 18, 2016)
10.27 Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2016, between Texas NHI Investors, LLC and Gladewater Real Estate, LP, Firehole River Real Estate Holdings - Granite Mesa, Ltd, Firehole River Real Estate Holdings - Sonterra, Ltd, Firehole River Real Estate Holdings - West San Antonio, Ltd, RGV Real Estate Holdings, Ltd, Firehole River Real Estate Holdings - Euless, LP, and Firehole River Real Estate Holdings - Katy, LLC, and Legend Healthcare, LLC (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed May 6, 2016)
10.28 NHI PropCo, LLC Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed November 7, 2016)
10.29 $75,000,000 of 8-year notes with a coupon of 3.93% issued to a private placement lender (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q filed November 7, 2016)
10.30 Credit Agreement dated as of August 3, 2017 by and among National Health Investors, Inc., the Lenders party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q dated August 8, 2017)
10.31 Third Amendment to the Note Purchase Agreement dated as of November 3, 2015, made and entered into as of August 8, 2017 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to Form 8-k filed August 14, 2017)
10.32 Fifth Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement dated January 13, 2015, made and entered into as of August 8, 2017 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-k filed August 14, 2017)
*10.33 Second Amendment to 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Proxy Statement filed March 20, 2018)
10.34 Amendment To Master Lease and Termination Of Guaranty dated as of November 5, 2018, by and among NHI-REIT of Next House, LLC, Myrtle Beach Retirement Residence LLC, Voorhees Retirement Residence LLC, NH Master Tenant LLC, and Holiday AL Holdings LP (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to Form 8-K filed November 6, 2018)
10.35 Term Loan Agreement dated as of September 17, 2018, by and among National Health Investors, Inc., the Lenders Party thereto, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association as Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed November 6, 2018)
10.36 Construction and Term Loan Agreement dated December 21, 2018 between the Company and LCS-Westminster Partnership IV, LLP (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Form 10-K filed February 19, 2018)
*10.37 National Health Investors, Inc. 2019 Stock Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to Proxy Statement filed March 19, 2019)
*10.38 Separation Separation Agreement dated November 7, 2019, by and between National Health Investors, Inc. and Roger Hopkins dated November 7, 2019, by and between National Health Investors, Inc. and Roger Hopkins (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.38 to Form 10-K filed February 19, 2020)
10.39 Composite Note Purchase Agreement Reflecting: First Amendment dated March 20,2015; Second Amendment dated June 30, 2015; Third Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement dated November 3, 2015; Fourth Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement dated August 15, 2016; and Fifth Amendment to Note Purchase Agreement dated August 8, 2017, in HTML format (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed March 19, 2020)
21 Subsidiaries (filed herewith)
23.1 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith)
31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
32 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith)
101.INS Inline XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
101.DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).
* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.