NHI-9/30/2013-10Q

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[ x ]
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2013
 
 
[ ]
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
 
For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

Commission File Number 001-10822
National Health Investors, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Maryland
 
62-1470956
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 
 
222 Robert Rose Drive, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
 
37129
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)
(615) 890-9100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ x ] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files) Yes [ x ] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer          [ x ]
 
Accelerated filer                      [ ]
Non-accelerated filer            [ ]
 
Smaller reporting company     [ ]
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [ ] No [ x ]

There were 27,876,176 shares of common stock outstanding of the registrant as of November 1, 2013.



Table of Contents

 
Page
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
 
(unaudited)
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
Real estate properties:
 
 
 
Land
$
70,844

 
$
58,869

Buildings and improvements
854,915

 
636,994

Construction in progress
19,469

 
2,673

 
945,228

 
698,536

Less accumulated depreciation
(177,820
)
 
(163,146
)
Real estate properties, net
767,408

 
535,390

Mortgage and other notes receivable, net
59,367

 
84,250

Investment in preferred stock, at cost
38,132

 
38,132

Cash and cash equivalents
7,450

 
9,172

Marketable securities
13,577

 
12,884

Straight-line rent receivable
16,778

 
12,370

Equity-method investment and other assets
14,402

 
12,172

Assets held for sale, net

 
1,611

Total Assets
$
917,114

 
$
705,981

 
 
 
 
Liabilities and Equity:
 
 
 
Debt
$
391,362

 
$
203,250

Real estate purchase liabilities
5,856

 
4,256

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
7,809

 
4,301

Dividends payable
20,489

 
24,793

Deferred income
1,185

 
1,334

Total Liabilities
426,701

 
237,934

 
 
 
 
Commitments and Contingencies

 

 
 
 
 
National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $.01 par value; 40,000,000 shares authorized;
 
 
 
27,876,176 and 27,857,217 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
279

 
279

Capital in excess of par value
470,892

 
467,843

Cumulative dividends in excess of net income
(439
)
 
(18,495
)
Accumulated other comprehensive income
8,970

 
7,555

Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity
479,702

 
457,182

Noncontrolling interest
10,711

 
10,865

Total Equity
490,413

 
468,047

Total Liabilities and Equity
$
917,114

 
$
705,981


The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rental income
$
28,817

 
$
21,116

 
$
78,879

 
$
61,333

Interest income from mortgage and other notes
1,936

 
1,879

 
5,877

 
5,428

Investment income and other
1,040

 
1,348

 
3,156

 
3,462

 
31,793

 
24,343

 
87,912

 
70,223

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
5,732

 
5,791

 
14,705

 
12,350

Interest
3,290

 
854

 
6,011

 
2,176

Legal
55

 
205

 
621

 
424

Franchise, excise and other taxes
80

 
271

 
316

 
626

General and administrative
1,757

 
1,639

 
7,171

 
6,018

Loan and realty (recoveries) losses, net
(2,061
)
 
2,300

 
1,976

 
2,300

 
8,853

 
11,060

 
30,800

 
23,894

Income before equity-method investee, investment and other gains,
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest
22,940

 
13,283

 
57,112

 
46,329

Income from equity-method investee
178

 

 
269

 

Investment and other gains

 

 

 
30

Income from continuing operations
23,118

 
13,283

 
57,381

 
46,359

Discontinued operations
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from operations - discontinued
562

 
1,068

 
2,321

 
3,269

Gain on sale of real estate
19,370

 

 
19,370

 

Income from discontinued operations
19,932

 
1,068

 
21,691

 
3,269

Net income
43,050

 
14,351

 
79,072

 
49,628

Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(306
)
 

 
(664
)
 

Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
42,744

 
$
14,351

 
$
78,408

 
$
49,628

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
27,876,176

 
27,830,311

 
27,872,805

 
27,799,750

Diluted
27,905,545

 
27,862,582

 
27,906,914

 
27,828,879

Earnings per common share:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders
$
.82

 
$
.48

 
$
2.03

 
$
1.66

Discontinued operations
.71

 
.04

 
.78

 
.12

Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders
$
1.53

 
$
.52

 
$
2.81

 
$
1.78

Diluted:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders
$
.82

 
$
.48

 
$
2.03

 
$
1.66

Discontinued operations
.71

 
.04

 
.78

 
.12

Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders
$
1.53

 
$
.52

 
$
2.81

 
$
1.78



The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
Net income
$
43,050

 
$
14,351

 
$
79,072

 
$
49,628

Other comprehensive income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Change in unrealized gains on securities
(627
)
 
(1,336
)
 
693

 
567

Less: reclassification adjustment for gains in net income

 

 

 
(30
)
Increase (decrease) in fair value of cash flow hedge
(384
)
 
(436
)
 
722

 
(1,343
)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)
(1,011
)
 
(1,772
)
 
1,415

 
(806
)
Comprehensive income
42,039

 
12,579

 
80,487

 
48,822

Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(306
)
 

 
(664
)
 

Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders
$
41,733

 
$
12,579

 
$
79,823

 
$
48,822



The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)

 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income
$
79,072

 
$
49,628

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
 
 
 
operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation
14,705

 
12,653

Amortization
226

 
238

Straight-line rental income
(4,408
)
 
(2,325
)
Write-off of debt issuance costs
353

 

Loan and realty (recoveries) losses, net
1,976

 
2,300

Gain on sale of real estate
(19,370
)
 

Net realized gains on sales of marketable securities

 
(30
)
Share-based compensation
2,086

 
1,924

Income from equity-method investee
(269
)
 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Equity-method investment and other assets
(307
)
 
358

Accounts payable and accrued expenses
498

 
(712
)
Deferred income
(149
)
 
(299
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
74,413

 
63,735

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Investment in mortgage and other notes receivable
(9,713
)
 
(5,797
)
Collection of mortgage and other notes receivable
18,879

 
2,844

Investment in real estate
(134,074
)
 
(77,740
)
Investment in real estate development
(7,883
)
 

Investment in renovations of existing real estate
(5,323
)
 

Investment in unconsolidated entity

 
(8,309
)
Payment of real estate purchase liability

 
(3,000
)
Proceeds from disposition of real estate properties
20,981

 

Proceeds from sales of marketable securities

 
125

Net cash used in investing activities
(117,133
)
 
(91,877
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Net change in borrowings under revolving credit facilities
127,000

 
(42,300
)
Borrowings on term loan
80,000

 
120,000

Repayment of term loan
(80,000
)
 

Debt issuance costs
(1,275
)
 
(753
)
Principal payments on term loan
(19,399
)
 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options
146

 
(2
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest
(818
)
 

Dividends paid to stockholders
(64,656
)
 
(60,279
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
40,998

 
16,666

 
 
 
 
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(1,722
)
 
(11,476
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
9,172

 
15,886

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
7,450

 
$
4,410


The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(in thousands)

 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
(unaudited)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
5,225

 
$
2,214

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
 
 
 
Settlement of mortgage note by real estate acquisition
$
13,741

 
$

Conditional consideration in asset acquisition
$
1,600

 
$

Accounts payable increase due to investments in real estate
$
3,453

 
$

Assumption of debt in real estate acquisition (at fair value)
$
80,528

 
$
19,250

Increase (decrease) in fair value of cash flow hedge
$
722

 
$
(1,343
)
Assignment of net assets in equity-method investee
$
817

 
$



The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

 
Common Stock
 
Capital in Excess of Par Value
 
Cumulative Dividends in Excess of Net Income
 
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
 
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interest
 
Total Equity
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balances at December 31, 2012
27,857,217

 
$
279

 
$
467,843

 
$
(18,495
)
 
$
7,555

 
$
457,182

 
$
10,865

 
$
468,047

Total comprehensive income

 

 

 
78,408

 
1,415

 
79,823

 
664

 
80,487

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

 

 

 

 

 

 
(818
)
 
(818
)
Shares issued on stock options exercised
18,959

 

 
146

 

 

 
146

 

 
146

Share-based compensation

 

 
2,086

 

 

 
2,086

 

 
2,086

Assignment of net assets in equity-method investee

 

 
817

 

 

 
817

 

 
817

Dividends declared, $2.165 per share

 

 

 
(60,352
)
 

 
(60,352
)
 

 
(60,352
)
Balances at September 30, 2013
27,876,176

 
$
279

 
$
470,892

 
$
(439
)
 
$
8,970

 
$
479,702

 
$
10,711

 
$
490,413


The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 30, 2013
(unaudited)

NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We, the management of National Health Investors, Inc., ("NHI" or the "Company") believe that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of which these notes are an integral part include all normal, recurring adjustments which are necessary to fairly present the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NHI in all material respects. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2012 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. We assume that users of these condensed consolidated financial statements have read or have access to the audited December 31, 2012 consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and that the adequacy of additional disclosure needed for a fair presentation, except in regard to material contingencies, may be determined in that context. Accordingly, footnotes and other disclosures which would substantially duplicate those contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 have been omitted. This condensed consolidated financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, acquisitions and dispositions, changes in interest rates, rents and the timing of debt and equity financings. For a better understanding of NHI and its condensed consolidated financial statements, we recommend reading these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2012, which are included in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a copy of which is available at our web site: www.nhireit.com.

Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the joint venture entity over which we exercise control. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income is reduced by the portion of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance for our arrangements with variable interest entities ("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 consolidate investments in VIEs when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We may change our original 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.

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. At September 30, 2013, we held an interest in one unconsolidated VIE, of which we were not the primary beneficiary.

We also apply FASB guidance related to investments in joint ventures based on the type of controlling rights held by the members' interests in limited liability companies that may preclude consolidation by the majority equity owner in certain circumstances in which the majority equity owner would otherwise consolidate the joint venture.

We structure our joint ventures to be compliant with the provisions of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 ("RIDEA") which permits NHI to receive rent payments through a triple-net lease between a property company and an operating company, and is designed to give 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 equity interest in an unconsolidated operating company, which we do not control, and provides an organizational structure that will allow 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.


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Equity-Method Investment - We report our TRS investment in an unconsolidated entity, over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, our pro rata share of the entity's earnings or losses is included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, we adjust our investment carrying amount to reflect our share of changes in an equity-method investee's capital resulting from its capital transactions.

The initial carrying value of our equity-method investments is based on the fair value of the net assets of the entity at the time we acquired our interest. We estimate fair values of the net assets of our equity-method investees based on discounted cash flow models. The inputs we use in these models are based on assumptions that we believe to be within a reasonable range of current market rates for the respective investments.

We evaluate our equity-method investments for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment may exceed the fair value. If it is determined that a decline in the fair value of our investment is not temporary, and if such reduced fair value is below its carrying value, an impairment is recorded. The determination of the fair value of our equity-method investments involve significant judgment. Our estimates consider all available evidence including the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at market rates, general economic conditions and other relevant factors.

Noncontrolling Interests - We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in entities that we control (and thus consolidate) as noncontrolling interests and classify such interests as a component of consolidated equity, separate from total NHI stockholders' equity, in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests in net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

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 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.

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. Cost or fair value at the time of acquisition is allocated among land, buildings, tenant improvements, lease and other intangibles, and personal property. For properties acquired in transactions accounted for as asset purchases, the purchase price allocation is based on the relative fair values of the assets acquired. Cost 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 from 3 to 25 years.


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We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of our real estate properties on a property-by-property basis. On a quarterly 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 deteriorations 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.

We have reclassified for all periods presented the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria as either being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Long-lived assets classified as held for sale are reported separately in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. When assets previously classified as being held for sale no longer meet the accounting criteria for such classification, we reclassify those assets as held and used, measured at the lower of their carrying amount before the assets were classified as held for sale (adjusted in the period in which the decision not to sell was made for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the assets been continuously classified as held and used) or their fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. Results of operations of the facilities previously disclosed in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income as discontinued operations which no longer meet the accounting criteria as held for sale are reclassified into continuing operations for all periods presented. There is no change to reported net income for the prior periods as a result of this reclassification.

Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable - Each quarter, we evaluate the carrying values of our notes receivable on an instrument-by-instrument basis for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable. If a note receivable becomes more than 30 days delinquent as to contractual principal or interest payments, the loan is classified as non-performing, and thereafter we recognize all amounts due when received. If necessary, an impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.

New Accounting Pronouncements - In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which amends FASB Topic 220, Comprehensive Income, which requires entities to provide information about amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. In addition, an entity is required to present, either on the face of the income statement or in the notes, significant amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by the respective line items of net income. ASU 2013-02 was effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The adoption of ASU 2013-02 did not have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013 the FASB issued ASU 2013-10, Derivatives and Hedging, which amends Topic 815. ASU 2013-10 permits the Fed Funds Effective Swap Rate (OIS) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for hedge accounting purposes under Topic 815, in addition to U.S. Treasury and LIBOR. ASU 2013-10 also removes the restriction on using different benchmark rates for similar hedges. ASU 2013-10 is effective prospectively for qualifying new or redesignated hedging relationships entered into on or after July 17, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-10 did not have a material impact on our financial statements.

NOTE 2. REAL ESTATE

As of September 30, 2013, we owned 135 health care real estate properties located in 27 states and consisting of 66 senior housing communities, 64 skilled nursing facilities, 3 hospitals and 2 medical office buildings. Our senior housing properties include assisted living facilities, senior living campuses, and independent living facilities. These investments (excluding our corporate office of $882,000) consisted of properties with an original cost of approximately $944,346,000, rented under triple-net leases to 23 lessees.


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Acquisitions and New Leases of Real Estate

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we made the following real estate investments and commitments as described below (in thousands):
Operator
 
Properties
 
Asset Class
 
Amount
Bickford Senior Living/RIDEA Structure
 
17
 
Senior Housing
 
$
137,459

Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings, LLC
 
2
 
Skilled Nursing
 
27,750

National Healthcare Corporation
 
7
 
Skilled Nursing
 
37,417

Emeritus Senior Living
 
1
 
Senior Housing
 
15,300

Discovery Senior Living
 
1
 
Senior Housing
 
12,000

 
 
 
 
 
 
$
229,926


NHC

Our revenue from continuing operations was $87,912,000 and $70,223,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Of these amounts, $25,650,000 (29%) and $25,041,000 (36%), respectively, were derived from National Healthcare Corporation (“NHC”), a publicly-held company and our largest tenant. At September 30, 2013, we leased 42 health care facilities to NHC consisting of 3 independent living facilities and 39 skilled nursing facilities (4 of which are subleased to other parties for whom the lease payments are guaranteed to us by NHC). The master lease agreement with NHC originally dated October 17, 1991, has since been amended to extend the lease expiration 5 years to December 31, 2026. There are two additional 5-year renewal options, each at fair rental value of such leased property 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 lease, rent escalates by 4% of the increase, if any, in each facility's revenue over a 2007 base year. We refer to this additional rent component as “percentage rent.”

The following table summarizes the percentage rent received and recognized from NHC (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Current year
$
570

 
$
382

 
$
1,706

 
$
1,148

Prior year final certification1

 

 
746

 
997

Total percentage rent
$
570

 
$
382

 
$
2,452

 
$
2,145

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.

As previously disclosed, in December 2012, NHI entered into an agreement with NHC to sell six skilled nursing facilities for $21,000,000 in cash. The properties had a carrying value of $1,611,000. The sale was completed on August 31, 2013, and resulted in a gain for financial statement purposes of $19,370,000 after transaction costs of $19,000. We plan to defer recognition of the tax gain on the sale of these facilities by utilizing the like-kind exchange rules under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The results of operation of the facilities sold were classified as discontinued operations for all periods presented in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Upon the sale of these facilities and prior to the acquisition described below, NHI's annual base rent of $33,700,000 was reduced to $30,750,000.

On August 30, 2013, NHI acquired seven skilled nursing facilities (and one vacant assisted living facility) in Massachusetts and New Hampshire from former not-for-profit borrower ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. (“ElderTrust”) for consideration of $37,417,000 consisting of $23,676,000 in cash, inclusive of closing costs, and the cancellation of notes receivable from ElderTrust with a principal balance of $13,741,000. Beginning September 1, 2013, the facilities were placed under a new triple net lease to the current manager, NHC, for a period of 15 years commencing with a lease amount of $350,000 for the remainder of 2013. In 2014, the lease provides for a base annual rental of $3,450,000. Under the terms of the lease, rent escalates 4% of the increase in each facility's revenue over the 2014 base year. Because ElderTrust was the owner and operator of the facilities, we accounted for the transaction as an asset acquisition. During the last three years of the lease, NHC will have the option to purchase the facilities for $49,000,000.




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Bickford

As of September 30, 2013, we owned an 85% equity interest and an affiliate of Bickford Senior Living ("Bickford") owned a 15% equity interest in our consolidated subsidiary ("PropCo") which owns 27 assisted living/memory care facilities and also has 3 facilities under construction. The facilities are leased to an operating company, ("OpCo"), in which we also retain an 85% ownership interest, but do not control. Our joint venture is structured to comply with the provisions of RIDEA.

On June 28, 2013, PropCo purchased 17 assisted living and memory care facilities which were managed by Bickford. The facilities total 750 units and are located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska. Of these facilities, 14 were acquired from a subsidiary of Care Investment Trust, Inc. ("Care") for $124,549,000, consisting of $44,021,000 in cash and assumption of secured debt with a fair value of $80,528,000. PropCo accounted for acquisition of the 100% interest in the real estate operations of these facilities using the acquisition method as prescribed by ASC Topic 805. As part of this transaction, we recognized all identifiable tangible assets and liabilities assumed at fair value at the date of acquisition (there were no identifiable intangible assets or liabilities assumed) and attributed $4,360,000 to the fair value of the land, $120,189,000 to the fair value of the buildings and improvements and expensed $63,000 in transaction costs at closing. The 14 newly-acquired facilities have been leased to OpCo for an initial term of 5 years at an aggregate annual lease amount of $9,750,000 plus annual fixed escalators commencing on July 1 of each succeeding year.

Concurrent with this acquisition, PropCo also completed a $12,910,000 purchase and leaseback of three assisted living facilities located in Iowa, Nebraska and Indiana totaling 107 units from affiliates of Bickford. The acquisition was accounted for as an asset purchase. PropCo's previous master lease with Bickford was amended to include these three properties and the annual lease amount was increased from $7,750,000 to $9,086,000, plus annual fixed escalators beginning January 1 of each succeeding year. All other significant terms of the existing master lease remain unchanged.

In total, the 27 operating facilities in the joint venture have aggregate annual contractual rent due from OpCo to Propco of $18,836,000, plus fixed annual escalators. Of our total revenue from continuing operations, $5,209,000 (16%) and $9,383,000 (11%) were recorded by PropCo from OpCo for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

NHI has an exclusive right to Bickford's future acquisitions, development projects and refinancing transactions. At September 30, 2013, PropCo had purchased land and begun construction on three assisted living/memory care facilities having a maximum cost of $27,000,000. Our costs incurred to date, including land, were $14,252,000.

For the 14 Care properties acquired in a business combination and discussed above, the pro forma revenue, net income and net income available to common stockholders of the combined entity is provided below had the acquisition date been January 1, 2012 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Revenue
$
34,381

 
$
26,931

 
$
95,677

 
$
77,988

Net income
$
43,490

 
$
14,791

 
$
80,391

 
$
50,947

Net income available to common stockholders
$
43,118

 
$
14,725

 
$
79,529

 
$
50,749

Basic earnings per share
$
1.55

 
$
.53

 
$
2.85

 
$
1.83

Diluted earnings per share
$
1.55

 
$
.53

 
$
2.85

 
$
1.82


Supplemental pro forma information above includes revenues from the newly executed lease with OpCo, recognized on a straight-line basis, depreciation, and appropriate interest costs.

Emeritus

In July 2013 we completed a $15,300,000 acquisition of The Inn at Halcyon Village in Marysville, Ohio ("Halcyon"). The 76-unit assisted living and memory care community is leased to Emeritus Senior Living for an initial term of 15 years with an option to extend. Rent in the first year of the lease will be $1,140,000. Annual fixed escalators begin in the third lease year. Because Halcyon was owner-operated at the time of acquisition, we accounted for the purchase as an asset acquisition.

Discovery

In September 2013 we completed a $12,000,000 acquisition of Regency Pointe Retirement Community in Rainbow City, Alabama. The 120-unit senior housing community is leased to Discovery Senior Living ("Discovery") for an initial term of 15

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years, with three 5-year renewal options. Rent in the first year of the lease is $942,000 plus annual fixed escalators thereafter. As a lease inducement, upon achieving certain operating metrics, Discovery will be eligible over years two, three and four of the lease for contingent payments totaling up to $2,500,000 which, if paid, will be amortized as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining lease term. Because Regency Pointe was owner-operated at acquisition, we accounted for the purchase as an asset purchase.

Fundamental

In April 2013, we completed the purchase of two skilled nursing facilities located in Canton and Corinth, Texas for a purchase price of $26,150,000 in cash, plus consideration related to the Corinth facility of $1,600,000 conditional upon the achievement of certain operating metrics, which is probable. The facilities, which total 254 beds, have been leased to affiliates of Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings, LLC (“Fundamental”) for an initial term of 10 years at a lease rate of 9% plus annual fixed escalators. The lease includes three 5-year renewal options at the terms which exist upon renewal. Because the Corinth facility was owner-operated, the acquisition of the Corinth facility was accounted for as an asset purchase.

Because Fundamental was the current lessee, we accounted for acquisition of the 100% interest in the real estate operation of the Canton facility using the acquisition method as prescribed by FASB Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations ("ASC Topic 805"). As part of this transaction, we recognized all identifiable tangible assets at fair value at the date of acquisition (there were no identifiable intangible assets or liabilities assumed) and attributed $420,000 of the purchase price to the fair value of the land, $11,659,000 to the fair value of building and improvements, $671,000 to the fair value of equipment and expensed $147,000 in transaction costs which were paid at closing.

As disclosed in Note 13, in October 2013, we entered into an agreement to sell three skilled nursing facilities with an aggregate carrying value of $17,115,000 to our current tenant, Fundamental, for $18,500,000 in cash. Completion of this transaction is expected to occur by December 31, 2013.

NOTE 3. EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT AND OTHER ASSETS

Our equity-method investment in OpCo and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Equity-method investment in OpCo
$
9,439

 
$
8,353

Loan costs and prepaid expenses, net
2,981

 
1,837

Accounts receivable and other assets
1,429

 
1,816

Replacement reserve and tax escrows - Fannie Mae
553

 

Escrow deposit for real estate purchase

 
166

 
$
14,402

 
$
12,172


In June 2013, we recorded escrow deposits for replacement reserves and taxes in connection with our assumption of Fannie Mae secured debt described in Note 7. These loans currently require monthly deposits into escrow of $111,000, which are subject to reimbursement by our lessee, OpCo. Upon reimbursement, we record an equal liability to our lessee. Accordingly, the balance in the related liability account at September 30, 2013, was $553,000.

In connection with the acquisition of the Care and Bickford properties in June 2013, a sale and assignment was entered into whereby the operations of the 17 facilities were conveyed by an affiliate of Bickford to OpCo. As provided for under the agreements, the transaction resulted in the effective cut-off of operating revenues and expenses and the settlement of operating assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. Specified remaining net tangible assets were assigned to OpCo at the transferor's carryover basis, resulting in an adjustment of $817,000 to NHI's equity-method investment in OpCo and to our capital in excess of par value.

OpCo is intended to be self-financing, and aside from initial investments therein, no direct support has been provided by NHI to OpCo since inception on September 30, 2012. While PropCo's rental revenues associated with the related properties are sourced from OpCo, a decision to furnish additional direct support would be at our discretion and not obligatory. As a result, NHI believes its maximum exposure to loss at September 30, 2013, due to its involvement with OpCo, would be limited to its equity interest. We have concluded that OpCo meets the accounting criteria to be considered a VIE. However, because we do not control the entity, nor do we have any role in the day-to-day management, we are not the primary beneficiary of the entity, and we account for our investment using the equity method. There have been no distributions declared during the nine months ended September 30, 2013.


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At inception, we valued our equity interest in OpCo based on the total consideration for the underlying assets at their estimated relative fair values. During the measurement period granted under provisions of ASC Topic 805, we have ascertained and ascribed value to all identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. As the result of the culmination of this process, the asset values disclosed as preliminary in prior filings have been finalized without further revision. We continue to monitor and periodically review for impairment our equity method investment in OpCo to determine whether a decline, if any, in the value of the investment is other than temporary. We noted no decline in value as of September 30, 2013.

Summary financial information for OpCo, for which our pro rata share of the equity in its net income is presented in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income, is presented below (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Revenues
$
14,836

 
$

 
$
27,156

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating expenses, including management fees
9,400

 

 
17,394

 

Lease expenses
5,138

 

 
9,312

 

Depreciation and amortization
88

 

 
133

 

Net Income
$
210

 
$

 
$
317

 
$


NOTE 4. MORTGAGE AND OTHER NOTES RECEIVABLE

At September 30, 2013, we had: (1) investments in mortgage notes receivable with a carrying value of $33,654,000 secured by real estate and UCC liens on the personal property of 11 health care properties and (2) other notes receivable with a carrying value of $25,713,000 guaranteed by significant parties to the notes or by cross-collateralization of properties with the same owner. No allowance for doubtful accounts was considered necessary at September 30, 2013.

Due to non-receipt of contractual payments, in March 2013 we evaluated the recoverability of mortgage notes receivable due from two not-for-profit borrowers (SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. and ElderTrust of Florida, Inc.). Using a discounted cash flow analysis, we evaluated the declining net operating income of SeniorTrust over the previous twelve months and recognized an impairment to the carrying value of the SeniorTrust notes in the total amount of $4,037,000, thereby reducing the carrying value of the SeniorTrust notes receivable to $15,000,000.

In June 2013 we received full payment of $15,000,000 on the SeniorTrust notes. In August 2013 the ElderTrust notes with an aggregate principal balance of $13,741,000 were applied to the purchase price of seven skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. See Note 8 for more information on our transactions with SeniorTrust and ElderTrust.

In July 2013, we extended a $9,200,000 loan to Bickford to fund a portion of their acquisition of six senior housing communities consisting of 342 units. The loan is guaranteed by principals of Bickford and has a two year maturity plus a one year extension option with 12% annual interest. As a result of this transaction, PropCo acquired a $97,000,000 purchase option on the properties which is exercisable over the term of the loan.

In September 2013, we received $3,293,000 as full payment upon the final maturity of a mortgage note secured by a skilled nursing facility located in Georgia. Of the amount received, we recorded $2,061,000 as a recovery of a previous writedown.

As disclosed in Note 13, in October 2013, we provided a $2,500,000 second mortgage loan to an affiliate of Discovery for the construction of a 120-unit senior housing community in Naples, Florida.

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT IN PREFERRED STOCK, AT COST

We received $2,454,000 in preferred dividends from LTC (a publicly-traded REIT) for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, on our investment in 2,000,000 shares of their cumulative preferred stock having an original cost of $38,132,000. The preferred stock, which is not listed on a stock exchange, is considered a non-marketable security and is recorded at cost in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The non-voting preferred stock is convertible into 2,000,000 shares of LTC common stock.


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NOTE 6. INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Our investments in marketable securities include available-for-sale securities which are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are presented as a component of other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses from securities sales are determined based upon specific identification of the securities.

Marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Amortized Cost

 
Fair Value

 
Amortized Cost

 
Fair Value

Common stock of other healthcare REITs
$
4,088

 
$
13,577

 
$
4,088

 
$
12,884


Gross unrealized gains related to available-for-sale securities were $9,489,000 at September 30, 2013 and $8,796,000 at December 31, 2012.

NOTE 7. DEBT

Debt consists of the following (in thousands):
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Revolving credit facility - unsecured
$
191,000

 
$
64,000

Bank term loans - unsecured
120,000

 
120,000

Bank term loan - secured

 
19,250

Fannie Mae term loans - secured (including a premium of $1,782)
80,362

 

 
$
391,362

 
$
203,250


On June 28, 2013, we entered into a $370,000,000 unsecured credit facility which includes a 5-year revolving credit facility (inclusive of an embedded 1-year extension option) of $250,000,000 with interest at 140 basis points over LIBOR and $120,000,000 of 7-year term loans with interest at 150 basis points over LIBOR. At September 30, 2013, we had $59,000,000 available to draw on the revolving portion of the credit facility. Quoted 30-day LIBOR was 18 basis points on September 30, 2013. The new facility replaces a smaller credit facility that originated on May 1, 2012 and provided for $320,000,000 of total borrowing capacity.

As part of the Care acquisition described in Note 2, we assumed Fannie Mae mortgage loans with principal balances of $71,323,000 and $7,257,000 on September 30, 2013, which have interest at rates of 6.85% and 7.17%, respectively, and maturing on July 1, 2015 (prepayable without penalty after December 31, 2014).

Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 includes $596,000 and $238,000, respectively, as amortization of loan costs. Amortization of loan costs for 2013 includes $353,000 which was written off as a result of modifications we made to the credit facility at the end of the second quarter.

In August 2013, we used our revolving credit facility to pay off a $19,250,000 secured bank loan which provided for interest at 300 basis points over LIBOR.

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

To mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into the following interest rate swap contracts as of September 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
Date Entered
 
Maturity Date
 
Fixed Rate
 
Rate Index
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
May 2012
 
April 2019
 
3.04%
 
1-month LIBOR+150 bps
 
$
40,000

 
$
189

June 2013
 
June 2020
 
3.61%
 
1-month LIBOR+150 bps
 
$
80,000

 
$
(708
)

See Note 12 for fair value disclosure about our Fannie Mae mortgage loans and interest rate swap agreements.


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NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Bickford

At September 30, 2013, our subsidiary PropCo had purchased land and begun construction on three assisted living facilities having a maximum cost of $27,000,000. Our costs incurred to date, including land, were $14,252,000.

Fundamental

In April 2013, we completed the purchase of two skilled nursing facilities located in Canton and Corinth, Texas for a purchase price of $26,150,000 in cash, plus consideration related to the Corinth facility of $1,600,000 conditional upon the achievement of certain operating metrics, which is probable.

Kentucky River

In March 2012, we entered into a long-term lease extension and construction commitment to Jackson Hospital Corporation, an affiliate of Community Health Systems, to provide up to $8,000,000 for extensive renovations and additions to our Kentucky River Medical Center, a general acute care hospital in Jackson, Kentucky. This investment will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated. The construction project commenced during the first quarter of 2013 and is expected to continue over two years. Total construction costs incurred as of September 30, 2013 were $4,363,000. The 10-year lease extension began July 1, 2012, with an additional 5-year renewal option.

Legend Healthcare

In October 2011, we completed a purchase/leaseback of four skilled nursing facilities in Texas with affiliates of Legend Healthcare, LLC (“Legend”) for $55,278,000, including consideration of $5,478,000 which is contingent on the expected achievement of certain operating metrics. We anticipate the remaining $3,256,000, which is recorded as a purchase liability, to be funded prior to December 31, 2014.

Santé

We have a $2,000,000 supplemental construction commitment to our borrower, Santé Partners, LLC (“Santé”). This additional loan amount becomes available to the borrower when the 70-bed transitional rehabilitation hospital, completed in March 2011, achieves certain operating metrics. NHI also has the option to purchase and lease back the hospital when it achieves a predetermined level of stabilized net operating income.

We have committed to fund a $3,500,000 expansion and renovation program in connection with our August 2012 acquisition of the senior living campus leased to Santé in Silverdale, Washington. As of September 30, 2013, we had funded $2,639,000 of this commitment, which will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated.

Helix Healthcare

In March 2010, we completed a purchase/leaseback transaction with Helix Healthcare (“Helix”) for $12,500,000. The purchase price includes a conditional payment of $1,000,000, which is recorded as a purchase liability.

Discovery

As a lease inducement, we have a contingent commitment to fund a series of payments up to $2,500,000 in connection with our September 2013 lease to Discovery of a senior living campus in Rainbow City, Alabama. Discovery would earn the contingent payments upon obtaining, and maintaining, a specified lease coverage ratio. As earned, the payments would be due in installments of $750,000 in each of years two and three of the lease with the residual due in year four. At acquisition, the likelihood that we would incur the contingent payments was not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Litigation

The health care facilities in which we have investments are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. Our lessees and mortgagors have indemnified, and will continue to indemnify, us against all liabilities arising from the operation of the health care facilities and will indemnify us against environmental or title problems affecting the real estate underlying such

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facilities. While there are lawsuits pending against certain of the owners and/or lessees of the health care facilities, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all pending proceedings will have no material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

As previously disclosed and discussed in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, we have been involved in an investigation by the Tennessee Attorney General (“OTAG”) regarding transactions between the Company and two Tennessee not-for-profit corporations, as well as extended litigation with ElderTrust of Florida, Inc ("ElderTrust") and SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. ("SeniorTrust").

In April 2013, we agreed to a full settlement of the above litigation. The settlement agreement also resolved the OTAG investigation with respect to both ElderTrust and Senior Trust and was court approved on May 3, 2013.

In accordance with provisions of the settlement, in June 2013 we received payment in the full amount of $15,000,000 on the SeniorTrust notes. In the ElderTrust settlement, we acquired seven skilled nursing facilities which had served as collateral for their notes. Consideration given in the acquisition included cancellation of these notes totaling $13,741,000 and cash of $23,676,000, inclusive of closing costs. The purchase was completed August 30, 2013. The facilities were placed under a new triple-net lease to NHC as discussed in Note 2.

NOTE 9. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We recognize share-based compensation for: (1) 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, and (2) all restricted stock granted 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.

In May 2012, our stockholders approved the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan ("the 2012 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of September 30, 2013, there were 1,140,000 shares available for future grants under the 2012 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to five years. The term of the options under the 2012 Plan is up to five years from the date of grant.

In May 2005, our stockholders approved the NHI 2005 Stock Option Plan ("the 2005 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of September 30, 2013, there were 20,635 shares available for future grants under the 2005 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to ten years. The term of the options outstanding under the 2005 Plan is up to ten years from the date of grant.

The NHI 1997 Stock Option Plan (“the 1997 Plan”) provides for the granting of options to key employees and directors of NHI to purchase shares of common stock at a price no less than the market value of the stock on the date the option is granted. As of September 30, 2013, no shares were available for future grants under this plan. The term of the options outstanding under the 1997 Plan is five years from the date of the grant.

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. The compensation expense reported for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 was $2,086,000, all of which related to outstanding stock options, as compared to $1,924,000 for the nine months ended ended September 30, 2012, consisting of $1,923,000 for stock options and $1,000 for restricted stock.

At September 30, 2013, we had $669,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, net of expected forfeitures, which is expected to be recognized over the following periods: 2013 - $253,000, 2014 - $375,000 and 2015 - $41,000. Stock-based compensation is included in general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

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The following tables summarize our outstanding stock options:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
Options outstanding January 1,
211,675

 
509,422

Options granted under 2005 Plan

 
340,000

Options granted under 2012 Plan
360,000

 

Options exercised under 1997 Plan

 
(19,266
)
Options exercised under 2005 Plan
(55,001
)
 
(488,481
)
Options outstanding, September 30,
516,674

 
341,675

 
 
 
 
Exercisable at September 30,
323,330

 
165,000


The following table summarizes our restricted stock activity:
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
Non-vested at January 1,

 
1,250

Vested during the period

 
(1,250
)
Non-vested at September 30,

 


NOTE 10. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

We have reclassified, for all periods presented, the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria for properties being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations.

In August 2013 we sold six older skilled nursing facilities to NHC for $21,000,000 and recorded a gain for financial statement purposes of $19,370,000 after selling costs of $19,000. Our lease revenue from the facilities was $2,321,000 and $2,543,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

In December 2012, our tenant, Sunrise Senior Living, exercised its option to purchase our assisted living facility in Edison, New Jersey. Our lease revenue from the facility was $1,029,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.

Income from discontinued operations is summarized below (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rental income
$
562

 
$
1,169

 
$
2,321

 
$
3,572

Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation

 
101

 

 
303

Income from operations - discontinued
$
562

 
$
1,068

 
$
2,321

 
$
3,269



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NOTE 11. EARNINGS AND DIVIDENDS 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 and vesting of restricted shares using the treasury stock method, to the extent 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):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders
$
22,812

 
$
13,283

 
$
56,717

 
$
46,359

Discontinued operations
19,932

 
1,068

 
21,691

 
3,269

Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
42,744

 
$
14,351

 
$
78,408

 
$
49,628

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
27,876,176

 
27,830,311

 
27,872,805

 
27,799,750

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations per common share
$
.82

 
$
.48

 
$
2.03

 
$
1.66

Discontinued operations per common share
.71

 
.04

 
.78

 
.12

Net income per common share
$
1.53

 
$
.52

 
$
2.81

 
$
1.78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DILUTED:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
27,876,176

 
27,830,311

 
27,872,805

 
27,799,750

Stock options
29,369

 
32,271

 
34,109

 
29,129

Average dilutive common shares outstanding
27,905,545

 
27,862,582

 
27,906,914

 
27,828,879

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Income from continuing operations per common share
$
.82

 
$
.48

 
$
2.03

 
$
1.66

Discontinued operations per common share
.71

 
.04

 
.78

 
.12

Net income per common share
$
1.53

 
$
.52

 
$
2.81

 
$
1.78

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Incremental shares excluded since anti-dilutive:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options with an exercise price in excess of the average market price for our common shares
43,473

 
917

 
15,649

 
1,972

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dividends declared per common share
$
.735

 
$
.67

 
$
2.165

 
$
1.97


NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments and contingent consideration arrangements. Marketable securities consist of common stock of other healthcare REITs. Derivative financial instruments include our interest rate swap agreements. Contingent consideration arrangements relate to certain provisions of recent real estate purchase agreements involving both business combinations and asset purchases.

Marketable securities. Where possible we utilize quoted prices in active markets to measure debt and equity securities; these items are classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy and include the common and preferred stock of other healthcare REITs.

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 for interest rate swaps are observable in active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

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.

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Contingent consideration. Contingent consideration arrangements are classified as Level 3 and are valued using unobservable inputs about the nature of the contingent arrangement and the counter-party to the arrangement, as well as our assumptions about the probability of full settlement of the contingency.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
Balance Sheet Classification
 
September 30,
2013
 
December 31,
2012
Level 1
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock of other healthcare REITs
Marketable securities
 
$
13,577

 
$
12,884

 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap asset
Other assets
 
$
189

 
$

Interest rate swap liability
Accrued expenses
 
$
708

 
$
1,241

Fixed rate debt
Debt
 
$
80,362

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration
Real estate purchase liabilities
 
$
5,856

 
$
4,256


The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
 
Fair Value Beginning of Period

 
Transfers Into Level 3

 
Realized Gains and (Losses)

 
Purchases, Issuances and Settlements

 
Fair Value at End of Period

 
Total Period Losses Included in Earnings Attributable to the Change in Unrealized Losses Relating to Assets Held at End of Year

2013
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration
$
4,256

 
$

 
$

 
$
1,600

 
$
5,856

 
$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2012
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contingent consideration
$
9,478

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
9,478

 
$


Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):
 
Carrying Amount
 
Fair Value Measurement
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Level 2
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Variable rate debt
$
311,000

 
$
203,250

 
$
311,000

 
$
203,250

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 3
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage and other notes receivable
$
59,367

 
$
84,250

 
$
66,690

 
$
93,835


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, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of our borrowings under our credit facility are reasonably estimated at their carrying value at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, due to the predominance of floating interest rates, which generally reflect market conditions.


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Table of Contents

NOTE 13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

In October 2013, we provided a $2,500,000 second mortgage loan to an affiliate of Discovery for the construction of a 120-unit senior housing community in Naples, Florida. Construction is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2013. The loan is guaranteed by principals of Discovery and has a five-year maturity with monthly payments of interest at a 12% annual rate.

In October 2013, we completed a $9,000,000 acquisition of a 63-unit senior housing community in Baltimore, Maryland, and leased the facility to Chancellor Health Care, LLC for an initial term of seven years, plus renewal options. The lease rate in the first year will be 8% plus a fixed annual escalator. Because the facility was owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase. We also committed to provide up to $500,000 for renovations and improvements.

Additionally, we have committed $7,500,000 to build a 46-unit free-standing assisted living and memory care community, expanding our Linda Valley senior living campus in Loma Linda, California. The initial lease term is for 15 years at an annual rate of 9% plus a fixed annual escalator. NHI purchased the Linda Valley campus in 2012 and leased it to Chancellor Health Care, who has been operating the campus since 1993.

In October 2013, our current tenant, Weatherly Associates, LLC, exercised their option to purchase our Weatherly, PA senior housing facility for $5,315,000. The property had a carrying value of $3,599,000 resulting in a gain for financial statement purposes. We plan to defer recognition of the tax gain on the sale of this facility by utilizing the like-kind exchange rules under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our lease revenue from the facility was $302,000 for both nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

In October 2013, we agreed to sell three older skilled nursing facilities to affiliates of our current tenant, Fundamental, for $18,500,000. The properties have a carrying value of $17,115,000. We plan to defer recognition of the tax gain on the sale of these facilities by utilizing the like-kind exchange rules under Section 1031 of the internal Revenue Code. Our lease revenue from these facilities was $2,531,000 and $2,387,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. We expect to complete this sale by December 31, 2013.


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Table of Contents

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward Looking Statements

References throughout this document to NHI or the Company include National Health Investors, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries. In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “Plain English” guidelines, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q has been written in the first person. In this document, the words “we”, “our”, “ours” and “us” refer only to National Health Investors, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and not any other person. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references herein to “the Company” include all of our consolidated subsidiaries.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other materials we have filed or may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as information included in oral statements made, or to be made, by our senior management contain certain “forward-looking” statements as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations, cash flows, funds from operations, continued performance improvements, ability to service and refinance our debt obligations, ability to finance growth opportunities, and similar statements including, without limitation, those containing words such as “may”, “will”, “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, and other similar expressions are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results in future periods to differ materially from those projected or contemplated in the forward-looking statements as a result of, but not limited to, the following factors:

*
We depend on the operating success of our customers (facility operators) for collection of our revenues during this time of uncertain economic conditions in the U.S.;

*
We are exposed to the risk that our tenants and borrowers may become subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings;

*
We are exposed to risks related to governmental regulations and payors, principally Medicare and Medicaid, and the effect that lower reimbursement rates will have on our tenants’ and borrowers’ business;

*
We are exposed to the risk that the cash flows of our tenants and borrowers will be adversely affected by increased liability claims and general and professional liability insurance costs;

*
We are exposed to risks related to environmental laws and the costs associated with the liability related to hazardous substances;

*
We are exposed to the risk that we may not be indemnified by our lessees and borrowers against future litigation;

*
We depend on the success of future acquisitions and investments;

*
We depend on the ability to reinvest cash in real estate investments in a timely manner and on acceptable terms;

*
We may need to incur more debt in the future, which may not be available on terms acceptable to the Company;

*
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;

*
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;

*
We depend on revenues derived mainly from fixed rate investments in real estate assets, while our debt capital used to finance those investments is primarily at variable rates. This circumstance creates interest rate risk to the Company;

*
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;

*
We are exposed to the risk that our assets may be subject to impairment charges;

*
We depend on the ability to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust;


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Table of Contents

*
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;

*
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.

See the notes to the annual audited consolidated financial statements in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, and “Business” and “Risk Factors” under Item 1 and Item 1A therein for a further discussion of these and of various governmental regulations and other operating factors relating to the healthcare industry and the risk factors inherent in them. You should carefully consider these risks before making any investment decisions in the Company. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing the Company. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know of or that we currently deem immaterial. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our shares of stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. Given these risks and uncertainties, we can give no assurance that these forward-looking statements will, in fact, occur and, therefore, caution investors not to place undue reliance on them.

Executive Overview

National Health Investors, Inc., a Maryland corporation incorporated in 1991, is a real estate investment trust ("REIT") which invests in income-producing health care properties primarily in the long-term care and senior housing industries. As of September 30, 2013, our portfolio consisted of real estate, mortgage and note investments and other investments in the preferred stock and marketable securities of other REITs. We are a self-managed REIT investing in health care real estate or in the operations thereof through independent third-party managers which generate current income that will be distributed to stockholders. We have pursued this mission by investing primarily in leased properties, loans and RIDEA transactions. These investments include senior housing, skilled nursing facilities, hospitals and medical office buildings, all of which are collectively referred to herein as "Health Care Facilities." Senior housing includes assisted living facilities, senior living campuses, and independent living facilities. We typically fund these investments through three sources of capital: (1) debt offerings, including bank lines of credit and ordinary term debt, (2) current cash flow, and (3) the sale of equity securities.

Portfolio

At September 30, 2013, our continuing operations is comprised of investments in real estate and mortgage and other notes receivable in 146 health care facilities located in 27 states consisting of 69 senior housing communities, 71 skilled nursing facilities, 4 hospitals , 2 medical office buildings and other notes receivable. These investments (excluding our corporate office of $882,000) consisted of properties with an original cost of approximately $944,346,000, rented under triple-net leases to 23 lessees, and $59,367,000 aggregate carrying value of mortgage and other notes receivable due from 14 borrowers.


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Table of Contents

The following tables summarize our investments in real estate and mortgage and other notes receivable as of September 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands):

Real Estate Properties
Properties

 
Beds/Sq. Ft.*

 
Revenue

 
Senior Housing Communities
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assisted Living
58

 
2,930

 
$
20,475

 
Senior Living Campus
5

 
797

 
5,087

 
Independent Living
3

 
273

 
928

 
 
66

 
4,000

 
26,490

 
Skilled Nursing Facilities
64

 
8,768

 
46,253

 
Hospitals
3

 
181

 
5,324

 
Medical Office Buildings
2

 
88,517

*
812

 
 
Total Real Estate Properties
135

 
 
 
$
78,879

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
 
 
 
 
 
 
Senior Housing Properties
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assisted Living
2

 
190

 
$
547

 
Senior Living Campus
1

 
76

 
85

 
 
3

 
266

 
632

 
Skilled Nursing Facilities
7

 
594

 
2,425

 
Hospital
1

 
70

 
900

 
Other Notes Receivable

 

 
1,920

 
 
Total Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
11

 


 
$
5,877

 
 
Total Portfolio
146

 
 
 
$
84,756

Portfolio Summary
Properties

 
Investment %

 
Revenue
 
Real Estate Properties
135

 
93.1
%
 
$
78,879

 
Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
11

 
6.9
%
 
5,877

 
 
Total Portfolio
146

 
100.0
%
 
$
84,756

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Summary of Facilities by Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
Skilled Nursing Facilities
71

 
57.4
%
 
$
48,677

 
Senior Housing Communities
69

 
32.0
%
 
27,123

 
Hospitals
4

 
7.3
%
 
6,224

 
Medical Office Buildings
2

 
1.0
%
 
812

 
Other

 
2.3
%
 
1,920

 
 
Total Real Estate Portfolio
146

 
100.0
%
 
$
84,756

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Portfolio by Operator Type
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public
53

 
37.3
%
 
$
31,614

 
Regional
81

 
54.5
%
 
46,193

 
Small
12

 
8.2
%
 
6,949

 
 
Total Real Estate Portfolio
146

 
100.0
%
 
$
84,756

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Public Operators
 
 
 
 
 
 
National HealthCare Corp.
42

 
30.3
%
 
$
25,650

 
Emeritus Senior Living
9

 
4.2
%
 
3,533

 
Community Health Systems, Inc.
2

 
2.8
%
 
2,431

 
 
Total Public Operators
53

 
37.3
%
 
$
31,614



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Table of Contents

We invest a portion of our funds in the preferred and common shares of other publicly-held healthcare REITs to ensure a substantial portion of our assets are invested for real estate purposes.  At September 30, 2013, such investments had a carrying value of $51,709,000.

Areas of Focus

We are evaluating and will potentially make additional investments during the remainder of 2013 while we continue to monitor and improve our existing properties. We seek tenants who will become mission-oriented partners in relationships where our business goals are aligned. This approach fuels steady, and thus, enduring growth for NHI and our tenants. While deal flow among the largest in our peer group may be slackening, there are smaller portfolio assets in secondary markets with prospective yields that justify our attention.

If longer term borrowing rates increase as anticipated, there will be pressure on the spread between our cost of capital and the returns we earn. We expect that pressure to be partially mitigated by market forces that lead to an increase in lease rates. We expect our cost of capital will increase as a result of our plan to transition some of our short term revolving borrowings into debt instruments with longer maturities and increased overall interest rates.

Even as we make new investments, we expect to maintain a relatively low level of debt compared to the value of our assets and relative to our peers in the industry. Approximately 55% of our revenue from continuing operations is from operators of our skilled nursing facilities that receive a significant portion of their revenue from governmental payors, primarily Medicare and Medicaid. Such revenues are subject annually to statutory and regulatory changes, and in recent years, have been reduced due to federal and state budgetary pressures. As a result, in 2009, we began to diversify our portfolio by directing a significant portion of our investments into properties which do not rely primarily on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, but rather on private pay sources. While we will occasionally acquire skilled nursing facilities in good physical condition with a proven operator and strong local market fundamentals, our current investment focus is on acquiring assisted living and memory care facilities, independent living facilities and senior housing campuses which contain two or more facility types.

We monitor the operating results of our tenants on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis to identify any material changes in their operations and credit quality. We believe the tenant lease service coverage ratio ("LSCR") is an important ratio to indicate the tenant's continued ability to pay their scheduled rent to us in view of various business fluctuations, some of which are beyond the control of the tenant such as changes in payments rates by government payors, increased competition from other facilities and increased costs of operation.

LSCR is calculated by dividing the tenant's EBITDARM (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, scheduled rent and management fees) by their scheduled rent over the same period. The following table summarizes the lease service coverage of our stabilized lease portfolio.
 
Senior Housing
Skilled Nursing2
NHC
Hospitals
Medical Office
Lease Service Coverage Ratio
1.38
1.82
4.10
3.13
6.71
Number of stabilized lease properties1
31
23
41
2
2
1 excludes new construction, RIDEA assets, and notes
 
 
 
 
 
2 excludes NHC
 
 
 
 
 

We manage our business with a goal of increasing the regular annual dividends paid to shareholders. 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 shareholders 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 we believe the spreads over our cost of capital will generate sufficient returns to our shareholders.




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Table of Contents

Our dividend payouts of both regular and special dividends for 2013 and on an annual basis for the last three years are as follows:
 
YTD 2013
 
2012
 
2011
 
2010
Regular
$
2.165

 
$
2.64

 
$
2.50

 
$
2.36

Special
$

 
$
0.22

 
$
0.22

 
$

 
$
2.165

 
$
2.86

 
$
2.72

 
$
2.36

 
 
 
 
 
 
 



Beginning in 2009, our increased investments in healthcare real estate beginning in 2009 have been partially accomplished by our ability to effectively leverage our balance sheet. However, we continue to maintain a relatively low leverage balance sheet compared with the value of our assets and with many in our peer group. We believe that our fixed charge coverage ratio, which is the ratio of EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) to fixed charges (interest expense and principal payments on debt), and the ratio of consolidated debt to 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 calculate our fixed charge coverage ratio as 17:1 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (see page 42 for a discussion of EBITDA and a reconciliation to our net income). On an annualized basis, our consolidated debt-to-EBITDA ratio is 3:1.

Annual dividend growth, a low leverage balance sheet, a portfolio of diversified, high-quality assets, and prioritizing business relationships with experienced tenants and borrowers continue to be the key drivers of our business plan.

According to a 2011 estimate by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the number of Americans 65 and older is expected to grow 36% between 2010 and 2020, compared to a 9% growth rate for the general population. An increase in this age demographic is expected to increase the demand for senior housing properties of all types in the coming decades.

There is increasing demand for private-pay senior housing properties in countries outside the U.S. We will consider real estate and note investments with U.S. entities who seek to expand their senior housing operations into countries where local-market demand is sufficiently demonstrated. We have a current investment of $1,500,000 in such ventures.

We expect to fund any new investments in real estate and mortgage notes during the remainder of 2013 using our liquid investments and debt financing unless the size of an acquisition leads us to consider issuing equity securities to fund some or all of such acquisition in order to maintain a relatively low level of debt in comparison to the value of our assets.

Critical Accounting Policies

Impairment Evaluations

The initial carrying value of investments in unconsolidated entities is based on the amount paid to purchase the interest or the estimated fair value of the assets prior to our acquisition of interests in the entity. An aggregate basis difference between the cost of our equity method investee and the amount of underlying equity in its net assets is primarily attributable to goodwill, which is not amortized. We evaluate for impairment our equity method investments and related goodwill based upon a comparison of the estimated fair value of the investments to their carrying value. When we determine a decline in the estimated fair value of such an investment below its carrying value is other than temporary, an impairment is recorded. No impairments to the carrying value of our equity method investee have been recorded for any period presented.

The determination of the fair value and whether a shortfall in operating revenues or the existence of operating losses is indicative of a loss in value that is other than temporary 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. While we believe our assumptions are reasonable, changes in these assumptions may have a material impact on our financial results.

We evaluate the recoverability of the carrying value of our real estate properties on a property-by-property basis. On a quarterly basis, we review our properties for events or circumstances that indicate the carrying value of the property may not be recoverable. The need to recognize an impairment is based on estimated undiscounted future cash flows from a property compared to the carrying value of that property. If recognition of an impairment is necessary, it is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the property exceeds the fair value of the property.


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Table of Contents

We evaluate the carrying values of our notes receivable on an instrument-by-instrument basis. On a quarterly basis, we review our notes receivable for recoverability when events or circumstances, including the non-receipt of contractual principal and interest payments, significant deteriorations of the financial condition of the borrower and significant adverse changes in general economic conditions, indicate that the carrying amount of the note receivable may not be recoverable. If necessary, an impairment is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the discounted cash flows expected to be received under the note receivable or, if foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral securing the note receivable.

Significant judgment is involved in our analysis and estimates of fair value, including future operating results and related cash flows of our tenants and borrowers. Our ability to accurately predict these results and the cash flows they might generate and to estimate and allocate fair values affects the timing and recognition of impairments. While we believe our assumptions are reasonable, changes in these assumptions may have a material impact on our financial results.

See our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our critical accounting policies including those concerning revenue recognition, our status as a REIT, principles of consolidation and allocation property acquisition costs.

Investment Highlights

Since January 1, 2013 we have made or announced the following real estate investments:
 
Properties
 
Asset Class
 
Amount
Lease Investments
 
 
 
 
 
Bickford Senior Living/RIDEA Structure
17
 
Senior Housing
 
$
137,459

Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings, LLC
2
 
Skilled Nursing
 
27,750

National Healthcare Corporation
7
 
Skilled Nursing
 
37,417

Emeritus Senior Living
1
 
Senior Housing
 
15,300

Discovery Senior Living
1
 
Senior Housing
 
12,000

Chancellor Healthcare
1
 
Senior Housing
 
17,000

Note Investments
 
 
 
 
 
Bickford Senior Living
1
 
Senior Housing
 
9,200

Discovery Senior Living
1
 
Senior Housing
 
2,500

 
 
 
 
 
$
258,626


NHC

Our revenue from continuing operations was $87,912,000 and $70,223,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Of these amounts, $25,650,000 (29%) and $25,041,000 (36%), respectively, were derived from National Healthcare Corporation (“NHC”), a publicly-held company and our largest tenant. At September 30, 2013, we leased 42 health care facilities to NHC consisting of 3 independent living facilities and 39 skilled nursing facilities (4 of which are subleased to other parties for whom the lease payments are guaranteed to us by NHC). The master lease agreement with NHC originally dated October 17, 1991, has since been amended to extend the lease expiration five years to December 31, 2026. There are two additional 5-year renewal options, each at fair rental value of such leased property 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 lease, rent escalates by 4% of the increase, if any, in each facility's revenue over a 2007 base year. We refer to this additional rent component as “percentage rent.”

The following table summarizes the percentage rent received and recognized from NHC (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Current year
$
570

 
$
382

 
$
1,706

 
$
1,148

Prior year final certification1

 

 
746

 
997

Total percentage rent
$
570

 
$
382

 
$
2,452

 
$
2,145

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.


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Table of Contents

As previously disclosed, in December 2012, NHI entered into an agreement with NHC to sell six skilled nursing facilities for $21,000,000 in cash. The properties had a carrying value of $1,611,000. The sale was completed on August 31, 2013, and resulted in a gain for financial statement purposes of $19,370,000 after transaction costs of $19,000. We plan to defer recognition of the tax gain on the sale of these facilities by utilizing the like-kind exchange rules under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. The results of operation of the facilities sold were classified as discontinued operations for all period presented in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Upon the sale of these facilities and prior to the acquisition described below, NHI's annual base rent of $33,700,000 was reduced to $30,750,000.

On August 30, 2013, NHI acquired seven skilled nursing facilities (and one vacant assisted living facility) in Massachusetts and New Hampshire from former not-for profit borrower ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. (“ElderTrust”) for consideration of $37,417,000, consisting of $23,676,000 in cash, inclusive of closing costs, and the cancellation of notes receivable from ElderTrust with a principal balance of $13,741,000. Beginning September 1, 2013, the facilities were placed under a new triple net lease to the current manager, NHC, for an initial period of 15 years commencing with a lease amount of $350,000 for the remainder of 2013. In 2014, the lease provides for a base annual rental of $3,450,000. Under the terms of the lease, rent escalates 4% of the increase in each facility's revenue over the 2014 base year. Because ElderTrust was the owner and operator of the facilities, we accounted for the transaction as an asset acquisition. During the last three years of the lease, NHC will have the option to purchase the facilities for $49,000,000.

Bickford

As of September 30, 2013, we owned an 85% equity interest and an affiliate of Bickford Senior Living ("Bickford") owned a 15% equity interest in our consolidated subsidiary ("PropCo") which owns 27 assisted living/memory care facilities and also has 3 facilities under construction. The facilities are leased to an operating company, ("OpCo"), in which we also retain an 85% ownership interest, but do not control. Our joint venture is structured to comply with the provisions of RIDEA.

On June 28, 2013, PropCo purchased 17 assisted living and memory care facilities which were managed by Bickford. The facilities total 750 units and are located in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Nebraska. Of these facilities, 14 were acquired from a subsidiary of Care Investment Trust, Inc. ("Care") for $124,549,000, consisting of $44,021,000 in cash and assumption of secured debt with a fair value of $80,528,000. We accounted for acquisition of the 100% interest in the real estate operation of these facilities using the acquisition method as prescribed by ASC Topic 805. As part of this transaction, we recognized all identifiable tangible assets and liabilities assumed at fair value at the date of acquisition (there were no identifiable intangible assets or liabilities assumed) and attributed $4,360,000 to the fair value of the land, $120,189,000 to the fair value of the buildings and improvements and expensed $63,000 in transaction costs at closing. The 14 newly-acquired facilities have been leased to OpCo for an initial term of 5 years at an aggregate annual lease amount of $9,750,000 plus annual fixed escalators commencing on July 1 of each succeeding year.

Concurrent with this acquisition, PropCo also completed a $12,910,000 purchase and leaseback of three assisted living facilities located in Iowa, Nebraska and Indiana totaling 107 units from affiliates of Bickford. The acquisition was accounted for as an asset purchase. PropCo's previous master lease with Bickford was amended to include these three properties and the annual lease amount was increased from $7,750,000 to $9,086,000, plus annual fixed escalators beginning January 1 of each succeeding year. All other significant terms of the existing master lease remain unchanged.

In total, the 27 operating facilities in the joint venture have aggregate annual contractual rent due from OpCo to Propco of $18,836,000, plus annual fixed escalators. Of our total revenue from continuing operations, $5,209,000 (16%) and $9,383,000 (11%) were recorded by PropCo from OpCo for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively.

NHI has an exclusive right to Bickford's future acquisitions, development projects and refinancing transactions. At September 30, 2013, PropCo had purchased land and begun construction on three assisted living/memory care facilities having a maximum cost of $27,000,000. Our costs incurred to date, including land, were $14,252,000.

In July 2013, we extended a $9,200,000 loan to Bickford to fund a portion of their acquisition of six senior housing communities consisting of 342 units. The loan is guaranteed by principals of Bickford and has a two year maturity plus a one year extension option with 12% annual interest. As a result of this transaction, PropCo acquired a $97,000,000 purchase option on the properties which is exercisable over the term of the loan.


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Table of Contents

Emeritus

In July 2013 we completed a $15,300,000 acquisition of The Inn at Halcyon Village in Marysville, Ohio ("Halcyon"). The 76-unit assisted living and memory care community is leased to Emeritus Senior Living for an initial term of 15 years with options to extend. Rent in the first year of the lease will be $1,140,000. Annual fixed escalators begin in the third lease year.

Discovery

In September 2013, we completed a $12,000,000 acquisition of Regency Pointe Retirement Community in Rainbow City, Alabama. The 120-unit senior housing community is leased to Discovery Senior Living ("Discovery") for an initial term of 15 years with three 5-year renewal options. Rent in the first year of the lease is $942,000 plus annual fixed escalators. As a lease inducement, upon obtaining certain operating metrics, Discovery will be eligible over years two, three and four of the lease for contingent payments totaling up to $2,500,000 which, if paid, we will amortize as an adjustment to rental income over the remaining lease term. At acquisition, the likelihood that we would incur the contingent payments was considered reasonably possible but not probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In October 2013, we provided a $2,500,000 second mortgage loan to an affiliate of Discovery for the construction of a 120-unit senior housing community in Naples, Florida. Construction is planned to begin in the fourth quarter of 2013. The loan is guaranteed by principals of Discovery and has a five-year maturity with monthly payments of interest at a 12% annual rate.

Chancellor

In October 2013, we completed a $9,000,000 acquisition of a 63-unit senior housing community in Baltimore, Maryland, and leased the facility to Chancellor Health Care, LLC for an initial term of seven years, plus renewal options. The lease rate in the first year will be 8% plus a fixed annual escalator. Because the facility was owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase. We also committed to provide up to $500,000 for renovations and improvements.

Additionally, we have committed $7,500,000 to build a 46-unit free-standing assisted living and memory care community, expanding our Linda Valley senior living campus in Loma Linda, California. The initial lease term is for 15 years at an annual rate of 9% plus a fixed annual escalator. NHI purchased the Linda Valley campus in 2012 and leased it to Chancellor Health Care, who has been operating the campus since 1993.

Fundamental

In April 2013, we completed the purchase of two skilled nursing facilities located in Canton and Corinth, Texas for a purchase price of $26,150,000 in cash, plus consideration related to the Corinth facility of $1,600,000 conditional upon the achievement of certain operating metrics, which is probable. The facilities, which total 254 beds, have been leased to affiliates of Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings, LLC (“Fundamental”) for an initial term of 10 years at a lease rate of 9% plus annual fixed escalators. The lease includes three 5-year renewal options at the terms which exist upon renewal.

In October 2013, we agreed to sell three older skilled nursing facilities to affiliates of our current tenant, Fundamental, for $18,500,000.  The properties have a carrying value of $17,115,000.  We plan to defer recognition of the tax gain on the sale of these facilities by utilizing the like-kind exchange rules under Section 1031 of the internal Revenue Code.  Our lease revenue from these facilities was $2,531,000 and $2,387,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  We plan to complete this sale by December 31, 2013.

Other Lease Activity

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 do not experience a lease renewal or expiration. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we had no renewing or expiring leases.

In October 2013, our current tenant, Weatherly Associates, LLC, exercised their option to purchase our Weatherly, PA senior housing facility for $5,315,000. The property had a carrying value of $3,599,000 resulting in a gain for financial statement purposes. We plan to defer recognition of the tax gain on the sale of this facility by utilizing the like-kind exchange rules under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code. Our lease revenue from the facility was $302,000 for both nine month periods ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.


30

Table of Contents

Real Estate and Mortgage Write-downs

Our borrowers and tenants experience periods of significant financial pressures and difficulties similar to other health care providers. Governments at both the federal and state levels have enacted legislation to lower, or at least slow, the growth in payments to health care providers. Furthermore, the cost of professional liability insurance has increased significantly during this same period.

Since inception, a number of our facility operators and mortgage loan borrowers have undergone bankruptcy. Others have been forced to surrender properties to us in lieu of foreclosure or, for certain periods, have failed to make timely payments on their obligations to us.

We believe that the carrying amounts of our real estate properties are recoverable and that mortgage 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.

Potential Effects of Medicare Reimbursement

Our tenants who operate skilled nursing facilities receive a significant portion of their revenues from governmental payors, primarily Medicare (federal) and Medicaid (states). Changes in reimbursement rates and limits on the scope of services reimbursed to skilled nursing facilities could have a material impact on the operators' liquidity and financial condition. On May 1, 2013, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ("CMS") released a proposed rule outlining a 1.4% increase in their Medicare reimbursement for fiscal 2014 beginning on October 1, 2013. We currently estimate that our borrowers and lessees will be able to absorb this nominal Medicare increase due to their credit quality, profitability and their debt or lease coverage ratios, although no assurances can be given as to what the ultimate effect that similar Medicare increases on an annual basis would have on each of our borrowers and lessees. According to industry studies, state Medicaid funding is not expected to keep pace with inflation. Federal legislative policies have been adopted and continue to be proposed that would reduce Medicare and/or Medicaid payments to skilled nursing facilities. Accordingly, for the near-term we are treating as cautionary the Federal Government’s recent re-commitment, after debating a ‘chained CPI’ indexing, to fully index Social Security to inflation. In this cautious approach, any near-term acquisitions of skilled nursing facilities are planned on a selective basis, with emphasis on operator quality and newer construction.

As discussed in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements, former not-for-profit borrowers, SeniorTrust and ElderTrust, appointed receivers to effect the sale of their assets and the winding up of those entities. These two mortgage borrowers were adversely impacted by previous Medicare rate adjustments due to their payor mix, their current payment coverage ratios and limited net equity. The impact of net reductions in Medicare reimbursement had an adverse effect on the value of the underlying real estate assets. In March 2013, the financial condition of SeniorTrust reflected their declining net operating income over the previous twelve months and indicated a further adverse change in the estimated value of the collateral for our notes receivable at that time. As a result, we recorded an impairment on this former note of $4,037,000 based on such estimated value.

Litigation Settlement
In April 2013, we entered into a settlement agreement concerning litigation with the two borrowers mentioned above, ElderTrust and SeniorTrust. As described earlier, we agreed to purchase the seven skilled nursing facilities which serve as collateral for the note from ElderTrust. Additionally, we agreed to a full settlement of our notes receivable from SeniorTrust for $15,000,000 in cash. Our notes from SeniorTrust were paid in full on June 28, 2013.


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Table of Contents

At the time of the settlement agreement, our annualized interest-only cash flows from SeniorTrust and ElderTrust totaled approximately $1,980,000. With an additional net investment of $8,676,000, our estimated annualized cash flows beginning in 2014, before any rent escalation, will be $3,450,000. The table below illustrates the projected effect of the settlement on annualized cash flows and return on investment (in thousands):
 
Before Settlement
 
After Settlement
 
Difference
SeniorTrust
$
15,000

 
$

 
$
(15,000
)
ElderTrust
13,741

 
37,417

 
23,676

Total Investment
$
28,741

 
$
37,417

 
$
8,676

 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Annualized Cash Flow
$
1,980

 
$
3,450

 
$
1,470

Estimated Annualized Cash Flow as % of Total Investment
6.9
%
 
9.2
%
 
16.9
%

The above analysis focuses entirely upon cash flow and investment return without considering qualitative portfolio improvements inherent in transitioning from a mortgage note to a triple net lease. Additionally, the above analysis does not consider the effect of future rent escalations or the future cost of borrowings used to acquire the seven New England properties.

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Table of Contents

Results of Operations

The significant items affecting revenues and expenses are described below (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
Period Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
$
 
%
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rental income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALFs leased to Bickford Senior Living
$
5,028

 
$
915

 
$
4,113

 
NM

SNFs leased to Fundamental Long Term Care
1,876

 
1,247

 
629

 
50.4
 %
Hospital leased to Polaris
538

 

 
538

 
NM

ALF leased to Landmark Senior Living
394

 

 
394

 
NM

ALFs leased to Emeritus Senior Living
1,196

 
885

 
311

 
35.1
 %
SLC leased to Santé Partners
534

 
250

 
284

 
113.6
 %
SLC leased to Chancellor Health Care
270

 
6

 
264

 
NM

Other new and existing leases
17,268

 
16,536

 
732

 
4.4
 %
 
27,104

 
19,839

 
7,265

 
36.6
 %
Straight-line rent adjustments, new and existing leases
1,713

 
1,277

 
436

 
NM

Total Rental Income
28,817

 
21,116

 
7,701

 
36.5
 %
Interest income from mortgage and other notes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Funding Group
518

 
173

 
345

 
NM

Bickford Senior Living
249

 
2

 
247

 
NM

SeniorTrust

 
251

 
(251
)
 
NM

Bell Oden

 
220

 
(220
)
 
NM

Other new and existing mortgages
1,169

 
1,233

 
(64
)
 
(5.2
)%
Total Interest Income from Mortgage and Other Notes
1,936

 
1,879

 
57

 
3.0
 %
Investment income and other
1,040

 
1,348

 
(308
)
 
(22.8
)%
Total Revenue
31,793

 
24,343

 
7,450

 
30.6
 %
Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALFs leased to Bickford Senior Living
1,508

 
254

 
1,254

 
NM

SNFs leased to Fundamental reclassified to continuing operations
445

 
2,398

 
(1,953
)
 
NM

ALF leased to Landmark Senior Living
145

 

 
145

 
NM

SLC leased to Santé Partners
166

 
60

 
106

 
176.7
 %
ALFs leased to Emeritus Senior Living
106

 

 
106

 
NM

Other new and existing assets
3,362

 
3,079

 
283

 
9.2
 %
Total Depreciation
5,732

 
5,791

 
(59
)
 
(1.0
)%
Interest expense and amortization of loan costs
3,290

 
854

 
2,436

 
NM

Legal fees
55

 
205

 
(150
)
 
NM

Loan and realty (recoveries) losses, net
(2,061
)
 
2,300

 
(4,361
)
 
NM

Other expenses
1,837

 
1,910

 
(73
)
 
(3.8
)%
 
8,853

 
11,060

 
(2,207
)
 
(20.0
)%
Income before equity-method investee, discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest
22,940

 
13,283

 
9,657

 
72.7
 %
Income from equity-method investee
178

 

 
178

 
NM

Income from continuing operations
23,118

 
13,283

 
9,835

 
74.0
 %
Income from discontinued operations
562

 
1,068

 
(506
)
 
(47.4
)%
Gain on sale of real estate
19,370

 

 
19,370

 
NM

Net income
43,050

 
14,351

 
28,699

 
200.0
 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(306
)
 

 
(306
)
 
NM

Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
42,744

 
$
14,351

 
$
28,393

 
197.8
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NM - not meaningful
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Table of Contents

Financial highlights of the quarter ended September 30, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012 were as follows:

Rental income increased $7,701,000 when compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of new real estate investments of $241,549,000 funded during the first nine months of 2013. Future increases in rental income depend on our ability to make new investments which meet our underwriting criteria.

Interest income from mortgage and other notes for the remainder of 2013 is expected to be lower than the comparative period in 2012 due to (1) the settlement of outstanding notes receivable balances from not-for-profit borrowers, ElderTrust and SeniorTrust totaling $28,741,000, and (2) the payoff of a mortgage receivable of $3,293,000 secured by a facility in Georgia which resulted in a recovery of a previous writedown of $2,061,000. Unless we continue to make new investments in loans in 2013 and future years, our interest income will decrease due to the normal amortization and scheduled maturities of our loans.

Depreciation expense recognized in continuing operations decreased $59,000 compared to the prior year partially due to the reclassification of the Fundamental facilities from discontinued operations after the agreement to sell the facilities was canceled in September 2012 and "catch-up" depreciation was recorded during that period. Depreciation expense would have been recognized in continuing operations during 2012 and previously on these properties had the facilities been continuously classified as held and used. New real estate investments completed since the third quarter of 2012 increased depreciation expense by $1,894,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2013 as compared to the same period in the prior year.

Interest expense, which includes amortization of loan costs of $110,000 and $82,000 for the quarters ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, relates to our borrowings on our credit facility and debt assumptions to fund new real estate and loan investments. Upfront fees and other loan-related costs are amortized over the term of the credit facility. An increase in interest expense and loan cost amortization of $2,436,000 resulted from expanded borrowings used to fund new real estate investments in 2012 and 2013. We expect to fund additional healthcare real estate investments in 2013 with borrowings from our bank credit facility and longer-term debt, both secured and unsecured, which will increase our interest expense.

Legal expense decreased $150,000 primarily as a result of the final resolution of litigation brought by two of former not-for-profit borrowers, ElderTrust and SeniorTrust.

We recognized a gain of $19,370,000 on our sale of six skilled nursing facilities to our tenant, NHC.

The results of operations for facilities included in assets held for sale or sold, including the gain or loss on such sales, have been reported in the current and prior periods as discontinued operations. The reclassifications to retrospectively reflect the disposition of these facilities had no impact on previously reported net income.

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Table of Contents

The significant items affecting revenues and expenses are described below (in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
Period Change
 
2013
 
2012
 
$
 
%
Revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rental income
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALFs leased to Bickford Senior Living
$
9,197

 
$
2,683

 
$
6,514

 
242.8
 %
Hospital leased to Polaris
1,602

 

 
1,602

 
NM

SLC leased to Santé Partners
1,561

 
250

 
1,311

 
NM

SNFs leased to Fundamental Long Term Care
4,901

 
3,717

 
1,184

 
31.9
 %
ALF leased to Landmark Senior Living
1,183

 

 
1,183

 
NM

SNFs leased to Legend Healthcare
8,902

 
8,156

 
746

 
9.1
 %
SLC leased to Chancellor Health Care
810

 
6

 
804

 
NM

ALFs leased to White Pine Senior Living
1,777

 
1,187

 
590

 
49.7
 %
Other new and existing leases
44,538

 
42,934

 
1,604

 
3.7
 %
 
74,471

 
58,933

 
15,538

 
26.4
 %
Straight-line rent adjustments, new and existing leases
4,408

 
2,400

 
2,008

 
83.7
 %
Total Rental Income
78,879

 
61,333

 
17,546

 
28.6
 %
Interest income from mortgage and other notes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital Funding Group
1,536

 
323

 
1,213

 
NM

Bickford Senior Living
249

 
6

 
243

 
NM

Bell Oden

 
651

 
(651
)
 
NM

SeniorTrust
475

 
748

 
(273
)
 
(36.5
)%
Other new and existing mortgages
3,617

 
3,700

 
(83
)
 
(2.2
)%
Total Interest Income from Mortgage and Other Notes
5,877

 
5,428

 
449

 
8.3
 %
Investment income and other
3,156

 
3,462

 
(306
)
 
(8.8
)%
Total Revenue
87,912

 
70,223

 
17,689

 
25.2
 %
Expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ALFs leased to Bickford Senior Living
2,672

 
762

 
1,910

 
250.7
 %
SNFs leased to Fundamental reclassified to continuing operations
1,032

 
2,398

 
(1,366
)
 
(57.0
)%
SLC leased to Santé Partners
500

 
60

 
440

 
NM

ALF leased to Landmark Senior Living
436

 

 
436

 
NM

Hospital leased to Polaris
330

 

 
330

 
NM

Other new and existing assets
9,735

 
9,130

 
605

 
6.6
 %
Total Depreciation
14,705

 
12,350

 
2,355

 
19.1
 %
Interest expense and amortization of loan costs
6,011

 
2,176

 
3,835

 
176.2
 %
Legal expense
621

 
424

 
197

 
46.5
 %
Loan and realty (recoveries) losses, net
1,976

 
2,300

 
(324
)
 
(14.1
)%
Other expenses
7,487

 
6,644

 
843

 
12.7
 %
 
30,800

 
23,894

 
6,906

 
28.9
 %
Income before equity-method investment, discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest
57,112

 
46,329

 
10,783

 
23.3
 %
Income from equity-method investment
269

 

 
269

 
NM

Investment and other gains

 
30

 
(30
)
 
NM

Income from continuing operations
57,381

 
46,359

 
11,022

 
23.8
 %
Income from discontinued operations
2,321

 
3,269

 
(948
)
 
(29.0
)%
Gain on sale of real estate
19,370

 

 
19,370

 
NM

Net income
79,072

 
49,628

 
29,444

 
59.3
 %
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest
(664
)
 

 
(664
)
 
NM

Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
78,408

 
$
49,628

 
$
28,780

 
58.0
 %
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NM - not meaningful
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

35

Table of Contents

Financial highlights of the nine months ended September 30, 2013, compared to the same period in 2012 were as follows:

Rental income increased $17,546,000 when compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of funding new real estate investments of $241,549,000 during the first nine months of 2013. Future increases in rental income depend on our ability to make new investments which meet our underwriting criteria.

Interest income from mortgage and other notes increased $449,000 due to new loan investments of $9,713,000 funded in 2013. Interest income for the remainder of 2013 is expected to be lower due to (1) the settlement of outstanding notes receivable balances from not-for-profit borrowers ElderTrust and SeniorTrust totaling $28,741,000, and (2) the payoff of a mortgage receivable of $3,293,000 secured by a facility in Georgia which resulted in a recovery of a previous writedown of $2,061,000. Unless we continue to make new investments in loans in 2013 and future years, our interest income will decrease due to the normal amortization and scheduled maturities of our loans.

Depreciation expense increased $2,355,000 primarily as a result of new real estate investments completed during 2012 and 2013. The increase in depreciation expense was partially offset by "catch-up" depreciation recorded in September 2012 as a result of the reclassification of the Fundamental facilities from discontinued operations after the agreement to sell the facilities was canceled. Depreciation expense would have been recognized in continuing operations during 2012 and previously on these properties had the facilities been continuously classified as held and used.

Interest expense, which includes amortization of loan costs of $596,000 and $238,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, relates to our borrowings on our credit facility and debt assumptions to fund new real estate and loan investments. Amortization of loan costs for 2013 includes $353,000 which were written off as a result of the modifications we made to the credit facility at the end of the second quarter. Upfront fees and other loan-related costs are amortized over the term of the credit facility. An increase in interest expense and loan cost amortization of $3,835,000 resulted from expanded borrowings used to fund new real estate investments in 2012 and 2013. We expect to fund additional healthcare real estate investments in 2013 with borrowings from our bank credit facility and longer-term debt, both secured and unsecured, which will increase our interest expense.

Legal expense increased $197,000 primarily as a result of the litigation brought by two former not-for-profit borrowers, ElderTrust and SeniorTrust, which reached a final settlement in April 2013. This litigation and its settlement are discussed in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Loan and realty losses include an impairment of of $4,037,000 recorded in March 2013 related to our estimate of the underlying value of the collateral for the SeniorTrust note. In September 2013 we received $3,293,000 as full payment of a mortgage note and recorded a recovery of a previous writedown of $2,061,000.

Other expenses increased primarily due to $295,000 of transaction costs related to two business combinations completed during 2013 and higher consulting and advisory costs resulting from our increased investment activity.

We recognized a gain of $19,370,000 on our sale of six skilled nursing facilities to our tenant, NHC.

The results of operations for facilities included in assets held for sale or sold, including the gain or loss on such sales, have been reported in the current and prior periods as discontinued operations. The reclassifications to retrospectively reflect the disposition of these facilities had no impact on previously reported net income.

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Table of Contents

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Funds

Our primary sources of cash include rent payments, principal and interest payments on mortgage and other notes receivable, dividends received on our investments in the common and preferred shares of other REITs, proceeds from the sales of real property and borrowings from our term loans and revolving credit facility. Our primary uses of cash include dividend distributions to our shareholders, debt service payments (both principal and interest), new investments in real estate and notes and general corporate overhead.

These sources and uses of cash are reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as summarized below (dollars in thousands):
 
Nine Months Ended
 
Change
 
9/30/2013
 
9/30/2012
 
$
 
%
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
$
9,172

 
$
15,886

 
$
(6,714
)
 
(42.3
)%
Net cash provided by operating activities
74,413

 
63,735

 
10,678

 
16.8
 %
Net cash used in investing activities
(117,133
)
 
(91,877
)
 
(25,256
)
 
27.5
 %
Net cash provided by financing activities
40,998

 
16,666

 
24,332

 
146.0
 %
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
7,450

 
$
4,410

 
$
3,040

 
68.9
 %

Operating Activities – Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased primarily as a result of the collection of lease payments on new real estate investments completed during 2012 and 2013.

Investing Activities – Net cash flows used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased as compared to 2012 primarily due to new real estate investments completed during 2013.

Financing Activities – Net cash flows from financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased as a result of the timing of borrowings on our revolving credit facility used to fund real estate investments, partially offset by $64,656,000 in dividends paid to stockholders.

Liquidity

At September 30, 2013, our liquidity was strong, with $80,027,000 available in cash, highly-liquid marketable securities and borrowing capacity on our revolving credit facility. In addition, our investment in LTC preferred stock is convertible into 2,000,000 shares of common stock whose per share price ranged between $34 and $42 during the quarter ended September 30, 2013. Cash proceeds from lease and mortgage collections, loan payoffs and the recovery of previous write-downs have been distributed as dividends to stockholders, used to retire our indebtedness, and accumulated in bank deposits for the purpose of making new real estate and mortgage loan investments.

On June 28, 2013, we entered into a $370,000,000 unsecured credit facility that includes $120,000,000 of 7-year term loans that are fully drawn. The facility includes an uncommitted incremental facility feature allowing for an additional $130,000,000 of borrowings. The credit facility provides for unsecured, revolving borrowings of up to $250,000,000 with interest at 140 basis points over LIBOR and a maturity of 5 years years (inclusive of an embedded 1 year extension option), and $80,000,000 and $40,000,000 unsecured, 7 years-year term loans with interest at 150 basis points over LIBOR. There is an unused commitment fee of 35 basis points per annum. At September 30, 2013, we had $59,000,000 available to draw on the revolving portion of the credit facility. Quoted 30-day LIBOR was 18 basis points on September 30, 2013.

The unsecured credit facility mentioned above requires that we maintain certain financial ratios within limits set by our creditors. To date, these ratios, which are calculated quarterly, have been well within the limits required by the credit facility agreements. We continually assess the impact of any new investments and the underlying capital requirements on these limits. In the future, our resource allocation decisions may be driven in part by the need to maintain compliance with these creditor-imposed limits.

As part of the Care acquisition described in Note 2, we assumed Fannie Mae mortgage loans with principal balances of $71,323,000 and $7,257,000 on September 30, 2013, which have interest at rates of 6.85% and 7.17%, respectively, and mature on July 1, 2015. The loans are subject to early-payment penalties extending until December 2014. At that time, we may consider other favorable arrangements.


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Table of Contents

In August 2013, with borrowings from our revolving credit facility, we paid off a $19,250,000 mortgage which carried interest at 300 basis points over LIBOR and had a scheduled maturity of November 2013.

To mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into the following interest rate swap contracts on our term loans as of September 30, 2013 (dollars in thousands):
Date Entered
 
Maturity Date
 
Fixed Rate
 
Rate Index
 
Notional Amount
 
Fair Value
May 2012
 
April 2019
 
3.04%
 
1-month LIBOR+150 bps
 
$
40,000

 
$
189

June 2013
 
June 2020
 
3.61%
 
1-month LIBOR+150 bps
 
$
80,000

 
$
(708
)

We plan to refinance the borrowings on our revolving credit facility into longer-term debt instruments. We will consider secured debt from U.S. Govt. agencies, including HUD, private placements of unsecured debt, and public offerings of debt and equity. We anticipate that our historically low cost of debt capital will rise in the near to mid-term, as the federal government inevitably transitions away from quantitative easing. Because of consensus expectations of resultant rising interest rates, refinancing the borrowings on our revolving credit facility continues to be a high priority.

If we modify or replace existing debt, we would incur debt issuance costs. These fees would be 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 forms of capital mentioned above, with the goal of maintaining a low-leverage balance sheet as mitigation against potential adverse changes in the business of our tenants and borrowers.

We intend to comply with REIT dividend requirements that we distribute at least 90% of our annual taxable income for the year ending December 31, 2013 and thereafter. During the first nine months of 2013, we declared (1) a quarterly dividend of $.695 per common share to shareholders of record on March 31, 2013, payable on May 10, 2013; and (2) a quarterly dividend of $.735 per common share to shareholders of record on June 28, 2013 and payable on August 9, 2013; and (3) a quarterly dividend of $.735 per common share to shareholders of record on September 30, 2013 and payable on November 8, 2013.

Dividends declared for the fourth quarter of each fiscal year are paid by the end of the following January and are treated for tax purposes as having been paid in the fiscal year just ended as provided in IRS Code Sec. 857(b)(8). The 2012 regular fourth quarter dividend was $.67 per common share and was paid on January 31, 2013. The 2012 dividends declared included a special dividend of $.22 per common share. We declare special dividends when we compute our REIT taxable income in an amount that exceeds our regular dividends for the fiscal year.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We currently have no outstanding guarantees or letters of credit.

Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities

As of September 30, 2013, our contractual payment obligations and contingent liabilities are more fully described in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements and were as follows (in thousands):
 
Total
 
Less than 1 year
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
More than 5 years
Debt, including interest1
$
441,769

 
$
3,467

 
$
100,630

 
$
14,771

 
$
322,901

Real estate purchase liabilities
5,856

 
4,256

 
1,600

 

 

Construction commitments
17,246

 
17,246

 

 

 

Loan commitments
2,000

 
2,000

 

 

 

 
$
466,871

 
$
26,969

 
$
102,230

 
$
14,771

 
$
322,901

1 Interest is calculated based on the interest rate at September 30, 2013 through maturity of the 7-year term loans, the revolving credit facility, and the mortgages assumed in our arrangement with Bickford, based on the balances outstanding as of September 30, 2013. The calculation also includes an unused commitment fee of .35%.


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Table of Contents

Commitments and Contingencies

Bickford

At September 30, 2013, our consolidated subsidiary, PropCo, had purchased land and begun construction on three assisted living facilities having a maximum cost of $27,000,000. Our costs incurred to date, including land, were $14,252,000.

Fundamental

In April 2013, we completed the purchase of two skilled nursing facilities located in Canton and Corinth, Texas for a purchase price of $26,150,000 in cash, plus consideration related to the Corinth facility of $1,600,000 conditional upon the achievement of certain operating metrics, which is probable.

Kentucky River

In March 2012, we entered into a long-term lease extension and construction commitment to Jackson Hospital Corporation, an affiliate of Community Health Systems, to provide up to $8,000,000 for extensive renovations and additions to our Kentucky River Medical Center, a general acute care hospital in Jackson, Kentucky. This investment will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated. The construction project commenced during the first quarter of 2013 and is expected to continue over two years.  Total construction costs incurred as of September 30, 2013 were $4,363,000. The ten-year lease extension began July 1, 2012 with an additional 5-year renewal option.

Legend Healthcare

In October 2011, we completed a purchase/leaseback of four skilled nursing facilities in Texas with affiliates of Legend Healthcare, LLC (“Legend”) for $55,278,000, which included contingent consideration of $5,478,000. In December 2012, as a result of Legend's attainment of certain required operating metrics, we funded $2,222,000 of this contingent consideration. We expect the remaining $3,256,000, which is recorded as a purchase liability, to be funded prior to December 31, 2014.

Santé

We have a $2,000,000 supplemental construction commitment to our borrower, Santé Partners, LLC (“Santé”). This additional loan amount becomes available to the borrower when the 70-bed transitional rehabilitation hospital, completed in March 2011, achieves certain operating metrics. NHI also has the option to purchase and lease back the hospital when it achieves a predetermined level of stabilized net operating income.

We have committed to fund a $3,500,000 expansion and renovation program in connection with our August 2012 acquisition of the senior living campus in Silverdale, Washington leased to Santé. As of September 30, 2013, we had funded $2,639,000 of this commitment, which will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated.

Helix Healthcare

In March 2010, we completed a purchase/leaseback transaction with Helix Healthcare (“Helix”) for $12,500,000. The purchase price includes a conditional payment of $1,000,000, which is recorded as a purchase liability.

Discovery

As a lease inducement, we have a contingent commitment to fund a series of payments up to $2,500,000 in connection with our September 2013 lease to Discovery of a senior living campus in Rainbow City, Alabama. Discovery would earn the contingent payments upon obtaining, and maintaining, a specified lease coverage ratio. As earned, the payments would be due in installments of $750,000 in each of years two and three of the lease with the residual due in year four. At acquisition, the likelihood that we would incur the contingent payments was not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

Funds From Operations

Our funds from operations (“FFO”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased $10,445,000, or 17.1%, over the same period in 2012. Our normalized FFO for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased $9,070,000, or 13.9%, over the same period in 2012, primarily as the result of the impact of our new real estate investments in 2012 and 2013. FFO represents net earnings available to common stockholders, excluding real estate asset impairments and gains on dispositions, plus depreciation associated with real estate investments. Diluted FFO assumes the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted stock using the treasury stock method. 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 assets and liabilities, and recoveries of previous write-downs.

We believe that 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. Our measure may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other REITs. Consequently, our FFO 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 FFO, caution should be exercised when comparing our Company's FFO to that of other REITs. FFO in and of itself does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) (FFO does 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 is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs.


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Table of Contents

The following table reconciles net income attributable to common stockholders, the most directly comparable GAAP metric, to FFO and Normalized FFO and is presented for both basic and diluted weighted average shares (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
42,744

 
$
14,351

 
$
78,408

 
$
49,628

Elimination of certain non-cash items in net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Real estate depreciation in continuing operations
5,079

 
5,408

 
12,947

 
11,275

Real estate depreciation related to noncontrolling interest
(199
)
 

 
(334
)
 

Real estate depreciation in discontinued operations

 
101

 

 
303

Net gain on sales of real estate
(19,370
)
 

 
(19,370
)
 

Funds from operations
$
28,254

 
$
19,860

 
$
71,651

 
$
61,206

Gains on sales of marketable securities

 

 

 
(30
)
Loan costs expensed due to credit facility amendment

 

 
353

 

Non-cash write-off of straight-line rent receivable

 

 

 
963

Write-offs and expenses due to early lease termination

 

 

 
297

Acquisition costs under business combination accounting1

 

 
208

 

Legal settlement

 
275

 

 
365

Loan impairments and (recoveries), net
(2,061
)
 
2,300

 
1,976

 
2,300

Other items

 
(78
)
 

 
17

Normalized FFO
$
26,193

 
$
22,357

 
$
74,188

 
$
65,118

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 excludes portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
27,876,176

 
27,830,311

 
27,872,805

 
27,799,750

FFO per common share
$
1.01

 
$
.71

 
$
2.57

 
$
2.20

Normalized FFO per common share
$
.94

 
$
.80

 
$
2.66

 
$
2.34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DILUTED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
27,905,545

 
27,862,582

 
27,906,914

 
27,828,879

FFO per common share
$
1.01

 
$
.71

 
$
2.57

 
$
2.20

Normalized FFO per common share
$
.94

 
$
.80

 
$
2.66

 
$
2.34


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Table of Contents

Funds Available for Distribution

Our funds available for distribution (“FAD”) for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased $9,140,000, or 14.8%, over the same period in 2012. Our normalized FAD for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 increased $8,728,000, or 13.5%, over the same period in 2012 due primarily to the impact of real estate investments completed during 2012 and 2013. FAD represents net earnings available to common stockholders, excluding the effects of asset dispositions and straight-line rent adjustments, plus depreciation and stock based compensation. Diluted FAD assumes the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method. Normalized FAD excludes from FAD certain items which, due to their infrequent or unpredictable nature, may create some difficulty in comparing FAD for the current period to similar prior periods, and may include, but are not limited to, impairment of assets, gains and losses attributable to the acquisition and disposition of assets and liabilities, and recoveries of previous write-downs.

Since other REITs may not use our definition of FAD, caution should be exercised when comparing our Company's FAD to that of other REITs. FAD in and of itself does not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with GAAP (FAD does 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 is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs.

The following table reconciles net income attributable to common stockholders, the most directly comparable GAAP metric, to FAD and Normalized FAD and is presented for basic and diluted weighted average shares (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net income attributable to common stockholders
$
42,744

 
$
14,351

 
$
78,408

 
$
49,628

Elimination of certain non-cash items in net income:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation in continuing operations
5,732

 
5,791

 
14,705

 
12,350

Depreciation related to noncontrolling interest
(226
)
 

 
(401
)
 

Depreciation in discontinued operations

 
101

 

 
303

Net gain on sales of real estate
(19,370
)
 

 
(19,370
)
 

Straight-line lease revenue, net
(1,713
)
 
(1,248
)
 
(4,408
)
 
(2,325
)
Non-cash stock based compensation
253

 
244

 
2,086

 
1,924

Funds available for distribution
$
27,420

 
$
19,239

 
$
71,020

 
$
61,880

Gains on sales of marketable securities

 

 

 
(30
)
Loan costs expensed due to credit facility amendment

 

 
353

 

Write-offs and expenses due to early lease termination

 

 

 
297

Acquisition costs under business combination accounting1

 

 
208

 

Legal settlement

 
275

 

 
365

Loan impairments and (recoveries), net
(2,061
)
 
2,300

 
1,976

 
2,300

Other items
$

 
$
(78
)
 
$

 
$
17

Normalized FAD
$
25,359

 
$
21,736

 
$
73,557

 
$
64,829

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 excludes portion attributable to noncontrolling interest
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BASIC
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
27,876,176

 
27,830,311

 
27,872,805

 
27,799,750

FAD per common share
$
.98

 
$
.69

 
$
2.55

 
$
2.23

Normalized FAD per common share
$
.91

 
$
.78

 
$
2.64

 
$
2.33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DILUTED
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
27,905,545

 
27,862,582

 
27,906,914

 
27,828,879

FAD per common share
$
.98

 
$
.69

 
$
2.54

 
$
2.22

Normalized FAD per common share
$
.91

 
$
.78

 
$
2.64

 
$
2.33



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Table of Contents

Consolidated EBITDA

We consider Consolidated 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 Consolidated EBITDA as consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, including amounts in discontinued operations. Since others may not use our definition of Consolidated EBITDA, caution should be exercised when comparing our Consolidated EBITDA to that of other companies.

The following table reconciles net income, the most directly comparable GAAP metric, to Consolidated EBITDA:

 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2013
 
2012
 
2013
 
2012
Net income
43,050

 
14,351

 
79,072

 
49,628

Interest expense
3,290

 
854

 
6,011

 
2,176

Franchise, excise and other taxes
80

 
271

 
316

 
626

Depreciation
5,732

 
5,892

 
14,705

 
12,653

EBITDA
52,152

 
21,368

 
100,104

 
65,083



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Table of Contents

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rate Risk

At September 30, 2013, we were exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on approximately $191,000,000 of variable-rate indebtedness (excludes $120,000,000 of variable-rate debt that has been hedged through interest-rate swap contracts) and on our mortgage and other notes receivable. The unused portion ($59,000,000 at September 30, 2013) of our 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 September 30, 2013, net interest expense would increase or decrease annually by approximately $955,000 or $.03 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 Condensed 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 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
September 30, 2013
 
December 31, 2012
 
Balance1
 
% of total
 
Rate2
 
Balance
 
% of total
 
Rate2
Fixed rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured 7-year term loan
$
40,000

 
10.3
%
 
3.04
%
 
$
40,000

 
19.6
%
 
3.04
%
Unsecured 7-year term loan
80,000

 
20.5
%
 
3.61
%
 

 

 

Secured mortgage loan
71,323

 
18.2
%
 
6.85
%
 

 

 

Secured mortgage loan
7,258

 
1.9
%
 
7.20
%
 

 

 

Variable rate:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Unsecured 7-year term loan

 

 

 
80,000

 
39.4
%
 
1.62
%
Secured mortgage loan

 

 

 
19,250

 
9.5
%
 
3.22
%
Unsecured revolving credit facility
191,000

 
49.1
%
 
1.61
%
 
64,000

 
31.5
%
 
1.62
%
 
$
389,581

 
100.0
%
 
3.23
%
 
$
203,250

 
100.0
%
 
2.05
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 Excludes unamortized premium of $1,782 applicable to two fixed rate secured mortgages
 
 
 
 
 
 
2 Total is weighted average rate
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

The fixed rate debt in the table above reflects the effect of $40,000,000 and $80,000,000 notional amount interest rate swaps with maturities of April 2019 and June 2020, respectively, that effectively converts variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. To highlight the sensitivity of this fixed rate 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 September 30, 2013 (dollar amounts in thousands):
 
Balance
 
Fair Value1
 
FV reflecting change in interest rates
Fixed rate:
 
 
 
 
-50 bps
 
+50 bps
Unsecured 7-year term loan
$
80,000

 
$
80,708

 
$
83,111

 
$
78,387

Unsecured 7-year term loan
40,000

 
39,811

 
40,844

 
38,807

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1 The change in fair value of our fixed rate debt was due primarily to the overall change in interest rates.

At September 30, 2013, the fair value of our mortgage loans receivable, discounted for estimated changes in the risk-free rate, was approximately $66,690,000. A 50 basis point increase in market rates would decrease the estimated fair value of our mortgage

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Table of Contents

loans by approximately $1,238,000, while a 50 basis point decrease in such rates would increase their estimated fair value by approximately $1,291,000.

Equity Price Risk

We are exposed to equity price risk, which is the potential change in fair value due to a change in quoted market prices. We account for our investments in marketable securities, with a fair value of $13,577,319 at September 30, 2013, as available-for-sale securities. Increases and decreases in the fair market value of our investments in other marketable securities are unrealized gains and losses that are presented as a component of other comprehensive income. The investments in marketable securities are recorded at their fair value based on quoted market prices. Thus, there is exposure to equity price risk. We monitor our investments in marketable securities to consider evidence of whether any portion of our original investment is likely not to be recoverable, at which time we would record an impairment charge to operations. A hypothetical 10% change in quoted market prices would result in a related $1,358,000 change in the fair value of our investments in marketable securities.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures. As of September 30, 2013, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”), 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 CAO, 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 CAO concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2013.

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 three months ended September 30, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


45

Table of Contents

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Our Health Care 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 Health Care 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 Health Care 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.

As previously disclosed, in November 2008, the Company was served with a Civil Investigative Demand by the Office of the Tennessee Attorney General (“OTAG”), which indicated that the OTAG was investigating transactions between the Company and three Tennessee not-for-profit corporations. NHI has provided the OTAG with requested information and documents and has been working with the OTAG with respect to this investigation. The investigation with respect to one of the not-for-profit corporations was settled in 2009. A receiver had been appointed for the two remaining not-for-profit corporations, SeniorTrust of Florida, Inc. ("SeniorTrust") and ElderTrust of Florida, Inc ("ElderTrust"). As previously disclosed, the receiver of SeniorTrust and ElderTrust had caused those entities to bring lawsuits against NHI and NHC.

In April 2013, NHI, NHC and the receiver for ElderTrust and SeniorTrust entered into a settlement agreement resolving all remaining issues. The settlement agreement also resolves the OTAG investigation and was approved by the Court on May 3, 2013. Thus the investigation has now been resolved with respect to all three of the not-for-profit corporations. The settlement agreement provided that SeniorTrust pay NHI $15,000,000 in cash in full settlement of the notes receivable between NHI and SeniorTrust, which payment was made on June 27, 2013.

The settlement agreement also provided that NHI purchase ElderTrust's seven skilled nursing facilities in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. As consideration for the purchase from ElderTrust, NHI canceled a note receivable from ElderTrust with a principal balance of $13,741,000 and paid cash in the amount of $23,676,000, inclusive of closing costs. As discussed in further detail at Note 2, the purchase was completed on August 30, 2013. NHI has leased these facilities to NHC, the current operator.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, there were no material changes to the risk factors that were disclosed in Item 1A of National Health Investors, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012, except for the addition of the risk factor that is stated as follows:

We have covenants related to our indebtedness which impose certain operational limitations and a breach of these 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.


46

Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit No.
Description
3.1
Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863)
 
 
3.2
Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement filed March 23, 2009)
 
 
3.3
Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-K filed February 15, 2013)
 
 
10.1
Amendment No. 6 to the Company's Master Agreement to Lease with NHC
 
 
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
 
 
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
 
 
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
 
 
*101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
*101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
*101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
*101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
*101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
 
 
*101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

* As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

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Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 
 
NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
 
 
(Registrant)
 
 
Date:
November 4, 2013
/s/ J. Justin Hutchens
 
 
J. Justin Hutchens
 
 
President, Chief Executive Officer,
 
 
and Director
 
 
 
Date:
November 4, 2013
/s/ Roger R. Hopkins
 
 
Roger R. Hopkins
 
 
Chief Accounting Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

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