Ventas, Inc.
ITEM 1. Business
BUSINESS
Overview
Ventas, Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) with a highly diversified portfolio of seniors housing, research and innovation, and healthcare properties located throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2019, we owned approximately 1,200 properties (including properties owned through investments in unconsolidated entities and properties classified as held for sale), consisting of seniors housing communities, medical office buildings (“MOBs”), research and innovation centers, inpatient rehabilitation facilities (“IRFs”) and long-term acute care facilities (“LTACs”), and health systems. We had 22 properties under development, including four properties that are owned by unconsolidated real estate entities. Our company was originally founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
We primarily invest in seniors housing, research and innovation, and healthcare properties through acquisitions and lease our properties to unaffiliated tenants or operate them through independent third-party managers.
As of December 31, 2019, we leased a total of 412 properties (excluding properties within our office operations reportable business segment) to various healthcare operating companies under “triple-net” or “absolute-net” leases that obligate the tenants to pay all property-related expenses, including maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures. Our three largest tenants, Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “Brookdale Senior Living”), Ardent Health Partners, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “Ardent”) and Kindred Healthcare, LLC (formerly Kindred Healthcare, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, “Kindred”) leased from us 122 properties (excluding two properties managed by Brookdale Senior Living pursuant to long-term management agreements), 11 properties and 32 properties, respectively, as of December 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2019, pursuant to long-term management agreements, we engaged independent operators, such as Atria Senior Living, Inc. (“Atria”) and Sunrise Senior Living, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “Sunrise”) to manage 406 seniors housing communities for us.
Through our Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Inc. (“Lillibridge”) subsidiary and our ownership interest in PMB Real Estate Services LLC (“PMBRES”), we also provide MOB management, leasing, marketing, facility development and advisory services to highly rated hospitals and health systems throughout the United States. In addition, from time to time, we make secured and non-mortgage loans and other investments relating to seniors housing and healthcare operators or properties.
We operate through three reportable business segments: triple-net leased properties, senior living operations and office operations. See our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes, including “NOTE 2-ACCOUNTING POLICIES” and “NOTE 19-SEGMENT INFORMATION,” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Business Strategy
We aim to enhance shareholder value by delivering consistent, superior total returns through a strategy of: (1) generating reliable and growing cash flows; (2) maintaining a balanced, diversified portfolio of high-quality assets; and (3) preserving our financial strength, flexibility and liquidity.
Generating Reliable and Growing Cash Flows
Generating reliable and growing cash flows from our seniors housing and healthcare assets enables us to pay regular cash dividends to stockholders and creates opportunities to increase stockholder value through profitable investments. The combination of steady contractual growth from our long-term triple-net leases, steady, reliable cash flows from our loan investments and stable cash flows from our office buildings with the higher growth potential inherent in our seniors housing operating communities drives our ability to generate sustainable, growing cash flows that are resilient to economic downturns.
Maintaining a Balanced, Diversified Portfolio of High-Quality Assets
We believe that maintaining a balanced portfolio of high-quality assets diversified by investment type, geographic location, asset type, tenant or operator, revenue source and operating model diminishes the risk that any single factor or event could materially harm our business. Portfolio diversification also enhances the reliability of our cash flows by reducing our exposure to any individual tenant, operator or manager and making us less susceptible to single-state regulatory or reimbursement changes, regional climate events and local economic downturns.
Preserving Our Financial Strength, Flexibility and Liquidity
A strong, flexible balance sheet and excellent liquidity position us favorably to capitalize on strategic growth opportunities in the seniors housing and healthcare industries through acquisitions, investments and development and redevelopment projects. We maintain our financial strength to pursue profitable investment opportunities by actively managing our leverage, improving our cost of capital and preserving our access to multiple sources of liquidity, including unsecured bank debt, mortgage financings and public debt and equity markets.
2019 Highlights
Investments and Dispositions
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In June 2019, we provided new secured debt financing of $490 million to certain subsidiaries of Colony Capital, Inc. The London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) based debt financing has a five-year term (inclusive of three one-year extension options). In connection with this transaction, our previous secured loan to certain subsidiaries of Colony Capital, Inc. of $282 million was paid in full.
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In September 2019, we acquired an 87% interest in 34 Canadian seniors housing communities (including five in-process developments) valued at $1.8 billion through an equity partnership (the “LGM Acquisition”) with Le Groupe Maurice (“LGM”). The portfolio continues to be managed by LGM. We also have rights to fund and own all additional developments under an exclusive pipeline agreement with LGM.
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During 2019, we also acquired four properties and one vacant land parcel for an aggregate purchase price of $237.0 million.
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During 2019, we sold 24 properties and our leasehold interest in one vacant land parcel for aggregate consideration of $147.5 million and recognized a gain on the sales of these assets of $26.0 million.
Liquidity and Capital
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In January 2019, we established an unsecured commercial paper program. Under the terms of the program, we may issue from time to time unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $1.0 billion.
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During 2019, we (a) repaid or redeemed $1.7 billion aggregate principal then outstanding of our senior notes with a weighted average coupon of 3.7% and maturities between 2019 and 2043; (b) repaid $100.0 million of the balance outstanding on the $300.0 million unsecured term loan that matures in 2023; and (c) repaid in full the $600.0 million unsecured term loan that was set to mature in 2024.
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During 2019, we (a) entered into a new C$500 million unsecured term loan facility priced at Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR”) plus 0.90% that matures in 2025; (b) issued a total of $2.3 billion of senior notes with a fixed coupon of 3.2% and maturities between 2024 and 2049; and (c) issued C$300 million floating rate senior notes maturing in 2021.
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During 2019, we sold an aggregate of 15.4 million shares of common stock under both a registered public offering and our “at-the-market” equity offering program for average gross proceeds of $63.45 per share.
Portfolio Summary
The following table summarizes our consolidated portfolio of properties and other investments, including construction in progress, as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019:
(1)
As of December 31, 2019, we also owned five seniors housing communities and one MOB through investments in unconsolidated entities. Our consolidated properties were located in 45 states, the District of Columbia, seven Canadian provinces and the United Kingdom and were operated or managed by 85 unaffiliated healthcare operating companies.
(2)
Seniors housing communities are generally measured in units; MOBs and research and innovation centers are measured by square footage; and IRFs and LTACs, health systems and skilled nursing facilities (“SNFs”) are generally measured by licensed bed count.
(3)
As of December 31, 2019, we leased 63 of our consolidated MOBs pursuant to triple-net leases, Lillibridge or PMBRES managed 273 of our consolidated MOBs and 11 of our consolidated MOBs were managed by six unaffiliated managers. Through Lillibridge, we also provided management and leasing services for 74 MOBs owned by third parties as of December 31, 2019.
Seniors Housing and Healthcare Properties
As of December 31, 2019, we owned a total of 1,201 seniors housing and healthcare properties (including properties classified as held for sale) as follows:
Seniors Housing Communities
Our seniors housing communities include independent and assisted living communities, continuing care retirement communities and communities providing care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia or memory loss. These communities offer studio, one bedroom and two bedroom residential units on a month-to-month basis primarily to elderly individuals requiring various levels of assistance. Basic services for residents of these communities include housekeeping, meals in a central dining area and group activities organized by the staff with input from the residents. More extensive care and personal supervision, at additional fees, are also available for such needs as eating, bathing, grooming, transportation, limited therapeutic programs and medication administration, which allow residents certain conveniences and enable them to live as independently as possible according to their abilities. These services are often met by home health
providers and through close coordination with the resident’s physician and SNFs. Charges for room, board and services are generally paid from private sources.
Medical Office Buildings
Typically, our MOBs are multi-tenant properties leased to several unrelated medical practices, although in many cases they may be associated with a large single specialty or multi-specialty group. Tenants include physicians, dentists, psychologists, therapists and other healthcare providers, who require space devoted to patient examination and treatment, diagnostic imaging, outpatient surgery and other outpatient services. MOBs are similar to commercial office buildings, although they require greater plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems to accommodate physicians’ requirements such as sinks in every room, brighter lights and specialized medical equipment. As of December 31, 2019, we owned or managed for third parties approximately 21 million square feet of MOBs that are predominantly located on or near a health system.
Research and Innovation Centers
Our research and innovation centers contain laboratory and office space primarily for scientific research for universities, academic medical centers, technology, biotechnology, medical device and pharmaceutical companies and other organizations involved in the research and innovation industry. While these properties have characteristics similar to commercial office buildings, they generally contain more advanced electrical, mechanical, and heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems. The facilities generally have specialty equipment including emergency generators, fume hoods, lab bench tops and related amenities. In many instances, research and innovation center tenants make significant investments to improve their leased space, in addition to landlord improvements, to accommodate biology, chemistry or medical device research initiatives. Our research and innovation centers are primarily located on or contiguous to university and academic medical campuses. The campus settings allow us the opportunity to provide flexible, contiguous/adjacent expansion to accommodate the growth of existing tenants.
Inpatient Rehabilitation and Long-term Acute Care Facilities
We have 29 properties that are operated as LTACs. LTACs have a Medicare average length of stay of greater than 25 days and serve medically complex, chronically ill patients who require a high level of monitoring and specialized care, but whose conditions do not necessitate the continued services of an intensive care unit. The operators of these LTACs have the capability to treat patients who suffer from multiple systemic failures or conditions such as neurological disorders, head injuries, brain stem and spinal cord trauma, cerebral vascular accidents, chemical brain injuries, central nervous system disorders, developmental anomalies and cardiopulmonary disorders. Chronic patients often depend on technology for continued life support, such as mechanical ventilators, total parenteral nutrition, respiration or cardiac monitors and dialysis machines, and, due to their severe medical conditions, generally are not clinically appropriate for admission to a nursing facility or rehabilitation hospital. All of our LTACs are freestanding facilities, and we do not own any “hospitals within hospitals.” We also own eight IRFs devoted to the rehabilitation of patients with various neurological, musculoskeletal, orthopedic and other medical conditions following stabilization of their acute medical issues.
Health Systems
We have 12 properties that are operated as health systems. Health systems provide medical and surgical services, including inpatient care, intensive care, cardiac care, diagnostic services and emergency services. These health systems also provide outpatient services such as outpatient surgery, laboratory, radiology, respiratory therapy, cardiology and physical therapy. In the United States, these health systems receive payments for patient services from the federal government primarily under the Medicare program, state governments under their respective Medicaid or similar programs, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, other private insurers and directly from patients.
Skilled Nursing Facilities
We have 16 properties that are operated as SNFs. SNFs provide rehabilitative, restorative, skilled nursing and medical treatment for patients and residents who do not require the high technology, care-intensive, high cost setting of an acute care or rehabilitation hospital. Treatment programs include physical, occupational, speech, respiratory and other therapies, including sub-acute clinical protocols such as wound care and intravenous drug treatment. Charges for these services are generally paid from a combination of government reimbursement and private sources.
Geographic Diversification of Properties
Our portfolio of seniors housing and healthcare properties is broadly diversified by geographic location throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, with properties in only one state (California) accounting for more than 10% of our total continuing revenues and net operating income (“NOI,” which is defined as total revenues, excluding interest and other income, less property-level operating expenses and office building services costs) for the year ended December 31, 2019.
Loans and Investments
As of December 31, 2019, we had $1.0 billion of net loans receivable and investments relating to seniors housing and healthcare operators or properties. Our loans receivable and investments provide us with interest income, principal amortization and transaction fees and are typically secured by mortgage liens or leasehold mortgages on the underlying properties and corporate or personal guarantees by affiliates of the borrowing entity. In some cases, the loans are secured by a pledge of ownership interests in the entity or entities that own the related seniors housing or healthcare properties. From time to time, we also make investments in mezzanine loans, which are subordinated to senior secured loans held by other investors that encumber the same real estate. See “NOTE 6-LOANS RECEIVABLE AND INVESTMENTS” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Development and Redevelopment Projects
We are party to certain agreements that obligate us to develop seniors housing or healthcare properties funded through capital that we and, in certain circumstances, our joint venture partners provide. As of December 31, 2019, we had 22 properties under development pursuant to these agreements, including four properties that are owned through unconsolidated real estate entities. In addition, from time to time, we engage in redevelopment projects with respect to our existing seniors housing communities to maximize the value, increase NOI, maintain a market-competitive position, achieve property stabilization or change the primary use of the property.
Segment Information
We operate through three reportable business segments: triple-net leased properties, senior living operations and office operations. Non-segment assets, classified as “all other,” consist primarily of corporate assets, including cash, restricted cash, loans receivable and investments, and miscellaneous accounts receivable. Our chief operating decision makers evaluate performance of the combined properties in each reportable business segment and determine how to allocate resources to these segments, in significant part, based on segment NOI and related measures. For further information regarding our business segments and a discussion of our definition of segment NOI, see “NOTE 19-SEGMENT INFORMATION” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Significant Tenants, Operators and Managers
The following table summarizes certain information regarding our tenant, operator and manager concentration as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019 (excluding properties classified as held for sale and properties owned by investments in unconsolidated entities as of December 31, 2019):
(1)
Based on gross book value.
(2)
Excludes two properties managed by Brookdale Senior Living pursuant to long-term management agreements and included in the senior living operations reportable business segment.
Triple-Net Leased Properties
Each of our leases with Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred is a triple-net lease that obligates the tenant to pay all property-related expenses, including maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures, and to
comply with the terms of the mortgage financing documents, if any, affecting the properties. In addition, each of our Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred leases has a corporate guaranty.
The properties we lease to Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred accounted for a significant portion of our triple-net leased properties segment revenues and NOI for the year ended December 31, 2019. If Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred becomes unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations to us or to renew its leases with us upon expiration of the terms thereof, our financial condition and results of operations could decline, and our ability to service our indebtedness and to make distributions to our stockholders could be impaired. We cannot assure you that Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred will have sufficient assets, income and access to financing to enable them to satisfy their respective obligations to us, and any failure, inability or unwillingness by Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity, our ability to service our indebtedness and other obligations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders, as required for us to continue to qualify as a REIT (a “Material Adverse Effect”). We also cannot assure you that Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred will elect to renew their respective leases with us upon expiration of the leases or that we will be able to reposition any non-renewed properties on a timely basis or on the same or better economic terms, if at all. See “Risk Factors-Risks Arising from Our Business-Our leases and other agreements with Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred account for a significant portion of our revenues and operating income; any failure, inability or unwillingness by Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred to satisfy its obligations under our agreements could have a Material Adverse Effect on us” included in Part I,
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
This section discusses the most significant factors that affect our business, operations and financial condition. It does not describe all risks and uncertainties applicable to us, our industry or ownership of our securities. If any of the following risks, or any other risks and uncertainties that are not addressed below or that we have not yet identified, actually occur, we could be materially adversely affected and the value of our securities could decline.
We have grouped these risk factors into three general categories:
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Risks arising from our business;
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Risks arising from our capital structure; and
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Risks arising from our status as a REIT.
Risks Arising from Our Business
The properties managed by Atria and Sunrise account for a significant portion of our revenues and operating income; adverse developments in Atria’s and Sunrise’s business and affairs or financial condition could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
As of December 31, 2019, Atria and Sunrise, collectively, managed 260 of our consolidated seniors housing communities pursuant to long-term management agreements. These properties represent a substantial portion of our portfolio, based on their gross book value, and account for a significant portion of our revenues and NOI. Although we have various rights as the property owner under our management agreements, we rely on Atria’s and Sunrise’s personnel, expertise, technical resources and information systems, proprietary information, good faith and judgment to manage our senior living operations. We also rely on Atria and Sunrise to set appropriate resident fees, to provide accurate property-level financial results for our properties in a timely manner and to otherwise operate our seniors housing communities in compliance with the terms of our management agreements and all applicable laws and regulations. For example, we depend on Atria’s and Sunrise’s ability to attract and retain skilled management personnel who are responsible for the day-to-day operations of our seniors housing communities. A shortage of nurses or other trained personnel or general inflationary pressures may force Atria or Sunrise to enhance its pay and benefits package to compete effectively for such personnel, but it may not be able to offset these added
costs by increasing the rates charged to residents. Any increase in labor costs and other property operating expenses, any failure by Atria or Sunrise to attract and retain qualified personnel, or significant changes in Atria’s or Sunrise’s senior management or equity ownership could adversely affect the income we receive from our seniors housing communities and have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Because Atria and Sunrise manage our properties in exchange for the receipt of a management fee from us, we are not directly exposed to the credit risk of our managers in the same manner or to the same extent as our triple-net tenants. However, any adverse developments in Atria’s and Sunrise’s business and affairs or financial condition could impair its ability to manage our properties efficiently and effectively and could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. If Atria or Sunrise experiences any significant financial, legal, accounting or regulatory difficulties due to a weak economy or otherwise, such difficulties could result in, among other adverse events, acceleration of its indebtedness, impairment of its continued access to capital, the enforcement of default remedies by its counterparties, or the commencement of insolvency proceedings by or against it under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, any one or a combination of which indirectly could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Our leases and other agreements with Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred account for a significant portion of our revenues and operating income; any failure, inability or unwillingness by Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred to satisfy its obligations under our agreements could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
The properties we lease to Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred account for a significant portion of our revenues and NOI, and we depend on Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred to pay all insurance, taxes, utilities and maintenance and repair expenses in connection with the leased properties and properties that are collateral for the loans. We cannot assure you that Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred will have sufficient assets, income and access to financing to enable them to satisfy their respective obligations to us, and any failure, inability or unwillingness by Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred to do so could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. In addition, any failure by Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred to effectively conduct its operations or to maintain and improve such properties could adversely affect its business reputation and its ability to attract and retain patients and residents in such properties, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred have agreed to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless from and against various claims, litigation and liabilities arising in connection with their respective businesses, and we cannot assure you that Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred will have sufficient assets, income, access to financing and insurance coverage to enable them to satisfy their respective indemnification obligations.
We face potential adverse consequences from the bankruptcy, insolvency or financial deterioration of one or more of our tenants, operators, borrowers, managers and other obligors.
We lease our properties to unaffiliated tenants or operate them through independent third-party managers. We are also a direct or indirect lender to various tenants and operators. We have very limited control over the success or failure of our tenants’ and operators’ businesses and, at any time, a tenant or operator may experience a downturn in its business that weakens its financial condition. If that happens, the tenant or operator may fail to make its payments to us when due. Although our lease, loan and management agreements give us the right to exercise certain remedies in the event of default on the obligations owing to us, we may determine not to do so if we believe that enforcement of our rights would be more detrimental to our business than seeking alternative approaches.
A downturn in any of our tenants’ or operators’ businesses could ultimately lead to bankruptcy if it is unable to timely resolve the underlying causes, which may be largely outside of its control. Bankruptcy and insolvency laws afford certain rights to a party that has filed for bankruptcy or reorganization that may render certain of these remedies unenforceable, or, at the least, delay our ability to pursue such remedies and realize any recoveries in connection therewith. For example, we cannot evict a tenant or operator solely because of its bankruptcy filing.
A debtor-lessee may reject our lease in a bankruptcy proceeding, in which case our claim against the debtor-lessee for unpaid and future rents would be limited by the statutory cap of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. This statutory cap could be substantially less than the remaining rent actually owed under the lease, and any claim we have for unpaid rent might not be paid in full. In addition, a debtor-lessee may assert in a bankruptcy proceeding that our lease should be re-characterized as a financing agreement, in which case our rights and remedies as a lender, compared to a landlord, generally would be more limited. If a debtor-manager seeks bankruptcy protection, the automatic stay provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code would preclude us from enforcing our remedies against the manager unless relief is first obtained from the court having jurisdiction over the bankruptcy case. In any of these events, we also may be required to fund certain expenses and obligations (e.g., real estate taxes, debt costs and maintenance expenses) to preserve the value of our properties, avoid the imposition of liens on our properties or transition our properties to a new tenant, operator or manager.
Bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings may also result in increased costs to the operator and significant management distraction. If we are unable to transition affected properties, they could experience prolonged operational disruption, leading to lower occupancy rates and further depressed revenues. Publicity about the operator’s financial condition and insolvency proceedings may also negatively impact their and our reputations, decreasing customer demand and revenues. Any or all of these risks could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. These risks would be magnified where we lease multiple properties to a single operator under a master lease, as an operator failure or default under a master lease would expose us to these risks across multiple properties.
We have rights to terminate our management agreements with Atria and Sunrise in whole or with respect to specific properties under certain circumstances, and we may be unable to replace Atria or Sunrise if our management agreements are terminated or not renewed.
We are parties to long-term management agreements pursuant to which Atria and Sunrise, collectively, provided comprehensive property management and accounting services with respect to 260 of our consolidated seniors housing communities as of December 31, 2019. Most of our management agreements with Atria have terms expiring either July 31, 2024 or December 31, 2027, with successive automatic ten-year renewal periods, and most of our management agreements with Sunrise have terms ranging from 25 to 30 years (which commenced as early as 2004 and as recently as 2012). Our ability to terminate these long-term management agreements is limited to specific circumstances set forth in the agreements and may relate to all properties or a specific property or group of properties.
We may terminate any of our management agreements with Atria and Sunrise upon the occurrence of an event of default by the operator in the performance of a material covenant or term thereof (including, in certain circumstances, the revocation of any license or certificate necessary for operation), subject in most cases to such operator’s right to cure such default, or upon the occurrence of certain insolvency events relating to such operator. In addition, we may terminate our management agreements with Atria based on their failure to achieve certain NOI targets or upon the payment of a fee. We also may terminate most of our management agreements with Sunrise based on the failure to achieve certain NOI targets, subject to certain rights of Sunrise to make cure payments to us, and upon the occurrence of certain other events or the existence of certain other conditions.
We continually monitor and assess our contractual rights and remedies under our management agreements with Atria and Sunrise. When determining whether to pursue any existing or future rights or remedies under those agreements, including termination rights, we consider numerous factors, including legal, contractual, regulatory, business and other relevant considerations. In the event that we exercise our rights to terminate the Atria or Sunrise management agreements for any reason or such agreements are not renewed upon expiration of their terms, we would attempt to reposition the affected properties with another manager. Although we believe that many qualified national and regional seniors housing operators would be interested in managing our seniors housing communities, we cannot assure you that we would be able to locate another suitable manager or, if we are successful in locating such a manager, that it would manage the properties effectively. Moreover, the transition to a replacement manager would require approval by the applicable regulatory authorities and, in most cases, the mortgage lenders for the properties, and we cannot assure you that such approvals would be granted on a timely basis, if at all. Any inability to replace, or a lengthy delay in replacing, Atria or Sunrise as the manager of our seniors housing communities following termination or non-renewal of the applicable management agreements could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
If we must replace any of our tenants or operators, we might be unable to reposition the properties on as favorable terms, or at all, and we could be subject to delays, limitations and expenses, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
We cannot predict whether our tenants will renew existing leases beyond their current term. If our leases with Brookdale Senior Living or Ardent, the Kindred master leases or any of our other triple-net leases are not renewed, we would attempt to reposition those properties with another tenant or operator. In case of non-renewal, we generally have one year prior to expiration of the lease term to arrange for repositioning of the properties and our tenants are required to continue to perform all of their obligations (including the payment of all rental amounts) for the non-renewed assets until such expiration. However, following expiration of a lease term or if we exercise our right to replace a tenant or operator in default, rental payments on the related properties could decline or cease altogether while we reposition the properties with a suitable replacement tenant or operator. We also might not be successful in identifying suitable replacements or entering into leases or other arrangements with new tenants or operators on a timely basis or on terms as favorable to us as our current leases, if at all, and we may be required to fund certain expenses and obligations (e.g., real estate taxes, debt costs and maintenance expenses) to preserve the value of, and avoid the imposition of liens on, our properties while they are being repositioned. In addition, we may incur certain obligations and liabilities, including obligations to indemnify the replacement tenant or operator, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
In the event of non-renewal or a tenant default, our ability to reposition our properties with a suitable replacement tenant or operator could be significantly delayed or limited by state licensing, receivership, CON or other laws, as well as by the Medicare and Medicaid change-of-ownership rules, and we could incur substantial additional expenses in connection with any licensing, receivership or change-of-ownership proceedings. Our ability to locate and attract suitable replacement tenants also could be impaired by the specialized healthcare uses or contractual restrictions on use of the properties, and we may be forced to spend substantial amounts to adapt the properties to other uses. Any such delays, limitations and expenses could adversely impact our ability to collect rent, obtain possession of leased properties or otherwise exercise remedies for tenant default and could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Moreover, in connection with certain of our properties, we have entered into intercreditor agreements with the tenants’ lenders or tri-party agreements with our lenders. Our ability to exercise remedies under the applicable leases or management agreements or to reposition the applicable properties may be significantly delayed or limited by the terms of the intercreditor agreement or tri-party agreement. Any such delay or limit on our rights and remedies could adversely affect our ability to mitigate our losses and could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Merger and acquisition activity or consolidation in the seniors housing and healthcare industries resulting in a change of control of, or a competitor’s investment in, one or more of our tenants, operators or managers could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
The seniors housing and healthcare industries have recently experienced increased consolidation, including among owners of real estate and care providers. We compete with other healthcare REITs, healthcare providers, healthcare lenders, real estate partnerships, banks, insurance companies, private equity firms and other investors that pursue a variety of investments, which may include investments in our tenants, operators or managers. A competitor’s investment in one of our tenants, operators or managers could enable our competitor to influence that tenant’s, operator’s or manager’s business and strategy in a manner that impairs our relationship with the tenant, operator or manager or is otherwise adverse to our interests. Depending on our contractual agreements and the specific facts and circumstances, we may have the right to consent to, or otherwise exercise rights and remedies, including termination rights, on account of, a competitor’s investment in, a change of control of, or other transactions impacting a tenant, operator or manager. In deciding whether to exercise our rights and remedies, including termination rights, we assess numerous factors, including legal, contractual, regulatory, business and other relevant considerations. In addition, in connection with any change of control of a tenant, operator or manager, the tenant’s, operator’s or manager’s management team may change, which could lead to a change in the tenant’s, operator’s or manager’s strategy or adversely affect the business of the tenant, operator or manager, either of which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Market conditions, including, but not limited to, interest rates and credit spreads, the availability of credit and the actual and perceived state of the real estate markets and public capital markets generally could negatively impact our business, results of operations, and financial condition.
The markets in which we operate are affected by a number of factors that are largely beyond our control but may nevertheless have a significant negative impact on us. These factors include, but are not limited to:
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Interest rates and credit spreads;
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The availability of credit, including the price, terms and conditions under which it can be obtained; and
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The actual and perceived state of the real estate market, the market for dividend-paying stocks and public capital markets in general.
In addition, increased inflation may have a pronounced negative impact on the interest expense we pay in connection with our outstanding indebtedness and our general and administrative expenses, as these costs could increase at a rate higher than our rents.
Deflation may result in a decline in general price levels, often caused by a decrease in the supply of money or credit. The predominant effects of deflation are high unemployment, credit contraction and weakened consumer demand. Restricted lending practices may impact our ability to obtain financing for our properties, which could adversely impact our growth and profitability.
Our ongoing strategy depends, in part, upon future investments in and acquisitions of, or our development or redevelopment of, seniors housing and healthcare assets, and we may not be successful in identifying and consummating these transactions.
An important part of our business strategy is to continue to expand and diversify our portfolio through accretive acquisition, investment, development and redevelopment opportunities in domestic and international seniors housing and healthcare properties. Our execution of this strategy by successfully identifying, securing and consummating beneficial transactions is made more challenging by increased competition and can be affected by many factors, including our relationships with current and prospective clients, our ability to obtain debt and equity capital at costs comparable to or better than our competitors and lower than the yield we earn on our acquisitions or investments, and our ability to negotiate favorable terms with property owners seeking to sell and other contractual counterparties. Our competitors for these opportunities include other healthcare REITs, real estate partnerships, healthcare providers, healthcare lenders and other investors, including developers, banks, insurance companies, pension funds, government-sponsored entities and private equity firms, some of whom may have greater financial resources and lower costs of capital than we do. See “Business-Competition” included in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. If we are unsuccessful at identifying and capitalizing on investment, acquisition, development and redevelopment opportunities, our growth and profitability may be adversely affected.
Investments in and acquisitions of seniors housing and healthcare properties entail risks associated with real estate investments generally, including risks that the investment will not achieve expected returns, that the cost estimates for necessary property improvements will prove inaccurate or that the tenant, operator or manager will fail to meet performance expectations. Investments outside the United States raise legal, economic and market risks associated with doing business in foreign countries, such as currency exchange fluctuations, costly regulatory requirements and foreign tax risks. Domestic and international real estate development and redevelopment projects present additional risks, including construction delays or cost overruns that increase expenses, the inability to obtain required zoning, occupancy and other governmental approvals and permits on a timely basis, and the incurrence of significant costs prior to completion of the project. Furthermore, healthcare properties are often highly customized and the development or redevelopment of such properties may require costly tenant-specific improvements. As a result, we cannot assure you that we will achieve the economic benefit we expect from acquisition, investment, development and redevelopment opportunities.
Our significant acquisition and investment activity presents certain risks to our business and operations.
We have made and expect to continue to make significant acquisitions and investments as part of our overall business strategy. Our significant acquisition and investment activity presents certain risks to our business and operations, including, among other things, that:
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We may be unable to successfully integrate the operations, personnel or systems of acquired companies, maintain consistent standards, controls, policies and procedures, or realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions and other investments within the anticipated time frame or at all;
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We may be unable to effectively monitor and manage our expanded portfolio of properties, retain key employees or attract highly qualified new employees;
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Projections of estimated future revenues, costs savings or operating metrics that we develop during the due diligence and integration planning process might be inaccurate;
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Our leverage could increase or our per share financial results could decline if we incur additional debt or issue equity securities to finance acquisitions and investments;
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Acquisitions and other new investments could divert management’s attention from our existing assets;
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The value of acquired assets or the market price of our common stock may decline; and
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We may be unable to continue paying dividends at the current rate.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to integrate acquisitions and investments without encountering difficulties or that any such difficulties will not have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
If the liabilities we assume in connection with acquisitions, including indemnification obligations in favor of third parties, are greater than expected, or if there are unknown liabilities, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
We may assume or incur liabilities in connection with our acquisitions, including, in some cases, contingent liabilities. As we integrate these acquisitions, we may learn additional information about the sellers, the properties, their operations and their liabilities that adversely affects us, such as:
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Liabilities relating to the clean-up or remediation of undisclosed environmental conditions;
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Unasserted claims of vendors or other persons dealing with the sellers;
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Liabilities, claims and litigation, including indemnification obligations, whether or not incurred in the ordinary course of business, relating to periods prior to or following our acquisition;
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Claims for indemnification by general partners, directors, officers and others indemnified by the sellers; and
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Liabilities for taxes relating to periods prior to our acquisition.
As a result, we cannot assure you that our past or future acquisitions will be successful or will not, in fact, harm our business. Among other things, if the liabilities we assume in connection with acquisitions are greater than expected, or if we discover obligations relating to the acquired properties or businesses of which we were not aware at the time of acquisition, our business and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
In addition, we have now, and may have in the future, certain surviving indemnification obligations in favor of third parties under the terms of acquisition agreements to which we are a party. Most of these indemnification obligations will be capped as to amount and survival period, and we do not believe that these obligations will be material in the aggregate. However, there can be no assurances as to the ultimate amount of such obligations or whether such obligations will have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Our future results will suffer if we do not effectively manage the expansion of our health system and research and innovation portfolios and operations following the acquisition of AHS and the Research and Innovation Acquisition.
As a result of our acquisition of Ardent Medical Services, Inc. (“AHS”) in 2015, we entered into the health system sector. Also, as a result of the acquisition of substantially all of the university affiliated research and innovation real estate assets of Wexford Science & Technology, LLC (“Wexford”) in 2016 (the “Research and Innovation Acquisition”), we entered into the university-affiliated research and innovation sector. Part of our long-term business strategy involves expanding our health system and research and innovation portfolios through additional acquisitions and development of new properties. Both the asset management of our existing health systems and university-affiliated research and innovation centers portfolios and such additional acquisitions and developments may involve complex challenges. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to manage our expansion opportunities, integrate new investments into our existing business in an efficient and timely manner, successfully monitor the operations, costs, regulatory compliance and service quality of our operators and leverage our relationships with Ardent and other operators of health systems and Wexford and other operators and developers of research and innovation centers. It is possible that our expansion or acquisition opportunities within the health system and research and innovation sectors will not be successful, which could adversely impact our growth and future results.
Our investments are concentrated in seniors housing and healthcare real estate, making us more vulnerable economically to adverse changes in the real estate market and the seniors housing and healthcare industries than if our investments were diversified.
We invest primarily in seniors housing and healthcare properties and are constrained by the terms of our existing indebtedness from making investments outside those industries. This investment focus exposes us to greater economic risk than if our portfolio were to include real estate assets in other industries or assets unrelated to real estate.
The healthcare industry is highly regulated, and changes in government regulation and reimbursement can have material adverse consequences on its participants, some of which may be unintended. The healthcare industry is also highly competitive, and our operators and managers may encounter increased competition for residents and patients, including with respect to the scope and quality of care and services provided, reputation and financial condition, physical appearance of the properties, price and location. Our tenants, operators and managers are large employers who compete for labor, making their results sensitive to changes in the labor market and/or wages and benefits offered to their employees. If our tenants, operators
and managers are unable to successfully compete with other operators and managers by maintaining profitable occupancy and rate levels or controlling labor costs, their ability to meet their respective obligations to us may be materially adversely affected. We cannot assure you that future changes in government regulation will not adversely affect the healthcare industry, including our seniors housing and healthcare operations, tenants and operators, nor can we be certain that our tenants, operators and managers will achieve and maintain occupancy and rate levels or labor costs levels that will enable them to satisfy their obligations to us. Any adverse changes in the regulation of the healthcare industry, or the competitiveness of our tenants, operators and managers, or costs of labor, could have a more pronounced effect on us than if we had investments outside the seniors housing and healthcare industries.
Real estate investments are relatively illiquid, and our ability to quickly sell or exchange our properties in response to changes in economic or other conditions is limited. In the event we market any of our properties for sale, the value of those properties and our ability to sell at prices or on terms acceptable to us could be adversely affected by a downturn in the real estate industry or any economic weakness in the seniors housing and healthcare industries. In addition, transfers of healthcare properties may be subject to regulatory approvals that are not required for transfers of other types of commercial properties. We cannot assure you that we will recognize the full value of any property that we sell for liquidity or other reasons, and the inability to respond quickly to changes in the performance of our investments could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Our operating assets expose us to various operational risks, liabilities and claims that could adversely affect our ability to generate revenues or increase our costs and could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Our senior living operating assets and office assets expose us to various operational risks, liabilities and claims that could increase our costs or adversely affect our ability to generate revenues, thereby reducing our profitability. These operational risks include fluctuations in occupancy levels, the inability to achieve economic resident fees (including anticipated increases in those fees), increases in the cost of food, materials, energy, labor (as a result of unionization or otherwise) or other services, rent control regulations, national and regional economic conditions, the imposition of new or increased taxes, capital expenditure requirements, professional and general liability claims, and the availability and cost of professional and general liability insurance. Any one or a combination of these factors could result in operating deficiencies in our senior living operations or office operations reportable business segments, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Our ownership of properties outside the United States exposes us to different risks than those associated with our domestic properties.
Our current or future ownership of properties outside the United States subjects us to risks that may be different or greater than those we face with our domestic properties. These risks include, but are not limited to:
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Challenges with respect to repatriation of foreign earnings and cash;
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Foreign ownership restrictions with respect to operations in countries in which we own properties;
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Regional or country-specific business cycles and economic instability;
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Challenges of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations, including those relating to real estate, corporate governance, operations, taxes, employment and legal proceedings;
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Differences in lending practices and the willingness of domestic or foreign lenders to provide financing; and
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Failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations in the United States that affect foreign operations, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Increased construction and development in the markets in which our seniors housing communities and MOBs are located could adversely affect our future occupancy rates, operating margins and profitability.
Limited barriers to entry in the seniors housing and MOB industries could lead to the development of new seniors housing communities or MOBs that outpaces demand. Data published by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care has indicated deliveries of new seniors housing communities will remain at elevated levels in 2019, especially in certain geographic markets. If development outpaces demand for those assets in the markets in which our properties are located, those markets may become saturated and we could experience decreased occupancy, reduced operating margins and lower profitability, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
We have now, and may have in the future, exposure to contingent rent escalators, which could hinder our growth and profitability.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues from leasing properties pursuant to long-term triple-net leases that generally provide for fixed rental rates, subject to annual escalations. In certain cases, the annual escalations are contingent upon the achievement of specified revenue parameters or based on changes in CPI, with caps and floors. If, as a result of weak economic conditions or other factors, the properties subject to these leases do not generate sufficient revenue to achieve the specified rent escalation parameters or CPI does not increase, our growth and profitability may be hindered. If strong economic conditions result in significant increases in CPI, but the escalations under our leases are capped, our growth and profitability also may be limited.
We own certain properties subject to ground lease, air rights or other restrictive agreements that limit our uses of the properties, restrict our ability to sell or otherwise transfer the properties and expose us to loss of the properties if such agreements are breached by us or terminated.
Our investments in MOBs and other properties may be made through leasehold interests in the land on which the buildings are located, leases of air rights for the space above the land on which the buildings are located, or other similar restrictive arrangements. Many of these ground lease, air rights and other restrictive agreements impose significant limitations on our uses of the subject properties, restrict our ability to sell or otherwise transfer our interests in the properties or restrict the leasing of the properties. These restrictions may limit our ability to timely sell or exchange the properties, impair the properties’ value or negatively impact our ability to find suitable tenants for the properties. In addition, we could lose our interests in the subject properties if the ground lease, air rights or other restrictive agreements are breached by us or terminated.
We may be unable to successfully foreclose on the collateral securing our loans and other investments, and even if we are successful in our foreclosure efforts, we may be unable to successfully sell any acquired equity interests or reposition any acquired properties, which could adversely affect our ability to recover our investments.
If a borrower defaults under mortgage or other secured loans for which we are the lender, we may attempt to foreclose on the collateral securing those loans, including by acquiring any pledged equity interests or acquiring title to the subject properties, to protect our investment. In response, the defaulting borrower may contest our enforcement of foreclosure or other available remedies, seek bankruptcy protection against our exercise of enforcement or other available remedies, or bring claims against us for lender liability. If a defaulting borrower seeks bankruptcy protection, the automatic stay provisions of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code would preclude us from enforcing foreclosure or other available remedies against the borrower unless relief is first obtained from the court with jurisdiction over the bankruptcy case. In addition, we may be subject to intercreditor or tri-party agreements that delay, impact, govern or limit our ability to foreclose on a lien securing a loan or otherwise delay or limit our pursuit of our rights and remedies. Any such delay or limit on our ability to pursue our rights or remedies could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Even if we successfully foreclose on the collateral securing our mortgage loans and other investments, costs related to enforcement of our remedies, high loan-to-value ratios or declines in the value of the collateral could prevent us from realizing the full amount of our secured loans, and we could be required to record a valuation allowance for such losses. Moreover, the collateral may include equity interests that we are unable to sell due to securities law restrictions or otherwise, or properties that we are unable to reposition with new tenants or operators on a timely basis, if at all, or without making improvements or repairs. Any delay or costs incurred in selling or repositioning acquired collateral could adversely affect our ability to recover our investments.
Some of our loan investments are subordinated to loans held by third parties.
Our mezzanine loan investments are subordinated to senior secured loans held by other investors that encumber the same real estate. If a senior secured loan is foreclosed, that foreclosure would extinguish our rights in the collateral for our mezzanine loan. In order to protect our economic interest in that collateral, we would need to be prepared, on an expedited basis, to advance funds to the senior lenders in order to cure defaults under the senior secured loans and prevent such a foreclosure. If a senior secured loan has matured or has been accelerated, then in order to protect our economic interest in the collateral, we would need to be prepared, on an expedited basis, to purchase or pay off that senior secured loan, which could require an infusion of fresh capital as large or larger than our initial investment. Our ability to sell or syndicate a mezzanine loan could be limited by transfer restrictions in the intercreditor agreement with the senior secured lenders. Our ability to negotiate modifications to the mezzanine loan documents with our borrowers could be limited by restrictions on modifications in the intercreditor agreement. Since mezzanine loans are typically secured by pledges of equity rather than direct liens on real
estate, our mezzanine loan investments are more vulnerable than our mortgage loan investments to losses caused by competing creditor claims, unauthorized transfers, or bankruptcies.
Our tenants, operators and managers may be adversely affected by healthcare regulation and enforcement.
Regulation of the healthcare industry generally has intensified over time both in the number and type of regulations and in the efforts to enforce those regulations. This is particularly true for large for-profit, multi-facility providers like Atria, Sunrise, Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred. Federal, state and local laws and regulations affecting the healthcare industry include those relating to, among other things, licensure, conduct of operations, ownership of facilities, addition of facilities and equipment, allowable costs, services, prices for services, qualified beneficiaries, quality of care, patient rights, fraudulent or abusive behavior, financial and other arrangements that may be entered into by healthcare providers and the research, development, clinical testing, manufacture and marketing of research and innovation products. In addition, changes in enforcement policies by federal and state governments have resulted in an increase in the number of inspections, citations of regulatory deficiencies and other regulatory sanctions, including terminations from the Medicare and Medicaid programs, bars on Medicare and Medicaid payments for new admissions, civil monetary penalties and even criminal penalties. See “Governmental Regulation-Healthcare Regulation” included in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We are unable to predict the scope of future federal, state and local regulations and legislation, including the Medicare and Medicaid statutes and regulations, or the intensity of enforcement efforts with respect to such regulations and legislation, and any changes in the regulatory framework could have a material adverse effect on our tenants, operators and managers, which, in turn, could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
If our tenants, operators and managers fail to comply with the extensive laws, regulations and other requirements applicable to their businesses and the operation of our properties, they could become ineligible to receive reimbursement from governmental and private third-party payor programs, face bans on admissions of new patients or residents, suffer civil or criminal penalties or be required to make significant changes to their operations. Our tenants, operators and managers also could face increased costs related to changes in healthcare regulation, such as a shift toward less comprehensive health coverage, or be forced to expend considerable resources in responding to an investigation or other enforcement action under applicable laws or regulations. In such event, the results of operations and financial condition of our tenants, operators and managers and the results of operations of our properties operated or managed by those entities could be adversely affected, which, in turn, could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Changes in the reimbursement rates or methods of payment from third-party payors, including insurance companies and the Medicare and Medicaid programs, could have a material adverse effect on certain of our tenants and operators and on us.
Certain of our tenants and operators rely on reimbursement from third-party payors, including the Medicare (both traditional Medicare and "managed" Medicare/Medicare Advantage) and Medicaid programs, for substantially all of their revenues. Federal and state legislators and regulators have adopted or proposed various cost-containment measures that would limit payments to healthcare providers, and budget crises and financial shortfalls have caused states to implement or consider Medicaid rate freezes or cuts. See “Governmental Regulation-Healthcare Regulation” included in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Private third-party payors also have continued their efforts to control healthcare costs. In addition, coverage expansions via the ACA through Medicaid expansion and health insurance exchanges may be scaled back by litigation that may invalidate some or all of the ACA, or waiver programs that reduce the number of people with Medicaid coverage in a given state. We cannot assure you that our tenants and operators who currently depend on governmental or private payor reimbursement will be adequately reimbursed for the services they provide. Significant limits by governmental and private third-party payors on the scope of services reimbursed or on reimbursement rates and fees, whether from legislation, administrative actions or private payor efforts, could have a material adverse effect on the liquidity, financial condition and results of operations of certain of our tenants and operators, which could affect adversely their ability to comply with the terms of our leases and have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
The healthcare industry trend away from a traditional fee for service reimbursement model towards value-based payment approaches may negatively impact certain of our tenants’ revenues and profitability.
Certain of our tenants, specifically those providers in the post-acute and health system space, are subject to the broad trend in the healthcare industry toward value-based purchasing of healthcare services. These value-based purchasing programs include public reporting of quality data and preventable adverse events tied to the quality and efficiency of care provided by facilities. Medicare no longer reimburses hospitals for care related to certain preventable adverse events and imposes payment reductions on hospitals for preventable readmissions. These punitive approaches could be expanded to additional types of providers in the future.
We expect value-based purchasing programs, including programs that condition reimbursement on patient outcome measures, to become more common and to involve a higher percentage of reimbursement amounts. For example, several of the nation’s largest commercial payors are increasing reliance on value-based reimbursement arrangements. We are unable at this time to predict how this trend will affect the revenues and profitability of those of our tenants who are providers of healthcare services; however, if this trend significantly and adversely affects their profitability, it could in turn negatively affect their ability and willingness to comply with the terms of their leases with us and or renew those leases upon expiration, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
If controls imposed on certain of our tenants who provide healthcare services that are reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid and other third-party payors to reduce admissions and length of stay affect inpatient volumes at our healthcare facilities, the financial condition or results of operations of those tenants could be adversely affected.
Controls imposed by Medicare, Medicaid and commercial third-party payors designed to reduce admissions and lengths of stay, commonly referred to as “utilization reviews,” have affected and are expected to continue to affect certain of our healthcare facilities, specifically our acute care hospitals and post-acute facilities. Utilization review entails the review of the admission and course of treatment of a patient by managed care plans. Inpatient utilization, average lengths of stay and occupancy rates continue to be negatively affected by payor-required preadmission authorization and utilization review and by payor pressures to maximize outpatient and alternative healthcare delivery services for less acutely ill patients. Efforts to impose more stringent cost controls and reductions are expected to continue, which could negatively impact the financial condition of our tenants who provide healthcare services in our hospitals and post-acute facilities. If so, this could adversely affect these tenants’ ability and willingness to comply with the terms of their leases with us and or renew those leases upon expiration, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
The hospitals on or near whose campuses our MOBs are located and their affiliated health systems could fail to remain competitive or financially viable, which could adversely impact their ability to attract physicians and physician groups to our MOBs.
Our MOB operations depend on the competitiveness and financial viability of the hospitals on or near whose campuses our MOBs are located and their ability to attract physicians and other healthcare-related clients to our MOBs. The viability of these hospitals, in turn, depends on factors such as the quality and mix of healthcare services provided, competition for patients, physicians and physician groups, demographic trends in the surrounding community, market position and growth potential, as well as the ability of the affiliated health systems to provide economies of scale and access to capital. If a hospital on or near whose campus one of our MOBs is located fails or becomes unable to meet its financial obligations, and if an affiliated health system is unable to support that hospital, the hospital may be unable to compete successfully or could be forced to close or relocate, which could adversely impact its ability to attract physicians and other healthcare-related clients. Because we rely on proximity to and affiliations with hospitals to create leasing demand in our MOBs, a hospital’s inability to remain competitive or financially viable, or to attract physicians and physician groups, could materially adversely affect our MOB operations and have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Our development and redevelopment projects, including projects undertaken through our joint ventures, may not yield anticipated returns.
We consider and, when appropriate, invest in various development and redevelopment projects. In deciding whether to make an investment in a particular project, we make certain assumptions regarding the expected future performance of the property. Our assumptions are subject to risks generally associated with development and redevelopment projects, including, among others, that:
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We may be unable to obtain financing for the project on favorable terms or at all;
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We may not complete the project on schedule or within budgeted amounts;
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We may not be able to recognize rental revenue in some cases although cash rent is being paid and the lease has commenced;
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We may encounter delays in obtaining or fail to obtain all necessary zoning, land use, building, occupancy, environmental and other governmental permits and authorizations, or underestimate the costs necessary to develop or redevelop the property to market standards;
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Construction or other delays may provide tenants or residents the right to terminate preconstruction leases or cause us to incur additional costs;
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Volatility in the price of construction materials or labor may increase our project costs;
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In the case of our MOB developments, hospitals or health systems may maintain significant decision-making authority with respect to the development schedule;
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Our builders may fail to perform or satisfy the expectations of our clients or prospective clients;
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We may incorrectly forecast risks associated with development in new geographic regions;
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Tenants may not lease space at the quantity or rental rate levels or on the schedule projected;
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Demand for our project may decrease prior to completion, due to competition from other developments; and
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Lease rates and rents at newly developed or redeveloped properties may fluctuate based on factors beyond our control, including market and economic conditions.
If any of the risks described above occur, our development and redevelopment projects, including projects undertaken through our joint ventures, may not yield anticipated returns, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Our investments in joint ventures and unconsolidated entities could be adversely affected by our lack of sole decision-making authority, our reliance on our joint venture partners’ financial condition, any disputes that may arise between us and our joint venture partners, and our exposure to potential losses from the actions of our joint venture partners.
As of December 31, 2019, we owned 35 MOBs, 12 research and innovation centers, 38 seniors housing communities and one IRF through consolidated joint ventures, and we had 25% ownership interests in five seniors housing communities and one MOB through investments in unconsolidated entities. In addition, we had a 34% ownership interest in Atria, a 34% ownership interest in Eclipse Senior Living and a 9.8% interest in Ardent as of December 31, 2019. These joint ventures and unconsolidated entities involve risks not present with respect to our wholly owned properties, including the following:
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We may be unable to take actions that are opposed by our joint venture partners under arrangements that require us to share decision-making authority over major decisions affecting the ownership or operation of the joint venture and any property owned by the joint venture, such as the sale or financing of the property or the making of additional capital contributions for the benefit of the property;
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For joint ventures in which we have a noncontrolling interest, our joint venture partners may take actions that we oppose;
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Our ability to sell or transfer our interest in a joint venture to a third party may be restricted if we fail to obtain the prior consent of our joint venture partners;
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Our joint venture partners may become bankrupt or fail to fund their share of required capital contributions, which could delay construction or development of a property or increase our financial commitment to the joint venture;
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Our joint venture partners may have business interests or goals with respect to a property that conflict with our business interests and goals, including with respect to the timing, terms and strategies for investment, which could increase the likelihood of disputes regarding the ownership, management or disposition of the property;
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Disagreements with our joint venture partners could result in litigation or arbitration that increases our expenses, distracts our officers and directors, and disrupts the day-to-day operations of the property, including by delaying important decisions until the dispute is resolved; and
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We may suffer losses as a result of actions taken by our joint venture partners with respect to our joint venture investments.
Events that adversely affect the ability of seniors and their families to afford daily resident fees at our seniors housing communities could cause our occupancy rates, resident fee revenues and results of operations to decline.
Assisted and independent living services generally are not reimbursable under government reimbursement programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. A large majority of the resident fee revenues generated by our senior living operations, therefore, are derived from private pay sources consisting of the income or assets of residents or their family members. In light of the significant expense associated with building new properties and staffing and other costs of providing services, typically only seniors with income or assets that meet or exceed the comparable region median can afford the daily resident and care fees at our seniors housing communities, and a weak economy, depressed housing market or changes in demographics could adversely affect their continued ability to do so. If the managers of our seniors housing communities are unable to attract and retain seniors that have sufficient income, assets or other resources to pay the fees associated with assisted and independent living services, the occupancy rates, resident fee revenues and results of operations of our senior living operations could decline, which, in turn, could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Our tenants in the research and innovation industry face high levels of regulation, expense and uncertainty.
Research and innovation tenants, particularly those involved in developing and marketing pharmaceutical products, are subject to certain unique risks, including the following:
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Some of our tenants require significant outlays of funds for the research and development and clinical testing of their products and technologies. The economic environment in recent years has significantly impacted the ability of these companies to access the capital markets and venture capital funding. In addition, state and federal government and university budgets have been negatively impacted by the recent economic environment and, as a result certain programs, including grants related to biotechnology research and development, may be at risk of being eliminated or cut back significantly. If private investors, the government, universities, public markets or other sources of funding are unavailable to support such development, a tenant’s business may fail.
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The research and development, clinical testing, manufacture and marketing of some of our tenants’ products require federal, state and foreign regulatory approvals. The approval process is typically long, expensive and uncertain. Even if our tenants have sufficient funds to seek approvals, one or all of their products may fail to obtain the required regulatory approvals on a timely basis or at all. Furthermore, our tenants may only have a small number of products under development. If one product fails to receive the required approvals at any stage of development, it could significantly adversely affect our tenant’s entire business and its ability to pay rent.
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Our tenants may be unable to adequately protect their intellectual property under patent, copyright or trade secret laws. Failure to do so could jeopardize their ability to profit from their efforts and to protect their products from competition.
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Collaborative relationships with other research and innovation entities may be crucial to the development, manufacturing, distribution or marketing of our tenants’ products. If these other entities fail to fulfill their obligations under these collaborative arrangements, our tenants’ businesses will suffer.
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Legislation to reform the U.S. healthcare system, including regulations and legislation relating to the ACA, may include government intervention in product pricing and other changes that adversely affect reimbursement for our tenants’ marketable products. In addition, sales of many of our tenants’ marketable products are dependent, in large part, on the availability and extent of reimbursement from government health administration authorities, private health insurers and other organizations. Changes in government regulations, price controls or third-party payors’ reimbursement policies may reduce reimbursement for our tenants’ marketable products and adversely impact our tenants’ businesses.
We cannot assure you that our tenants in the research and innovation industry will be successful in their businesses. If our tenants’ businesses are adversely affected, they may have difficulty making payments to us, which could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
The amount and scope of insurance coverage provided by our policies and policies maintained by our tenants, operators and managers may not adequately insure against losses.
We maintain or require in our lease, management and other agreements that our tenants, operators and managers maintain all applicable lines of insurance on our properties and their operations. Although we regularly review the amount and scope of insurance provided by our policies and required to be maintained by our tenants, operators and managers and believe
the coverage provided to be customary for similarly situated companies in our industry, we cannot assure you that we or our tenants, operators and managers will continue to be able to maintain adequate levels of insurance. We also cannot assure you that we or our tenants, operators and managers will maintain the required coverages, that we will continue to require the same levels of insurance under our lease, management and other agreements, that such insurance will be available at a reasonable cost in the future or that the policies maintained will fully cover all losses on our properties upon the occurrence of a catastrophic event, nor can we make any guaranty as to the future financial viability of the insurers that underwrite our policies and the policies maintained by our tenants, operators and managers.
For various reasons, including to reduce and manage costs, many healthcare companies utilize different organizational and corporate structures coupled with self-insurance trusts or captive programs that may provide less insurance coverage than a traditional insurance policy. Companies that insure any part of their general and professional liability risks through their own captive limited purpose entities generally estimate the future cost of general and professional liability through actuarial studies that rely primarily on historical data. However, due to the rise in the number and severity of professional claims against healthcare providers, these actuarial studies may underestimate the future cost of claims, and reserves for future claims may not be adequate to cover the actual cost of those claims. As a result, the tenants and operators of our properties who self-insure could incur large funded and unfunded general and professional liability expenses, which could materially adversely affect their liquidity, financial condition and results of operations and, in turn, their ability to satisfy their obligations to us. If we or the managers of our senior living operations decide to implement a captive or self-insurance program, any large funded and unfunded general and professional liability expenses incurred could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Should an uninsured loss or a loss in excess of insured limits occur, we could incur substantial liability or lose all or a portion of the capital we have invested in a property, as well as the anticipated future revenues from the property. Following the occurrence of such an event, we might nevertheless remain obligated for any mortgage debt or other financial obligations related to the property. We cannot assure you that material uninsured losses, or losses in excess of insurance proceeds, will not occur in the future.
Damage from catastrophic weather and other natural events and the physical effects of climate change could result in losses to the Company.
Certain of our properties are located in areas particularly susceptible to revenue loss, cost increase or damage caused by catastrophic weather and other natural events, including fires, snow or ice storms, windstorms or hurricanes, earthquakes, flooding or other severe weather. These adverse weather and natural events could cause substantial damages or losses to our properties which could exceed our or our tenants’, operators’ and managers’ property insurance coverage. In the event of a loss in excess of insured limits, we could lose our capital invested in the affected property, as well as anticipated future revenue from that property. Any such loss could materially and adversely affect our business and our financial condition and results of operations. Climate change may also have indirect effects on our business by increasing the cost of (or making unavailable) property insurance on terms we find acceptable.
To the extent that significant changes in the climate occur in areas where our properties are located, we may experience extreme weather and changes in precipitation and temperature, all of which may result in physical damage to or a decrease in demand for properties located in these areas or affected by these conditions. Should the impact of climate change be material in nature, including destruction of our properties, or occur for lengthy periods of time, our financial condition or results of operations may be adversely affected.
In addition, changes in federal and state legislation and regulation on climate change could result in increased capital expenditures to improve the energy efficiency of our existing properties and could also require us to spend more on our new development properties without a corresponding increase in revenue.
The decision of the United Kingdom to exit the European Union could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
In 2019, we derived 1.3% of our NOI from the United Kingdom. The decision made in the British referendum of June 23, 2016 to leave the European Union, commonly referred to as “Brexit,” has led to volatility in the financial markets of the United Kingdom (the “U.K.”), and more broadly across Europe and may also lead to weakening in consumer, corporate and financial confidence in such markets. The U.K. government initiated the official EU withdrawal process on March 29, 2017, and the exit from the EU was expected to occur by the end of March 2019. However, the withdrawal was extended several times due to deadlock in negotiations. On January 29, 2020, the U.K. Parliament approved a withdrawal agreement submitted on January 22, 2020, and the U.K. officially withdrew from the EU on January 31, 2020. There is a transition period through December 2020, with an option to extend an additional one to two years, to allow for businesses and individuals to adjust to its
changes, during which all EU regulations will continue to apply to the U.K. Trade negotiations are expected to begin in early March 2020, but the nature of the economic relationship between the EU and U.K. remains uncertain, and there is no guarantee that both parties will be able to reach an agreement before the transition period expires. This Brexit decision has created political and economic uncertainty, particularly in the U.K. and the EU, and this uncertainty may last for years. Our business could be affected during this period of uncertainty, and perhaps longer, by the impact of the U.K. referendum. In addition, our business could be negatively affected by new trade agreements between the U.K. and other countries, including the U.S., and by the possible imposition of trade or other regulatory barriers in the U.K. These possible negative impacts, and others resulting from the U.K.’s withdrawal from the EU, could adversely affect our and our tenants’ businesses, financial conditions and results of operations.
Significant legal actions or regulatory proceedings could subject us or our tenants, operators and managers to increased operating costs and substantial uninsured liabilities, which could materially adversely affect our or their liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
From time to time, we may be subject to claims brought against us in lawsuits and other legal or regulatory proceedings arising out of our alleged actions or the alleged actions of our tenants, operators and managers for which such tenants, operators and managers may have agreed to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless. An unfavorable resolution of any such litigation or proceeding could materially adversely affect our or their liquidity, financial condition and results of operations and have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
In certain cases, we and our tenants, operators and managers may be subject to professional liability claims brought by plaintiffs’ attorneys seeking significant punitive damages and attorneys’ fees. Due to the historically high frequency and severity of professional liability claims against seniors housing and healthcare providers, the availability of professional liability insurance has decreased and the premiums on such insurance coverage remain costly. As a result, insurance protection against such claims may not be sufficient to cover all claims against us or our tenants, operators or managers, and may not be available at a reasonable cost. If we or our tenants, operators and managers are unable to maintain adequate insurance coverage or are required to pay punitive damages, we or they may be exposed to substantial liabilities.
The occurrence of cyber incidents could disrupt our operations, result in the loss of confidential information and/or damage our business relationships and reputation.
As our reliance on technology has increased, our business is subject to greater risk from cyber incidents, including attempts to gain unauthorized access to our or our managers’ systems to disrupt operations, corrupt data or steal confidential information, and other electronic security breaches. While we and our managers have implemented measures to help mitigate these threats, such measures cannot guarantee that we will be successful in preventing a cyber incident. The occurrence of a cyber incident could disrupt our operations, or the operations of our managers, compromise the confidential information of our employees or the residents in our seniors housing communities, and/or damage our business relationships and reputation.
Our operators may be sued under a federal whistleblower statute.
Our operators who engage in business with the federal government may be sued under a federal whistleblower statute designed to combat fraud and abuse in the healthcare industry. See “Governmental Regulation-Healthcare Regulation” included in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These lawsuits can involve significant monetary damages and award bounties to private plaintiffs who successfully bring these suits. If any of these lawsuits were brought against our operators, such suits combined with increased operating costs and substantial uninsured liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our operators’ liquidity, financial condition and results of operations and on their ability to satisfy their obligations under our leases, which, in turn, could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
We could incur substantial liabilities and costs if any of our properties are found to be contaminated with hazardous substances or we become involved in any environmental disputes.
Under federal and state environmental laws and regulations, a current or former owner of real property may be liable for costs related to the investigation, removal and remediation of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum that are released from or are present at or under, or that are disposed of in connection with such property. Owners of real property may also face other environmental liabilities, including government fines and penalties imposed by regulatory authorities and damages for injuries to persons, property or natural resources. Environmental laws and regulations often impose liability without regard to whether the owner was aware of, or was responsible for, the presence, release or disposal of hazardous or toxic substances or petroleum. In certain circumstances, environmental liability may result from the activities of a current or former operator of the property. Although we generally have indemnification rights against the current operators of our properties for contamination
caused by them, such indemnification may not adequately cover all environmental costs. See “Governmental Regulation-Environmental Regulation” included in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our success depends, in part, on our ability to attract and retain talented employees, and the loss of any one of our key personnel could adversely impact our business.
The success of our business depends, in part, on the leadership and performance of our executive management team and key employees, and our ability to attract, retain and motivate talented employees could significantly impact our future performance. Competition for these individuals is intense, and we cannot assure you that we will retain our key officers and employees or that we will be able to attract and retain other highly qualified individuals in the future. Losing any one or more of these persons could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Failure to maintain effective internal controls could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to provide a report by management on internal control over financial reporting, including management’s assessment of the effectiveness of such control. Because of its inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud, effective internal controls over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatement and can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting and our operating internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls as a result of changes to our business or otherwise, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely harmed and we could fail to meet our reporting obligations.
Economic and other conditions that negatively affect geographic locations to which a greater percentage of our NOI is attributed could adversely affect our financial results.
For the year ended December 31, 2019, approximately 34.8% of our total NOI was derived from properties located in California (13.8%), New York (6.4%), Texas (5.9%), Illinois (4.6%) and Pennsylvania (4.1%). As a result, we are subject to increased exposure to adverse conditions affecting these regions, including downturns in the local economies or changes in local real estate conditions, increased construction and competition or decreased demand for our properties, regional climate events and changes in state-specific legislation, which could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
We may be adversely affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates.
Our ownership of properties in Canada and the United Kingdom currently subjects us to fluctuations in the exchange rates between U.S. dollars and Canadian dollars or the British pound, which may, from time to time, impact our financial condition and results of operations. If we continue to expand our international presence through investments in, or acquisitions or development of, seniors housing or healthcare assets outside the United States, Canada or the United Kingdom, we may transact business in other foreign currencies. Although we may pursue hedging alternatives, including borrowing in local currencies, to protect against foreign currency fluctuations, we cannot assure you that such fluctuations will not have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Risks Arising from Our Capital Structure
We may become more leveraged.
As of December 31, 2019, we had approximately $12.2 billion of outstanding indebtedness. The instruments governing our existing indebtedness permit us to incur substantial additional debt, including secured debt, and we may satisfy our capital and liquidity needs through additional borrowings. A high level of indebtedness would require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of debt service, thereby reducing the funds available to implement our business strategy and make distributions to stockholders. A high level of indebtedness could also have the following consequences:
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Potential limits on our ability to adjust rapidly to changing market conditions and vulnerability in the event of a downturn in general economic conditions or in the real estate or healthcare industries;
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Potential impairment of our ability to obtain additional financing to execute on our business strategy; and
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Potential downgrade in the rating of our debt securities by one or more rating agencies, which could have the effect of, among other things, limiting our access to capital and increasing our cost of borrowing.
In addition, from time to time, we mortgage certain of our properties to secure payment of indebtedness. If we are unable to meet our mortgage payments, then the encumbered properties could be foreclosed upon or transferred to the mortgagee with a resulting loss of income and asset value.
We are exposed to increases in interest rates, which could reduce our profitability and adversely impact our ability to refinance existing debt, sell assets or engage in acquisition, investment, development and redevelopment activity, and our decision to hedge against interest rate risk might not be effective.
We receive a significant portion of our revenues by leasing assets under long-term triple-net leases that generally provide for fixed rental rates subject to annual escalations, while certain of our debt obligations are floating rate obligations with interest and related payments that vary with the movement of LIBOR, Bankers’ Acceptance or other indexes. The generally fixed rate nature of a significant portion of our revenues and the variable rate nature of certain of our debt obligations create interest rate risk. Although our operating assets provide a partial hedge against interest rate fluctuations, if interest rates rise, the costs of our existing floating rate debt and any new debt that we incur would increase. These increased costs could reduce our profitability, impair our ability to meet our debt obligations, or increase the cost of financing our acquisition, investment, development and redevelopment activity. An increase in interest rates also could limit our ability to refinance existing debt upon maturity or cause us to pay higher rates upon refinancing, as well as decrease the amount that third parties are willing to pay for our assets, thereby limiting our ability to promptly reposition our portfolio in response to changes in economic or other conditions.
We may seek to manage our exposure to interest rate volatility with hedging arrangements that involve additional risks, including the risks that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements, that these arrangements may not be effective in reducing our exposure to interest rate changes, that the amount of income we earn from hedging transactions may be limited by federal tax provisions governing REITs, and that these arrangements may cause us to pay higher interest rates on our debt obligations than otherwise would be the case. Moreover, no amount of hedging activity can fully insulate us from the risks associated with changes in interest rates. Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate risk, if we choose to engage in such activities, could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition.
Changes in the method pursuant to which the LIBOR rates are determined and potential phasing out of LIBOR after 2021 may affect our financial results.
LIBOR and certain other interest “benchmarks” may be subject to regulatory guidance and/or reform that could cause interest rates under our current or future debt agreements to perform differently than in the past or cause other unanticipated consequences. The United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority, which regulates LIBOR, has announced that it intends to stop encouraging or requiring banks to submit rates for the calculation of LIBOR rates after 2021, and it is unclear if LIBOR will cease to exist or if new methods of calculating LIBOR will evolve. While there is no consensus on what rate or rates may become accepted alternatives to LIBOR, the Alternative Reference Rates Committee, a steering committee comprised of U.S. financial market participants, selected the Secured Overnight Finance Rate (“SOFR”) as an alternative to LIBOR. SOFR is a broad measure of the cost of borrowing cash in the overnight U.S. treasury repo market, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York started to publish the SOFR in May 2018. At this time, it is impossible to predict whether the SOFR or another reference rate will become an accepted alternative to LIBOR. The discontinuation, reform or replacement of LIBOR or any other benchmark rates may have an unpredictable impact on contractual mechanics in the credit markets or cause disruption to the broader financial markets, and could have an adverse effect on LIBOR-based interest rates on our current or future debt obligations.
Limitations on our ability to access capital could have an adverse effect on our ability to make required payments on our debt obligations, make distributions to our stockholders or make future investments necessary to implement our business strategy.
We cannot assure you that we will be able to raise the capital necessary to meet our debt service obligations, make distributions to our stockholders or make future investments necessary to implement our business strategy, if our cash flow from operations is insufficient to satisfy these needs, and the failure to do so could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. Although we believe that we have sufficient access to capital and other sources of funding to meet our expected liquidity needs, we cannot assure you that conditions in the capital markets will not deteriorate or that our access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the availability and terms of future borrowings, renewals or refinancings and our results of operation and financial condition. If we cannot access capital at an acceptable cost or at all, we
may be required to liquidate one or more investments in properties at times that may not permit us to maximize the return on those investments or that could result in adverse tax consequences to us.
As a public company, our access to debt and equity capital depends, in part, on the trading prices of our senior notes and common stock, which, in turn, depend upon market conditions that change from time to time, such as the market’s perception of our financial condition, our growth potential and our current and expected future earnings and cash distributions. Our failure to meet the market’s expectation with regard to future earnings and cash distributions or a significant downgrade in the ratings assigned to our long-term debt could impact our ability to access capital or increase our borrowing costs. We also rely on the financial institutions that are parties to our revolving credit facilities. If these institutions become capital constrained, tighten their lending standards or become insolvent or if they experience excessive volumes of borrowing requests from other borrowers within a short period of time, they may be unable or unwilling to honor their funding commitments to us, which would adversely affect our ability to draw on our revolving credit facilities and, over time, could negatively impact our ability to consummate acquisitions, repay indebtedness as it matures, fund capital expenditures or make distributions to our stockholders.
Covenants in the instruments governing our and our subsidiaries’ existing indebtedness limit our operational flexibility, and a covenant breach could materially adversely affect our operations.
The terms of the instruments governing our existing indebtedness require us to comply with certain customary financial and other covenants, such as maintaining debt service coverage, leverage ratios and minimum net worth requirements. Our continued ability to incur additional debt and to conduct business in general is subject to our compliance with these covenants, which limit our operational flexibility. Breaches of these covenants could result in defaults under the applicable debt instruments and could trigger defaults under any of our other indebtedness that is cross-defaulted against such instruments, even if we satisfy our payment obligations. In addition, covenants contained in the instruments governing our subsidiaries’ outstanding mortgage indebtedness may restrict our ability to obtain cash distributions from such subsidiaries for the purpose of meeting our debt service obligations. Financial and other covenants that limit our operational flexibility, as well as defaults resulting from our breach of any of these covenants, could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Risks Arising from Our Status as a REIT
Loss of our status as a REIT would have significant adverse consequences for us and the value of our common stock.
If we lose our status as a REIT (currently or with respect to any tax years for which the statute of limitations has not expired), we will face serious tax consequences that will substantially reduce the funds available to satisfy our obligations, to implement our business strategy and to make distributions to our stockholders for each of the years involved because:
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We would not be allowed a deduction for distributions to stockholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to regular U.S. federal corporate income tax;
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We could be subject to increased state and local taxes; and
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Unless we are entitled to relief under statutory provisions, we could not elect to be subject to tax as a REIT for four taxable years following the year during which we were disqualified.
In addition, in such event we would no longer be required to pay dividends to maintain REIT status, which could adversely affect the value of our common stock.
Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. The determination of factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control, as well as new legislation, regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions, may adversely affect our investors or our ability to remain qualified as a REIT for tax purposes. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of requirements, generally including requirements regarding the ownership of our stock, requirements regarding the composition of our assets, a requirement that at least 95% of our gross income in any year must be derived from qualifying sources, and we must make distributions to our stockholders aggregating annually at least 90% of our net taxable income, excluding capital gains. Although we believe that we currently qualify as a REIT, we cannot assure you that we will continue to qualify for all future periods.
The 90% distribution requirement will decrease our liquidity and may limit our ability to engage in otherwise beneficial transactions.
To comply with the 90% distribution requirement applicable to REITs and to avoid the nondeductible excise tax, we must make distributions to our stockholders. Such distributions reduce the funds we have available to finance our investment, acquisition, development and redevelopment activity and may limit our ability to engage in transactions that are otherwise in the best interests of our stockholders.
Although we do not anticipate any inability to satisfy the REIT distribution requirement, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash or other liquid assets to do so. For example, timing differences between the actual receipt of income and actual payment of deductible expenses, on the one hand, and the inclusion of that income and deduction of those expenses in arriving at our taxable income, on the other hand, or non-deductible expenses such as principal amortization or repayments or capital expenditures in excess of non-cash deductions may prevent us from having sufficient cash or liquid assets to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement.
In the event that timing differences occur or we decide to retain cash or to distribute such greater amount as may be necessary to avoid income and excise taxation, we may seek to borrow funds, issue additional equity securities, pay taxable stock dividends, distribute other property or securities or engage in a transaction intended to enable us to meet the REIT distribution requirements. Any of these actions may require us to raise additional capital to meet our obligations; however, see “Risks Arising from Our Capital Structure-Limitations on our ability to access capital could have an adverse effect on our ability to make required payments on our debt obligations, make distributions to our stockholders or make future investments necessary to implement our business strategy.” The terms of the instruments governing our existing indebtedness restrict our ability to engage in certain of these transactions.
To preserve our qualification as a REIT, our certificate of incorporation contains ownership limits with respect to our capital stock that may delay, defer or prevent a change of control of our company.
To assist us in preserving our qualification as a REIT, our certificate of incorporation provides that if a person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 9.0% of our outstanding common stock or more than 9.9% of our outstanding preferred stock, the shares that are beneficially owned in excess of the applicable limit are considered “excess shares” and are automatically deemed transferred to a trust for the benefit of a charitable institution or other qualifying organization selected by our Board of Directors. The trust is entitled to all dividends with respect to the excess shares and the trustee may exercise all voting power over the excess shares. In addition, we have the right to purchase the excess shares for a price equal to the lesser of (i) the price per share in the transaction that created the excess shares or (ii) the market price on the day we purchase the shares, but if we do not purchase the excess shares, the trustee of the trust is required to transfer the shares at the direction of our Board of Directors. These ownership limits could delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders.
Our use of TRSs is limited under the Code.
Under the Code, no more than 20% of the value of the gross assets of a REIT may be represented by securities of one or more TRSs. This limitation may affect our ability to increase the size of our TRSs’ operations and assets, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with the applicable limitation, or that such compliance will not adversely affect our business. Also, our TRSs may not, among other things, operate or manage certain health care facilities, which may cause us to forgo investments we might otherwise make. Finally, we may be subject to a 100% excise tax on the income derived from certain transactions with our TRSs that are not on an arm's-length basis. We believe our arrangements with our TRSs are on arm's-length terms and intend to continue to operate in a manner that allows us to avoid incurring the 100% excise tax described above, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to avoid application of that tax.
The tax imposed on REITs engaging in “prohibited transactions” may limit our ability to engage in transactions which would be treated as sales for federal income tax purposes.
A REIT’s net income from prohibited transactions is subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Although we do not intend to hold any properties that would be characterized as held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our business, unless a sale or disposition qualifies under certain statutory safe harbors, such characterization is a factual determination and no guarantee can be given that the IRS would agree with our characterization of our properties or that we will always be able to make use of the available safe harbors.
Legislative or other actions affecting REITs could have a negative effect on our stockholders or us.
The rules dealing with federal income taxation are constantly under review by persons involved in the legislative process and by the IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department. Changes to the tax laws, with or without retroactive application, could adversely affect our investors or us. We cannot predict how changes in the tax laws might affect our investors or us. New legislation, U.S. Treasury Department regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions could significantly and negatively affect our ability to qualify as a REIT, the federal income tax consequences of such qualification, or the federal income tax consequences of an investment in us. Also, the law relating to the tax treatment of other entities, or an investment in other entities, could change, making an investment in such other entities more attractive relative to an investment in a REIT.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) significantly changed the U.S. federal income taxation of U.S. businesses and their owners, including REITs and their stockholders. Changes made by the 2017 Tax Act that could affect us and our stockholders include:
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temporarily reducing individual U.S. federal income tax rates on ordinary income; the highest individual U.S. federal income tax rate has been reduced from 39.6% to 37% for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026;
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permanently eliminating the progressive corporate tax rate structure, which previously imposed a maximum corporate tax rate of 35%, and replacing it with a flat corporate tax rate of 21%;
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permitting a deduction for certain pass-through business income, including dividends received by our stockholders from us that are not designated by us as capital gain dividends or qualified dividend income, which will allow individuals, trusts, and estates to deduct up to 20% of such amounts for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 and before January 1, 2026;
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reducing the highest rate of withholding with respect to our distributions to non-U.S. stockholders that are treated as attributable to gains from the sale or exchange of U.S. real property interests from 35% to 21%;
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limiting our deduction for net operating losses arising in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017 to 80% of REIT taxable income (prior to the application of the dividends paid deduction);
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generally limiting the deduction for net business interest expense in excess of 30% of a business’s “adjusted taxable income,” except for taxpayers (including most equity REITs) that engage in certain real estate businesses and elect out of this rule (provided that such electing taxpayers must use an alternative depreciation system with longer depreciation periods); and
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eliminating the corporate alternative minimum tax.
Many of these changes were effective immediately, without any transition periods or grandfathering for existing transactions. The 2017 Tax Act is unclear in many respects and could be subject to potential amendments and technical corrections, as well as interpretations and implementing regulations by the U.S. Treasury Department and IRS, any of which could lessen or increase the impact of the 2017 Tax Act. In addition, it is unclear how these U.S. federal income tax changes will affect state and local taxation, which often uses federal taxable income as a starting point for computing state and local tax liabilities. While some of the changes made by the 2017 Tax Act may adversely affect us in one or more reporting periods and prospectively, other changes may be beneficial on a going forward basis. We continue to work with our tax advisors and auditors to determine the full impact that the 2017 Tax Act as a whole will have on us.
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
ITEM 2. Properties
Seniors Housing and Healthcare Properties
As of December 31, 2019, we owned approximately 1,200 properties (including properties owned through investments in unconsolidated entities and properties classified as held for sale), consisting of seniors housing communities, medical office buildings (“MOBs”), research and innovation centers, inpatient rehabilitation facilities (“IRFs”) and long-term acute care facilities (“LTACs”), and health systems. We had 22 properties under development, including four properties that are owned by unconsolidated real estate entities. We believe that maintaining a balanced portfolio of high-quality assets diversified by investment type, geographic location, asset type, tenant/operator, revenue source and operating model makes us less susceptible to single-state regulatory or reimbursement changes, regional climate events and local economic downturns and diminishes the risk that any single factor or event could materially harm our business.
As of December 31, 2019, we had $2.0 billion aggregate principal amount of mortgage loan indebtedness outstanding, secured by 84 of our properties. Excluding those portions attributed to our joint venture partners, our share of mortgage loan indebtedness outstanding was $1.8 billion.
The following table provides additional information regarding the geographic diversification of our portfolio of properties as of December 31, 2019 (excluding properties owned through investments in unconsolidated entities and properties classified as held for sale).
(1)
Square Feet are in thousands
Corporate Offices
Our headquarters are located in Chicago, Illinois and we have an additional corporate office in Louisville, Kentucky. We lease all of our corporate offices.
ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
The information contained in “NOTE 14-COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 3. Except as set forth therein, we are not a party to, nor is any of our property the subject of, any material pending legal proceedings.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock, par value $0.25 per share, is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “VTR.” As of February 17, 2020, we had 372.9 million shares of our common stock outstanding held by approximately 3,926 stockholders of record.
Dividends and Distributions
We pay regular quarterly dividends to holders of our common stock to comply with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) governing REITs. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required under the Code, among other things, to distribute annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to any net capital gain. In addition, we will be subject to income tax at the regular corporate rate to the extent we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, including any net capital gains. We expect to distribute at least 100% of our taxable net income, after the use of any net operating loss carryforwards, to our stockholders for 2020.
In general, our Board of Directors makes decisions regarding the nature, frequency and amount of our dividends on a quarterly basis. Because the Board considers many factors when making these decisions, including our present and future liquidity needs, our current and projected financial condition and results of operations and the performance and credit quality of our tenants, operators, borrowers and managers, we cannot assure you that we will maintain the practice of paying regular quarterly dividends to continue to qualify as a REIT. Please see “Cautionary Statements” and the risk factors included in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a description of other factors that may affect our distribution policy.
Director and Employee Stock Sales
Certain of our directors, executive officers and other employees have adopted and, from time to time in the future, may adopt non-discretionary, written trading plans that comply with Rule 10b5-1 under the Exchange Act, or otherwise monetize, gift or transfer their equity-based compensation. These transactions typically are conducted for estate, tax and financial planning purposes and are subject to compliance with our Amended and Restated Securities Trading Policy and Procedures (“Securities Trading Policy”), the minimum stock ownership requirements contained in our Guidelines on Governance and all applicable laws and regulations.
Our Securities Trading Policy expressly prohibits our directors, executive officers and employees from buying or selling derivatives with respect to our securities or other financial instruments that are designed to hedge or offset a decrease in the market value of our securities and from engaging in short sales with respect to our securities. In addition, our Securities Trading Policy prohibits our directors and executive officers from holding our securities in margin accounts or pledging our securities to secure loans without the prior approval of our Audit and Compliance Committee. Each of our executive officers has advised us that he or she is in compliance with the Securities Trading Policy and has not pledged any of our equity securities to secure margin or other loans.
Stock Repurchases
The table below summarizes repurchases of our common stock made during the quarter ended December 31, 2019:
(1)
Repurchases represent shares withheld to pay taxes on the vesting of restricted stock granted to employees under our 2006 Incentive Plan or 2012 Incentive Plan or restricted stock units granted to employees under the Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (“NHP”) 2005 Performance Incentive Plan and assumed by us in connection with our acquisition of NHP. The value of the shares withheld is the closing price of our common stock on the date the vesting or exercise occurred (or, if not a trading day, the immediately preceding trading day) or the fair market value of our common stock at the time of the exercise, as the case may be.
Stock Performance Graph
The following performance graph compares the cumulative total return (including dividends) to the holders of our common stock from December 31, 2014 through December 31, 2019, with the cumulative total returns of the NYSE Composite Index, the FTSE Nareit Composite REIT Index (the “Composite REIT Index”) and the S&P 500 Index over the same period. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2014 in our common stock and in each of the foregoing indexes and assumes reinvestment of dividends, as applicable. We have included the NYSE Composite Index in the performance graph because our common stock is listed on the NYSE, and we have included the S&P 500 Index because we are a member of the S&P 500. We have included the Composite REIT Index because we believe that it is most representative of the industries in which we compete, or otherwise provides a fair basis for comparison with us, and is therefore particularly relevant to an assessment of our performance. The figures in the table below are rounded to the nearest dollar.
ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
The selected financial data has been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and previous Annual Reports on Form 10- K. You should read the following selected financial data in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Part II,
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion provides information that management believes is relevant to an understanding and assessment of the consolidated financial condition and results of operations of Ventas, Inc. You should read this discussion in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as it will help you understand:
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Our company and the environment in which we operate;
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Our 2019 highlights;
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Our critical accounting policies and estimates;
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Our results of operations for the last three years;
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Our non-GAAP financial measures:
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How we manage our assets and liabilities;
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Our liquidity and capital resources;
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Our cash flows; and
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Our future contractual obligations.
Corporate and Operating Environment
We are a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) with a highly diversified portfolio of seniors housing, research and innovation, and healthcare properties located throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2019, we owned approximately 1,200 properties (including properties owned through investments in unconsolidated entities and properties classified as held for sale), consisting of seniors housing communities, medical office
buildings (“MOBs”), research and innovation centers, inpatient rehabilitation facilities (“IRFs”) and long-term acute care facilities (“LTACs”), and health systems. We had 22 properties under development, including four properties that are owned by unconsolidated real estate entities. We are an S&P 500 company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
We primarily invest in seniors housing, research and innovation, and healthcare properties through acquisitions and lease our properties to unaffiliated tenants or operate them through independent third-party managers.
As of December 31, 2019, we leased a total of 412 properties (excluding properties within our office operations reportable business segment) to various healthcare operating companies under “triple-net” or “absolute-net” leases that obligate the tenants to pay all property-related expenses, including maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures. Our three largest tenants, Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “Brookdale Senior Living”), Ardent Health Partners, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “Ardent”) and Kindred Healthcare, LLC (formerly Kindred Healthcare, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, “Kindred”) leased from us 122 properties (excluding two properties managed by Brookdale Senior Living pursuant to long-term management agreements), 11 properties and 32 properties, respectively, as of December 31, 2019
As of December 31, 2019, pursuant to long-term management agreements, we engaged independent operators, such as Atria Senior Living, Inc. (“Atria”) and Sunrise Senior Living, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “Sunrise”) to manage 406 seniors housing communities for us.
Through our Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Inc. (“Lillibridge”) subsidiary and our ownership interest in PMB Real Estate Services LLC (“PMBRES”), we also provide MOB management, leasing, marketing, facility development and advisory services to highly rated hospitals and health systems throughout the United States. In addition, from time to time, we make secured and non-mortgage loans and other investments relating to seniors housing and healthcare operators or properties.
We conduct our operations through three reportable business segments: triple-net leased properties, senior living operations and office operations. See “NOTE 19-SEGMENT INFORMATION” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As of December 31, 2019, our consolidated portfolio included 100% ownership interests in 1,109 properties and controlling joint venture interests in 86 properties, and we had non-controlling ownership interests in six properties through investments in unconsolidated entities. Through Lillibridge, we provided management and leasing services to third parties with respect to 74 MOBs as of December 31, 2019.
We aim to enhance shareholder value by delivering consistent, superior total returns through a strategy of: (1) generating reliable and growing cash flows; (2) maintaining a balanced, diversified portfolio of high-quality assets; and (3) preserving our financial strength, flexibility and liquidity.
Our ability to access capital in a timely and cost-effective manner is critical to the success of our business strategy because it affects our ability to satisfy existing obligations, including the repayment of maturing indebtedness, and to make future investments. Factors such as general market conditions, interest rates, credit ratings on our securities, expectations of our potential future earnings and cash distributions, and the trading price of our common stock that are beyond our control and fluctuate over time all impact our access to and cost of external capital. For that reason, we generally attempt to match the long-term duration of our investments in real property with long-term financing through the issuance of shares of our common stock or the incurrence of long-term fixed rate debt.
2019 Highlights
For information regarding our 2019 highlights, see “Business” in Part I, Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), as published by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions regarding future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. We base these estimates on our experience and assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, if our judgment or interpretation of the facts and circumstances relating to various transactions or
other matters had been different, we may have applied a different accounting treatment, resulting in a different presentation of our financial statements. We periodically reevaluate our estimates and assumptions, and in the event they prove to be different from actual results, we make adjustments in subsequent periods to reflect more current estimates and assumptions about matters that are inherently uncertain. We believe that the critical accounting policies described below, among others, affect our more significant estimates and judgments used in the preparation of our financial statements. For more information regarding our critical accounting policies, see “NOTE 2-ACCOUNTING POLICIES” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Principles of Consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries and the joint venture entities over which we exercise control. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation, and our net earnings are reduced by the portion of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.
GAAP 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 variable interest entities (“VIEs”). 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; and (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 our investment in a VIE when we determine that we are its primary beneficiary. We may change our original assessment of a VIE upon subsequent events such as the modification of contractual arrangements that affects the characteristics or adequacy of the entity’s equity investments at risk and the disposition 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.
Accounting for Real Estate Acquisitions
	When we acquire real estate, we first make reasonable judgments about whether the transaction involves an asset or a business. Our real estate acquisitions are generally accounted for as asset acquisitions as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. Regardless of whether an acquisition is considered a business combination or an asset acquisition, we record the cost of the businesses or assets acquired as tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date.
	We estimate the fair value of buildings acquired on an as-if-vacant basis or replacement cost basis and depreciate the building value over the estimated remaining life of the building, generally not to exceed 35 years. We determine the fair value of other fixed assets, such as site improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, based upon the replacement cost and depreciate such value over the assets’ estimated remaining useful lives as determined at the applicable acquisition date. We determine the value of land either by considering the sales prices of similar properties in recent transactions or based on internal analyses of recently acquired and existing comparable properties within our portfolio. We generally determine the value of construction in progress based upon the replacement cost. However, for certain acquired properties that are part of a ground-up development, we determine fair value by using the same valuation approach as for all other properties and deducting the estimated cost to complete the development. During the remaining construction period, we capitalize project costs until the development has reached substantial completion. Construction in progress, including capitalized interest, is not depreciated until the development has reached substantial completion.
	Intangibles primarily include the value of in-place leases and acquired lease contracts. We include all lease-related intangible assets and liabilities within acquired lease intangibles and accounts payable and other liabilities, respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The fair value of acquired lease-related intangibles, if any, reflects: (i) the estimated value of any above and/or below market leases, determined by discounting the difference between the estimated market rent and in-place lease rent; and (ii) the estimated value of in-place leases related to the cost to obtain tenants, including leasing commissions, and an estimated value of the absorption period to reflect the value of the rent and recovery costs foregone during a reasonable lease-up period as if the
acquired space was vacant. We amortize any acquired lease-related intangibles to revenue or amortization expense over the remaining life of the associated lease plus any assumed bargain renewal periods. If a lease is terminated prior to its stated expiration or not renewed upon expiration, we recognize all unamortized amounts of lease-related intangibles associated with that lease in operations at that time.
	We estimate the fair value of purchase option intangible assets and liabilities, if any, by discounting the difference between the applicable property’s acquisition date fair value and an estimate of its future option price. We do not amortize the resulting intangible asset or liability over the term of the lease, but rather adjust the recognized value of the asset or liability upon sale.
	In connection with an acquisition, we may assume rights and obligations under certain lease agreements pursuant to which we become the lessee of a given property. We generally assume the lease classification previously determined by the prior lessee absent a modification in the assumed lease agreement. We assess assumed operating leases, including ground leases, to determine whether the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable to us given current market conditions on the acquisition date. To the extent the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable to us relative to market conditions on the acquisition date, we recognize an intangible asset or liability at fair value and amortize that asset or liability to interest or rental expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income over the applicable lease term. Where we are the lessee, we record the acquisition date values of leases, including any above or below market value, within operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	We estimate the fair value of noncontrolling interests assumed consistent with the manner in which we value all of the underlying assets and liabilities.
	We calculate the fair value of long-term assumed debt by discounting the remaining contractual cash flows on each instrument at the current market rate for those borrowings, which we approximate based on the rate at which we would expect to incur a replacement instrument on the date of acquisition, and recognize any fair value adjustments related to long-term debt as effective yield adjustments over the remaining term of the instrument.
Impairment of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets
We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets, primarily consisting of investments in real estate, for impairment indicators. If indicators of impairment are present, we evaluate the carrying value of the related real estate investments in relation to the future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying operations. In performing this evaluation, we consider market conditions and our current intentions with respect to holding or disposing of the asset. We adjust the net book value of real estate properties and other long-lived assets to fair value if the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows, including sales proceeds, is less than book value. We recognize an impairment loss at the time we make any such determination.
Estimates of fair value used in our evaluation of investments in real estate are based upon discounted future cash flow projections, if necessary, or other acceptable valuation techniques that are based, in turn, upon all available evidence including level three inputs, such as revenue and expense growth rates, estimates of future cash flows, capitalization rates, discount rates, general economic conditions and trends, or other available market data. Our ability to accurately predict future operating results and cash flows and to estimate and determine fair values impacts 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.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize rental revenues under our leases on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term when collectability of substantially all rents is probable. We assess the probability of collecting substantially all rents under our leases based on several factors, including, among other things, payment history, the financial strength of the tenant and any guarantors, the historical operations and operating trends of the property, the historical payment pattern of the tenant, the type of property, the value of the underlying collateral, if any, expected future performance of the property and current economic conditions. If our evaluation of these factors indicates it is not probable that we will be able to collect substantially all rents, we recognize a charge to rental income. If we change our conclusions regarding the probability of collecting rent payments required by a lease, we may recognize adjustments to rental income in the period we make such change in our conclusions.
Federal Income Tax
We have elected to be treated as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for every year beginning with the year ended December 31, 1999. Accordingly, we generally are not
subject to federal income tax on net income that we distribute to our stockholders, provided that we continue to qualify as a REIT. However, with respect to certain of our subsidiaries that have elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS” or “TRS entities”), we record income tax expense or benefit, as those entities are subject to federal income tax similar to regular corporations. Certain foreign subsidiaries are subject to foreign income tax, although they did not elect to be treated as TRSs.
We account for deferred income taxes using the asset and liability method and recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in our financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Any increase or decrease in the deferred tax liability that results from a change in circumstances, and that causes us to change our judgment about expected future tax consequences of events, is included in the tax provision when such changes occur. Deferred income taxes also reflect the impact of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Any increase or decrease in the valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances, and that causes us to change our judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset, is included in the tax provision when such changes occur.
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties, if applicable, related to uncertain tax positions as part of income tax benefit or expense.
Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards
We adopted ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”) on January 1, 2019, which introduced a lessee model that brings most leases on the balance sheet and, among other changes, eliminates the requirement in current GAAP for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification.
ASC 842 allows for several practical expedients which permit the following: no reassessment of lease classification or initial direct costs; use of the standard’s effective date as the date of initial application; and no separation of non-lease components from the related lease components and, instead, to account for those components as a single lease component if certain criteria are met. We elected these practical expedients using the effective date as our date of initial application. Therefore, financial information and disclosures under ASC 842 are not provided for periods prior to January 1, 2019.
Upon adoption, we recognized both right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases in which we lease land, real property or other equipment. We now also report revenues and expenses within our triple-net leased properties reportable business segment for real estate taxes and insurance that are escrowed and obligations of the tenants in accordance with their respective leases with us. This reporting had no impact on our net income. Resident leases within our senior living operations reportable business segment and office leases also contain service elements. We elected the practical expedient to account for our resident and office leases as a single lease component. Also, we now expense certain leasing costs, other than leasing commissions, as they are incurred. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, GAAP provided for the deferral and amortization of such costs over the applicable lease term. We are continuing to amortize any unamortized deferred lease costs as of December 31, 2018 over their respective lease terms.
As of January 1, 2019 we recognized operating lease assets of $361.7 million on our Consolidated Balance Sheets which includes the present value of minimum lease payments as well as certain existing above and/or below market lease intangible values associated with such leases. Also upon adoption, we recognized operating lease liabilities of $216.9 million on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The present value of minimum lease payments was calculated on each lease using a discount rate that approximates our incremental borrowing rate primarily adjusted for the length of the individual lease terms. As of the January 1, 2019 adoption date, we utilized discount rates ranging from 6.15% to 7.60% for our ground leases.
Upon adoption, we recognized a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $0.6 million primarily relating to certain costs associated with unexecuted leases that were deferred as of December 31, 2018.
Results of Operations
As of December 31, 2019, we operated through three reportable business segments: triple-net leased properties, senior living operations and office operations. In our triple-net leased properties segment, we invest in and own seniors housing and healthcare properties throughout the United States and the United Kingdom and lease those properties to healthcare operating companies under “triple-net” or “absolute-net” leases that obligate the tenants to pay all property-related expenses. In our senior living operations segment, we invest in seniors housing communities throughout the United States and Canada and engage independent operators, such as Atria and Sunrise, to manage those communities. In our office operations segment, we primarily acquire, own, develop, lease and manage MOBs and research and innovation centers throughout the United States. Information provided for “all other” includes income from loans and investments and other miscellaneous income and various corporate-level expenses not directly attributable to any of our three reportable business segments. Assets included in “all other” consist primarily of corporate assets, including cash, restricted cash, loans receivable and investments, and miscellaneous accounts receivable.
Our chief operating decision makers evaluate performance of the combined properties in each reportable business segment and determine how to allocate resources to those segments, in significant part, based on segment net operating income (“NOI”) and related measures. For further information regarding our business segments and a discussion of our definition of segment NOI, see “NOTE 19-SEGMENT INFORMATION” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional disclosure and reconciliations of net income attributable to common stockholders, as computed in accordance with GAAP, to NOI.
Years Ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
The table below shows our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 and the effect of changes in those results from period to period on our net income attributable to common stockholders.
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Segment NOI-Triple-Net Leased Properties
The following table summarizes results of operations in our triple-net leased properties reportable business segment, including assets sold or classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019, but excluding assets whose operations were classified as discontinued operations:
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In our triple-net leased properties reportable business segment, our revenues generally consist of fixed rental amounts (subject to annual contractual escalations) received from our tenants in accordance with the applicable lease terms.
Pursuant to our adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, we now report revenues and property-level operating expenses within our triple-net leased properties reportable business segment for real estate tax and insurance expenses that are paid from escrows collected from our tenants. For further information regarding our adoption of ASC 842, see “NOTE 2-ACCOUNTING POLICIES” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Triple-net leased properties segment NOI increased in 2019 over the prior year primarily due to the second quarter 2018 non-cash expense of $21.3 million related to the Brookdale Senior Living lease extensions and net increases in rent, partially offset by fewer assets in the portfolio due to dispositions and operator transitions of seniors housing communities from triple-net leased properties to senior living operations.
Occupancy rates may affect the profitability of our tenants’ operations. The following table sets forth average continuing occupancy rates related to the triple-net leased properties we owned at December 31, 2019 for the trailing 12 months ended September 30, 2019 (which is the most recent information available to us from our tenants) and average continuing occupancy rates related to the triple-net leased properties we owned at December 31, 2018 for the 12 months ended September 30, 2018. The table excludes non-stabilized properties, properties owned through investments in unconsolidated entities, certain properties for which we do not receive occupancy information and properties acquired or properties that transitioned operators for which we do not have a full four quarters of occupancy results.
The following table compares results of operations for our 393 same-store triple-net leased properties. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures-NOI” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional disclosure regarding same-store NOI.
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The increase in our same-store triple-net leased properties rental income in 2019 over the prior year is attributable primarily to the second quarter 2018 non-cash expense of $21.3 million related to the Brookdale Senior Living lease extensions and net increases in rent.
Segment NOI-Senior Living Operations
The following table summarizes results of operations in our senior living operations reportable business segment, including assets sold or classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019, but excluding assets whose operations were classified as discontinued operations:
Resident fees and services include all amounts earned from residents at our seniors housing communities, such as rental fees related to resident leases, extended health care fees and other ancillary service income. Property-level operating expenses related to our senior living operations segment include labor, food, utilities, marketing, management and other costs of operating the properties.
The increase in our senior living operations segment NOI in 2019 over the prior year is attributable primarily to the acquisition of an 87% interest in 34 Canadian seniors housing communities (including five in-process developments) valued at $1.8 billion through an equity partnership (the “LGM Acquisition”) with Le Groupe Maurice (“LGM”), partially offset by decreases in occupancy and increases in property-level operating expenses.
The following table compares results of operations for our 340 same-store senior living operating communities.
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The decrease in our same-store senior living operations segment NOI was primarily attributable to increases in property-level operating expenses and decreases in occupancy.
Effective January 1, 2020, we amended the same-store definition for our senior living operations segment in order to better align with industry practice. Going forward, among other changes, redevelopments in our senior living operations
segment that are considered materially disruptive will be excluded from the same-store pool until they meet the definition for subsequent inclusion. If this policy had been in place for 2019, same-store senior living operations results would have been based on same-store communities of 334 while the year-over-year change in same-store segment NOI would have remained substantially unchanged at (3.9%).
Segment NOI-Office Operations
The following table summarizes results of operations in our office operations reportable business segment, including assets sold or classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019, but excluding assets whose operations were classified as discontinued operations:
The increase in our office operations segment NOI in 2019 over the prior year is attributable primarily to 2019 increases in occupancy and 2018 and 2019 acquisitions and openings of new buildings, partially offset by dispositions.
The following table compares results of operations for our 353 same-store office buildings.
The increase in our same-store office operations segment NOI in 2019 over the prior year is attributable primarily to increases in occupancy.
All Other
Information provided for all other segment NOI includes income from loans and investments and other miscellaneous income not directly attributable to any of our three reportable business segments. The $34.9 million decrease in all other segment NOI in 2019 over the prior year is primarily due to reduced income related to the $700.0 million term loan that we made to Ardent in March 2017, which was fully repaid in June 2018, partially offset by increased 2019 investment activity. See “NOTE 6-LOANS RECEIVABLE AND INVESTMENTS” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Interest and other income
The $13.9 million decrease in interest and other income in 2019 over the prior year is primarily due to a $12.3 million fee received in the third quarter of 2018 related to certain 2018 Kindred transactions. See “NOTE 3-CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Interest Expense
The $9.2 million increase in total interest expense in 2019 over the prior year is primarily attributable to an increase of $17.9 million due to higher debt balances and decreased capitalized interest, partially offset by a decrease of $10.7 million due to a lower effective interest rate. Our weighted average effective interest rate was 3.8% for 2019, compared to 3.9% for 2018. Capitalized interest for 2019 and 2018 was $9.0 million and $10.9 million, respectively.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense related to continuing operations increased during 2019 compared to 2018, primarily due to real estate impairments and asset acquisitions, net of dispositions.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt, Net
The loss on extinguishment of debt, net in 2019 was due primarily to the redemption and repayment of $600.0 million aggregate principal amounts then outstanding of our 4.25% senior notes due 2022. The loss on extinguishment of debt, net in 2018 was due primarily to the redemption and repayment of $1.3 billion aggregate principal amounts then outstanding of our 4.00% senior notes due 2019 and our 4.75% senior notes due 2021.
Merger-Related Expenses and Deal Costs
The $15.3 million decrease in merger-related expenses and deal costs in 2019 over the prior year was due primarily to costs associated with the 2018 transition of the management of 76 private pay seniors housing communities to Eclipse Senior Living.
Other
The $84.4 million change in other for 2019 over 2018 is primarily due to 2019 property insurance recoveries related to natural disasters in addition to 2018 impairments and expenses related to natural disasters.
Loss from Unconsolidated Entities
The $52.6 million decrease in loss from unconsolidated entities for 2019 over 2018 is primarily due to our share of improved financial results from our unconsolidated entities in 2019 and a $35.7 million impairment in 2018 relating to the carrying costs of one of our equity method investments consisting principally of SNFs.
Gain on Real Estate Dispositions
The $20.2 million decrease in gain on real estate dispositions for 2019 over 2018 is due primarily to higher disposition activity in 2018.
Income Tax Benefit
The $16.4 million increase in income tax benefit related to continuing operations for 2019 over 2018 is primarily due to a $57.6 million reversal of valuation allowances recorded against the net deferred tax assets of certain of our taxable REIT subsidiaries in the second quarter of 2019, partially offset by the reversal of a valuation allowance on deferred interest carryforwards in the fourth quarter of 2018. The $23.3 million valuation allowance reversal recorded in 2018 was an adjustment to the provisional amount recorded in the prior year related to enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and was made based upon additional guidance issued by the Internal Revenue Service subsequent to enactment.
Years Ended December 31, 2018 and 2017
Our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2018, filed with the SEC on February 8, 2019, contains information regarding our results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 and the effect of changes in those results from period to period on our net income attributable to common stockholders.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We consider certain non-GAAP financial measures to be useful supplemental measures of our operating performance. A non-GAAP financial measure is a measure of historical or future financial performance, financial position or cash flows that excludes or includes amounts that are not so excluded from or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP. Described below are the non-GAAP financial measures used by management to evaluate our operating performance and that we consider most useful to investors, together with reconciliations of these measures to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.
The non-GAAP financial measures we present in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may not be comparable to those presented by other real estate companies due to the fact that not all real estate companies use the same definitions. You should not consider these measures as alternatives to net income attributable to common stockholders (determined in accordance with GAAP) as indicators of our financial performance or as alternatives to cash flow from operating activities (determined in accordance with GAAP) as measures of our liquidity, nor are these measures necessarily indicative of sufficient cash flow to fund all of our needs. In order to facilitate a clear understanding of our consolidated historical operating results, you should examine these measures in conjunction with net income attributable to common stockholders as presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial data included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Funds From Operations and Normalized Funds From Operations
Historical cost accounting for real estate assets implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. However, since real estate values historically have risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors deem presentations of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient by themselves. For that reason, we consider Funds From Operations (“FFO”) and normalized FFO to be appropriate supplemental measures of operating performance of an equity REIT. In particular, we believe that normalized FFO is useful because it allows investors, analysts and our management to compare our operating performance to the operating performance of other real estate companies and between periods on a consistent basis without having to account for differences caused by non-recurring items and other non-operational events such as transactions and litigation. In some cases, we provide information about identified non-cash components of FFO and normalized FFO because it allows investors, analysts and our management to assess the impact of those items on our financial results.
We use the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“Nareit”) definition of FFO. Nareit defines FFO as net income attributable to common stockholders (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains or losses from sales of real estate property, including gains or losses on re-measurement of equity method investments, and impairment write-downs of depreciable real estate, plus real estate depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures will be calculated to reflect FFO on the same basis. We define normalized FFO as FFO excluding the following income and expense items (which may be recurring in nature): (a) merger-related costs and expenses, including amortization of intangibles, transition and integration expenses, and deal costs and expenses, including expenses and recoveries relating to acquisition lawsuits; (b) the impact of any expenses related to asset impairment and valuation allowances, the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees, or additional costs, expenses, discounts, make-whole payments, penalties or premiums incurred as a result of early retirement or payment of our debt; (c) the non-cash effect of income tax benefits or expenses, the non-cash impact of changes to our executive equity compensation plan, derivative transactions that have non-cash mark-to-market impacts on our Consolidated Statements of Income and non-cash charges related to lease terminations; (d) the financial impact of contingent consideration, severance-
related costs and charitable donations made to the Ventas Charitable Foundation; (e) gains and losses for non-operational foreign currency hedge agreements and changes in the fair value of financial instruments; (f) gains and losses on non-real estate dispositions and other unusual items related to unconsolidated entities; (g) expenses related to the re-audit and re-review in 2014 of our historical financial statements and related matters; and (h) net expenses or recoveries related to natural disasters.
The following table summarizes our FFO and normalized FFO for each of the five years ended December 31, 2019. The decrease in normalized FFO for the year ended December 31, 2019 over the prior year is due primarily to the $12.3 million fee received in the third quarter of 2018 related to certain 2018 Kindred transactions and 2018 loan repayments and fees.
Adjusted EBITDA
We consider Adjusted EBITDA an important supplemental measure because it provides another manner in which to evaluate our operating performance and serves as another indicator of our credit strength and our ability to service our debt obligations. We define Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated earnings, which includes amounts in discontinued operations, before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (including non-cash stock-based compensation expense), excluding gains or losses on extinguishment of debt, our consolidated joint venture partners’ share of EBITDA, merger-related expenses and deal costs, expenses related to the re-audit and re-review in 2014 of our historical financial statements, net gains or losses on real estate activity, gains or losses on re-measurement of equity interest upon acquisition, changes in the fair value of financial instruments, unrealized foreign currency gains or losses, net expenses or recoveries related to natural disasters and non-cash charges related to lease terminations, and including our share of EBITDA from unconsolidated entities and adjustments for other immaterial or identified items. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income attributable to common stockholders to Adjusted EBITDA:
NOI
We also consider NOI an important supplemental measure because it allows investors, analysts and our management to assess our unlevered property-level operating results and to compare our operating results with those of other real estate companies and between periods on a consistent basis. We define NOI as total revenues, less interest and other income, property-level operating expenses and office building services costs. Cash receipts may differ due to straight-line recognition
of certain rental income and the application of other GAAP policies. The following table sets forth a reconciliation of net income attributable to common stockholders to NOI:
See “Results of Operations” for discussions regarding both segment NOI and same-store segment NOI. We define same-store as properties owned, consolidated and operational for the full period in both comparison periods and are not otherwise excluded; provided, however, that we may include selected properties that otherwise meet the same-store criteria if they are included in substantially all of, but not a full, period for one or both of the comparison periods, and in our judgment such inclusion provides a more meaningful presentation of our portfolio performance. Same-store excludes: (i) properties sold or classified as held for sale or properties whose operations were classified as discontinued operations in accordance with GAAP; (ii) for properties included in our office operations reportable business segment, those properties for which management has an intention to institute a redevelopment plan because the properties may require major property-level expenditures to maximize value, increase NOI, maintain a market-competitive position and/or achieve property stabilization; and (iii) for other assets, those properties (A) that have transitioned operators or business models after the start of the prior comparison period or (B) for which an operator or business model transition has been scheduled after the start of the prior comparison period. Newly-developed properties in the office operations and triple-net leased properties reportable business segments will be included in same-store if in service for the full period in both periods presented. To eliminate the impact of exchange rate movements, all same-store NOI measures assume constant exchange rates across comparable periods, using the following methodology: the current period’s results are shown in actual reported USD, while prior comparison period’s results are adjusted and converted to USD based on the average exchange rate for the current period.
Asset/Liability Management
Asset/liability management, a key element of enterprise risk management, is designed to support the achievement of our business strategy, while ensuring that we maintain appropriate and tolerable levels of market risk (primarily interest rate risk and foreign currency exchange risk) and credit risk. Effective management of these risks is a contributing factor to the absolute levels and variability of our FFO and net worth. The following discussion addresses our integrated management of assets and liabilities, including the use of derivative financial instruments.
Market Risk
We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates with respect to borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility and our unsecured term loans, certain of our mortgage loans that are floating rate obligations, mortgage loans receivable that bear interest at floating rates and available for sale securities. These market risks result primarily from changes in LIBOR rates or prime rates. To manage these risks, we continuously monitor our level of floating rate debt with respect to total debt and other factors, including our assessment of current and future economic conditions.
The table below sets forth certain information with respect to our debt, excluding premiums and discounts.
(1)
Excludes mortgage debt of $57.4 million related to real estate assets classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017 which was included in liabilities related to assets held for sale on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
The variable rate debt in the table above reflects, in part, the effect of $147.8 million notional amount of interest rate swaps with maturities ranging from March 2022 to May 2022, in each case that effectively convert fixed rate debt to variable rate debt. In addition, the fixed rate debt in the table above reflects, in part, the effect of $505.1 million and C$119.8 million notional amount of interest rate swaps with maturities ranging from August 2020 to December 2029, in each case that effectively convert variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. See “NOTE 10-SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The increase in our outstanding variable rate debt at December 31, 2019 compared to December 31, 2018 is primarily attributable to the assumption of mortgage debt related to the LGM Acquisition and our November 2019 issuance of floating rate senior notes.
Assuming a 100 basis point increase in the weighted average interest rate related to our variable rate debt and assuming no change in our variable rate debt outstanding as of December 31, 2019, interest expense on an annualized basis would increase by approximately $19.2 million, or $0.05 per diluted common share.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, our joint venture partners’ aggregate share of total debt was $228.2 million and $100.9 million, respectively, with respect to certain properties we owned through consolidated joint ventures. Total debt does not include our portion of debt related to investments in unconsolidated entities, which was $60.6 million and $40.8 million as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The fair value of our fixed and variable rate debt is based on current interest rates at which we could obtain similar borrowings. For fixed rate debt, interest rate fluctuations generally affect the fair value, but not our earnings or cash flows. Therefore, interest rate risk does not have a significant impact on our fixed rate debt obligations until their maturity or earlier prepayment and refinancing. If interest rates have risen at the time we seek to refinance our fixed rate debt, whether at maturity or otherwise, our future earnings and cash flows could be adversely affected by additional borrowing costs. Conversely, lower interest rates at the time of refinancing may reduce our overall borrowing costs.
To highlight the sensitivity of our fixed rate debt to changes in interest rates, the following summary shows the effects of a hypothetical instantaneous change of 100 basis points in interest rates:
The change in fair value of our fixed rate debt from December 31, 2018 to December 31, 2019 was due primarily to 2019 senior note issuances, net of repayments, and the assumption of mortgage debt related to the LGM Acquisition.
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the fair value of our secured and non-mortgage loans receivable, based on our estimates of currently prevailing rates for comparable loans, was $710.5 million and $479.4 million, respectively. See “NOTE 6-LOANS RECEIVABLE AND INVESTMENTS” and “NOTE 11-FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
As a result of our Canadian and United Kingdom operations, we are subject to fluctuations in certain foreign currency exchange rates that may, from time to time, affect our financial condition and operating performance. Based solely on our results for the year ended December 31, 2019 (including the impact of existing hedging arrangements), if the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the British pound and Canadian dollar were to increase or decrease by one standard deviation compared to the average exchange rate during the year, our normalized FFO per share for the year ended December 31, 2019 would decrease or increase, as applicable, by less than $0.01 per share or 0.1%. We will continue to mitigate these risks through a layered approach to hedging looking out for the next year and continual assessment of our foreign operational capital structure. Nevertheless, we cannot assure you that any such fluctuations will not have an effect on our earnings.
Concentration and Credit Risk
We use concentration ratios to identify, understand and evaluate the potential impact of economic downturns and other adverse events that may affect our asset types, geographic locations, business models, and tenants, operators and managers. We evaluate concentration risk in terms of investment mix and operations mix. Investment mix measures the percentage of our investments that is concentrated in a specific asset type or that is operated or managed by a particular tenant, operator or manager. Operations mix measures the percentage of our operating results that is attributed to a particular tenant, operator or manager, geographic location or business model. The following tables reflect our concentration risk as of the dates and for the periods presented:
(1)
Ratios are based on the gross book value of consolidated real estate investments (excluding properties classified as held for sale) as of each reporting date.
(1)
Total revenues include medical office building and other services revenue, revenue from loans and investments and interest and other income (excluding amounts in discontinued operations and including amounts related to assets classified as held for sale).
(2)
Results exclude two seniors housing communities in 2019 and 2018 and one seniors housing community in 2017 included in the senior living operations reportable business segment. 2018 results include the impact of a net non-cash charge of $21.3 million related to April 2018 lease extensions.
(3)
Ratios are based on total revenues (excluding amounts in discontinued operations and including amounts related to assets classified as held for sale) for each period presented.
See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional disclosure and reconciliations of net income attributable to common stockholders, as computed in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA and NOI, respectively.
We derive a significant portion of our revenues by leasing assets under long-term triple-net leases in which the rental rate is generally fixed with annual escalators, subject to certain limitations. Some of our triple-net lease escalators are contingent upon the satisfaction of specified facility revenue parameters or based on increases in the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”), with caps, floors or collars. We also earn revenues directly from individual residents in our seniors housing communities that are managed by independent operators, such as Atria and Sunrise, and tenants in our office buildings. For the year ended December 31, 2019, 60.3% of our Adjusted EBITDA (including amounts in discontinued operations) was derived from our senior living operations and office operations, for which rental rates may fluctuate more frequently upon lease rollovers and renewals due to shorter term leases and changing economic or market conditions.
The concentration of our triple-net leased properties segment revenues and operating income that are attributed to Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred creates credit risk. If any of Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred becomes unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations to us or to renew its leases with us upon expiration of the terms thereof, our financial condition and results of operations could decline, and our ability to service our indebtedness and to make distributions to our stockholders could be impaired. See “Risk Factors-Risks Arising from Our Business-Our leases and other agreements with Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred account for a significant portion of our revenues and operating income; any failure, inability or unwillingness by Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred to satisfy its obligations under our agreements could have a Material Adverse Effect on us” included in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and “NOTE 3-CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
We regularly monitor and assess any changes in the relative credit risk of our significant tenants, and in particular those tenants that have recourse obligations under our triple-net leases. The ratios and metrics we use to evaluate a significant tenant’s liquidity and creditworthiness depend on facts and circumstances specific to that tenant and the industry or industries in which it operates, including without limitation the tenant’s credit history and economic conditions related to the tenant, its operations and the markets in which the tenant operates, that may vary over time. Among other things, we may (i) review and analyze information regarding the real estate, seniors housing and healthcare industries generally, publicly available information regarding the significant tenant, and information required to be provided by the tenant under the terms of its lease agreements with us, (ii) examine monthly and/or quarterly financial statements of the significant tenant to the extent publicly available or otherwise provided under the terms of our lease agreements, and (iii) participate in periodic discussions and in-person meetings with representatives of the significant tenant. Using this information, we calculate multiple financial ratios (which may, but do not necessarily, include leverage, fixed charge coverage and tangible net worth), after making certain adjustments based on our judgment, and assess other metrics we deem relevant to an understanding of the significant tenant’s credit risk.
Because Atria and Sunrise manage our properties in exchange for the receipt of a management fee from us, we are not directly exposed to the credit risk of our managers in the same manner or to the same extent as our triple-net tenants. However, we rely on our managers’ personnel, expertise, technical resources and information systems, proprietary information, good faith and judgment to manage our senior living operations efficiently and effectively. We also rely on Atria and Sunrise to set appropriate resident fees, to provide accurate property-level financials results in a timely manner and otherwise operate our seniors housing communities in compliance with the terms of our management agreements and all applicable laws and regulations. Although we have various rights as the property owner under our management agreements, including various rights to terminate and exercise remedies under the agreements as provided therein, Atria’s or Sunrise’s failure, inability or unwillingness to satisfy its respective obligations under those agreements, to efficiently and effectively manage our properties or to provide timely and accurate accounting information with respect thereto could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. See “Risk Factors-Risks Arising from Our Business-The properties managed by Atria and Sunrise account for a significant portion of our revenues and operating income; adverse developments in Atria’s and Sunrise’s business and affairs or financial condition could have a Material Adverse Effect on us” and “-We have rights to terminate our management agreements with Atria and Sunrise in whole or with respect to specific properties under certain circumstances, and we may be unable to replace Atria or Sunrise if our management agreements are terminated or not renewed” included in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Our 34% ownership interests in Atria entitles us to customary rights and minority protections, including the right to appoint two of six members to the Atria Board of Directors.
Triple-Net Lease Performance and Expirations
Any failure, inability or unwillingness by our tenants to satisfy their obligations under our triple-net leases could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. Also, if our tenants are not able or willing to renew our triple-net leases upon expiration, we may be unable to reposition the applicable properties on a timely basis or on the same or better economic terms, if at all. Although our lease expirations are staggered, the non-renewal of some or all of our triple-net leases that expire in any given year could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we had no triple-net lease renewals or expirations without renewal that, in the aggregate, had a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations for that period. See “Risk Factors-Risks Arising from Our Business-If we must replace any of our tenants or operators, we might be unable to reposition the properties on as favorable terms, or at all, and we could be subject to delays, limitations and expenses, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us” included in Part I, Item IA of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The following table summarizes our triple-net lease expirations currently scheduled to occur over the next 10 years (excluding leases related to assets classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019):
Liquidity and Capital Resources
During 2019, our principal sources of liquidity were cash flows from operations, proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities, borrowings under our commercial paper program, proceeds from asset sales and cash on hand.
For the next 12 months, our principal liquidity needs are to: (i) fund operating expenses; (ii) meet our debt service requirements; (iii) repay maturing mortgage and other debt; (iv) fund acquisitions, investments and commitments and any development and redevelopment activities; (v) fund capital expenditures; and (vi) make distributions to our stockholders and unitholders, as required for us to continue to qualify as a REIT. We expect that these liquidity needs generally will be satisfied by a combination of the following: cash flows from operations, cash on hand, debt assumptions and financings (including secured financings), issuances of debt and equity securities, dispositions of assets (in whole or in part through joint venture arrangements with third parties) and borrowings under our revolving credit facilities and commercial paper program. However, an inability to access liquidity through multiple capital sources concurrently could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. See “Risk Factors-Risks Arising from Our Capital Structure-Limitations on our ability to access capital could have an adverse effect on our ability to make required payments on our debt obligations, make distributions to our stockholders or make future investments necessary to implement our business strategy” included in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
See “NOTE 10-SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further information regarding our significant financing activities.
Credit Facilities, Commercial Paper and Unsecured Term Loans
Our unsecured credit facility is comprised of a $3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility priced at LIBOR plus 0.875%, as of December 31, 2019. The unsecured revolving credit facility matures in 2021, but may be extended at our option subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions for two additional periods of six months each. The unsecured revolving credit facility also includes an accordion feature that permits us to increase our aggregate borrowing capacity thereunder to up to $3.75 billion.
In January 2019, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership (“Ventas Realty”), established an unsecured commercial paper program. Under the terms of the program, we may issue from time to time unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $1 billion. The notes are sold under customary terms in the United States commercial paper note market and are ranked pari passu with all of Ventas Realty’s other unsecured senior indebtedness. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Ventas, Inc. As of December 31, 2019, $567.5 million was outstanding under our commercial paper program.
As of December 31, 2019, $120.8 million was outstanding under the unsecured revolving credit facility with an additional $24.0 million restricted to support outstanding letters of credit. In addition, we limit our utilization of the unsecured
revolving credit facility in order to maintain liquidity and to support our commercial paper program. Including these internal limits, we had $2.3 billion in available liquidity under the unsecured revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2019, we had a $200.0 million unsecured term loan priced at LIBOR plus 0.90% that matures in 2023. The term loan also includes an accordion feature that effectively permits us to increase our aggregate borrowings thereunder to up to $800.0 million.
As of December 31, 2019, we had a $400.0 million secured revolving construction credit facility with $160.5 million of borrowings outstanding. The secured revolving construction credit facility matures in 2022 and is primarily used to finance the development of research and innovation centers and other construction projects.
As of December 31, 2019, we had a C$500 million unsecured term loan facility priced at Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR”) plus 0.90% that matures in 2025.
Senior Notes
As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding $7.5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by Ventas Realty ($500.0 million of which was co-issued by Ventas Realty’s wholly owned subsidiary, Ventas Capital Corporation), approximately $75.2 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (“NHP”) and assumed by our subsidiary, Nationwide Health Properties, LLC (“NHP LLC”), as successor to NHP, in connection with our acquisition of NHP, and C$1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by our subsidiary, Ventas Canada Finance Limited (“Ventas Canada”). All of the senior notes issued by Ventas Realty and Ventas Canada are unconditionally guaranteed by Ventas, Inc.
We may, from time to time, seek to retire or purchase our outstanding senior notes for cash or in exchange for equity securities in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such repurchases or exchanges, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions, prospects for future access to capital and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.
The indentures governing our outstanding senior notes require us to comply with various financial and other restrictive covenants. We were in compliance with all of these covenants at December 31, 2019.
Mortgages
At December 31, 2019 and 2018, our consolidated aggregate principal amount of mortgage debt outstanding was $2.0 billion and $1.1 billion, of which our share was $1.8 billion and $1.0 billion, respectively.
Under certain circumstances, contractual and legal restrictions, including those contained in the instruments governing our subsidiaries’ outstanding mortgage indebtedness, may restrict our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries for the purpose of meeting our debt service obligations, including our payment guarantees with respect to Ventas Realty’s and Ventas Canada Finance Limited’s senior notes.
Derivatives and Hedging
In the normal course of our business, interest rate fluctuations affect future cash flows under our variable rate debt obligations, loans receivable and marketable debt securities, and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations affect our operating results. We follow established risk management policies and procedures, including the use of derivative instruments, to mitigate the impact of these risks.
Dividends
In order to continue to qualify as a REIT, we must make annual distributions to our stockholders of at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (excluding net capital gain). In addition, we will be subject to income tax at the regular corporate rate to the extent we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, including any net capital gains. We intend to pay dividends greater than 100% of our taxable income, after the use of any net operating loss carryforwards, for 2020.
We expect that our cash flows will exceed our REIT taxable income due to depreciation and other non-cash deductions in computing REIT taxable income and that we will be able to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement. However, from time to time, we may not have sufficient cash on hand or other liquid assets to meet this requirement or we may decide to retain cash or
distribute such greater amount as may be necessary to avoid income and excise taxation. If we do not have sufficient cash on hand or other liquid assets to enable us to satisfy the 90% distribution requirement, or if we desire to retain cash, we may borrow funds, issue additional equity securities, pay taxable stock dividends, if possible, distribute other property or securities or engage in a transaction intended to enable us to meet the REIT distribution requirements or any combination of the foregoing.
Capital Expenditures
The terms of our triple-net leases generally obligate our tenants to pay all capital expenditures necessary to maintain and improve our triple-net leased properties. However, from time to time, we may fund the capital expenditures for our triple-net leased properties through loans or advances to the tenants, which may increase the amount of rent payable with respect to the properties in certain cases. We may also fund capital expenditures for which we may become responsible upon expiration of our triple-net leases or in the event that our tenants are unable or unwilling to meet their obligations under those leases. We also expect to fund capital expenditures related to our senior living operations and office operations reportable business segments with the cash flows from the properties or through additional borrowings. We expect that these liquidity needs generally will be satisfied by a combination of the following: cash flows from operations, cash on hand, debt assumptions and financings (including secured financings), issuances of debt and equity securities, dispositions of assets (in whole or in part through joint venture arrangements with third parties) and borrowings under our revolving credit facilities.
To the extent that unanticipated capital expenditure needs arise or significant borrowings are required, our liquidity may be affected adversely. Our ability to borrow additional funds may be restricted in certain circumstances by the terms of the instruments governing our outstanding indebtedness.
We are party to certain agreements that obligate us to develop seniors housing or healthcare properties funded through capital that we and, in certain circumstances, our joint venture partners provide. As of December 31, 2019, we had 22 properties under development pursuant to these agreements, including four properties that are owned by unconsolidated real estate entities. In addition, from time to time, we engage in redevelopment projects with respect to our existing seniors housing communities to maximize the value, increase NOI, maintain a market-competitive position, achieve property stabilization or change the primary use of the property.
Equity Offerings
From time to time, we may sell our common stock under an “at-the-market” equity offering program (“ATM program”). In August 2018, we replaced our expired ATM program with an identical program, under which we may sell up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion of our common stock.
In June 2019, we sold 12.7 million shares of our common stock under a registered public offering for gross proceeds of $62.75 per share. We used the majority of the net proceeds to fund our LGM Acquisition. See “NOTE 4-ACQUISITIONS OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information regarding the LGM Acquisition.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold 2.7 million shares of our common stock under our ATM program for gross proceeds of $66.75 per share. As of December 31, 2019, $822.1 million of our common stock remained available for sale under our ATM program.
For the year ended December 31, 2018, we sold no shares of our common stock under our ATM program.
Cash Flows
The following table sets forth our sources and uses of cash flows for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018:
nm-not meaningful
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Cash flows from operating activities increased $56.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 over the same period in 2018 due primarily to higher NOI in 2019 including the impact of property acquisitions and lease-up of new developments, partially offset by asset dispositions, and lower merger-related expenses and deal costs in 2019.
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Cash flows from investing activities decreased $1.9 billion during 2019 over 2018 primarily due to increased acquisition and investment activity together with decreased real estate dispositions.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Cash flows from financing activities increased $1.9 billion during 2019 over 2018 primarily due to the 2019 issuance of common stock and increased net borrowings in 2019.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes the effect that minimum debt (which includes principal and interest payments) and other material noncancelable commitments are expected to have on our cash flow in future periods as of December 31, 2019:
(1)
Amounts represent contractual amounts due, including interest.
(2)
Interest on variable rate debt based on rates as of December 31, 2019.
(3)
Includes $567.5 million of borrowings outstanding on our commercial paper program.
(4)
Includes $120.8 million of borrowings outstanding on our unsecured revolving credit facility, $160.5 million of borrowings outstanding on our secured revolving construction credit facility, $500.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 3.25% senior notes due 2022, $231.0 million outstanding principal amount of our floating rate senior notes, Series F due 2021 and $192.5 million outstanding principal amount of our 3.30% senior notes, Series C due 2022.
(5)
Includes $200.0 million of borrowings outstanding on our unsecured term loan due 2023, $400.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 3.125% senior notes due 2023, $400.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 3.10% senior notes due 2023, $211.8 million outstanding principal amount of our 2.55% senior notes, Series D due 2023, $400.0 million
outstanding principal amount of our 3.50% senior notes due 2024, $400.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 3.75% senior notes due 2024, $462.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 2.80% senior notes, Series E due 2024 and $192.5 million outstanding principal amount of our 4.125% senior notes, Series B due 2024.
(6)
Includes $385.0 million of borrowings outstanding on our unsecured term loan due 2025 and $5.4 billion aggregate principal amount outstanding of our senior notes maturing between 2025 and 2049. $52.4 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 6.90% senior notes due 2037 are subject to repurchase, at the option of the holders, at par, on October 1, 2027, and $22.8 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of our 6.59% senior notes due 2038 are subject to repurchase, at the option of the holders, at par, on July 7 in each of 2023 and 2028.
As of December 31, 2019, we had $12.1 million of unrecognized tax benefits that are excluded from the table above, as we are unable to make a reasonable reliable estimate of the period of cash settlement, if any, with the respective tax authority.
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
The information set forth in Part II, Item 7 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Asset/Liability Management” is incorporated by reference into this Item 7A.
ITEM 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Ventas, Inc.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
MANAGEMENT REPORT ON INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. This system is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting is not intended to provide absolute assurance that a misstatement of our financial statements would be prevented or detected.
Management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria set forth in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Based on this assessment, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective at the reasonable assurance level as of December 31, 2019.
In September 2019, the Company acquired an 87% interest in 34 Canadian seniors housing communities (including five in-process developments) valued at $1.8 billion through an equity partnership with Le Groupe Maurice (“LGM”). As permitted under Securities and Exchange Commission guidelines, the Company excluded from the assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, internal control over financial reporting of the operations of these acquired assets. Total assets and total revenues related to these operations represented 0.1% and 1.7%, respectively, of the Company’s related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 has been audited by KPMG LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report included herein.
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
Ventas, Inc.:
Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ventas, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 2019, and the related notes and financial statement schedules II, III, and IV (collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019 based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 21, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
Change in Accounting Principle
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases as of January 1, 2019 due to the adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 842, Leases.
Basis for Opinion
These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.
Evaluation of the probability of collection for substantially all triple-net rents
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company assesses the probability of collecting substantially all triple-net rents on an operator-by-operator basis. Whenever the results of that assessment, events, or changes in circumstances indicate that the Company will be unable to collect substantially all triple-net rents, the Company records a charge to rental income.
We identified the evaluation of the probability of collection for substantially all triple-net rents as a critical audit matter. The assessment is subjective and required complex auditor judgment to evaluate the various inputs and assumptions, including the financial strength of the tenant and any guarantors, and the expected operating performance of the leased property.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s evaluation of the relevant data inputs and assumptions in the collectibility assessment. To assess the financial strength of the tenant and any guarantors, we identified and evaluated the relevance, reliability, and sufficiency of the tenant and property financial information, tenant guarantees, the existence of outstanding accounts receivable, and the remaining term of the lease in the triple net collectibility assessment. We assessed the Company’s ability to estimate probability of collections by testing the reliability of the Company’s historical determinations.
Evaluation of the purchase price allocation related to buildings and improvements, land, and seniors housing in-place lease related intangibles
As discussed in Notes 2 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company acquired approximately $2 billion of real estate during the year ended December 31, 2019. The purchase price was allocated to the real estate assets acquired, primarily buildings and improvements, land, and seniors housing in-place lease related intangibles on a relative fair value basis.
We identified the evaluation of the purchase price allocation related to buildings and improvements, land, and seniors housing in-place lease related intangibles as a critical audit matter. The recorded value of investment in real estate, specifically buildings and improvements, land, and seniors housing in-place lease related intangibles, was sensitive to changes to the inputs and assumptions in the purchase price allocation. This resulted in a higher degree of subjectivity and required complex auditor judgment.
The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included the following. We tested certain internal controls over the Company’s purchase price allocation over buildings and improvements, land, and seniors housing in-place lease related intangibles. We evaluated the Company’s inputs and assumptions that were used to determine relative fair value by 1) identifying and considering the relevancy, reliability, and sufficiency of the sources of data used by the Company in developing the assumptions, 2) comparing to relevant industry market data, and 3) where relevant, performing a retrospective analysis of the assumptions used in prior acquisitions. We involved valuation professionals with specialized skills and knowledge who assisted in performing an assessment of the purchase price allocation to buildings and improvements, land, and seniors housing in-place lease related intangibles, including the comparison to relevant market data.
/s/ KPMG LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.
Chicago, Illinois
February 21, 2020
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholders and Board of Directors Ventas, Inc.:
Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
We have audited Ventas, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2019, and related notes and financial statement schedules II, III, and IV (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report dated February 21, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
The Company acquired an interest in certain real estate assets through an equity partnership with Le Groupe Maurice during 2019, and management excluded from its assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2019, the internal control over financial reporting of the operations of the acquired assets (LGM Operations). Total assets and total revenues related to LGM Operations represented 0.1% and 1.7%, respectively, of the Company’s related consolidated financial statement amounts as of and for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting of the Company also excluded an evaluation of the internal control over financial reporting of LGM Operations.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Chicago, Illinois February 21, 2020
VENTAS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See accompanying notes.
VENTAS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
See accompanying notes.
VENTAS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
See accompanying notes.
VENTAS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017
See accompanying notes.
VENTAS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
VENTAS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Continued)
See accompanying notes.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1-DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
Ventas, Inc., an S&P 500 company, is a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) with a highly diversified portfolio of seniors housing, research and innovation, and healthcare properties located throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. As of December 31, 2019, we owned approximately 1,200 properties (including properties owned through investments in unconsolidated entities and properties classified as held for sale), consisting of seniors housing communities, medical office buildings (“MOBs”), research and innovation centers, inpatient rehabilitation facilities (“IRFs”) and long-term acute care facilities (“LTACs”), and health systems. We had 22 properties under development, including four properties that are owned by unconsolidated real estate entities. Our company was originally founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
We primarily invest in seniors housing, research and innovation, and healthcare properties through acquisitions and lease our properties to unaffiliated tenants or operate them through independent third-party managers.
As of December 31, 2019, we leased a total of 412 properties (excluding properties within our office operations reportable business segment) to various healthcare operating companies under “triple-net” or “absolute-net” leases that obligate the tenants to pay all property-related expenses, including maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures. Our three largest tenants, Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “Brookdale Senior Living”), Ardent Health Partners, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “Ardent”) and Kindred Healthcare, LLC (formerly Kindred Healthcare, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, “Kindred”) leased from us 122 properties (excluding two properties managed by Brookdale Senior Living pursuant to long-term management agreements), 11 properties and 32 properties, respectively, as of December 31, 2019.
As of December 31, 2019, pursuant to long-term management agreements, we engaged independent operators, such as Atria Senior Living, Inc. (“Atria”) and Sunrise Senior Living, LLC (together with its subsidiaries, “Sunrise”) to manage 406 seniors housing communities for us.
Through our Lillibridge Healthcare Services, Inc. subsidiary and our ownership interest in PMB Real Estate Services LLC, we also provide MOB management, leasing, marketing, facility development and advisory services to highly rated hospitals and health systems throughout the United States. In addition, from time to time, we make secured and non-mortgage loans and other investments relating to seniors housing and healthcare operators or properties.
NOTE 2-ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly owned subsidiaries and the joint venture entities over which we exercise control. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation, and our net earnings are reduced by the portion of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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 variable interest entities (“VIEs”). 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; and (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 our investment in a VIE when we determine that we are its primary beneficiary. We may change our original assessment of a VIE upon subsequent events such as the modification of contractual arrangements that affects the characteristics or adequacy of the entity’s equity investments at risk and the disposition of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
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.
As it relates to investments in joint ventures, GAAP may preclude consolidation by the sole general partner in certain circumstances based on the type of rights held by the limited partner or partners. We assess limited partners’ rights and their impact on our consolidation conclusions, and we reassess if there is a change to the terms or in the exercisability of the rights of the limited partners, the sole general partner increases or decreases its ownership of limited partnership (“LP”) interests or there is an increase or decrease in the number of outstanding LP interests. We also apply this guidance to managing member interests in limited liability companies (“LLCs”).
We consolidate several VIEs that share the following common characteristics:
•the VIE is in the legal form of an LP or LLC;
•the VIE was designed to own and manage its underlying real estate investments;
•we are the general partner or managing member of the VIE;
•we own a majority of the voting interests in the VIE;
•a minority of voting interests in the VIE are owned by external third parties, unrelated to us;
•the minority owners do not have substantive kick-out or participating rights in the VIE; and
•we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE.
We have separately identified certain special purpose entities that were established to allow investments in research and innovation projects by tax credit investors (“TCIs”). We have determined that these special purpose entities are VIEs, we are a holder of variable interests and that we are the primary beneficiary of the VIEs, and therefore we consolidate these special purpose entities. Our primary beneficiary determination is based upon several factors, including but not limited to the rights we have in directing the activities which most significantly impact the VIEs’ economic performance as well as certain guarantees which protect the TCIs from losses should a tax credit recapture event occur.
In general, the assets of the consolidated VIEs are available only for the settlement of the obligations of the respective entities. Unless otherwise required by the LP or LLC agreement, any mortgage loans of the consolidated VIEs are non-recourse to us. The table below summarizes the total assets and liabilities of our consolidated VIEs as reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
Investments in Unconsolidated Entities
We report investments in unconsolidated entities over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, our share of the investee’s earnings or losses is included in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
We base the initial carrying value of investments in unconsolidated entities on the fair value of the assets at the time we acquired the joint venture interest. We estimate fair values for our equity method investments based on discounted cash flow models that include all estimated cash inflows and outflows over a specified holding period and, where applicable, any estimated debt premiums or discounts. The capitalization rates, discount rates and credit spreads we use in these models are based upon assumptions that we believe to be within a reasonable range of current market rates for the respective investments.
We generally amortize any difference between our cost basis and the basis reflected at the joint venture level, if any, over the lives of the related assets and liabilities and include that amortization in our share of income or loss from unconsolidated entities. For earnings of equity method investments with pro rata distribution allocations, net income or loss is allocated between the partners in the joint venture based on their respective stated ownership percentages. In other instances,
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
net income or loss is allocated between the partners in the joint venture based on the hypothetical liquidation at book value method (the “HLBV method”). Under the HLBV method, net income or loss is allocated between the partners based on the difference between each partner’s claim on the net assets of the joint venture at the end and beginning of the period, after taking into account contributions and distributions. Each partner’s share of the net assets of the joint venture is calculated as the amount that the partner would receive if the joint venture were to liquidate all of its assets at net book value and distribute the resulting cash to creditors and partners in accordance with their respective priorities. Under the HLBV method, in any given period, we could record more or less income than the joint venture has generated, than actual cash distributions we receive or than the amount we may receive in the event of an actual liquidation.
Redeemable OP Unitholder and Noncontrolling Interests
We own a majority interest in NHP/PMB L.P. (“NHP/PMB”), a limited partnership formed in 2008 to acquire properties from entities affiliated with Pacific Medical Buildings LLC (“PMB”). Given our wholly owned subsidiary is the general partner and the primary beneficiary of NHP/PMB, we consolidate it as a VIE. As of December 31, 2019, third party investors owned 3.3 million Class A limited partnership units in NHP/PMB (“OP Units”), which represented 31% of the total units then outstanding, and we owned 7.3 million Class B limited partnership units in NHP/PMB, representing the remaining 69%. At any time following the first anniversary of the date of their issuance, the OP Units may be redeemed at the election of the holder for cash or, at our option, 0.9051 shares of our common stock per OP Unit, subject to further adjustment in certain circumstances. We are party by assumption to a registration rights agreement with the holders of the OP Units that requires us, subject to the terms and conditions and certain exceptions set forth therein, to file and maintain a registration statement relating to the issuance of shares of our common stock upon redemption of OP Units.
Prior to January 2017, we owned a majority interest in Ventas Realty Capital Healthcare Trust Operating Partnership, L.P. (“Ventas Realty OP”) and we consolidated this entity because our wholly owned subsidiary is the general partner and was the primary beneficiary of this VIE. In January 2017, third party investors redeemed the remaining limited partnership units (“Class C Units”) outstanding. After giving effect to such redemptions, Ventas Realty OP is our wholly owned subsidiary.
As redemption rights are outside of our control, the redeemable OP Units are classified outside of permanent equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We reflect the redeemable OP Units at the greater of cost or redemption value. As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, the fair value of the redeemable OP Units was $171.2 million and $174.6 million, respectively. We recognize changes in fair value through capital in excess of par value, net of cash distributions paid and purchases by us of any OP Units. Our diluted earnings per share includes the effect of any potential shares outstanding from redemption of the OP Units.
Certain noncontrolling interests of other consolidated joint ventures were also classified as redeemable at December 31, 2019 and 2018. Accordingly, we record the carrying amount of these noncontrolling interests at the greater of their initial carrying amount (increased or decreased for the noncontrolling interests’ share of net income or loss and distributions) or the redemption value. Our joint venture partners have certain redemption rights with respect to their noncontrolling interests in these joint ventures that are outside of our control, and the redeemable noncontrolling interests are classified outside of permanent equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognize changes in the carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests through capital in excess of par value.
Noncontrolling Interests
Excluding the redeemable noncontrolling interests described above, 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 those interests as a component of consolidated equity, separate from total Ventas stockholders’ equity, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. For consolidated joint ventures with pro rata distribution allocations, net income or loss, and comprehensive income, is allocated between the joint venture partners based on their respective stated ownership percentages. In other cases, net income or loss is allocated between the joint venture partners based on the HLBV method. We account for purchases or sales of equity interests that do not result in a change of control as equity transactions, through capital in excess of par value. We include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests in net income in our Consolidated Statements of Income and we include the noncontrolling interests share of comprehensive income in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Accounting for Historic and New Markets Tax Credits
For certain of our research and innovation centers, we are party to certain contractual arrangements with TCIs that were established to enable the TCIs to receive benefits of historic tax credits (“HTCs”) and/or new markets tax credits (“NMTCs”). As of December 31, 2019, we owned ten properties, including one property in development, that had syndicated HTCs or NMTCs, or both, to TCIs.
In general, TCIs invest cash into special purpose entities that invest in entities that own the subject property and generate the tax credits. The TCIs receive substantially all of the tax credits and hold only a nominal interest in the economic risk and benefits of the special purpose entities.
HTCs are delivered to the TCIs upon substantial completion of the project. NMTCs are allowed for up to 39% of a qualified investment and are delivered to the TCIs after the investment has been funded and spent on a qualified business. HTCs are subject to 20% recapture per year beginning one year after the completion of the historic rehabilitation of the subject property. NMTCs are subject to 100% recapture until the end of the seventh year following the qualifying investment. We have provided the TCIs with certain guarantees which protect the TCIs from losses should a tax credit recapture event occur. The contractual arrangements with the TCIs include a put/call provision whereby we may be obligated or entitled to repurchase the interest of the TCIs in the special purpose entities at the end of the tax credit recapture period. We anticipate that either the TCIs will exercise their put rights or we will exercise our call rights prior to the applicable tax credit recapture periods.
The portion of the TCI’s investment that is attributed to the put is recorded at fair value at inception in accounts payable and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and is accreted to the expected put price as interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income over the recapture period. The remaining balance of the TCI’s investment is initially recorded in accounts payable and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and will be relieved upon delivery of the tax credit to the TCI, as a reduction in the carrying value of the subject property, net of allocated expenses. Direct and incremental costs incurred in structuring the transaction are deferred and will be recognized as an increase in the cost basis of the subject property upon the recognition of the related tax credit as discussed above.
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions regarding future events that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the 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.
Accounting for Real Estate Acquisitions
	When we acquire real estate, we first make reasonable judgments about whether the transaction involves an asset or a business. Our real estate acquisitions are generally accounted for as asset acquisitions as substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets. Regardless of whether an acquisition is considered a business combination or an asset acquisition, we record the cost of the businesses or assets acquired as tangible and intangible assets and liabilities based upon their estimated fair values as of the acquisition date.
	We estimate the fair value of buildings acquired on an as-if-vacant basis or replacement cost basis and depreciate the building value over the estimated remaining life of the building, generally not to exceed 35 years. We determine the fair value of other fixed assets, such as site improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, based upon the replacement cost and depreciate such value over the assets’ estimated remaining useful lives as determined at the applicable acquisition date. We determine the value of land either by considering the sales prices of similar properties in recent transactions or based on internal analyses of recently acquired and existing comparable properties within our portfolio. We generally determine the value of construction in progress based upon the replacement cost. However, for certain acquired properties that are part of a ground-up development, we determine fair value by using the same valuation approach as for all other properties and deducting the estimated cost to complete the development. During the remaining construction period, we capitalize project costs until the development has reached substantial completion. Construction in progress, including capitalized interest, is not depreciated until the development has reached substantial completion.
	Intangibles primarily include the value of in-place leases and acquired lease contracts. We include all lease-related intangible assets and liabilities within acquired lease intangibles and accounts payable and other liabilities, respectively, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
	The fair value of acquired lease-related intangibles, if any, reflects: (i) the estimated value of any above and/or below market leases, determined by discounting the difference between the estimated market rent and in-place lease rent; and (ii) the estimated value of in-place leases related to the cost to obtain tenants, including leasing commissions, and an estimated value of the absorption period to reflect the value of the rent and recovery costs foregone during a reasonable lease-up period as if the acquired space was vacant. We amortize any acquired lease-related intangibles to revenue or amortization expense over the remaining life of the associated lease plus any assumed bargain renewal periods. If a lease is terminated prior to its stated expiration or not renewed upon expiration, we recognize all unamortized amounts of lease-related intangibles associated with that lease in operations at that time.
	We estimate the fair value of purchase option intangible assets and liabilities, if any, by discounting the difference between the applicable property’s acquisition date fair value and an estimate of its future option price. We do not amortize the resulting intangible asset or liability over the term of the lease, but rather adjust the recognized value of the asset or liability upon sale.
	In connection with an acquisition, we may assume rights and obligations under certain lease agreements pursuant to which we become the lessee of a given property. We generally assume the lease classification previously determined by the prior lessee absent a modification in the assumed lease agreement. We assess assumed operating leases, including ground leases, to determine whether the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable to us given current market conditions on the acquisition date. To the extent the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable to us relative to market conditions on the acquisition date, we recognize an intangible asset or liability at fair value and amortize that asset or liability to interest or rental expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income over the applicable lease term. Where we are the lessee, we record the acquisition date values of leases, including any above or below market value, within operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	We estimate the fair value of noncontrolling interests assumed consistent with the manner in which we value all of the underlying assets and liabilities.
	We calculate the fair value of long-term assumed debt by discounting the remaining contractual cash flows on each instrument at the current market rate for those borrowings, which we approximate based on the rate at which we would expect to incur a replacement instrument on the date of acquisition, and recognize any fair value adjustments related to long-term debt as effective yield adjustments over the remaining term of the instrument.
Impairment of Long-Lived and Intangible Assets
We periodically evaluate our long-lived assets, primarily consisting of investments in real estate, for impairment indicators. If indicators of impairment are present, we evaluate the carrying value of the related real estate investments in relation to the future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying operations. In performing this evaluation, we consider market conditions and our current intentions with respect to holding or disposing of the asset. We adjust the net book value of real estate properties and other long-lived assets to fair value if the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows, including sales proceeds, is less than book value. We recognize an impairment loss at the time we make any such determination.
If impairment indicators arise with respect to intangible assets with finite useful lives, we evaluate impairment by comparing the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then we estimate the fair value of the asset and compare the estimated fair value to the intangible asset’s carrying value. We recognize any shortfall from carrying value as an impairment loss in the current period.
We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated entities for impairment at least annually, and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment may exceed its fair value. If we determine that a decline in the fair value of our investment in an unconsolidated entity is other-than-temporary, and if such reduced fair value is below the carrying value, we record an impairment.
We test goodwill for impairment at least annually, and more frequently if indicators arise. We first assess qualitative factors, such as current macroeconomic conditions, state of the equity and capital markets and our overall financial and operating performance, to determine the likelihood that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we proceed with the two-step approach to evaluating impairment. First, we estimate the fair value of the reporting unit and compare it to the reporting unit’s carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds fair value, we proceed with the second step, which requires us to
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
assign the fair value of the reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit as if it had been acquired in a business combination at the date of the impairment test. The excess fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to the assets and liabilities is the implied value of goodwill and is used to determine the amount of impairment. We recognize an impairment loss to the extent the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the implied value in the current period.
Estimates of fair value used in our evaluation of goodwill (if necessary based on our qualitative assessment), investments in real estate, investments in unconsolidated entities and intangible assets are based upon discounted future cash flow projections or other acceptable valuation techniques that are based, in turn, upon all available evidence including level three inputs, such as revenue and expense growth rates, estimates of future cash flows, capitalization rates, discount rates, general economic conditions and trends, or other available market data. Our ability to accurately predict future operating results and cash flows and to estimate and determine fair values impacts 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.
Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations
We sell properties from time to time for various reasons, including favorable market conditions or the exercise of purchase options by tenants. We classify certain long-lived assets as held for sale once the criteria, as defined by GAAP, have been met. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value minus cost to sell and are no longer depreciated.
If at any time we determine that the criteria for classifying assets as held for sale are no longer met, we reclassify assets within net real estate investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented. The carrying amount of these assets is adjusted (in the period in which a change in classification is determined) to reflect any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the asset been continuously classified as net real estate investments.
We report discontinued operations when the following criteria are met: (1) a component of an entity or group of components that has been disposed of or classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results; or (2) an acquired business is classified as held for sale on the acquisition date. The results of operations for assets meeting the definition of discontinued operations are reflected in our Consolidated Statements of Income as discontinued operations for all periods presented. We allocate estimated interest expense to discontinued operations based on property values and our weighted average interest rate or the property’s actual mortgage interest.
Loans Receivable
We record loans receivable, other than those acquired in connection with a business combination, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (either in secured loans receivable and investments, net or other assets, in the case of non-mortgage loans receivable) at the unpaid principal balance, net of any deferred origination fees, purchase discounts or premiums and valuation allowances. We amortize net deferred origination fees, which are comprised of loan fees collected from the borrower net of certain direct costs, and purchase discounts or premiums over the contractual life of the loan using the effective interest method and immediately recognize in income any unamortized balances if the loan is repaid before its contractual maturity.
We regularly evaluate the collectability of loans receivable based on factors such as corporate and facility-level financial and operational reports, compliance with financial covenants set forth in the applicable loan agreement, the financial strength of the borrower and any guarantor, the payment history of the borrower and current economic conditions. If our evaluation of these factors indicates it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due under the terms of the applicable loan agreement, we provide a reserve against the portion of the receivable that we estimate may not be collected.
Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased. These investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
Escrow Deposits and Restricted Cash
Escrow deposits consist of amounts held by us or our lenders to provide for future real estate tax, insurance expenditures and tenant improvements related to our properties and operations. Restricted cash generally represents amounts paid to us for security deposits and other similar purposes.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Deferred Financing Costs
We amortize deferred financing costs, which are reported within senior notes payable and other debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, as a component of interest expense over the terms of the related borrowings using a method that approximates a level yield. Amortized costs of approximately $20.2 million, $18.1 million and $18.9 million were included in interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Available for Sale Securities
We classify available for sale securities as a component of other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets (other than our interests in government-sponsored pooled loan investments, which are classified as secured loans receivable and investments, net on our Consolidated Balance Sheets). We record these securities at fair value and include unrealized gains and losses recorded in stockholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We report interest income, including discount or premium amortization, on available for sale securities and gains or losses on securities sold, which are based on the specific identification method, in income from loans and investments in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Derivative Instruments
We recognize all derivative instruments in other assets or accounts payable and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value as of the reporting date. We recognize changes in the fair value of derivative instruments in other expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income or accumulated other comprehensive income on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, depending on the intended use of the derivative and our designation of the instrument.
We do not use our derivative financial instruments, including interest rate caps, interest rate swaps and foreign currency forward contracts, for trading or speculative purposes. Our foreign currency forward contracts and certain of our interest rate swaps (including the interest rate swap contracts of consolidated and unconsolidated joint ventures) are designated as effectively hedging the variability of expected cash flows related to their underlying securities and, therefore, also are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, with changes in the fair value of these instruments recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognize any noncontrolling interests’ proportionate share of the changes in fair value of swap contracts of our consolidated joint ventures in noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognize our proportionate share of the change in fair value of swap contracts of our unconsolidated joint ventures in accumulated other comprehensive income on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain of our other interest rate swaps and rate caps were not designated as having a hedging relationship with the underlying securities and therefore do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting under GAAP. Accordingly, these interest rate swaps are recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value, and we recognize changes in the fair value of these instruments in current earnings (in other expenses) in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments
Fair value is a market-based measurement, not an entity-specific measurement, and we determine fair value based on the assumptions that we expect market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within levels one and two of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within level three of the hierarchy).
Level one inputs utilize unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access. Level two inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in level one that are directly or indirectly observable for the asset or liability. Level two inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets and other inputs for the asset or liability that are observable at commonly quoted intervals, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates and yield curves. Level three inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which typically are based on our own assumptions, because there is little, if any, related market activity. If the determination of 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. If the volume and level of market activity for an asset or liability has decreased significantly relative to the normal market activity for such asset or liability (or similar assets or liabilities), then transactions or quoted prices may not accurately reflect fair value. In addition, if there is evidence that a transaction for an asset or liability is not orderly, little, if any, weight is placed on that transaction price as an
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
indicator of fair value. 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.
We use the following methods and assumptions in estimating the fair value of our financial instruments.
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Cash and cash equivalents - The carrying amount of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
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Escrow deposits and restricted cash - The carrying amount of escrow deposits and restricted cash reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheets approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.
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Loans receivable - We estimate the fair value of loans receivable using level two and level three inputs. We discount future cash flows using current interest rates at which similar loans with the same terms and length to maturity would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings.
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Available for sale securities - We estimate the fair value of marketable debt securities using level two inputs. We observe quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access. We estimate the fair value of certain government-sponsored pooled loan investments using level three inputs. We consider credit spreads, underlying asset performance and credit quality, and default rates.
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Derivative instruments - With the assistance of a third party, we estimate the fair value of derivative instruments, including interest rate caps, interest rate swaps, and foreign currency forward contracts, using level two inputs.
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Interest rate caps - We observe forward yield curves and other relevant information.
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Interest rate swaps - We observe alternative financing rates derived from market-based financing rates, forward yield curves and discount rates.
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Foreign currency forward contracts - We estimate the future values of the two currency tranches using forward exchange rates that are based on traded forward points and calculate a present value of the net amount using a discount factor based on observable traded interest rates.
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Senior notes payable and other debt - We estimate the fair value of senior notes payable and other debt using level two inputs. We discount the future cash flows using current interest rates at which we could obtain similar borrowings. For mortgage debt, we may estimate fair value using level three inputs, similar to those used in determining fair value of loans receivable (above).
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Redeemable OP unitholder interests - We estimate the fair value of our redeemable OP unitholder interests using level one inputs. We base fair value on the closing price of our common stock, as OP Units may be redeemed at the election of the holder for cash or, at our option, shares of our common stock, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
Revenue Recognition
Triple-Net Leased Properties and Office Operations
Certain of our triple-net leases and most of our MOB and research and innovation center (collectively, “office operations”) leases provide for periodic and determinable increases in base rent. We recognize base rental revenues under these leases on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term when collectability of substantially all rents is probable. Recognizing rental income on a straight-line basis generally results in recognized revenues during the first half of a lease term exceeding the cash amounts contractually due from our tenants, creating a straight-line rent receivable that is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, this cumulative excess totaled $278.8 million and $250.0 million (net of allowances of $44.6 million, recorded under prior accounting guidance), respectively (excluding properties classified as held for sale).
Certain of our leases provide for periodic increases in base rent only if certain revenue parameters or other substantive contingencies are met. We recognize the increased rental revenue under these leases as the related parameters or contingencies are met, rather than on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease term.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
	We assess the probability of collecting substantially all rents under our leases based on several factors, including, among other things, payment history, the financial strength of the tenant and any guarantors, the historical operations and operating trends of the property, the historical payment pattern of the tenant, the type of property, the value of the underlying collateral, if any, expected future performance of the property and current economic conditions. If our evaluation of these factors indicates it is not probable that we will be able to collect substantially all rents, we recognize a charge to rental income. If we change our conclusions regarding the probability of collecting rent payments required by a lease, we may recognize adjustments to rental income in the period we make such change in our conclusions.
Senior Living Operations
Our resident agreements are accounted for as leases and we recognize resident fees and services, other than move-in fees, monthly as services are provided. We recognize move-in fees on a straight-line basis over the average resident stay.
Other
We recognize interest income from loans and investments, including discounts and premiums, using the effective interest method when collectability is reasonably assured. We apply the effective interest method on a loan-by-loan basis and recognize discounts and premiums as yield adjustments over the related loan term. We recognize interest income on an impaired loan to the extent our estimate of the fair value of the collateral is sufficient to support the balance of the loan, other receivables and all related accrued interest. When the balance of the loan, other receivables and all related accrued interest is equal to or less than our estimate of the fair value of the collateral, we recognize interest income on a cash basis. We provide a reserve against an impaired loan to the extent our total investment in the loan exceeds our estimate of the fair value of the loan collateral.
Stock-Based Compensation
We recognize share-based payments to employees and directors, including grants of stock options and restricted stock, included in general, administrative and professional fees in our Consolidated Statements of Income generally on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period based on the grant date fair value of the award.
Gain on Sale of Assets
On January 1, 2018, we adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 610-20, Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets (“ASC 610-20”). In accordance with ASC 610-20, we recognize any gains when we transfer control of a property and when it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the related consideration. We adopted ASC 610-20 using the modified retrospective method and recognized a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $31.2 million relating to deferred gains on sales of real estate assets in 2015.
Federal Income Tax
We have elected to be treated as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), for every year beginning with the year ended December 31, 1999. Accordingly, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on net income that we distribute to our stockholders, provided that we continue to qualify as a REIT. However, with respect to certain of our subsidiaries that have elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS” or “TRS entities”), we record income tax expense or benefit, as those entities are subject to federal income tax similar to regular corporations. Certain foreign subsidiaries are subject to foreign income tax, although they did not elect to be treated as TRSs.
We account for deferred income taxes using the asset and liability method and recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in our financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Any increase or decrease in the deferred tax liability that results from a change in circumstances, and that causes us to change our judgment about expected future tax consequences of events, is included in the tax provision when such changes occur. Deferred income taxes also reflect the impact of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Any increase or decrease in the valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances, and that causes us to change our judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset, is included in the tax provision when such changes occur.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. We recognize interest and penalties, if applicable, related to uncertain tax positions as part of income tax benefit or expense.
Foreign Currency
Certain of our subsidiaries’ functional currencies are the local currencies of their respective foreign jurisdictions. We translate the results of operations of our foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars using average rates of exchange in effect during the period, and we translate balance sheet accounts using exchange rates in effect at the end of the period. We record resulting currency translation adjustments in accumulated other comprehensive income, a component of stockholders’ equity, on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and we record foreign currency transaction gains and losses in other expense in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We recognize any noncontrolling interests’ proportionate share of currency translation adjustments of our foreign consolidated joint ventures in noncontrolling interests on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Segment Reporting
As of December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we operated through three reportable business segments: triple-net leased properties, senior living operations and office operations. Under our triple-net leased properties segment, we invest in and own seniors housing and healthcare properties throughout the United States and the United Kingdom and lease those properties to healthcare operating companies under “triple-net” or “absolute-net” leases that obligate the tenants to pay all property-related expenses. In our senior living operations segment, we invest in seniors housing communities throughout the United States and Canada and engage independent operators, such as Atria and Sunrise, to manage those communities. In our office operations segment, we primarily acquire, own, develop, lease and manage MOBs and research and innovation centers throughout the United States. See “NOTE 19-SEGMENT INFORMATION.”
Recently Issued or Adopted Accounting Standards
We adopted ASC Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”) on January 1, 2019, which introduced a lessee model that brings most leases on the balance sheet and, among other changes, eliminates the requirement in current GAAP for an entity to use bright-line tests in determining lease classification.
ASC 842 allows for several practical expedients which permit the following: no reassessment of lease classification or initial direct costs; use of the standard’s effective date as the date of initial application; and no separation of non-lease components from the related lease components and, instead, to account for those components as a single lease component if certain criteria are met. We elected these practical expedients using the effective date as our date of initial application. Therefore, financial information and disclosures under ASC 842 are not provided for periods prior to January 1, 2019.
Upon adoption, we recognized both right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases in which we lease land, real property or other equipment. We now also report revenues and expenses within our triple-net leased properties reportable business segment for real estate taxes and insurance that are escrowed and obligations of the tenants in accordance with their respective leases with us. This reporting had no impact on our net income. Resident leases within our senior living operations reportable business segment and office leases also contain service elements. We elected the practical expedient to account for our resident and office leases as a single lease component. Also, we now expense certain leasing costs, other than leasing commissions, as they are incurred. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, GAAP provided for the deferral and amortization of such costs over the applicable lease term. We are continuing to amortize any unamortized deferred lease costs as of December 31, 2018 over their respective lease terms.
As of January 1, 2019 we recognized operating lease assets of $361.7 million on our Consolidated Balance Sheets which includes the present value of minimum lease payments as well as certain existing above and/or below market lease intangible values associated with such leases. Also upon adoption, we recognized operating lease liabilities of $216.9 million on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The present value of minimum lease payments was calculated on each lease using a discount rate that approximates our incremental borrowing rate primarily adjusted for the length of the individual lease terms. As of the January 1, 2019 adoption date, we utilized discount rates ranging from 6.15% to 7.60% for our ground leases.
Upon adoption, we recognized a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings of $0.6 million primarily relating to certain costs associated with unexecuted leases that were deferred as of December 31, 2018.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (“ASU 2016-13”). The amendments in ASU 2016-13 require an entity to evaluate a current estimate of all expected credit losses over the life of a financial instrument, which may result in earlier recognition of credit losses on loans and other financial instruments. Under existing guidance, an entity generally only considered past events and current conditions in measuring an incurred loss. ASU 2016-13 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2020 and we are still evaluating the impact of adoption. Adoption of this standard is not expected to have a significant impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
Reclassifications
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
NOTE 3-CONCENTRATION OF CREDIT RISK
As of December 31, 2019, Atria, Sunrise, Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred managed or operated approximately 20.4%, 10.3%, 7.7%, 4.7% and 1.0%, respectively, of our consolidated real estate investments based on gross book value (excluding properties classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019). Because Atria and Sunrise manage our properties in exchange for the receipt of a management fee from us, we are not directly exposed to the credit risk of our managers in the same manner or to the same extent as our triple-net tenants.
Based on gross book value, approximately 18.8% and 43.4% of our consolidated real estate investments were seniors housing communities included in the triple-net leased properties and senior living operations reportable business segments, respectively (excluding properties classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019). MOBs, research and innovation centers, IRFs and LTACs, health systems, skilled nursing facilities (“SNFs”) and secured loans receivable and investments collectively comprised the remaining 37.8%. Our consolidated properties were located in 45 states, the District of Columbia, seven Canadian provinces and the United Kingdom as of December 31, 2019, with properties in one state (California) accounting for more than 10% of our total continuing revenues and net operating income (“NOI,” which is defined as total revenues, excluding interest and other income, less property-level operating expenses and office building services costs) for each of the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Triple-Net Leased Properties
The following table reflects the concentration risk related to our triple-net leased properties for the periods presented:
(1)
Total revenues include office building and other services revenue, income from loans and investments and interest and other income.
(2)
2018 results include the impact of a net non-cash charge of $21.3 million related to April 2018 lease extensions.
(3)
2017 results include amounts related to 36 SNFs that were sold during 2017.
Each of our leases with Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred is a triple-net lease that obligates the tenant to pay all property-related expenses, including maintenance, utilities, repairs, taxes, insurance and capital expenditures, and to comply with the terms of the mortgage financing documents, if any, affecting the properties. In addition, each of our Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred leases has a corporate guaranty.
The properties we lease to Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred accounted for a significant portion of our triple-net leased properties segment revenues and NOI for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017. If Brookdale
Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred becomes unable or unwilling to satisfy its obligations to us or to renew its leases with us upon expiration of the terms thereof, our financial condition and results of operations could decline, and our ability to service our indebtedness and to make distributions to our stockholders could be impaired. We cannot assure you that Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred will have sufficient assets, income and access to financing to enable them to satisfy their respective obligations to us, and any failure, inability or unwillingness by Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent or Kindred to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity, our ability to service our indebtedness and other obligations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders, as required for us to continue to qualify as a REIT (a “Material Adverse Effect”). We also cannot assure you that Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent and Kindred will elect to renew their respective leases with us upon expiration of the leases or that we will be able to reposition any non-renewed properties on a timely basis or on the same or better economic terms, if at all.
In April 2018, we entered into various agreements with Brookdale Senior Living that provide for, among other things: (a) a consolidation of substantially all of our multiple lease agreements with Brookdale Senior Living into one master lease; (b) extension of the term for substantially all of our Brookdale Senior Living leased properties until December 31, 2025, with Brookdale Senior Living retaining two successive 10 year renewal options; and (c) the guarantee of all the Brookdale Senior Living obligations to us by Brookdale Senior Living Inc., including covenant protections for us. In connection with these agreements, we recognized a net non-cash expense of $21.3 million for the acceleration of straight-line rent receivables, net unamortized market lease intangibles and deferred revenues, which is included in triple-net leased rental income in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We also received a fee of $2.5 million that is being amortized over the new lease term.
In July 2018, Kindred closed transactions (the “Go Private Transactions”) pursuant to which (a) Kindred would be acquired by a consortium of TPG Capital (“TPG”), Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe (“WCAS”) and Humana, Inc. and (b) immediately following the acquisition, (i) Kindred’s home health, hospice and community care businesses would be separated from Kindred and operated as a standalone company owned by Humana, Inc., TPG and WCAS, and (ii) Kindred would be operated as a separate healthcare company owned by TPG and WCAS. In connection with the closing of the transactions, we received a payment from Kindred of $12.3 million, which was recognized in interest and other income in our Consolidated Statements of Income during the third quarter of 2018.
The following table sets forth the future contracted minimum rentals, excluding contingent rent escalations, but including straight-line rent adjustments and reserves where applicable, for all of our consolidated triple-net and office building leases as of December 31, 2019 (excluding properties classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019):
Senior Living Operations
As of December 31, 2019, Atria and Sunrise, collectively, provided comprehensive property management and accounting services with respect to 260 of our 401 consolidated seniors housing communities, for which we pay annual management fees pursuant to long-term management agreements.
We rely on our managers’ personnel, expertise, technical resources and information systems, proprietary information, good faith and judgment to manage our senior living operations efficiently and effectively. We also rely on our managers to set appropriate resident fees and otherwise operate our seniors housing communities in compliance with the terms of our management agreements and all applicable laws and regulations. Although we have various rights as the property owner under our management agreements, including various rights to terminate and exercise remedies under the agreements as provided therein, Atria’s or Sunrise’s failure, inability or unwillingness to satisfy its respective obligations under those agreements, to efficiently and effectively manage our properties or to provide timely and accurate accounting information with respect thereto could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. In addition, significant changes in Atria’s or Sunrise’s senior management or
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
equity ownership or any adverse developments in their businesses or financial condition could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Brookdale Senior Living, Kindred, Atria, Sunrise and Ardent Information
Brookdale Senior Living is subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and is required to file with the SEC annual reports containing audited financial information and quarterly reports containing unaudited financial information. Kindred is not currently subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC, but was subject to such reporting requirements prior to the closing of the Go Private Transactions in July 2018. The information related to Brookdale Senior Living and Kindred contained or referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been derived from SEC filings made by Brookdale Senior Living or Kindred, as the case may be, or other publicly available information, or was provided to us by Brookdale Senior Living or Kindred, and we have not verified this information through an independent investigation or otherwise. We have no reason to believe that this information is inaccurate in any material respect, but we cannot assure you of its accuracy. We are providing this data for informational purposes only, and you are encouraged to obtain Brookdale Senior Living’s and Kindred’s publicly available filings, which can be found at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.
Kindred, Atria, Sunrise and Ardent are not currently subject to the reporting requirements of the SEC. The information related to Kindred, Atria, Sunrise and Ardent contained or referred to in this Annual Report on Form 10-K has been derived from publicly available information or was provided to us by Kindred, Atria, Sunrise or Ardent, as the case may be, and we have not verified this information through an independent investigation or otherwise. We have no reason to believe that this information is inaccurate in any material respect, but we cannot assure you of its accuracy.
NOTE 4-ACQUISITIONS OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY
The following summarizes our acquisition and development activities during 2019, 2018 and 2017. We acquire and invest in seniors housing, research and innovation and healthcare properties primarily to achieve an expected yield on our investment, to grow and diversify our portfolio and revenue base, and to reduce our dependence on any single tenant, operator or manager, geographic location, asset type, business model or revenue source.
2019 Acquisitions
In September 2019, we acquired an 87% interest in 34 Canadian seniors housing communities (including five in-process developments) valued at $1.8 billion through an equity partnership (the “LGM Acquisition”) with Le Groupe Maurice (“LGM”). The portfolio continues to be managed by LGM. We also have rights to fund and own all additional developments under an exclusive pipeline agreement with LGM.
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we also acquired two properties reported within our office operations reportable business segment (one research and innovation center and one MOB), two seniors housing communities reported within our senior living operations reportable business segment and one vacant land parcel for an aggregate purchase price of $237.0 million.
Each of our 2019 acquisitions was accounted for as an asset acquisition.
2018 Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we acquired five properties reported within our office operations reportable business segment (four MOBs and one research and innovation center) and one seniors housing community reported within our senior living operations reportable business segment for an aggregate purchase price of $311.3 million. Each of these acquisitions was accounted for as an asset acquisition.
2017 Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we acquired 15 triple-net leased properties (including six assets previously owned by an equity method investee), four properties reported within our office operations reportable business segment (three research and innovation centers and one MOB) and three seniors housing communities (reported within our senior living operations reportable business segment) for an aggregate purchase price of $691.3 million. Each of these acquisitions was accounted for as an asset acquisition.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 5-DISPOSITIONS
2019 Activity
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold ten triple-net leased properties, eight MOBs, six seniors housing assets and our leasehold interest in one vacant land parcel for aggregate consideration of $147.5 million, and we recognized a gain on the sales of these assets of $26.0 million.
2018 Activity
During 2018, we sold seven seniors housing communities included in our senior living operations reportable business segment, five triple-net leased properties, 11 MOBs and two vacant land parcels for aggregate consideration of $348.6 million. We recognized a gain on the sales of these assets of $46.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.
2017 Activity
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we sold 53 triple-net leased properties, five MOBs and certain vacant land parcels for aggregate consideration of $870.8 million, and we recognized a gain on the sale of these assets of $717.3 million.
Assets Held for Sale
The table below summarizes our real estate assets classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, including the amounts reported within other assets and accounts payable and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets:
(1)
Balances relate to anticipated post-closing settlements of working capital.
In March 2018, five MOBs no longer met the criteria as being classified as held for sale. As a result, we adjusted the carrying amount of these assets by recognizing depreciation expense of $5.7 million and classified these assets within net real estate investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets for all periods presented.
Real Estate Impairment
We recognized impairments of $133.6 million, $29.5 million and $32.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 respectively, which are recorded primarily as a component of depreciation and amortization in our Consolidated Statements of Income. Our recorded impairments were primarily the result of a change in our intent to hold the impaired assets. In most cases, we recognized an impairment in the periods in which our change in intent was made.
Additionally, we recognized impairments of $52.5 million and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as a result of natural disasters which are recorded as a component of other in our Consolidated Statements of Income. There were no impairments recorded as a result of natural disasters for the year ended December 31, 2019. We believe there is insurance coverage to mitigate these events. However, there can be no assurance regarding the amount or timing of any future recoveries. Such recoveries will be recognized when collection is deemed probable.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 6-LOANS RECEIVABLE AND INVESTMENTS
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, we had $1.0 billion and $756.5 million, respectively, of net loans receivable and investments relating to seniors housing and healthcare operators or properties. The following is a summary of our loans receivable and investments, net, including amortized cost, fair value and unrealized gains or losses on available for sale investments:
(1)
As of December 31, 2019, investments in government-sponsored pool loans have contractual maturity dates in 2021 and 2023.
(2)
As of December 31, 2019, investments in marketable debt securities have contractual maturity dates in 2024 and 2026.
(3)
As of December 31, 2018, investments in government-sponsored pooled loans have contractual maturity dates in 2023.
(4)
As of December 31, 2018, investments in marketable debt securities have contractual maturity dates in 2026.
2019 Activity
In April 2019, we purchased $5.0 million and $10.5 million of senior secured notes issued by a healthcare company which mature in 2024 and 2026, respectively. The 2024 and 2026 notes were purchased at a price of 102% and 98% of par, respectively, and have an effective interest rate of 8.1% and 8.3%, respectively. These marketable debt securities are classified as available for sale and are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.
In June 2019, we provided new secured debt financing of $490 million to certain subsidiaries of Colony Capital, Inc. The London Inter-bank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) based debt financing has a five-year term (inclusive of three one-year extension options). In connection with this transaction, our previous secured loan to certain subsidiaries of Colony Capital, Inc. of $282 million was paid in full and we recognized a gain of $0.5 million in income from loans and investments in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
In July 2019, we closed the first phase of the LGM Acquisition by funding C$947 million (US $723 million) to LGM as a bridge loan to enable LGM to buy out its former partner. The bridge loan and all outstanding interest was fully repaid in September 2019 upon the closing of the LGM Acquisition. See “NOTE 4-ACQUISITIONS OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY.”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
2018 Activity
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we received aggregate proceeds of $862.9 million for the full repayment of the principal balances of 14 loans receivable with a weighted average interest rate of 9.1% that were due to mature between 2018 and 2033, which resulted in total gains of $27.8 million.
Included in the repayments above is $713 million that we received in June 2018 for the full repayment of the principal balance of a $700.0 million term loan and $13.0 million then outstanding on a revolving line of credit we made to a subsidiary of Ardent. We also received a $14.0 million cash pre-payment fee and accelerated recognition of the unamortized portion ($13.2 million) of a previously received cash “upfront” fee for the loans, resulting in income of $27.2 million, which is recorded in income from loans and investments in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
In June 2018, we also made a $200.0 million investment in senior unsecured notes issued by a subsidiary of Ardent at a price of 98.6% of par value. The notes have an effective interest rate of 10.0% and mature in 2026. These marketable debt securities are classified as available for sale and are reflected on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value.
There was no impact on our 9.8% equity investment in Ardent as a result of these transactions.
NOTE 7-INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED ENTITIES
We report investments in unconsolidated entities over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence under the equity method of accounting. We are not required to consolidate these entities because our joint venture partners have significant participating rights, nor are these entities considered VIEs, as they are controlled by equity holders with sufficient capital. We account for our interests in real estate joint ventures, as well as our 34% interest in Atria, 34% interest in Eclipse Senior Living (“ESL”) and 9.8% interest in Ardent, which are included within other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, under the equity method of accounting.
We provide various services to our unconsolidated real estate joint venture entities in exchange for fees and reimbursements. Total management fees earned in connection with these entities were $3.4 million, $5.8 million and $6.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, which is included in office building and other services revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
In March 2018, we recognized an impairment charge of $35.7 million relating to one of our equity investments in an unconsolidated real estate joint venture consisting principally of SNFs, which is recorded in loss from unconsolidated entities in our Consolidated Statements of Income. We completed the sale of our 25% interest to our joint venture partner in July 2018 and received $57.5 million at closing.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 8-INTANGIBLES
The following is a summary of our intangibles:
N/A-Not Applicable
Above market lease intangibles and in-place and other lease intangibles are included in acquired lease intangibles within real estate investments on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Other intangibles (including non-compete agreements, trade names and trademarks) are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Below market lease intangibles, other lease intangibles and purchase option intangibles are included in accounts payable and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. The change in other lease intangible assets and liabilities is due to the presentation of ground lease intangibles within operating lease assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets beginning January 1, 2019. See “NOTE 2-ACCOUNTING POLICIES.” For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, our net amortization related to these intangibles was $59.2 million, $49.2 million and $67.2 million, respectively. The following is a summary of the estimated net amortization related to these intangibles for each of the next five years:
The table below reflects the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, as of December 31, 2019:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 9-OTHER ASSETS
The following is a summary of our other assets:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 10-SENIOR NOTES PAYABLE AND OTHER DEBT
The following is a summary of our senior notes payable and other debt:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(1)
As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, $26.2 million and $23.1 million of aggregate borrowings were denominated in Canadian dollars. Aggregate borrowings of $27.6 million and $27.8 million were denominated in British pounds as of December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
(2)
Canadian Dollar debt obligations shown in US Dollars.
Credit Facilities, Commercial Paper and Unsecured Term Loans
Our unsecured credit facility is comprised of a $3.0 billion unsecured revolving credit facility priced at LIBOR plus 0.875%, as of December 31, 2019. The unsecured revolving credit facility matures in 2021, but may be extended at our option subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions for two additional periods of six months each. The unsecured revolving credit facility also includes an accordion feature that permits us to increase our aggregate borrowing capacity thereunder to up to $3.75 billion.
Our unsecured credit facility imposes certain customary restrictions on us, including restrictions pertaining to: (i) liens; (ii) investments; (iii) the incurrence of additional indebtedness; (iv) mergers and dissolutions; (v) certain dividend, distribution and other payments; (vi) permitted businesses; (vii) transactions with affiliates; (viii) agreements limiting certain liens; and (ix) the maintenance of certain consolidated total leverage, secured debt leverage, unsecured debt leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios and minimum consolidated adjusted net worth, and contains customary events of default.
In January 2019, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership (“Ventas Realty”), established an unsecured commercial paper program. Under the terms of the program, we may issue from time to time unsecured commercial paper notes up to a maximum aggregate amount outstanding at any time of $1.0 billion. The notes are sold under customary terms in the United States commercial paper note market and are ranked pari passu with all of Ventas Realty’s other unsecured senior indebtedness. The notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Ventas, Inc. As of December 31, 2019, $567.5 million was outstanding under our commercial paper program.
As of December 31, 2019, $120.8 million was outstanding under the unsecured revolving credit facility with an additional $24.0 million restricted to support outstanding letters of credit. In addition, we limit our utilization of the unsecured revolving credit facility in order to maintain liquidity and to support our commercial paper program. Including these internal limits, we had $2.3 billion in available liquidity under the unsecured revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2019.
In June 2019, we repaid $100.0 million of the balance outstanding on the $300.0 million unsecured term loan that matures in 2023 and repaid in full the $600.0 million unsecured term loan that was set to mature in 2024 and, as a result, we recognized a non-cash charge to loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.2 million during the second quarter of 2019. We originally entered into this $900.0 million unsecured term loan facility in June 2018, which replaced and repaid in full our previous $900.0 million unsecured term loan due 2020.
As of December 31, 2019, we had a $200.0 million unsecured term loan priced at LIBOR plus 0.90% that matures in 2023. The term loan also includes an accordion feature that effectively permits us to increase our aggregate borrowings thereunder to up to $800.0 million.
As of December 31, 2019, we had a $400.0 million secured revolving construction credit facility with $160.5 million of borrowings outstanding. The secured revolving construction credit facility matures in 2022 and is primarily used to finance the development of research and innovation centers and other construction projects.
In September 2019, we entered into a new C$500 million unsecured term loan facility priced at Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR”) plus 0.90% that matures in 2025.
Senior Notes
As of December 31, 2019, we had outstanding $7.5 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by Ventas Realty ($500.0 million of which was co-issued by Ventas Realty’s wholly owned subsidiary, Ventas Capital Corporation), approximately $75.2 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (“NHP”) and assumed by our subsidiary, Nationwide Health Properties, LLC (“NHP LLC”), as successor to NHP, in connection with our acquisition of NHP, and C$1.7 billion aggregate principal amount of senior notes issued by our subsidiary, Ventas Canada Finance Limited (“Ventas Canada”). All of the senior notes issued by Ventas Realty and Ventas Canada are unconditionally guaranteed by Ventas, Inc.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Ventas Realty’s senior notes are part of our and Ventas Realty’s general unsecured obligations, ranking equal in right of payment with all of our and Ventas Realty’s existing and future senior obligations and ranking senior in right of payment to all of our and Ventas Realty’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness. However, Ventas Realty’s senior notes are effectively subordinated to our and Ventas Realty’s secured indebtedness, if any, to the extent of the value of the assets securing that indebtedness. Ventas Realty’s senior notes are also structurally subordinated to the preferred equity and indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, of our subsidiaries (other than Ventas Realty and, with respect to those senior notes co-issued by Ventas Capital Corporation, Ventas Capital Corporation).
Ventas Canada’s senior notes are part of our and Ventas Canada’s general unsecured obligations, ranking equal in right of payment with all of Ventas Canada’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness. However, Ventas Canada’s senior notes are effectively subordinated to our and Ventas Canada’s secured indebtedness, if any, to the extent of the value of the assets securing that indebtedness. Ventas Canada’s senior notes are also structurally subordinated to the preferred equity and indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, of our subsidiaries (other than Ventas Canada).
NHP LLC’s senior notes are part of NHP LLC’s general unsecured obligations, ranking equal in right of payment with all of NHP LLC’s existing and future senior obligations and ranking senior to all of NHP LLC’s existing and future subordinated indebtedness. However, NHP LLC’s senior notes are effectively subordinated to NHP LLC’s secured indebtedness, if any, to the extent of the value of the assets securing that indebtedness. NHP LLC’s senior notes are also structurally subordinated to the preferred equity and indebtedness, whether secured or unsecured, of its subsidiaries.
Ventas Realty and Ventas Canada may redeem each series of their respective senior notes in whole at any time or in part from time to time, prior to maturity at the redemption prices set forth in the applicable indenture (which include, in many instances, a make-whole premium), plus, in each case, accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the redemption date.
NHP LLC’s 6.90% senior notes due 2037 are subject to repurchase at the option of the holders, at par, on October 1, 2027, and its 6.59% senior notes due 2038 are subject to repurchase at the option of the holders, at par, on July 7 in each of 2023 and 2028.
2019 Activity
In January 2019, we redeemed $258.8 million aggregate principal amount then outstanding of our 5.45% senior notes due 2043 at a public offering price at par, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date. Notice of the redemption was given in November 2018 and, as a result, we recognized a non-cash charge to loss on extinguishment of debt of $7.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2018 and $0.4 million during the first quarter of 2019.
In February 2019, Ventas Realty issued and sold $400.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.50% senior notes due 2024 at a public offering price equal to 99.88% of par and $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.875% senior notes due 2049 at a public offering price equal to 99.77% of par.
In June 2019, Ventas Realty issued $450.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2.65% senior notes due 2025 at a public offering price equal to 99.45% of par. The notes were settled and proceeds were received in July 2019.
In July 2019, in connection with an announced cash tender offer for such notes, we tendered $397.1 million principal amount then outstanding of our 2.70% senior notes due 2020 for a tender offer consideration of 100.37% of par value, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the payment date. In August 2019, we repaid the remaining balance then outstanding of our 2.70% senior notes due 2020 of $102.9 million. As a result of the redemption and repayment, we recognized a total loss on extinguishment of debt of $2.4 million.
In August 2019, Ventas Realty issued and sold $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.00% senior notes due 2030 at a public offering price equal to 99.51% of par.
In August 2019, in connection with an announced cash tender offer for such notes, we tendered $395.7 million principal amount then outstanding of our 4.25% senior notes due 2022 for a tender offer consideration of 105.46% of par value, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the payment date. In September 2019, we repaid the remaining balance then outstanding of our 4.25% senior notes due 2022 of $204.3 million. As a result of the redemption and repayment, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $35.9 million.
In September 2019, we repaid in full, at par, C$400.0 million principal amount then outstanding of our 3.00% senior notes, Series A due 2019 upon maturity.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
In November 2019, Ventas Canada issued and sold C$600 million aggregate principal amount of 2.80% senior notes, Series E due 2024 and C$300 million aggregate principal amount of floating rate senior notes, Series F due 2021, at a public offering price equal to 99.99% and 100.00%, respectively, of par.
2018 Activity
In February 2018, we repaid in full, at par, $700.0 million aggregate principal amount then outstanding of our 2.00% senior notes due February 2018 upon maturity.
In February 2018, Ventas Realty issued and sold $650.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.00% senior notes due 2028 at a public offering price equal to 99.23% of par.
In February 2018, we redeemed $502.1 million aggregate principal amount then outstanding of our 4.00% senior notes due April 2019 at a public offering price of 101.83% of par, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, and recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $11.0 million. The redemption was funded using cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility. In April 2018, we repaid the remaining balance then outstanding of our 4.00% senior notes due April 2019 of $97.9 million and recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.8 million.
In August 2018, Ventas Realty issued and sold $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.40% senior notes due 2029 at a public offering price equal to 99.95% of par.
In August 2018, we redeemed $549.5 million aggregate principal amount then outstanding of our 4.75% senior notes due 2021 at a public offering price of 104.56% of par, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, and recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $28.3 million. The redemption was funded using proceeds from our August 2018 senior note issuance, cash on hand and borrowings under our unsecured revolving credit facility. In September 2018, we repaid the remaining balance then outstanding of our 4.75% senior notes due 2021 of $150.5 million and recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $7.6 million.
Mortgages
At December 31, 2019, we had 89 mortgage loans outstanding in the aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion and secured by 84 of our properties. Of these loans, 67 loans in the aggregate principal amount of $1.3 billion bear interest at fixed rates ranging from 2.0% to 13.0% per annum, and 22 loans in the aggregate principal amount of $671.1 million bear interest at variable rates ranging from 1.2% to 4.4% per annum as of December 31, 2019. At December 31, 2019, the weighted average annual rate on our fixed rate mortgage loans was 3.7%, and the weighted average annual rate on our variable rate mortgage loans was 3.4%. Our mortgage loans had a weighted average maturity of 4.2 years as of December 31, 2019.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we repaid in full mortgage loans in the aggregate principal amount of $97.7 million and $485.7 million, respectively.
In September 2019, we assumed C$1.2 billion mortgage debt (included in the $2.0 billion above), including a fair value premium of C$16.6 million, in connection with the LGM Acquisition. See “NOTE 4-ACQUISITIONS OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY.”
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Scheduled Maturities of Borrowing Arrangements and Other Provisions
The following summarizes the maturities of our senior notes payable and other debt as of December 31, 2019:
(1)
As of December 31, 2019, we had $581.9 million of borrowings outstanding under our unsecured revolving credit facility and commercial paper program, net of $106.4 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.
The instruments governing our outstanding indebtedness contain covenants that limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur debt; (ii) make certain dividends, distributions and investments; (iii) enter into certain transactions; and/or (iv) merge, consolidate or sell certain assets. Ventas Realty’s and Ventas Canada’s senior notes also require us and our subsidiaries to maintain total unencumbered assets of at least 150% of our unsecured debt. Our credit facilities also require us to maintain certain financial covenants pertaining to, among other things, our consolidated total leverage, secured debt, unsecured debt, fixed charge coverage and net worth.
As of December 31, 2019, we were in compliance with all of these covenants.
Derivatives and Hedging
In the normal course of our business, interest rate fluctuations affect future cash flows under our variable rate debt obligations, loans receivable and marketable debt securities, and foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations affect our operating results. We follow established risk management policies and procedures, including the use of derivative instruments, to mitigate the impact of these risks.
We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes, and we have a policy of entering into contracts only with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors. When considered together with the underlying exposure that the derivative is designed to hedge, we do not expect that the use of derivatives in this manner would have any material adverse effect on our future financial condition or results of operations.
As of December 31, 2019, our variable rate debt obligations of $2.0 billion reflect, in part, the effect of $147.8 million notional amount of interest rate swaps with maturities ranging from March 2022 to May 2022 that effectively convert fixed rate debt to variable rate debt. As of December 31, 2019, our fixed rate debt obligations of $10.3 billion reflect, in part, the effect of $505.1 million and C$119.8 million notional amount of interest rate swaps with maturities ranging from August 2020 to December 2029, in each case that effectively convert variable rate debt to fixed rate debt.
NOTE 11-FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amounts and fair values of our financial instruments were as follows:
For a discussion of the assumptions considered, refer to “NOTE 2-ACCOUNTING POLICIES.” The use of different market assumptions and estimation methodologies may have a material effect on the reported estimated fair value amounts. Accordingly, the estimates presented above are not necessarily indicative of the amounts we would realize in a current market exchange.
NOTE 12-STOCK- BASED COMPENSATION
Compensation Plans
We currently have: four plans under which outstanding options to purchase common stock, shares of restricted stock or restricted stock units have been, or may in the future be, granted to our officers, employees and non-employee directors (the 2000 Incentive Compensation Plan (Employee Plan), the 2006 Incentive Plan, the 2006 Stock Plan for Directors, and the 2012 Incentive Plan); one plan under which executive officers may receive common stock in lieu of compensation (the Executive Deferred Stock Compensation Plan); and one plan under which certain non-employee directors have received or may receive common stock in lieu of director fees (the Nonemployee Directors’ Deferred Stock Compensation Plan). These plans are referred to collectively as the “Plans.”
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we were permitted to issue shares and grant options, restricted stock and restricted stock units only under the Executive Deferred Stock Compensation Plan, the Nonemployee Directors’ Deferred Stock Compensation Plan and the 2012 Incentive Plan. The 2006 Incentive Plan and the 2006 Stock Plan for Directors (collectively, the “2006 Plans”) expired on December 31, 2012, and no additional grants were permitted under those Plans after that date.
The number of shares initially reserved for issuance and the number of shares available for future grants or issuance under these Plans as of December 31, 2019 were as follows:
•
Executive Deferred Stock Compensation Plan-0.6 million shares were reserved initially for issuance to our executive officers in lieu of the payment of all or a portion of their salary, at their option, and 0.6 million shares were available for future issuance as of December 31, 2019.
•
Nonemployee Directors’ Deferred Stock Compensation Plan-0.6 million shares were reserved initially for issuance to nonemployee directors in lieu of the payment of all or a portion of their retainer and meeting fees, at their option, and 0.4 million shares were available for future issuance as of December 31, 2019.
•
2012 Incentive Plan-10.5 million shares (plus the number of shares or options outstanding under the 2006 Plans as of December 31, 2012 that were or are subsequently forfeited or expire unexercised) were reserved initially for
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
grants or issuance to employees and non-employee directors, and 3.0 million shares (plus the number of shares or options outstanding under the 2006 Plans as of December 31, 2019 that were or are subsequently forfeited or expire unexercised) were available for future issuance as of December 31, 2019.
Outstanding options issued under the Plans are exercisable at the market price on the date of grant, expire ten years from the date of grant, and vest or have vested over periods of two or three years. If provided in the applicable Plan or award agreement, the vesting of stock options may accelerate upon a change of control (as defined in the applicable Plan) of Ventas, Inc. and other specified events.
Stock Options
The following is a summary of stock option activity in 2019:
Compensation costs for all share-based awards are based on the grant date fair value and are recognized on a straight-line basis during the requisite service periods, with charges recorded in general, administrative and professional fees. Compensation costs related to stock options for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $0.3 million, $2.6 million and $4.8 million, respectively.
Aggregate proceeds received from options exercised under the Plans for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were $36.1 million, $8.8 million and $16.3 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value at exercise of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $12.3 million, $3.1 million and $7.0 million, respectively. There was no deferred income tax benefit for stock options exercised.
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units
We recognize the fair value of shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units on the grant date of the award as stock-based compensation expense over the requisite service period, with charges to general, administrative and professional fees of $33.6 million, $27.3 million and $21.7 million in 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Restricted stock and restricted stock units generally vest over periods ranging from two to five years. If provided in the applicable Plan or award agreement, the vesting of restricted stock and restricted stock units may accelerate upon a change of control (as defined in the applicable Plan) of Ventas and other specified events.
A summary of the status of our non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units, including performance-based awards, as of December 31, 2019, and changes during the year ended December 31, 2019 follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
As of December 31, 2019, we had $15.1 million of unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock and restricted stock units under the Plans. We expect to recognize that cost over a weighted average period of 1.66 years. The total fair value at the vesting date for restricted stock and restricted stock units that vested during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $31.6 million, $15.5 million and $16.6 million, respectively.
Employee and Director Stock Purchase Plan
We have in effect an Employee and Director Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) under which our employees and directors may purchase shares of our common stock at a discount. Pursuant to the terms of the ESPP, on each purchase date, participants may purchase shares of common stock at a price not less than 90% of the market price on that date (with respect to the employee tax-favored portion of the plan) and not less than 95% of the market price on that date (with respect to the additional employee and director portion of the plan). We initially reserved 3.0 million shares for issuance under the ESPP. As of December 31, 2019, 0.1 million shares had been purchased under the ESPP and 2.9 million shares were available for future issuance.
Employee Benefit Plan
We maintain a 401(k) plan that allows eligible employees to defer compensation subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code. In 2019, we made contributions for each qualifying employee of up to 3.5% of his or her salary, subject to certain limitations. During 2019, 2018 and 2017, our aggregate contributions were approximately $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $1.4 million, respectively.
NOTE 13-INCOME TAXES
We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under the applicable provisions of the Code, as amended, for every year beginning with the year ended December 31, 1999. We have also elected for certain of our subsidiaries to be treated as TRS entities, which are subject to federal, state and foreign income taxes. All entities other than the TRS entities are collectively referred to as the “REIT” within this note. Certain REIT entities are subject to foreign income tax.
Although we intend to continue to operate in a manner that will enable us to qualify as a REIT, such qualification depends upon our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, various distribution, stock ownership and other tests. Our tax treatment of distributions per common share was as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
We believe we have met the annual REIT distribution requirement by payment of at least 90% of our estimated taxable income for 2019, 2018 and 2017. Our consolidated benefit for income taxes was as follows:
The 2019 income tax benefit is primarily due to the $57.7 million reversal of valuation allowances recorded against the net deferred tax assets of certain of our TRS entities. During the second quarter of 2019, we concluded it was “more-likely than-not” that these deferred tax assets (primarily US federal NOL carryforwards which begin to expire in 2031) would be realized. This conclusion was based on recently sustained profitability and recent upward revisions to estimates of future taxable income for these TRS entities. The 2018 income tax benefit is primarily due to the reversal of a $23.2 million valuation allowance on deferred interest carryforwards and tax losses of certain TRS entities. The $23.2 million valuation allowance reversal was an adjustment to the provisional amount recorded in the prior year related to enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the “2017 Tax Act”) and was made based upon additional guidance issued by the IRS subsequent to enactment of the 2017 Tax Act. The 2017 income tax benefit is primarily due to accounting for the 2017 Tax Act, specifically a $64.5 million benefit from the reduced U.S. federal corporate tax rate on net deferred tax liabilities and an offsetting expense of $23.3 million to establish the valuation allowance on deferred interest carryforwards (subsequently reversed in 2018), losses of certain TRS entities and the release of a tax reserve.
Although the TRS entities and certain other foreign entities have paid minimal cash federal, state and foreign income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2019, their income tax liabilities may increase in future years as we exhaust net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards and as our senior living and other operations grow. Such increases could be significant.
A reconciliation of income tax expense and benefit, which is computed by applying the federal corporate tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, to the income tax benefit is as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Each TRS is a tax paying component for purposes of classifying deferred tax assets and liabilities. The tax effects of temporary differences and carryforwards included in the net deferred tax liabilities are summarized as follows:
We established beginning net deferred tax assets and liabilities related to temporary differences between the financial reporting and the tax bases of assets acquired and liabilities assumed (primarily property, intangible and related assets, net of NOL carryforwards) in connection with the following acquisitions:
Our net deferred tax liability decreased $51.9 million during 2019 primarily due to the $57.7 million reversal of valuation allowances recorded against the net deferred tax assets of certain of our TRS entities. Our net deferred tax liability decreased $44.8 million during 2018 primarily due to accounting for IRS guidance issued subsequent to the enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, specifically a $23.2 million benefit for the reversal of a valuation allowance on deferred interest carryforwards, and tax losses of certain TRS entities. Our net deferred tax liability decreased $66.5 million during 2017 primarily due to accounting for the 2017 Tax Act, specifically a $64.5 million benefit from the reduced U.S. federal corporate tax rate on net deferred tax liabilities and an offsetting expense of $23.3 million to establish a provisional adjustment on deferred interest carryforwards, the impact of TRS operating losses, currency translation adjustments, and purchase accounting adjustments.
Due to uncertainty regarding the realization of certain deferred tax assets, we have established valuation allowances, primarily in connection with the NOL carryforwards related to certain TRSs. The amounts related to NOLs at the TRS entities for 2019, 2018 and 2017 are $21.2 million, $55.1 million and $67.1 million, respectively.
We are subject to corporate level taxes (“built-in gains tax”) for any asset dispositions during the five-year period immediately after the assets were owned by a C corporation (either prior to our REIT election, through stock acquisition or merger). The amount of income potentially subject to built-in gains tax is generally equal to the lesser of the excess of the fair value of the asset over its adjusted tax basis as of the date it became a REIT asset or the actual amount of gain. Some, but not all, future gains could be offset by available NOL carryforwards.
At December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the REIT had NOL carryforwards of $858.6 million, $910.7 million and $973.4 million, respectively. Additionally, the REIT has $12.6 million of federal income tax credits that were carried over from acquisitions. These amounts can be used to offset future taxable income (and/or taxable income for prior years if an audit determines that tax is owed), if any. The REIT will be entitled to utilize NOLs and tax credit carryforwards only to the extent that REIT taxable income exceeds our deduction for dividends paid. Certain NOL and credit carryforwards are limited as to their utilization by Section 382 of the Code. The remaining REIT carryforwards begin to expire in 2020.
For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the net difference between tax bases and the reported amount of REIT assets and liabilities for federal income tax purposes was approximately $3.5 billion and $3.8 billion, respectively, less than the book bases of those assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes.
Generally, we are subject to audit under the statute of limitations by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for the year ended December 31, 2016 and subsequent years and are subject to audit by state taxing authorities for the year ended December 31, 2015 and subsequent years. We are subject to audit generally under the statutes of limitation by the Canada
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Revenue Agency and provincial authorities with respect to the Canadian entities for the year ended December 31, 2015 and subsequent years. We are also subject to audit in Canada for periods subsequent to the acquisition, and certain prior periods, with respect to entities acquired in 2014 from Holiday Retirement. We are subject to audit in the United Kingdom generally for the periods ended in and subsequent to 2018.
The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits:
Included in these unrecognized tax benefits of $12.1 million and $12.3 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, were $10.7 million and $10.6 million of tax benefits at December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively, that, if recognized, would reduce our annual effective tax rate. We accrued no interest or penalties related to the unrecognized tax benefits during 2019. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to increase or decrease materially in 2020.
As a part of the transfer pricing structure in the normal course of business, the REIT enters into transactions with certain TRSs, such as leasing transactions, other capital financing and allocation of general and administrative costs, which transactions are intended to comply with Internal Revenue Service and foreign tax authority transfer pricing rules.
Subsequent Event
In the first quarter of 2020, we completed an internal restructuring of certain US taxable REIT subsidiaries. As a result, we expect to record a $152 million tax benefit from the transfer of assets subject to certain deferred tax liabilities from taxable REIT subsidiaries to the REIT in this tax-free transaction.
NOTE 14-COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Proceedings against Tenants, Operators and Managers
From time to time, Atria, Sunrise, Brookdale Senior Living, Ardent, Kindred and our other tenants, operators and managers are parties to certain legal actions, regulatory investigations and claims arising in the conduct of their business and operations. Even though we generally are not party to these proceedings, the unfavorable resolution of any such actions, investigations or claims could, individually or in the aggregate, materially adversely affect such tenants’, operators’ or managers’ liquidity, financial condition or results of operations and their ability to satisfy their respective obligations to us, which, in turn, could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Proceedings Indemnified and Defended by Third Parties
From time to time, we are party to certain legal actions, regulatory investigations and claims for which third parties are contractually obligated to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless. The tenants of our triple-net leased properties and, in some cases, their affiliates are required by the terms of their leases and other agreements with us to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless against certain actions, investigations and claims arising in the course of their business and related to the operations of our triple-net leased properties. In addition, third parties from whom we acquired certain of our assets and, in some cases, their affiliates are required by the terms of the related conveyance documents to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless against certain actions, investigations and claims related to the acquired assets and arising prior to our ownership or related to excluded assets and liabilities. In some cases, a portion of the purchase price consideration is held in escrow for a specified period of time as collateral for these indemnification obligations. We are presently being defended by certain tenants and other obligated third parties in these types of matters. We cannot assure you that our tenants, their affiliates or other obligated third parties will continue to defend us in these matters, that our tenants, their affiliates or other obligated third parties will have sufficient assets, income and access to financing to enable them to satisfy their defense and indemnification obligations to us or that any purchase price consideration held in escrow will be sufficient to satisfy claims for which we are entitled to indemnification. The unfavorable resolution of any such actions, investigations or claims could, individually or in the aggregate, materially
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
adversely affect our tenants’ or other obligated third parties’ liquidity, financial condition or results of operations and their ability to satisfy their respective obligations to us, which, in turn, could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Proceedings Arising in Connection with Senior Living and Office Operations; Other Litigation
From time to time, we are party to various legal actions, regulatory investigations and claims (some of which may not be insured and some of which may allege large damage amounts) arising in connection with our senior living and office operations or otherwise in the course of our business. In limited circumstances, the manager of the applicable seniors housing community, MOB or research and innovation center may be contractually obligated to indemnify, defend and hold us harmless against such actions, investigations and claims. It is the opinion of management that, except as otherwise set forth in this note, that the disposition of any such actions, investigations and claims that are currently pending will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect on us. However, regardless of their merits, we may be forced to expend significant financial resources to defend and resolve these matters. We are unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these actions, investigations and claims, and if management’s assessment of our liability with respect thereto is incorrect, such actions, investigations and claims could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Certain Obligations, Liabilities and Litigation
We may be subject to various obligations, liabilities and litigation assumed in connection with or arising out of our acquisitions or otherwise arising in connection with our business, some of which may be indemnifiable by third parties. If these liabilities are greater than expected or were not known to us at the time of acquisition, if we are not entitled to indemnification, or if the responsible third party fails to indemnify us, such obligations, liabilities and litigation could have a Material Adverse Effect on us. In addition, in connection with the sale or leasing of our properties, we may incur various obligations and liabilities, including indemnification obligations to the buyer or tenant, relating to the operations of those properties, which could have a Material Adverse Effect on us.
Operating Leases
We lease real property, primarily land and corporate office space, and equipment, primarily vehicles at our seniors housing communities. At inception, we establish an operating lease asset and operating lease liability calculated as the present value of future minimum lease payments. As our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use a discount rate that approximates our incremental borrowing rate available at lease commencement to determine the present value. Incremental borrowing rates are adjusted for the length of the individual lease term. The weighted average discount rate and remaining lease term of our leases as of December 31, 2019 are 7.25% and 41.8 years, respectively. Operating lease assets and liabilities are not recognized for leases with an initial term of 12 months or less.
Our lease expense primarily consists of ground and corporate office leases. Ground lease expense is included in interest expense and corporate office lease expense is included in general, administrative and professional fees in the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 we recognized $32.6 million and $32.3 million of expense relating to our leases. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, cash paid for leases was $25.8 million and $26.7 million, respectively as reported within operating cash outflows in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
The following table summarizes future minimum lease obligations under non-cancelable ground and other operating leases as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):
(1)
Obligations include payment of ground rent upon substantial completion of in progress research and innovation developments.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 15-EARNINGS PER SHARE
The following table shows the amounts used in computing our basic and diluted earnings per common share:
There were 1.1 million, 3.5 million and 3.0 million anti-dilutive options outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
NOTE 16-PERMANENT AND TEMPORARY EQUITY
Capital Stock
From time to time, we may sell up to an aggregate of $1.0 billion of our common stock under an “at-the-market” equity offering program (“ATM program”). During the year ended December 31, 2019, we sold 2.7 million shares of our common stock under our ATM program for gross proceeds of $66.75 per share. As of December 31, 2019, $822.1 million of our common stock remained available for sale under our ATM program.
In June 2019, we sold 12.7 million shares of our common stock under a registered public offering for gross proceeds of $62.75 per share. We used the majority of the net proceeds to fund our LGM Acquisition. See “NOTE 4-ACQUISITIONS OF REAL ESTATE PROPERTY” and “NOTE 6-LOANS RECEIVABLE AND INVESTMENTS” for additional information regarding the LGM Acquisition.
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we sold no shares of common stock under our ATM program.
During the year ended December 31, 2017, we issued and sold 1.1 million shares of common stock under our previous ATM program.
Excess Share Provision
In order to preserve our ability to maintain REIT status, our Charter provides that if a person acquires beneficial ownership of more than 9% of our outstanding common stock or 9.9% of our outstanding preferred stock, the shares that are
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
beneficially owned in excess of such limit are deemed to be excess shares. These shares are automatically deemed transferred to a trust for the benefit of a charitable institution or other qualifying organization selected by our Board of Directors. The trust is entitled to all dividends with respect to the shares and the trustee may exercise all voting power over the shares.
We have the right to buy the excess shares for a purchase price equal to the lesser of the price per share in the transaction that created the excess shares or the market price on the date we buy the shares, and we may defer payment of the purchase price for the excess shares for up to five years. If we do not purchase the excess shares, the trustee of the trust is required to transfer the excess shares at the direction of the Board of Directors. The owner of the excess shares is entitled to receive the lesser of the proceeds from the sale or the original purchase price for such excess shares, and any additional amounts are payable to the beneficiary of the trust. As of December 31, 2019, there were no shares in the trust.
Our Board of Directors is empowered to grant waivers from the excess share provisions of our Charter.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The following is a summary of our accumulated other comprehensive loss:
Redeemable OP Unitholder and Noncontrolling Interests
The following is a rollforward of our redeemable OP unitholder and noncontrolling interests for 2019:
(1)
Includes the redeemable portion of LGM's interest in certain seniors housing communities acquired in September 2019.
NOTE 17-RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Atria provides comprehensive property management and accounting services with respect to our seniors housing communities that Atria operates, for which we pay annual management fees pursuant to long-term management agreements.
For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we incurred fees to Atria of $62.1 million, $60.1 million and $59.7 million respectively, the majority of which are recorded within property-level operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
Our 34% ownership interest in Atria entitles us to customary rights and minority protections, as well as the right to appoint two of six members on the Atria Board of Directors.
As of December 31, 2019, we leased 10 hospital campuses to Ardent pursuant to a single, triple-net master lease agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, we recognized rental income from Ardent of $118.8 million, $114.8 million and $110.8 million, respectively, relating to the Ardent master lease.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Our 9.8% ownership interest in Ardent entitles us to customary rights and minority protections, as well as the right to appoint one of 11 members on the Ardent Board of Directors.
In January 2018, we transitioned the management of 76 private pay seniors housing communities to ESL. These assets, substantially all of which were previously leased by Elmcroft Senior Living (“Elmcroft”) under triple-net leases, are now operated by ESL under a management contract with us and are included in the senior living operations reportable business segment. Upon termination of our lease with Elmcroft, we derecognized our accumulated straight-line receivable balance and offsetting reserve of $75.2 million. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred $8.2 million and $23.6 million respectively of transaction and integration costs relating to this transaction, net of property-level net assets assumed for no consideration, included in merger-related expenses and deal costs in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
In January 2018, we acquired a 34% ownership interest in ESL which entitles us to customary rights and minority protections, as well as the right to appoint two of six members to the ESL Board of Directors. ESL management owns the 66% controlling interest.
ESL provides comprehensive property management and accounting services with respect to our seniors housing communities that ESL operates, for which we pay annual management fees pursuant to a management agreement. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, we incurred fees to ESL of $14.6 million and $12.9 million, respectively, the majority of which are recorded within property-level operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Income.
NOTE 18-QUARTERLY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
Summarized unaudited consolidated quarterly information is provided below:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTE 19-SEGMENT INFORMATION
As of December 31, 2019, we operated through three reportable business segments: triple-net leased properties, senior living operations and office operations. In our triple-net leased properties segment, we invest in and own seniors housing and healthcare properties throughout the United States and the United Kingdom and lease those properties to healthcare operating companies under “triple-net” or “absolute-net” leases that obligate the tenants to pay all property-related expenses. In our senior living operations segment, we invest in seniors housing communities throughout the United States and Canada and engage independent operators, such as Atria and Sunrise, to manage those communities. In our office operations segment, we primarily acquire, own, develop, lease and manage MOBs and research and innovation centers throughout the United States. Information provided for “all other” includes income from loans and investments and other miscellaneous income and various corporate-level expenses not directly attributable to any of our three reportable business segments. Assets included in “all other” consist primarily of corporate assets, including cash, restricted cash, loans receivable and investments, and miscellaneous accounts receivable.
Our chief operating decision makers evaluate performance of the combined properties in each reportable business segment and determine how to allocate resources to those segments, in significant part, based on segment NOI and related measures. We define segment NOI as total revenues, less interest and other income, property-level operating expenses and office building services costs. We consider segment NOI useful because it allows investors, analysts and our management to measure unlevered property-level operating results and to compare our operating results to the operating results of other real estate companies between periods on a consistent basis. In order to facilitate a clear understanding of our historical consolidated operating results, segment NOI should be examined in conjunction with net income attributable to common stockholders as presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements and other financial data included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Interest expense, depreciation and amortization, general, administrative and professional fees, income tax expense and other non-property specific revenues and expenses are not allocated to individual reportable business segments for purposes of assessing segment performance. There are no intersegment sales or transfers.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Summary information by reportable business segment is as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Assets by reportable business segment are as follows:
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
Capital expenditures, including investments in real estate property and development project expenditures, by reportable business segment are as follows:
Our portfolio of properties and mortgage loan and other investments are located in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Revenues are attributed to an individual country based on the location of each property. Geographic information regarding our operations is as follows:
NOTE 20-CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION
Ventas, Inc. has fully and unconditionally guaranteed the obligation to pay principal and interest with respect to the outstanding senior notes issued by our 100% owned subsidiary, Ventas Realty, including the senior notes that were jointly issued with Ventas Capital Corporation. Ventas Capital Corporation is a direct 100% owned subsidiary of Ventas Realty that has no assets or operations, but was formed in 2002 solely to facilitate offerings of senior notes by a limited partnership. None of our other subsidiaries (such subsidiaries, excluding Ventas Realty and Ventas Capital Corporation, the “Ventas Subsidiaries”) is obligated with respect to Ventas Realty’s outstanding senior notes. Certain of Ventas Realty’s outstanding senior notes reflected in our condensed consolidating information were issued jointly with Ventas Capital Corporation.
Ventas, Inc. has also fully and unconditionally guaranteed the obligation to pay principal and interest with respect to the outstanding senior notes issued by our 100% owned subsidiary, Ventas Canada. None of our other subsidiaries is obligated with respect to Ventas Canada’s outstanding senior notes, all of which were issued on a private placement basis in Canada.
In connection with the NHP acquisition, our 100% owned subsidiary, NHP LLC, as successor to NHP, assumed the obligation to pay principal and interest with respect to the outstanding senior notes issued by NHP. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries (other than NHP LLC) is obligated with respect to any of NHP LLC’s outstanding senior notes.
Under certain circumstances, contractual and legal restrictions, including those contained in the instruments governing our subsidiaries’ outstanding mortgage indebtedness, may restrict our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries for the purpose of meeting our debt service obligations, including our payment guarantees with respect to Ventas Realty’s and Ventas Canada’s senior notes.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
The following summarizes our condensed consolidating information as of December 31, 2019 and 2018 and for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018, and 2017:
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
VENTAS, INC.
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
(1)
Amounts charged to earnings primarily relate to termination of lease arrangements with Elmcroft in January 2018.
VENTAS, INC.
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
(1)
Other may include sales, transfers to assets held for sale and impairments.
VENTAS, INC.
SCHEDULE III
REAL ESTATE AND ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION
December 31, 2019
(Dollars in thousands)
Location
Initial Cost to Company
Gross Amount Carried at Close of Period
Property Name
City
State /
Province
Encumbrances
Land and
Improvements
Buildings and
Improvements
Costs
Capitalized
Subsequent
to Acquisition1
Land and
Improvements
Buildings and
Improvements
Total
Accumulated
Depreciation
NBV
Year of
Construction
Year
Acquired
Life on
Which
Depreciation
in Income
Statement
is Computed
Brookdale Grand Blanc AL
Holly
MI
-
14,627
-
14,627
15,247
3,789
11,458
35 years
1 Adjustments to basis included provisions for asset impairments, partial dispositions, costs capitalized subsequent to acquisitions and foreign currency translation adjustments.
VENTAS, INC.
SCHEDULE IV
MORTGAGE LOANS ON REAL ESTATE
December 31, 2019
ITEM 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
None.
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As required by Rules 13a-15(b) and 15d-15(b) of the Exchange Act, our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2019. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) were effective as of December 31, 2019, at the reasonable assurance level.
Internal Control over Financial Reporting
The information set forth under “Management Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial Reporting” included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 9A.
Internal Control Changes
During the fourth quarter of 2019, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. Other Information
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the material under the headings “Proposals Requiring Your Vote-Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” “Our Executive Officers,” “Securities Ownership-Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Corporate Governance-Governance Policies” and “Audit and Compliance Committee” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file with the SEC not later than April 30, 2020.
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the material under the headings “Executive Compensation,” “Non-Employee Director Compensation” and “Executive Compensation Committee” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file with the SEC not later than April 30, 2020.
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the material under the headings “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and “Securities Ownership” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file with the SEC not later than April 30, 2020.
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the material under the headings “Corporate Governance-Transactions with Related Persons,” “Our Board of Directors-Director Independence,” “Audit and Compliance Committee,” “Executive Compensation Committee” and “Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file with the SEC not later than April 30, 2020.
ITEM 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this Item 14 is incorporated by reference to the material under the heading “Proposals Requiring Your Vote-Proposal 2: Ratification of the Selection of KPMG LLP as Our Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm for Fiscal Year 2020” in our definitive Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which we will file with the SEC not later than April 30, 2020.
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules
The following documents have been included in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
All other schedules have been omitted because they are inapplicable, not required or the information is included elsewhere in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.
EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
Location of Document
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of Ventas, Inc.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2011, filed on August 5, 2011, File No. 001-10989.
3.2
Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended, of Ventas, Inc.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 11, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
4.1
Specimen common stock certificate.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, filed on February 12, 2016, File No. 001-10989.
4.2
Indenture dated as of September 19, 2006 by and among Ventas, Inc., Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership and Ventas Capital Corporation, as Issuer(s), the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.9 to our Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed on April 7, 2006, File No. 333-133115.
4.3
Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 3, 2012 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership and Ventas Capital Corporation, as Issuers, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 3.250% Senior Notes due 2022.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2012, filed on October 26, 2012, File No. 001-10989.
4.4
Indenture dated as of September 26, 2013 by and among Ventas, Inc., Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein, as Guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.10 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed on February 14, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
4.5
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 26, 2013 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 5.700% Senior Notes due 2043.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 26, 2013, File No. 001-10989.
4.6
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 17, 2014 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 3.750% Senior Notes due 2024.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on April 17, 2014, File No. 001-10989.
4.7
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 14, 2015 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 3.500% Senior Notes due 2025.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 14, 2015, File No. 001-10989.
4.8
Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 14, 2015 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 4.375% Senior Notes due 2045.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on January 14, 2015, File No. 001-10989.
4.9
Indenture dated as of August 19, 1997 by and between Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. and The Bank of New York, as Trustee, relating to the 6.90% Series C Medium-Term Notes due 2037 and the 6.59% Series C Medium-Term Notes due 2038.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 1.2 to the Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 19, 1997, File No. 001-09028 (see Exhibit 1.2 of complete submission text file).
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
Location of Document
4.10
Supplemental Indenture dated July 1, 2011 among Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., Needles Acquisition LLC, and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as successor Trustee, relating to the 6.90% Series C Medium-Term Notes due 2037 and the 6.59% Series C Medium-Term Notes due 2038.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.17 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed on February 14, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
4.11
Indenture dated as September 24, 2014 by and among Ventas, Inc., Ventas Canadian Finance Limited, the Guarantors parties thereto from time to time and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed on October 24, 2014, File No. 001-10989.
4.12
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 24, 2014 by and among Ventas Canada Finance Limited, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as Trustee, relating to the 4.125% Senior Notes, Series B due 2024.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, filed on October 24, 2014, File No. 001-10989.
4.13
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 13, 2015 by and among Ventas Canada Finance Limited, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as Trustee, relating to the 3.30% Senior Notes, Series C due 2022.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.24 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed on February 13, 2015, File No. 001-10989.
4.14
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2017 by and among Ventas Canada Finance Limited, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as Trustee, relating to the 2.55% Senior Notes, Series D due 2023.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2017, filed on July 28, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
4.15
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 12, 2019 by and among Ventas Canada Finance Limited, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as Trustee, relating to the 2.80% Senior Notes, Series E due 2024.
Filed herewith.
4.16
Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 12, 2019 by and among Ventas Canada Finance Limited, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and Computershare Trust Company of Canada, as Trustee, relating to the Floating Rate Senior Notes, Series F due 2021.
Filed herewith.
4.17
Indenture dated as of July 16, 2015 by and among Ventas, Inc., Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, the Guarantors named therein as Guarantors, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 16, 2015, File No. 001-10989.
4.18
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 16, 2015 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 4.125% Senior Notes due 2026.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 16, 2015, File No. 001-10989.
4.19
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 2, 2016 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 3.125% Senior Notes due 2023.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on June 2, 2016, File No. 001-10989.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
Location of Document
4.20
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 21, 2016 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 3.250% Senior Notes due 2026.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 21, 2016, File No. 001-10989.
4.21
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 29, 2017 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, relating to the 3.100% Senior Notes due 2023 and the 3.850% Senior Notes due 2027.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 29, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
4.22
Indenture dated February 23, 2018 among Ventas, Inc., Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, the Guarantors named therein, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 23, 2018, File No. 001-10989.
4.23
First Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 23, 2018 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee relating to the 4.000% Senior Notes due 2028
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 23, 2018, File No. 001-10989.
4.24
Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 15, 2018 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee relating to the 4.400% Senior Notes due 2029
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 15, 2018, File No. 001-10989.
4.25
Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 26, 2019 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee relating to the 3.500% Senior Notes due 2024 and 4.875% Senior Notes due 2049
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on February 26, 2019, File No. 001-10989.
4.26
Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 3, 2019 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee relating to the 2.650% Senior Notes due 2025
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on July 3, 2019, File No. 001-10989.
4.27
Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 21, 2019 by and among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Issuer, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee relating to the 3.000% Senior Notes due 2030
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 4.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on August 21, 2019, File No. 001-10989.
4.28
Credit and Guaranty Agreement dated July 26, 2018 among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, as Borrower, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, The Lenders party thereto from time to time, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018, filed on October 26, 2018, File No. 001.10989.
10.1
First Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.5 to our Registration Statement on Form S-4, as amended, filed on May 29, 2002, File No. 333-89312.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
Location of Document
10.2
Second Amended and Restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of April 25, 2017, among Ventas Realty, Limited Partnership, Ventas SSL Ontario II, Inc., Ventas SSL Ontario III, Inc., Ventas Canada Finance Limited, Ventas UK Finance, Inc., and Ventas Euro Finance, LLC, as Borrowers, Ventas, Inc., as Guarantor, the Lenders identified therein, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, and Alternative Currency Fronting Lender, Bank of America, N.A. and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Swing Line Lenders and L/C Issuers.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.3.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed on April 28, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
10.3*
Ventas, Inc. 2004 Stock Plan for Directors, as amended.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.16.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004, filed on March 1, 2005, File No. 33-107942.
10.4.1*
Ventas, Inc. 2006 Incentive Plan, as amended.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on February 27, 2009, File No. 001-10989.
10.4.2*
Form of Stock Option Agreement-2006 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.15.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on February 22, 2007, File No. 001-10989.
10.4.3*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement-2006 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.15.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006, filed on February 22, 2007, File No. 001-10989.
10.5.1*
Ventas, Inc. 2006 Stock Plan for Directors, as amended.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed on April 27, 2012, File No. 001-10989.
10.5.2*
Form of Stock Option Agreement-2006 Stock Plan for Directors.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.11.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on February 27, 2009, File No. 001-10989.
10.5.3*
Form of Amendment to Stock Option Agreement-2006 Stock Plan for Directors.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012, filed on April 27, 2012, File No. 001-10989.
10.5.4*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement-2006 Stock Plan for Directors.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.11.4 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on February 27, 2009, File No. 001-10989.
10.6.1*
Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on May 23, 2012, File No. 001-10989.
10.6.2*
First Amendment to the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed on April 28, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
10.6.3*
Form of Stock Option Agreement (Employees) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.6.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed February 13, 2015, File No. 001-10989.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
Location of Document
10.6.4*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Employees) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.6.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, filed on February 13, 2015, File No. 001-10989.
10.6.5*
Form of Stock Option Agreement (Directors) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.4 to our Registration Form on S-8, filed on August 7, 2012, File No. 333-183121.
10.6.6*
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Directors) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.5 to our Registration Form on S-8, filed on August 7, 2012, File No. 333-183121.
10.6.7*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Directors) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.6 to our Registration Form on S-8, filed on August 7, 2012, File No. 333-183121.
10.6.8*
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (CEO) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10.8 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed on April 28, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
10.6.9*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (CEO) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10.9 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed on April 28, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
10.6.10*
Form of Transition Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (CEO) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10.10 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed on April 28, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
10.6.11*
Form of Performance-Based Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-CEO) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10.11 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed on April 28, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
10.6.12*
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-CEO) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10.12 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed on April 28, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
10.6.13*
Form of Transition Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Non-CEO) under the Ventas, Inc. 2012 Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.10.13 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2017, filed on April 28, 2017, File No. 001-10989.
10.7.1*
Ventas Executive Deferred Stock Compensation Plan, as amended and restated on December 7, 2017.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.9.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed on February 9, 2018, File No. 001-10989.
10.7.2*
Deferral Election Form under the Ventas Executive Deferred Stock Compensation Plan, as amended and restated on December 7, 2017.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.9.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed on February 9, 2018, File No. 001-10989.
.
10.8.1*
Ventas Nonemployee Directors’ Deferred Stock Compensation Plan, as amended.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.13.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on February 27, 2009, File No. 001-10989.
10.8.2*
Deferral Election Form under the Ventas Nonemployee Directors’ Deferred Stock Compensation Plan.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.13.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on February 27, 2009, File No. 001-10989.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
Location of Document
10.9.1*
Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. Retirement Plan for Directors, as amended and restated on April 20, 2006.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, filed on May 4, 2006, File No. 001-09028.
10.10.2*
Amendment dated October 28, 2008 to the Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. Retirement Plan for Directors, as amended and restated on April 20, 2006.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on November 3, 2008, File No. 001-09028.
10.10*
Second Amended and Restated Employment Agreement dated as of March 22, 2011 between Ventas, Inc. and Debra A. Cafaro.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on March 24, 2011, File No. 001-10989.
10.11.1*
Consulting Agreement dated as of October 15, 2019 between Ventas, Inc. and T. Richard Riney.
Filed herewith.
10.11.2*
Consulting Agreement Amendment dated as of December 13, 2019 between Ventas, Inc. and T. Richard Riney.
Filed herewith.
10.12.1*
Employee Protection and Noncompetition Agreement dated as of October 21, 2013 between Ventas, Inc. and John D. Cobb.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.18 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, filed on February 18, 2014, File No. 001-10989.
10.12.2*
Amendment dated December 8, 2017 to Employee Protection and Noncompetition Agreement dated as of October 21, 2013 between Ventas, Inc. and John D. Cobb.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.16.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed on February 9, 2018, File No. 001-10989.
10.13.1*
Offer Letter dated September 16, 2014 from Ventas, Inc. to Robert F. Probst.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 29, 2014, File No. 001-10989.
10.13.2*
Employee Protection and Noncompetition Agreement dated September 16, 2014 between Ventas, Inc. and Robert F. Probst.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K, filed on September 29, 2014, File No. 001-10989.
10.13.3*
Amendment dated December 8, 2017 to Employee Protection and Noncompetition Agreement dated as of September 16, 2014 between Ventas, Inc. and Robert F. Probst.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.17.3 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, filed on February 9, 2018, File No. 001-10989.
10.14.1*
Offer of Employment Term Sheet dated March 20, 2018 from Ventas, Inc. to Peter J. Bulgarelli.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, filed on April 27, 2018, File No. 001-10989.
10.14.2*
Employee Protection and Noncompetition Agreement dated March 20, 2018 between Ventas, Inc. and Peter J. Bulgarelli.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.1.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2018, filed on April 27, 2018, File No. 001-10989.
10.15*
Ventas Employee and Director Stock Purchase Plan, as amended.
Incorporated by reference herein. Previously filed as Exhibit 10.18 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, filed on February 27, 2009, File No. 001-10989.
Subsidiaries of Ventas, Inc.
Filed herewith.
Consent of KPMG LLP.
Filed herewith.
31.1
Certification of Debra A. Cafaro, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
Filed herewith.
Exhibit
Number
Description of Document
Location of Document
31.2
Certification of Robert F. Probst, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) under the Exchange Act.
Filed herewith.
32.1
Certification of Debra A. Cafaro, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. 1350.
Filed herewith.
32.2
Certification of Robert F. Probst, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) under the Exchange Act and 18 U.S.C. 1350.
Filed herewith.
Interactive Data File.
Filed herewith.
* Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit pursuant to Item 15(b) of Form 10-K.
ITEM 16. Form 10-K Summary
None.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: February 21, 2020
VENTAS, INC.
By:
/s/ DEBRA A. CAFARO
Debra A. Cafaro
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ DEBRA A. CAFARO
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
February 21, 2020
Debra A. Cafaro
/s/ ROBERT F. PROBST
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)
February 21, 2020
Robert F. Probst
/s/ GREGORY R. LIEBBE
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)
February 21, 2020
Gregory R. Liebbe
/s/ MELODY C. BARNES
Director
February 21, 2020
Melody C. Barnes
/s/ JAY M. GELLERT
Director
February 21, 2020
Jay M. Gellert
/s/ RICHARD I. GILCHRIST
Director
February 21, 2020
Richard I. Gilchrist
/s/ MATTHEW J. LUSTIG
Director
February 21, 2020
Matthew J. Lustig
/s/ ROXANNE M. MARTINO
Director
February 21, 2020
Roxanne M. Martino
/s/ SEAN P. NOLAN
Director
February 21, 2020
Sean P. Nolan
/s/WALTER C. RAKOWICH
Director
February 21, 2020
Walter C. Rakowich
/s/ ROBERT D. REED
Director
February 21, 2020
Robert D. Reed
/s/ JAMES D. SHELTON
Director
February 21, 2020
James D. Shelton