ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The discussion below contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those which are discussed in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.” Also see “Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” preceding Part I.
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our accompanying consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto.
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is organized as follows:
•Overview
•Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
•Recently Issued Accounting Standards Update
•Results of Operations
•Liquidity and Capital Resources
•Concentration of Credit Risk
•Skilled Nursing Facility Reimbursement Rates
Overview
We expect to grow our investment portfolio while diversifying our portfolio by tenant, facility type and geography within the healthcare sector. We plan to achieve these objectives primarily through making investments directly or indirectly in healthcare real estate, including the development of purpose-built healthcare facilities with select developers. We also intend to achieve our objective of diversifying our portfolio by tenant and facility type through select asset sales and other arrangements with our tenants.
COVID-19
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread have negatively impacted and are expected to continue to negatively impact us and our operations in a number of ways, including but not limited to:
•Decreased occupancy and increased operating costs for our tenants and borrowers, which have negatively impacted their operating results and may adversely impact their ability to make full and timely rental payments and debt service payments, respectively, to us. In some cases, we may have to restructure tenants’ long-term rent obligations and may not be able to do so on terms that are as favorable to us as those currently in place. Reduced or modified rental and debt service amounts could result in the determination that the full amounts of our investments are not recoverable, which could result in an impairment charge. To date, the impact of COVID-19 on our skilled nursing/transitional care facility and assisted living community tenants has been partially mitigated by the assistance they have received or expect to receive from state and federal assistance programs, including through the CARES Act (as defined and further described below under “—Skilled Nursing Facility Reimbursement Rates”), although these benefits on an individual operator basis vary and may not provide enough relief to meet their rental obligations to us. From the beginning of the pandemic through December 31, 2021, we have agreed to temporary pandemic-related rent deferrals for six tenants of two to nine months of rent totaling $3.4 million, of which $0.3 million has been repaid. However, the longer the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the more likely that our tenants and borrowers will begin to default on these obligations, particularly if state and federal assistance is reduced or eliminated. Such defaults could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity, in addition to resulting in potential impairment charges. In addition, we have drawn on an $11.9 million letter of credit to fund rent for September through November 2021 and a portion of December 2021 due from our tenant, the Avamere Family of Companies (“Avamere”). See Note 4, “Investment in Real Estate Properties,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding Avamere, including with respect to our write-off of $25.2 million of straight-line rent receivable balances and the acceleration of amortization of the remaining $18.6 million above-market lease intangible associated with the lease during the year ended December 31, 2021, and the reduction of Avamere’s annual base rent to $30.7 million from $44.1 million effective February 1, 2022.
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•Decreased occupancy and increased operating costs within our Senior Housing - Managed portfolio which have negatively impacted and are expected to continue to negatively impact the operating results of these investments. As noted above, the assistance received or expected to be received by eligible assisted living operators will partially mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on our Senior Housing - Managed portfolio. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized government grants under the CARES Act and other programs of $0.5 million in resident fees and services. Prolonged deterioration in the operating results for our investments in our Senior Housing - Managed portfolio could result in the determination that the full amounts of our investments are not recoverable, which could result in an impairment charge.
Our financial results as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflect the results of our evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on our business including, but not limited to, our evaluation of potential impairments of long-lived or other assets, measurement of credit losses on financial instruments, evaluation of any lease modifications, evaluation of lease accounting impact, estimates of fair value and our ability to continue as a going concern.
Impairment of Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture
We have a 49% equity interest in a joint venture (the “Enlivant Joint Venture”) with affiliates of TPG Real Estate, the real estate platform of TPG. TPG also owns Enlivant, the senior housing management platform that manages the portfolio owned by the Enlivant Joint Venture. During the second quarter of 2021, TPG reached out to Sabra to explore our acquiring TPG’s 51% interest in the Enlivant Joint Venture. The parties were not able to reach mutually acceptable terms for a transaction, in part due to modifications requested by TPG in the Enlivant management fee structure. At that time, TPG informed Sabra of its intent to re-evaluate its plans with respect to the management company. Furthermore, decreased occupancy and revenues and increased operating costs during the COVID-19 pandemic have had a significant negative impact on the financial performance of the Enlivant Joint Venture. As a result, we re-evaluated our plans with respect to the Enlivant Joint Venture and determined that we would no longer seek to acquire TPG’s majority interest in the Enlivant Joint Venture and that we expect to sell our 49% equity interest should TPG secure a buyer for the portfolio sometime in the future. In connection with this re-evaluation and our eventual intent to exit our 49% stake, we revisited our estimate of the fair value of our investment in the Enlivant Joint Venture and believe that it has declined below our investment basis. We also believe that, given our intent to sell the portfolio, it is unlikely that we will hold our investment for an adequate period of time to recover this estimated decline in value. As such, this decline was deemed to be other-than-temporary and we recorded an impairment charge for the amount that the carrying value exceeded the estimated fair value of the investment totaling $164.1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2021. This impairment is included in loss from unconsolidated joint venture on the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income. The ongoing operating performance of the Enlivant Joint Venture, as well as whether TPG is able to secure a buyer on favorable terms or at all, will impact the ultimate amounts realized from the Enlivant Joint Venture and may require us to recognize an additional impairment charge in the future with respect to this investment. See Note 4, “Investment in Real Estate Properties,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding this impairment.
Acquisitions
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we acquired two Senior Housing - Managed communities, one Senior Housing - Leased community, two addiction treatment centers and one skilled nursing/transitional care facility for an aggregate $99.4 million. See Note 3, “Recent Real Estate Acquisitions,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these acquisitions.
Dispositions
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we completed the sale of 16 facilities for aggregate consideration, net of closing costs, of $103.4 million. The net carrying value of the assets and liabilities of these facilities was $92.1 million, which resulted in an aggregate $11.3 million net gain on sale.
RCA Mortgage Loan
On October 15, 2021, we funded a $290.0 million mortgage loan receivable to Recovery Centers of America Holdings, LLC (the “RCA Mortgage Loan”) secured by six inpatient addiction treatment centers with a 7.50% rate of return. The transaction provides Sabra a right of first offer to acquire the underlying facilities and includes an additional $35.0 million commitment to be funded after specific performance metrics are achieved by the portfolio and by the two additional properties currently in lease-up.
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Senior Unsecured Notes
On September 30, 2021, we completed an underwritten public offering of $800.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.20% senior unsecured notes due 2031, and on October 7, 2021, we redeemed all $300.0 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 4.80% senior unsecured notes due 2024. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
At-The-Market Common Stock Offering Program
On August 6, 2021, we established the ATM Program (as defined below) pursuant to which shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $500.0 million may be sold from time to time. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Common Stock Issuance
On October 15, 2021, we issued 7.8 million shares of our common stock through an underwritten public offering. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Below is a discussion of the accounting policies that management considers critical in that they involve significant management judgments and assumptions, require estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain and because they are important for understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. These judgments affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and our disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting periods. With different estimates or assumptions, materially different amounts could be reported in our financial statements. Additionally, other companies may utilize different estimates that may impact the comparability of our results of operations to those of companies in similar businesses. For more information regarding our critical accounting policies, see Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Variable Interest Entities
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires us to identify entities for which control is achieved through voting rights or other means 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; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. If we were determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, we would consolidate investments in the VIE. We may change our original assessment of a VIE due to events such as modifications of contractual arrangements that affect the characteristics or adequacy of the entity’s equity investments at risk and the disposal of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.
We identify the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the entity. We perform this analysis on an ongoing basis.
As it relates to investments in loans, in addition to our assessment of VIEs and whether we are the primary beneficiary of those VIEs, we evaluate the loan terms and other pertinent facts to determine whether the loan investment should be accounted for as a loan or as a real estate joint venture. If an investment has the characteristics of a real estate joint venture, including if we participate in the majority of the borrower’s expected residual profit, we would account for the investment as an investment in a real estate joint venture and not as a loan investment. Expected residual profit is defined as the amount of profit, whether called interest or another name, such as an equity kicker, above a reasonable amount of interest and fees expected to be earned by a lender.
As it relates to investments in joint ventures, we assess any limited partners’ rights and their impact on the presumption of control of the limited partnership by any single partner. We also apply this guidance to managing member interests in limited liability companies. We reassess our determination of which entity controls the joint venture if: there is a change to the terms or in the exercisability of the rights of any partners or members, the sole general partner or managing member increases or decreases its ownership interests, or there is an increase or decrease in the number of outstanding ownership interests.
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Real Estate Investments and Rental Revenue Recognition
Real Estate Acquisition Valuation
All assets acquired and liabilities assumed in an acquisition of real estate accounted for as a business combination are measured at their acquisition date fair values. For acquisitions of real estate accounted for as an asset acquisition, the fair value of consideration transferred by us (including transaction costs) is allocated to all assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis. Tangible assets consist primarily of land, building and improvements. Identifiable intangible assets primarily consist of the above market component of in-place leases, tenant origination and absorption costs and tenant relationship intangibles, and identifiable intangible liabilities primarily consist of the below market component of in-place leases. Acquisition costs associated with real estate acquisitions deemed asset acquisitions are capitalized, and costs associated with real estate acquisitions deemed business combinations are expensed as incurred.
Estimates of the fair values of the tangible assets, identifiable intangibles and assumed liabilities require us to make significant assumptions to estimate market lease rates, property operating expenses, carrying costs during lease-up periods, discount rates, market absorption periods, and the number of years the property will be held for investment. We make our best estimate based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. The use of inappropriate assumptions would result in an incorrect valuation of our acquired tangible assets, identifiable intangibles and assumed liabilities, which would impact the amount of our net income.
Impairment of Real Estate Investments
We regularly monitor events and changes in circumstances, including investment operating performance and general market conditions, that could indicate that the carrying amounts of our real estate investments may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment suggest that the carrying value of real estate investments may not be recoverable, we assess the recoverability by estimating whether we will recover the carrying value of our real estate investments through the undiscounted future cash flows and the eventual disposition of the investment. In some instances, there may be various potential outcomes for an investment and its potential undiscounted future cash flows. In these instances, the undiscounted future cash flows models used to assess recoverability are based on several assumptions and are probability-weighted based on our best estimates as of the date of evaluation. These assumptions include, among others, market rent, revenue and expense growth rates, occupancy, holding period, market capitalization rates, and estimated market values based on analysis of letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements and recent sales data for comparable properties. When discounted cash flow is used to determine fair value, a discount rate assumption is also used. The assumptions are generally based on management’s experience in its local real estate markets, and the effects of current market conditions, which are subject to economic and market uncertainties. If, based on this analysis, we do not believe that we will be able to recover the carrying value of our real estate investments, we would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of our real estate investments. We determine estimated fair value based primarily upon (i) estimated sale prices from signed contracts or letters of intent from third-party offers, (ii) discounted cash flow models of the investment over its remaining hold period, (iii) third-party appraisals and (iv) recent sales data for comparable properties.
Revenue Recognition
We recognize rental revenue from tenants, including rental abatements, lease incentives and contractual fixed increases attributable to operating leases, on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases when it is probable that substantially all rents over the life of a lease are collectible. Certain of our leases provide for contingent rents equal to a percentage of the facility’s revenue in excess of specified base amounts or other thresholds. Such revenue is recognized when actual results reported by the tenant, or estimates of tenant results, exceed the applicable base amount or other threshold.
We assess the collectability of rents on a lease-by-lease basis, and in doing so, consider such things as historical bad debts, tenant creditworthiness, current economic trends, facility operating performance, lease structure, credit enhancements (including guarantees), current developments relevant to a tenant’s business specifically and to its business category generally, and changes in tenants’ payment patterns. Our assessment includes an estimation of a tenant’s ability to fulfill all of its rental obligations over the remaining lease term. In addition, with respect to tenants in bankruptcy, management makes estimates of the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition claims in assessing the estimated collectability of the related receivable. If at any time we cannot determine that it is probable that substantially all rents over the life of a lease are collectible, rental revenue will be recognized only to the extent of payments received, and all receivables associated with the lease will be written off irrespective of amounts expected to be collectible. Any recoveries of these amounts will be recorded in future periods upon receipt of payment. Write-offs of receivables and any recoveries of previously written-off receivables are recorded as adjustments to rental revenue.
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Revenue from resident fees and services is recorded monthly as services are provided and includes resident room and care charges, ancillary services charges and other resident charges.
Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture
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 (loss) income. The initial carrying value of the investment is based on the amount paid to purchase the joint venture interest. Differences between our cost basis and the basis reflected at the joint venture level are generally amortized over the lives of the related assets and liabilities, and such amortization is included in our share of earnings of the joint venture. In addition, distributions received from unconsolidated entities are classified based on the nature of the activity or activities that generated the distribution.
We regularly monitor events and changes in circumstances, including investment operating performance, changes in anticipated holding period and general market conditions, that could indicate that the carrying amounts of our equity method investments may be impaired. An equity method investment’s value is impaired when the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value and we determine the decline in value is other-than-temporary. The fair value is estimated based on discounted cash flows models that include all estimated cash inflows and outflows and any estimated debt premiums or discounts. The discounted cash flows are based on several assumptions including management fee, absorption period, terminal capitalization rates, revenue and expense per bed, stabilized occupancy, stabilized operating margin, price per bed and discount rates. The assumptions are generally based on management’s experience in its local real estate markets, and the effects of current market conditions, which are subject to economic and market uncertainties. If we believe that there is an other-than-temporary decline in the value of an equity method investment, we would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of such equity method investment.
Loans Receivable, Sales-Type Lease and Credit Losses
Loans Receivable
Loans receivable are reflected at amortized cost on our consolidated balance sheets. The amortized cost of a loan receivable is the outstanding unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized discounts, costs and fees directly associated with the origination of the loan.
Loans acquired in connection with a business combination are recorded at their acquisition date fair value. We determine the fair value of loans receivable based on estimates of expected discounted cash flows, collateral, credit risk and other factors. A valuation allowance is not established at the acquisition date, as the amount of estimated future cash flows reflects our judgment regarding their uncertainty. The difference between the acquisition date fair value and the total expected cash flows is recognized as interest income using the effective interest method over the life of the applicable loan. Any unamortized balances are immediately recognized in income if the loan is repaid before its contractual maturity.
Interest income on our loans receivable is recognized on an accrual basis over the life of the investment using the interest method. Direct loan origination costs are amortized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to interest income. When concerns exist as to the ultimate collection of principal or interest due under a loan, the loan is placed on nonaccrual status, and we will not recognize interest income until the cash is received, or the loan returns to accrual status. If we determine that the collection of interest according to the contractual terms of the loan or through the receipts of assets in satisfaction of contractual amounts due is probable, we will resume the accrual of interest. In instances where borrowers are in default under the terms of their loans, we may continue recognizing interest income provided that all amounts owed under the contractual terms of the loan, including accrued and unpaid interest, do not exceed the estimated fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell.
On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the collectability of our interest income receivable and establish a reserve for amounts not expected to be collected. Our evaluation includes reviewing credit quality indicators such as payment status, changes affecting the operations of the facilities securing the loans, and national and regional economic factors. The reserve is a valuation allowance that reflects management’s estimate of losses inherent in the interest income receivable balance as of the balance sheet date. The reserve is adjusted through provision for loan losses and other reserves on our consolidated statements of (loss) income and is decreased by charge-offs to specific receivables.
Sales-Type Lease
Our investment in sales-type leases is reflected on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the present value of total rental payments, plus estimated purchase price, less unearned lease income. Selling profit or loss is recorded upon
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classification as a sales-type lease, and unearned income is amortized over the lease term to provide a constant yield when collectability of the lease payments is reasonably assured.
Credit Losses
On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the collectability of our loan portfolio and sales-type lease, including the portion of unfunded loan commitments expected to be funded, and establish an allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is calculated using the related amortization schedules, payment histories and loan-to-value ratios. The following rates are applied to determine the aggregate expected losses, which is recorded as the allowance for credit losses: (i) a default rate, (ii) a liquidation cost rate and (iii) a distressed property reduction rate. If no loan-to-value ratio is available, a loss severity rate is applied in place of the liquidation cost rate and the distressed property reduction rate. The default rate is based on average charge-off and delinquency rates from the Federal Reserve, and the other rates are based on industry research and historical performance of a similar portfolio of financial assets. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation allowance that reflects management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The reserve is adjusted through provision for loan losses and other reserves on our consolidated statements of (loss) income and is decreased by charge-offs to specific loans.
Preferred Equity Investments and Preferred Return
Preferred equity investments are accounted for at unreturned capital contributions, plus accrued and unpaid preferred returns. We recognize preferred return income on a monthly basis based on the outstanding investment including any previously accrued and unpaid return. As a preferred member of the preferred equity joint ventures in which we participate, we are not entitled to share in the joint venture’s earnings or losses. Rather, we are entitled to receive a preferred return, which is deferred if the cash flow of the joint venture is insufficient to currently pay the accrued preferred return.
We regularly monitor events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of our preferred equity investments may not be recoverable or realized. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate our preferred equity investments for impairment based on a comparison of the fair value of the investment to its carrying value. The fair value is estimated based on discounted cash flows that include all estimated cash inflows and outflows over a specified holding period. If, based on this analysis, we do not believe that we will be able to recover the carrying value of our preferred equity investment, we would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of our preferred equity investment.
Income Taxes
We elected to be treated as a REIT with the filing of our U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year beginning January 1, 2011. We believe that we have been organized and have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, in a manner to qualify as a REIT. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income to stockholders (which is computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction or net capital gains and which does not necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP). As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal income tax on income that we distribute as dividends to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates and generally will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost, unless the IRS grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially and adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders. However, we believe that we are organized and operate in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT.
As a result of certain investments, we record income tax expense or benefit with respect to certain of our entities that are taxed as taxable REIT subsidiaries under provisions similar to those applicable to regular corporations and not under the REIT provisions.
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 a change in 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
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in the valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances, and that causes a change in our judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset, is included in the tax provision when such changes occur.
We evaluate our tax positions using a two-step approach: step one (recognition) occurs when we conclude that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, and step two (measurement) is only addressed if step one has been satisfied (i.e., the position is more likely than not to be sustained). Under step two, the tax benefit is measured as the largest amount of benefit (determined on a cumulative probability basis) that is more likely than not to be realized upon ultimate settlement. We will recognize tax penalties relating to unrecognized tax benefits as additional tax expense.
Fair Value Measurements
Under GAAP, we are required to measure certain financial instruments at fair value on a recurring basis. In addition, we are required to measure other financial instruments and balances at fair value on a non-recurring basis (e.g., carrying value of impaired loans receivable and long-lived assets). Fair value is defined as the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The GAAP fair value framework uses a three-tiered approach. Fair value measurements are classified and disclosed in one of the following three categories:
•Level 1: unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical assets or liabilities;
•Level 2: quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and
•Level 3: prices or valuation techniques where little or no market data is available that requires inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.
When available, we utilize quoted market prices from an independent third-party source to determine fair value and classify such items in Level 1 or Level 2. In instances where the market for a financial instrument is not active, regardless of the availability of a nonbinding quoted market price, observable inputs might not be relevant and could require us to make a significant adjustment to derive a fair value measurement. Additionally, in an inactive market, a market price quoted from an independent third party may rely more on models with inputs based on information available only to that independent third party. When we determine the market for a financial instrument owned by us to be illiquid or when market transactions for similar instruments do not appear orderly, we may use several valuation sources (including internal valuations, discounted cash flow analysis and quoted market prices) to establish a fair value. If more than one valuation source is used, we will assign weights to the various valuation sources. Additionally, when determining the fair value of liabilities in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for an identical liability is not available, we measure fair value using (i) a valuation technique that uses the quoted price of the identical liability when traded as an asset or quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets or (ii) another valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of fair value measurement, such as the income approach or the market approach.
Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies can have a material effect on these estimated fair values. In this regard, the derived fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent markets and, in many cases, may not be realized in an immediate settlement of the instrument.
We consider the following factors to be indicators of an inactive market: (i) there are few recent transactions, (ii) price quotations are not based on current information, (iii) price quotations vary substantially either over time or among market makers (for example, some brokered markets), (iv) indexes that previously were highly correlated with the fair values of the asset or liability are demonstrably uncorrelated with recent indications of fair value for that asset or liability, (v) there is a significant increase in implied liquidity risk premiums, yields, or performance indicators (such as delinquency rates or loss severities) for observed transactions or quoted prices when compared with our estimate of expected cash flows, considering all available market data about credit and other nonperformance risk for the asset or liability, (vi) there is a wide bid-ask spread or significant increase in the bid-ask spread, (vii) there is a significant decline or absence of a market for new issuances (that is, a primary market) for the asset or liability or similar assets or liabilities, and (viii) little information is released publicly (for example, a principal-to-principal market).
We consider the following factors to be indicators of non-orderly transactions: (i) there was not adequate exposure to the market for a period before the measurement date to allow for marketing activities that are usual and customary for transactions involving such assets or liabilities under current market conditions, (ii) there was a usual and customary marketing period, but the seller marketed the asset or liability to a single market participant, (iii) the seller is in or near bankruptcy or receivership
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(that is, distressed), or the seller was required to sell to meet regulatory or legal requirements (that is, forced), and (iv) the transaction price is an outlier when compared with other recent transactions for the same or similar assets or liabilities.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards Update
See Note 2, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information concerning recently issued accounting standards updates.
Results of Operations
As of December 31, 2021, our investment portfolio consisted of 416 real estate properties held for investment, one investment in a sales-type lease, 18 investments in loans receivable, eight preferred equity investments and one investment in an unconsolidated joint venture. As of December 31, 2020, our investment portfolio consisted of 426 real estate properties held for investment, one investment in a sales-type lease, 18 investments in loans receivable, six preferred equity investments and one investment in an unconsolidated joint venture. In general, we expect that income and expenses related to our portfolio will fluctuate in future periods in comparison to the corresponding prior periods as a result of investment and disposition activity and anticipated future changes in our portfolio. The results of operations presented are not directly comparable due to ongoing acquisition and disposition activity.
A discussion of our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 is included in the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Results of Operations—Comparison of results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019” section in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.
Comparison of results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 (dollars in thousands):
Revenues:
Expenses:
Other (expense) income:
(1) Represents the dollar amount increase (decrease) for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 as a result of investments/dispositions made after January 1, 2020.
(2) Represents the dollar amount increase (decrease) for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to the year ended December 31, 2020 that is not a direct result of investments/dispositions made after January 1, 2020.
Rental and Related Revenues
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $396.7 million of rental income compared to $430.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $33.9 million net decrease in rental income is related to (i) a $30.7 million net decrease related to leases that we concluded should no longer be accounted for on an accrual basis, (ii) a $3.8 million decrease related to
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lease intangibles that have been fully amortized, (iii) a $3.8 million decrease from properties disposed of after January 1, 2020 and (iv) a $1.8 million decrease due to transitioning 11 facilities to new operators. The $30.7 million net decrease related to leases that we concluded should no longer be accounted for on an accrual basis includes a write-off of $25.2 million of straight-line rent receivable balances and the acceleration of amortization of the remaining $18.6 million above-market lease intangible associated with Avamere, whose lease will be amended and restated, during the year ended December 31, 2021, a $4.0 million decrease in earned cash rents, and a $2.4 million decrease in operating expense recoveries, partially offset by a net $18.7 million decrease in non-cash rental revenue write-offs recognized during the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily related to leases we concluded should no longer be accounted for on an accrual basis. These decreases are offset by (i) a $3.2 million increase due to incremental revenue related to capital expenditures and (ii) a $1.4 million increase from properties acquired after January 1, 2020. See Note 4, “Investment in Real Estate Properties” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding Avamere.
Our reported rental and related revenues may be subject to increased variability in the future as a result of adopting Topic 842. However, there can be no assurances regarding the timing and amount of these revenues. Amounts due under the terms of all of our lease agreements are subject to contractual increases, and contingent rental income may be derived from certain lease agreements. No material contingent rental income was derived during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020.
Our rental income in future years will be impacted by changes in inflation. Several of our lease agreements provide for an annual rent escalator based on the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (but not less than zero), subject to minimum or maximum fixed percentages that range from 1.0% to 5.0%.
Interest and Other Income
Interest and other income primarily consists of income earned on our loans receivable investments, preferred returns earned on our preferred equity investments and income on the sales-type lease. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $17.3 million of interest and other income compared to $11.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The net increase of $5.4 million is primarily due to a $6.2 million increase in income from investments made after January 1, 2020, partially offset by a $0.3 million decrease in lease termination income related to the transition of a specialty hospital to a new operator during the year ended December 31, 2020 and a $0.1 million decrease in income from investments repaid after January 1, 2020.
Resident Fees and Services
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $155.5 million of resident fees and services compared to $156.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $0.5 million net decrease is primarily due to the impact of decreased occupancy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and a $1.6 million decrease in government grant income, partially offset by a $7.8 million increase in resident fees and services and a $0.3 million increase in grant income from three Senior Housing - Managed communities acquired after January 1, 2020. Included in resident fees and services is $0.5 million and $1.8 million of government grant income recognized during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
Depreciation and Amortization
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred $179.0 million of depreciation and amortization expense compared to $176.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $2.3 million net increase is due to (i) a $3.9 million increase from additions to real estate and (ii) a $2.7 million increase from properties acquired after January 1, 2020. The increases are partially offset by (i) a $2.0 million decrease from properties disposed of after January 1, 2020 and (ii) a $2.5 million decrease related to assets that have been fully depreciated.
Interest Expense
We incur interest expense comprised of costs of borrowings plus the amortization of deferred financing costs related to our indebtedness. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we incurred $98.6 million of interest expense compared to $100.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $1.8 million net decrease is related to (i) a $4.6 million decrease in interest expense related to a reduction in the borrowings outstanding under the Credit Agreement and decrease in interest rates, (ii) a $3.6 million decrease in interest expense related to the redemption of all $300.0 million of 4.80% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (the “2024 Notes”) in October 2021 and (iii) a $0.6 million decrease in interest expense related to a decrease in our mortgage debt as a result of sales of the facilities securing the mortgage debt during 2020 and 2021. These decreases were partially offset by a $6.9 million increase in interest expense related to the issuance of the 2031 Notes (as defined below).
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Triple-Net Portfolio Operating Expenses
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $20.2 million of triple-net portfolio operating expenses compared to $20.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $0.4 million net decrease is primarily due to properties disposed of after January 1, 2020 and adjusting our estimates related to property taxes.
Senior Housing - Managed Portfolio Operating Expenses
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $121.0 million of operating expenses compared to $111.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $10.0 million net increase is due to (i) a $5.7 million increase related to three Senior Housing - Managed communities acquired after January 1, 2020, (ii) a $1.7 million increase in employee compensation due to increased labor rates, (iii) a $1.1 million increase in insurance expense due to a higher number of claims and an increase in premiums, (iv) a $1.0 million increase in expenses due to increased marketing activity and (v) a $0.9 million increase due to the resumption of repairs and maintenance projects as pandemic-related restrictions have been eased, partially offset by a $0.7 million decrease in supplies and labor needs related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses include compensation-related expenses as well as professional services, office costs, other costs associated with asset management, and merger and acquisition costs. During the year ended December 31, 2021, general and administrative expenses were $34.7 million compared to $32.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. The $1.9 million net increase is related to (i) a $1.0 million increase in compensation for our team members as a result of increased staffing, (ii) a $0.8 million increase in insurance expense due to an increase in premiums and (iii) a $0.3 million increase in employee related travel, partially offset by a $0.6 million decrease in professional and legal fees due to a decrease in transaction activity.
Provision for Loan Losses and Other Reserves
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized a $3.9 million and $1.9 million provision for loan losses and other reserves, respectively. The $2.1 million increase is primarily due to the increase in our loans receivable investments balance.
Impairment of Real Estate
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $9.5 million of impairment of real estate related to two skilled nursing/transitional care facilities and one senior housing community, all but one of which were sold in 2021. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized $4.0 million of impairment of real estate related to one skilled nursing/transitional care facility and three senior housing communities that were subsequently sold. See Note 5, “Impairment of Real Estate and Dispositions,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding these impairments.
Loss on Extinguishment of Debt
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized a $34.6 million loss on extinguishment of debt, consisting of (i) $32.7 million in connection with the redemption of the 2024 Notes, including $30.2 million in payments made to noteholders and legal fees for early redemption and $2.5 million of write-offs associated with unamortized deferred financing and premium costs, (ii) $1.8 million related to write-offs of deferred financing costs in connection with the partial pay down of the U.S. dollar Term Loans and (iii) $0.1 million related to write-offs of deferred financing costs in connection with the sale of two facilities that secured one mortgage note. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized a $0.5 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to write-offs of deferred financing costs in connection with the sale of three facilities that secured three mortgage notes.
Other Income
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized $0.4 million and $2.2 million, respectively, of other income primarily related to settlement payments received related to legacy CCP investments.
Net Gain on Sales of Real Estate
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized an aggregate net gain on the sales of real estate of $12.3 million. The $12.3 million includes (i) an aggregate $11.3 million net gain on sales of real estate related to the disposition of eight skilled nursing/transitional care facilities, six senior housing communities and two specialty hospitals and (ii) a $1.0 million gain on sale of real estate due to reassessing the classification of a lease and determining the lease, which requires
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the tenant to purchase the property at the maturity of the lease, should be accounted for as a sales-type lease. This reassessment required the recognition of the gain on sale prior to the actual sale to our tenant. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized an aggregate net gain on the sales of real estate of $2.9 million related to the disposition of eight skilled nursing/transitional care facilities.
Loss from Unconsolidated Joint Venture
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we recognized $192.1 million of loss from the Enlivant Joint Venture compared to $16.6 million of loss for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $175.5 million net increase in the loss is related to (i) a $164.1 million other-than-temporary impairment recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2021 (see Note 4, “Investment in Real Estate Properties” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding the impairment), (ii) a $15.3 million increase in operating expenses from the facilities owned by the Enlivant Joint Venture as of December 31, 2021, (iii) a $5.9 million decrease in revenue from the facilities owned by the Enlivant Joint Venture as of December 31, 2021, primarily due to the impact of decreased occupancy as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, (iv) a $4.5 million impairment of real estate, including basis difference, recorded during the current year related to four senior housing communities and (v) a $3.5 million decrease in government grant income. The $15.3 million increase in operating expenses consists of (i) $9.8 million in support payments paid to the manager of the Enlivant Joint Venture during the current year, (ii) a $3.8 million increase related to employee compensation due to increased labor rates, (iii) a $1.1 million increase in insurance expense due to higher number of claims and increase in premiums, (iv) a $0.8 million increase in marketing expense due to increased marketing activity, and (v) a $0.5 million increase due to the resumption of repairs and maintenance projects as pandemic-related restrictions have been eased, partially offset by a $0.7 million decrease in dining related expenses due to decreased occupancy. The decreases are partially offset by (i) a $6.6 million net adjustment in our basis difference recorded in the prior year due to the disposition of 14 senior housing communities and depreciation adjustments, (ii) a $6.6 million increase in deferred income tax benefit due to lower taxable income, (iii) a $2.4 million decrease in interest expense due to a decrease in interest rates and (iv) a $2.2 million decrease in basis difference depreciation due to the impairment recorded during the three months ended June 30, 2021.
Income Tax Expense
During the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we recognized $1.8 million and $0.7 million, respectively, of income tax expense. The decrease is due to higher taxable income from our Senior Housing - Managed portfolio.
Funds from Operations and Adjusted Funds from Operations
We believe that net income attributable to common stockholders as defined by GAAP is the most appropriate earnings measure. We also believe that funds from operations (“FFO”), as defined in accordance with the definition used by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“Nareit”), and adjusted funds from operations (“AFFO”) (and related per share amounts) are important non-GAAP supplemental measures of our operating performance. Because the historical cost accounting convention used for real estate assets requires straight-line depreciation (except on land), such accounting presentation implies that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. However, since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market and other conditions, presentations of operating results for a REIT that use historical cost accounting for depreciation could be less informative. Thus, Nareit created FFO as a supplemental measure of operating performance for REITs that excludes historical cost depreciation and amortization, among other items, from net income attributable to common stockholders, as defined by GAAP. FFO is defined as net income attributable to common stockholders, computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding gains or losses from real estate dispositions and our share of gains or losses from real estate dispositions related to our unconsolidated joint venture, plus real estate depreciation and amortization, net of amounts related to noncontrolling interests, plus our share of depreciation and amortization related to our unconsolidated joint venture, and real estate impairment charges of both consolidated and unconsolidated entities when the impairment is directly attributable to decreases in the value of the depreciable real estate held by the entity. AFFO is defined as FFO excluding merger and acquisition costs, stock-based compensation expense, non-cash rental and related revenues, non-cash interest income, non-cash interest expense, non-cash portion of loss on extinguishment of debt, provision for loan losses and other reserves, non-cash lease termination income and deferred income taxes, as well as other non-cash revenue and expense items (including ineffectiveness gain/loss on derivative instruments, and non-cash revenue and expense amounts related to noncontrolling interests) and our share of non-cash adjustments related to our unconsolidated joint venture. We believe that the use of FFO and AFFO (and the related per share amounts), combined with the required GAAP presentations, improves the understanding of our operating results among investors and makes comparisons of operating results among REITs more meaningful. We consider FFO and AFFO to be useful measures for reviewing comparative operating and financial performance because, by excluding the applicable items listed above, FFO and AFFO can help investors compare our operating performance between periods or as compared to other companies. While FFO and AFFO are relevant and widely used measures of operating performance of REITs, they do not represent cash flows from operations or net income attributable to common stockholders as defined by
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GAAP and should not be considered an alternative to those measures in evaluating our liquidity or operating performance. FFO and AFFO also do not consider the costs associated with capital expenditures related to our real estate assets nor do they purport to be indicative of cash available to fund our future cash requirements. Further, our computation of FFO and AFFO may not be comparable to FFO and AFFO reported by other REITs that do not define FFO in accordance with the current Nareit definition or that interpret the current Nareit definition or define AFFO differently than we do.
The following table reconciles our calculations of FFO and AFFO for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, to net income attributable to common stockholders, the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure, for the same periods (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):
Year Ended December 31,
Other-than-temporary impairment of unconsolidated joint venture 164,126 — —
Non-cash portion of loss on extinguishment of debt 4,426 531 5,838
Provision for loan losses and other reserves 3,935 1,855 1,238
Non-cash lease termination income — — (10,579)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding, diluted:
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The following table sets forth additional information related to certain other items included in net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders above, and the portions of each that are included in FFO and AFFO attributable to common stockholders, which may be helpful in assessing our operating results. Please refer to “—Results of Operations” above for additional information regarding these items (in millions):
Year Ended December 31,
Net (Loss) Income FFO AFFO
Rental and related revenues:
Resident fees and services:
Grant income under government programs (1) 0.5 1.8 — 0.5 1.8 — 0.5 1.8 —
Interest and other income:
Interest expense:
Senior housing - managed portfolio operating expenses:
Provision for doubtful accounts 3.9 1.9 1.2 3.9 1.9 1.2 — — —
Loss from unconsolidated joint venture:
Grant income under government programs (1) — 3.5 — — 3.5 — — 3.5 —
Deferred income tax (benefit) expense (6.0) 0.5 2.3 (6.0) 0.5 2.3 — — —
Support payments paid to joint venture manager 9.8 — — 9.8 — — 9.8 — —
Impairment of real estate 4.5 — — — — — — — —
(1) Consists of funds specifically paid to communities in our Senior Housing - Managed portfolio from state or federal governments related to the pandemic and were incremental to the amounts that would have otherwise been received for providing care to residents.
(2) Consists primarily of (i) PPE costs, (ii) incremental labor costs (including bonuses, hero pay and additional labor needed to implement new health and safety protocols) and (iii) incremental supply costs required to implement new health and safety protocols (e.g., disposable food containers and stronger disinfectants), in each case incurred by communities in our Senior Housing - Managed portfolio specifically as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
As of December 31, 2021, we had approximately $1.1 billion in liquidity, consisting of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of $112.0 million and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility of $1.0 billion. The Credit Agreement also contains an accordion feature that can increase the total available borrowings to $2.75 billion (from U.S. $2.0 billion plus CAD $125.0 million), subject to terms and conditions.
We have filed a shelf registration statement with the SEC that expires in December 2022, which allows us to offer and sell shares of common stock, preferred stock, warrants, rights, units, and certain of our subsidiaries to offer and sell debt securities, through underwriters, dealers or agents or directly to purchasers, on a continuous or delayed basis, in amounts, at prices and on terms we determine at the time of the offering, subject to market conditions.
On December 11, 2019, we established an at-the-market equity offering program (the “Prior ATM Program”), pursuant to which shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $400.0 million may be sold from time to time (i) by us through a consortium of banks acting as sales agents or directly to the banks acting as principals or (ii) by a consortium of banks acting as forward sellers on behalf of any forward purchasers pursuant to a forward sale agreement. On August 6, 2021, we terminated the Prior ATM Program pursuant to our termination rights.
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During the year ended December 31, 2021, we sold 2.2 million shares under the Prior ATM Program at an average price of $17.78 per share, generating gross proceeds of $38.8 million, before $0.6 million of commissions (excluding sales utilizing the forward feature of the Prior ATM Program, as described below).
Additionally, during the year ended December 31, 2021, we utilized the forward feature of the Prior ATM Program to allow for the sale of up to 6.8 million shares of our common stock at an initial weighted average price of $17.49 per share, net of commissions. During the year ended December 31, 2021, we settled all of the open forward positions under the Prior ATM Program by issuing 7.9 million shares (inclusive of the 6.8 million shares referenced in the immediately preceding sentence) at a weighted average net price of $17.36 per share, after commissions and fees, resulting in net proceeds of $137.0 million.
On August 6, 2021, we established a new at-the-market equity offering program (the “ATM Program”) pursuant to which shares of our common stock having an aggregate gross sales price of up to $500.0 million may be sold from time to time (i) by us through a consortium of banks acting as sales agents or directly to the banks acting as principals or (ii) by a consortium of banks acting as forward sellers on behalf of any forward purchasers pursuant to a forward sale agreement.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we utilized the forward feature of the ATM Program to allow for the sale of up to 1.7 million shares of our common stock at an initial weighted average price of $14.56 per share, net of commissions, and we settled all of the open forward positions under the ATM Program by issuing 1.7 million shares at a weighted average net price of $14.23 per share, after commissions and fees, resulting in net proceeds of $24.2 million. No other shares were sold under the ATM Program during the year ended December 31, 2021.
As of December 31, 2021, we had $475.0 million available under the ATM Program. Subject to market conditions, we expect to use proceeds from our ATM Program to finance future investments in properties.
On September 30, 2021, the Operating Partnership issued the 2031 Notes (as defined below). The net proceeds were $782.2 million after deducting underwriting discounts and other offering expenses. The net proceeds were used to redeem all $300.0 million of the 2024 Notes, repay $345.0 million of our U.S. dollar Term Loans, and to fund a portion of the $290.0 million RCA Mortgage Loan. See “—Loan Agreements.”
On October 15, 2021, we completed an underwritten public offering of 7.8 million newly issued shares of our common stock pursuant to an effective registration statement. We received net proceeds, before expenses, of $112.6 million from the offering at a price of $14.40 per share. These proceeds were used to fund a portion of the RCA Mortgage Loan.
Our short-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of operating expenses, including our planned capital expenditures and funding commitments, interest expense, scheduled debt service payments under our loan agreements, dividend requirements, general and administrative expenses and other requirements described under “Material Cash Requirements” below. Based on our current assessment of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our company, we believe that our available cash, operating cash flows and borrowings available to us under our Revolving Credit Facility provide sufficient funds for such requirements for the next twelve months. In addition, we do not believe that the restrictions under our Senior Notes Indentures (as defined below) or Credit Agreement significantly limit our ability to use our available liquidity for these purposes.
Our long-term liquidity requirements consist primarily of future investments in properties, including any improvements or renovations of current or newly-acquired properties, as well as scheduled debt maturities. We expect to meet these liquidity needs using the sources above as well as the proceeds from issuances of common stock (including through our ATM Program), preferred stock, debt or other securities, additional borrowings, including mortgage debt or a new or refinanced credit facility, and proceeds from the sale of properties. In addition, we may seek financing from U.S. government agencies, including through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and HUD, in appropriate circumstances in connection with acquisitions.
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $356.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2021. Operating cash inflows were derived primarily from the rental payments received under our lease agreements, resident fees and services net of the corresponding operating expenses and interest payments from borrowers under our loan and preferred equity investments. Operating cash outflows consisted primarily of interest payments on borrowings and payment of general and administrative expenses, including corporate overhead. In addition, operating cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2021 includes $3.0 million in net payments received in connection with terminating six forward starting interest rate swaps and five interest rate swaps. We expect our annualized cash flows provided by operating activities to fluctuate as a result of completed investment and disposition activity, anticipated future changes in our portfolio, fluctuations in collections from tenants and borrowers, and fluctuations in the operating results of our Senior Housing - Managed communities.
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash used in investing activities was $336.2 million and included $290.0 million used to originate a loan receivable investment, $99.4 million used for the acquisition of six facilities, $42.7 million used for additions to real estate and $9.1 million used to provide funding for a preferred equity investment, partially offset by $100.7 million in net sales proceeds related to dispositions, $2.9 million in repayments of loans receivable and $1.3 million in repayments of preferred equity investments.
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
During the year ended December 31, 2021, net cash provided by financing activities was $30.1 million and included $791.5 million of gross proceeds from the issuance of the 2031 Notes and $308.7 million of net proceeds from shares sold through an underwritten public offering, our Prior ATM Program and our ATM Program, net of payroll tax payments related to the issuance of common stock pursuant to equity compensation arrangements, partially offset by $455.0 million of principal repayments on term loans, redemption of $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding 2024 Notes, $262.9 million of dividends paid to stockholders, $30.2 million of payments related to extinguishment of debt, $12.7 million of principal repayments on secured debt and $9.3 million of payments of deferred financing costs.
Please see the accompanying consolidated statements of cash flows for details of our operating, investing and financing cash activities.
Material Cash Requirements
Our material cash requirements include the following contractual and other obligations.
Senior Unsecured Notes. Our senior unsecured notes consisted of the following (collectively, the “Senior Notes”) as of December 31, 2021 (dollars in thousands):
Title Maturity Date Principal Balance (1)
(1) Principal balance does not include discount, net of $2.9 million and deferred financing costs, net of $13.6 million as of December 31, 2021.
See Note 8, “Debt,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and “Subsidiary Issuer and Guarantor Financial Information” below for additional information concerning the Senior Notes, including information regarding the indentures and agreements governing the Senior Notes (the “Senior Notes Indentures”). As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Senior Notes Indentures.
Credit Agreement. Pursuant to a fifth amended and restated credit agreement entered into by the Operating Partnership and Sabra Canadian Holdings, LLC (together, the “Borrowers”), Sabra and the other parties thereto effective on September 9, 2019 (the “Credit Agreement”), we have a $1.0 billion revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”), $500.0 million in U.S. dollar term loans, a CAD $125.0 million Canadian dollar term loan (collectively, the “Term Loans”) and an accordion feature that can increase the total available borrowings to $2.75 billion, subject to terms and conditions.
The Revolving Credit Facility has a maturity date of September 9, 2023, and includes two six-month extension options. The Term Loans have a maturity date of September 9, 2024.
The obligations of the Borrowers under the Credit Agreement are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured basis, by us and one of our non-operating subsidiaries, subject to release under certain customary circumstances.
See Note 8, “Debt,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information concerning the Credit Agreement, including information regarding covenants contained in the Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2021, we were in compliance with all applicable covenants under the Credit Agreement.
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Secured Indebtedness. As of December 31, 2021, 11 of our properties held for investment were subject to secured indebtedness to third parties, and our secured debt consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
(1) Principal balance does not include deferred financing costs, net of $0.9 million as of December 31, 2021.
Interest. Our estimated interest and facility fee payments based on principal amounts of debt outstanding as of December 31, 2021, LIBOR (as defined below) and CDOR (as defined below) rates as of December 31, 2021, and including the impact of interest rate swaps and collars are $93.1 million in 2022, $85.9 million in 2023, $80.2 million in 2024, $72.0 million in 2025, $72.0 million in 2026 and $184.7 million thereafter.
Capital Expenditures and Funding Commitments. For the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and 2019, our aggregate capital expenditures were $42.7 million, $47.4 million and $25.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2021, our aggregate commitment for future capital expenditures was approximately $117 million. These commitments are principally for improvements to our facilities and we do not expect those commitments to exceed $74 million for the next 12 months, of which we expect $43 million to directly result in incremental rental income.
In addition, as of December 31, 2021, we have committed to provide up to $63.0 million of future funding related to two preferred equity investments and two loans receivable investments with maturity dates ranging from April 2022 to November 2026.
Dividends. To maintain REIT status, we are required each year to distribute to stockholders at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income after certain adjustments. All distributions will be made by us at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows, capital requirements, debt covenants (which include limits on distributions by us), applicable law, and other factors as our board of directors deems relevant.
We paid dividends of $262.9 million on our common stock during the year ended December 31, 2021. On February 1, 2022, our board of directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share of common stock. The dividend will be paid on February 28, 2022 to common stockholders of record as of February 11, 2022.
Subsidiary Issuer and Guarantor Financial Information. In connection with the Operating Partnership’s assumption of the 2026 Notes, we have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the 2026 Notes, subject to release under certain circumstances as described below. The 2029 Notes and 2031 Notes are issued by the Operating Partnership and guaranteed, fully and unconditionally, by us.
These guarantees are subordinated to all existing and future senior debt and senior guarantees of the applicable guarantors and are unsecured. We conduct all of our business through and derive virtually all of our income from our subsidiaries. Therefore, our ability to make required payments with respect to our indebtedness (including the Senior Notes) and other obligations depends on the financial results and condition of our subsidiaries and our ability to receive funds from our subsidiaries.
We will be automatically and unconditionally released from our obligations under the guarantee with respect to the 2026 Notes in the event of:
•A liquidation or dissolution, to the extent permitted under the indenture governing the 2026 Notes;
•A merger or consolidation, provided that the surviving entity remains a guarantor; or
•The requirements for legal defeasance or covenant defeasance or to discharge the indenture governing the 2026 Notes have been satisfied.
Pursuant to amendments to Regulation S-X, the following aggregate summarized financial information is provided for Sabra and the Operating Partnership. This aggregate summarized financial information has been prepared from the books and records maintained by us and the Operating Partnership. The aggregate summarized financial information does not include the investments in non-guarantor subsidiaries nor the earnings from non-guarantor subsidiaries and therefore is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations or financial position had the Operating Partnership operated as an independent entity. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated. The aggregate summarized balance sheet information as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and aggregate summarized statement of loss information for the year ended December 31, 2021 is as follows (in
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thousands):
As of December 31,
Total revenues $ 100
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentrations of credit risk arise when a number of operators, tenants or obligors related to our investments are engaged in similar business activities, or activities in the same geographic region, or have similar economic features that would cause their ability to meet contractual obligations, including those to us, to be similarly affected by changes in economic conditions. We regularly monitor our portfolio to assess potential concentrations of risks.
Management believes our current portfolio is reasonably diversified across healthcare related real estate and geographical location and does not contain any other significant concentration of credit risks. Our portfolio of 416 real estate properties held for investment as of December 31, 2021 is diversified by location across the U.S. and Canada.
For the year ended December 31, 2021, no tenant relationship represented 10% or more of our total revenues.
Skilled Nursing Facility Reimbursement Rates
For the year ended December 31, 2021, 50.0% of our revenues was derived directly or indirectly from skilled nursing/transitional care facilities. Medicare reimburses skilled nursing facilities for Medicare Part A services under the Prospective Payment System (“PPS”), as implemented pursuant to the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 and modified pursuant to subsequent laws, most recently the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010. PPS regulations predetermine a payment amount per patient, per day, based on a market basket index calculated for all covered costs.
Prior to October 1, 2019, the amount to be paid was determined by classifying each patient into one of 66 Resource Utilization Group (“RUG”) categories that represented the level of services required to treat different conditions and levels of acuity. The system of 66 RUG categories, or Resource Utilization Group version IV (“RUG IV”), became effective as of October 1, 2010. RUG IV resulted from research performed by CMS and was part of CMS’s continuing effort to increase the correlation of the cost of services to the condition of individual patients.
On July 31, 2018, CMS issued a final rule, CMS-1696-F, which includes changes to the case-mix classification system used under the PPS and fiscal year 2019 Medicare payment updates.
CMS-1696-F includes a new case-mix classification system called the skilled nursing facility Patient-Driven Payment Model (“PDPM”) that became effective on October 1, 2019. PDPM reflects significant changes to the Resident Classification System, Version I (“RCS-I”) that was being considered to replace RUG IV as outlined in an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released by CMS in May 2017.
PDPM focuses on clinically relevant factors, rather than volume-based service, for determining Medicare payment. PDPM adjusts Medicare payments based on each aspect of a resident’s care, most notably for non-therapy ancillaries, which are items and services not related to the provision of therapy such as drugs and medical supplies, thereby more accurately addressing costs associated with medically complex patients. It further adjusts the skilled nursing facility per diem payments to reflect varying costs throughout the stay and incorporates safeguards against potential financial incentives to ensure that beneficiaries receive care consistent with their unique needs and goals.
On July 31, 2020, CMS released final fiscal year 2021 Medicare rates for skilled nursing facilities providing an estimated net increase of 2.2% over fiscal year 2020 payments (comprised of a market basket increase of 2.2% and no productivity adjustment). The new payment rates became effective on October 1, 2020.
On July 29, 2021, CMS released a final rule updating fiscal year 2022 Medicare rates for skilled nursing facilities providing an estimated net increase of 1.2% over fiscal year 2021 (comprised of a market basket increase of 2.7% less a forecast error adjustment of 0.8% and a productivity adjustment of 0.7%). These figures do not incorporate the value-based
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purchasing reductions that are estimated to be $184.3 million in fiscal year 2022. No adjustments were made to the PDPM rate methodology in this year’s final rule. The new payment rates became effective on October 1, 2021.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, several federal relief packages were approved that have benefited and may continue to benefit our tenants, especially our tenants that operate skilled nursing/transitional care facilities.
On March 18, 2020, President Trump signed into law the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (“Families First Act”). Under the Families First Act, a temporary 6.2% increase in Federal Medical Assistance Percentages (“FMAP”) was approved retroactive to January 1, 2020, and several states have directed FMAP funds to skilled nursing/transitional care facilities.
On March 27, 2020, President Trump signed into law the CARES Act. The CARES Act provides for a $178 billion fund for eligible health care providers, which includes skilled nursing/transitional care operators, and as of September 1, 2020 also includes assisted living facility operators. Thus far, approximately $145 billion of such appropriated amount has been funded through three phases of general distributions, various targeted distributions and certain performance-based incentive payments, with $25.5 billion of additional funding now being made available to health care providers (comprised of a $17 billion “Phase 4” distribution from remaining allocated funds and $8.5 billion allocated to rural providers via the American Rescue Act passed on March 11, 2021). The CARES Act also includes (i) a temporary suspension of 2% Medicare sequestration cut beginning May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020, (ii) a deferral of the employer’s Social Security remittances through December 31, 2020, (iii) the establishment of the Paycheck Protection Program, a Small Business Administration loan to businesses with fewer than 500 employees that may be partially forgivable, and (iv) accelerated and advance Medicare payments for certain providers, with deferred repayment obligations that are interest-free for up to 29 months.
In addition to the above, there have been other actions taken that benefit skilled nursing/transitional care operators, including the waiver of the requirement for skilled nursing/transitional care patients to have stayed in a hospital for three days in order for services rendered in a skilled nursing/transitional care facility to qualify for Medicare Part A, the acceleration and advance of three months of Medicare billing, and relaxation of certification requirements for employees performing non-clinical services in these facilities.
HHS most recently extended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency for another 90 days, effective January 16, 2022, which allows HHS to continue providing temporary regulatory waivers, including the waiver of the three-day hospital stay requirement, and new rules to equip skilled nursing facilities and some assisted living operators with flexibility to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lastly, suspension of the Medicare sequestration is effective through March 31, 2022 after which a 1% payment adjustment will be in effect from April through June 2022, and the FMAP funding increase is effective through June 30, 2022.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We are exposed to various market risks, primarily related to adverse changes in interest rates and the exchange rate for Canadian dollars. We use derivative instruments in the normal course of business to mitigate interest rate and foreign currency risk. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes. See Note 9, “Derivative and Hedging Instruments,” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our derivative instruments.
Interest rate risk. As of December 31, 2021, our indebtedness included $1.8 billion aggregate principal amount of Senior Notes outstanding, $598.4 million in Term Loans and $67.6 million of secured indebtedness to third parties on certain of the properties that our subsidiaries own. As of December 31, 2021, we had $598.4 million of outstanding variable rate indebtedness and $1.0 billion available for borrowing under our Revolving Credit Facility.
We expect to manage our exposure to interest rate risk by maintaining a mix of fixed and variable rates for our indebtedness. We also may manage, or hedge, interest rate risks related to our borrowings through interest rate swap and collar agreements. As of December 31, 2021, we had interest rate swaps that fix and interest rate collars that set a cap and floor for the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) portion of the interest rate for $436.3 million of LIBOR-based borrowings under the U.S. dollar Term Loans at a weighted average rate of 1.14% and interest rate swaps that fix the Canadian Dollar Offered Rate (“CDOR”) portion of the interest rate for CAD $125.0 million at 1.10%.
From time to time, we may borrow under the Revolving Credit Facility to finance future investments in properties, including any improvements or renovations of current or newly acquired properties, or for other purposes. Because borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest on the outstanding principal amount at a rate equal to an applicable interest margin plus, at our option, either (a) LIBOR or (b) a base rate determined as the greater of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (ii) the prime rate, and (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, the interest rate we will be required to pay on any such borrowings
49
will depend on then applicable rates and may vary. An increase in interest rates could make the financing of any investment by us more costly. Rising interest rates could also limit our ability to refinance our debt when it matures or cause us to pay higher interest rates upon refinancing and increase interest expense on refinanced indebtedness.
As of December 31, 2021, the index underlying our variable rate debt was below 100 basis points. For the twelve months following December 31, 2021, and after giving effect to the impact of interest rate derivative instruments, a 100 basis point increase in the index would increase interest expense by $1.6 million, and a reduction of this index to zero would decrease interest expense by $0.1 million.
Foreign currency risk. We are exposed to changes in foreign exchange rates as a result of our investments in Canadian real estate. Our foreign currency exposure is partially mitigated through the use of Canadian dollar denominated debt totaling CAD $144.7 million and cross currency swap instruments. Based on our operating results for the three months ended December 31, 2021, if the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar were to increase or decrease by 10% compared to the average exchange rate during the three months ended December 31, 2021, our cash flows would have decreased or increased, as applicable, by $0.1 million.
The table below summarizes the book values and the weighted-average interest rates of our indebtedness by type as of December 31, 2021, based on the maturity dates (dollars in thousands):
Maturity
Weighted average effective interest rate (2) — — 2.27 % — — — 2.27 %
Weighted average effective interest rate — — — — 4.77 % 3.70 % 4.01 %
(1) Total book value for secured indebtedness and Term Loans does not include deferred financing costs, net of $0.9 million and $4.2 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2021. Total book value for Senior Notes does not include discount, net of $2.9 million and deferred financing costs, net of $13.6 million as of December 31, 2021.
(2) Term loans include $436.3 million subject to swap agreements that fix and collar agreements that set a cap and floor for LIBOR at a weighted average rate of 1.14%, and $98.4 million (CAD $125.0 million) subject to swap agreements that fix CDOR at 1.10%. Excluding these amounts, variable rate debt was 2.6% of total debt as of December 31, 2021.
For a discussion of the interest rate risks related to the current capital and credit markets, see Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
See the Index to Financial Statements at page F-1 of this 10-K.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
50
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of the end of the period covered by this report, management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon, and as of the date of, the evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2021 to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and our chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a–15(f) and 15d–15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting using the criteria described in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our evaluation using the criteria described in Internal Control—Integrated Framework, our management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2021.
The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm that audited the financial statements included in this Form 10-K, as stated in their attestation report which is included herein.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
ITEM 9C. DISCLOSURE REGARDING FOREIGN JURISDICTIONS THAT PREVENT INSPECTIONS
Not applicable.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Except as provided below, the information required under Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Code of Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our directors and team members, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer. Our Code of Conduct and Ethics can be found in the Investors—Corporate Governance section of our website at www.sabrahealth.com. Waivers from, and amendments to, our Code of Conduct and Ethics that apply to our directors, executive officers or persons performing similar functions will be timely posted in the Investors—Corporate Governance section of our website at www.sabrahealth.com to the extent required by applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the Nasdaq Stock Market LLC.
51
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required under Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required under Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required under Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required under Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 in connection with our 2022 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
52
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBIT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)Documents filed as part of this 10-K:
(1)Financial Statements
See the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements at page F-1 of this report.
(2)Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019
Schedule III - Real Estate Assets and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2021
Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate as of December 31, 2021
The Enlivant Joint Venture (as defined below) was deemed a significant equity investee under Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. As such, financial statements of the Enlivant Joint Venture are required to be filed as an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K within 90 days after the end of Sabra's fiscal year. Accordingly, financial statements of the Enlivant Joint Venture as of December 31, 2021 are to be filed via an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K on or before March 31, 2022.
(3)Exhibits
The following exhibits are filed herewith or are incorporated by reference, as specified below, to exhibits previously filed with the SEC.
EXHIBIT LIST
Ex. Description
4.1* Description of Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.’s Capital Stock.
4.3 Form of 3.90% senior note due 2029 (included in Exhibit 4.2.2).
53
Ex. Description
4.5 Form of 5.125% senior note due 2026 (included in Exhibit 4.4.1).
4.7 Form of 3.200% senior note due 2031 (included in Exhibit 4.6.1).
54
Ex. Description
21.1* List of Subsidiaries of Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.
22.1* List of Subsidiary Issuers and Guarantors of Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.
23.1* Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
101.SCH* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
101.CAL* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
101.DEF* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.
101.LAB* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
101.PRE* Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.
55
Ex. Description
* Filed herewith.
** Furnished herewith.
+ Designates a management compensation plan, contract or arrangement.
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (PCAOB ID 238) F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets F-5
Consolidated Statements of (Loss) Income F-6
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income F-7
Consolidated Statements of Equity F-8
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows F-9
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-11
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule IV—Mortgage Loans on Real Estate as of December 31, 2021 F-58
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc.
Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the related consolidated statements of (loss) income, of comprehensive (loss) income, of equity and of cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021, including the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the index appearing under Item 15(a)(2) (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). We also have audited the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2021 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the COSO.
Basis for Opinions
The Company's management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 9A. Our responsibility is to express opinions on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audits of the consolidated financial statements 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. 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 audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.
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 (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with 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 (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
F-2
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.
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 (i) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (ii) 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.
Impairment Assessments of Real Estate Investments
As described in Notes 2, 4 and 5 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s real estate investments net carrying value was $5.2 billion as of December 31, 2021. Management regularly monitors events and changes in circumstances, including investment operating performance and general market conditions, that could indicate that the carrying amounts of its real estate investments may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment suggest that the carrying value of real estate investments may not be recoverable, the Company assesses the recoverability by estimating whether the Company will recover the carrying value of its real estate investments through the undiscounted future cash flows and the eventual disposition of the investment. The undiscounted future cash flows used to assess recoverability are based on several assumptions and are probability-weighted based on the Company’s best estimates as of the date of evaluation. These assumptions include, among others, market rent, revenue and expense growth rates, occupancy, holding period, market capitalization rates, and estimated market values based on analysis of letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements and recent sales data for comparable properties. If, based on this analysis, the Company does not believe that it will be able to recover the carrying value of its real estate investments, the Company would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of its real estate investments.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the impairment assessments of real estate investments is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management in (a) identifying events and changes in circumstances that are indicators of impairment related to the performance of the investment and market conditions and (b) developing the undiscounted future cash flows utilized in the recoverability assessment of real estate investments with potential impairment and (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity, and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to (a) management’s identification of events or changes in circumstances related to the performance of the investment and market conditions and (b) management’s probability weightings and assumptions used in the undiscounted future cash flows related to market rent, revenue and expense growth rates, occupancy, holding period, market capitalization rates, and estimated market values based on analysis of recent sales data for comparable properties (collectively referred to as the “significant assumptions”).
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s impairment assessments of investments in real estate properties, including controls over management’s (a) identification of events and changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amounts of the real estate investments may not be recoverable and (b) recoverability assessment of real estate investments with potential impairment. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management's process for (a) identifying events and changes in circumstances that are indicators of impairment and (b) assessing the recoverability of the real estate investments with potential impairments, (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the undiscounted cash flow models and probability weightings used in the recoverability assessment process, (iii) testing the completeness, accuracy, relevance and reliability of the underlying data used in the undiscounted cash flow models, (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assessment of events and changes in circumstances that are indicators of impairment related to performance of the investment and general market conditions indicating that the carrying amounts of its real estate investments may not be recoverable by considering the consistency with the current and past performance of the real estate investment and the consistency with external market and industry data, and (v) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used in the undiscounted future cash flows of real estate investments with potential impairment by considering the consistency of the significant assumptions with the current and past performance of the real estate investments, the consistency with external market and industry data, and whether these significant assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.
F-3
Impairment Assessments of the Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture
As described in Notes 2 and 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the carrying value of the Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint venture was $96.7 million as of December 31, 2021. Management regularly monitors events and changes in circumstances, including the investment operating performance, change in anticipated holding period and general market conditions, that could indicate that the carrying amount of its investment in the unconsolidated joint venture may be impaired. The investment in the unconsolidated joint venture is impaired when the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value and management determines the decline in value is other-than-temporary. The fair value is estimated based on discounted cash flows models that include all estimated cash inflows and outflows and any estimated debt premiums or discounts. The discounted cash flows are based on several assumptions including management fee, absorption period, terminal capitalization rates, revenue and expense per bed, stabilized occupancy, stabilized operating margin, price per bed, and discount rates. If, based on this analysis, management believes that there is an other-than-temporary decline in the value of its investment in the unconsolidated joint venture, management would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of its investment. During the year ended December 31, 2021, management determined that a $164.1 million other-than-temporary decline had occurred and an impairment charge was required.
The principal considerations for our determination that performing procedures relating to the impairment assessments of the investment in the unconsolidated joint venture is a critical audit matter are (i) the significant judgment by management in (a) identifying events and changes in circumstances that are indicators of impairment related to the investment operating performance, change in anticipated holding period and general market conditions and (b) developing the fair value of the investment in the unconsolidated joint venture with potential other-than-temporary impairment, (ii) a high degree of auditor judgment, subjectivity and effort in performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence related to (a) management’s identification of the events and changes in circumstances related to the investment operating performance, change in anticipated holding period and general market conditions and (b) management’s assumptions used to develop the fair value related to the management fee, absorption period, terminal capitalization rates, revenue and expense per bed, stabilized occupancy, stabilized operating margin, price per bed and discount rates (collectively referred to as the “significant assumptions”), and (iii) the audit effort involved the use of professionals with specialized skill and knowledge.
Addressing the matter involved performing procedures and evaluating audit evidence in connection with forming our overall opinion on the consolidated financial statements. These procedures included testing the effectiveness of controls relating to management’s impairment assessments of the investment in the unconsolidated joint venture including controls over management’s (a) identification of events and changes in circumstances indicating that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable and (b) developing the fair value of the investment. These procedures also included, among others, (i) testing management's process for (a) identifying events and changes in circumstances that are indicators of impairment and (b) developing the fair value of the investment, (ii) evaluating the appropriateness of the discounted cash flow models used in developing the fair value of the investment, (iii) testing the completeness, accuracy, relevance and reliability of the underlying data used in the impairment assessment processes, (iv) evaluating the reasonableness of management’s assessment of the events and changes in circumstances that are indicators of impairment related to investment operating performance, change in anticipated holding period and general market conditions by considering the consistency with current and past performance of the investment and external market and industry data, and (v) evaluating the reasonableness of the significant assumptions used to develop the fair value by considering the consistency with current and past performance of the investment, the consistency with external market and industry data, and whether the significant assumptions were consistent with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit. Professionals with specialized skill and knowledge were used to assist in the evaluation of the appropriateness of management’s discounted cash flow models and the reasonableness of the significant assumptions.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Los Angeles, California
February 22, 2022
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2010.
F-4
SABRA HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
December 31,
Assets
Investment in unconsolidated joint venture 96,680 288,761
Accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets, net 138,108 160,646
Liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)
Equity
Cumulative distributions in excess of net income (1,095,204) (716,195)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (10,021) (39,911)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
SABRA HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF (LOSS) INCOME
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Year Ended December 31,
Revenues:
Expenses:
Provision for loan losses and other reserves 3,935 1,855 1,238
Other (expense) income:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (22)
Net (loss) income attributable to common stockholders, per:
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
SABRA HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(in thousands, except footnote data)
Year Ended December 31,
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized gain (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain (142) (315) 679
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest — — (22)
(1) Amounts are net of income tax benefit of $106,000, $138,000 and $49,000 for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019, respectively.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
SABRA HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Shares Amounts
Buyout of noncontrolling interest — — 4,039 — — 4,039 (4,039) —
Distributions to noncontrolling interest — — — — — — (316) (316)
Cumulative effect of Topic 326 adoption — — — (167) — (167) — (167)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-8
SABRA HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Cash flows from operating activities:
Non-cash lease termination income — — (10,579)
Provision for loan losses and other reserves 3,935 1,855 1,238
Other-than-temporary impairment of unconsolidated joint venture 164,126 — —
Distributions of earnings from unconsolidated joint venture — 12,795 13,865
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Cash flows from investing activities:
Origination and fundings of preferred equity investments (9,061) (20,069) —
Distributions in excess of earnings from unconsolidated joint venture — 1,305 —
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net repayments of revolving credit facility — — (624,000)
Proceeds from issuance of senior unsecured notes 791,520 — 638,779
Principal payments on senior unsecured notes (300,000) — (700,000)
Payments related to extinguishment of debt (30,196) — (10,502)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest — — (316)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-9
SABRA HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(in thousands)
Year Ended December 31,
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-10
SABRA HEALTH CARE REIT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1.BUSINESS
Overview
Sabra Health Care REIT, Inc. (“Sabra” or the “Company”) was incorporated on May 10, 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Sun Healthcare Group, Inc. (“Sun”) and commenced operations on November 15, 2010 following Sabra’s separation from Sun. Sabra elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) with the filing of its United States (“U.S.”) federal income tax return for the taxable year beginning January 1, 2011. Sabra believes that it has been organized and operated, and it intends to continue to operate, in a manner to qualify as a REIT. Sabra’s primary business consists of acquiring, financing and owning real estate property to be leased to third-party tenants in the healthcare sector. Sabra primarily generates revenues by leasing properties to tenants and operators throughout the U.S. and Canada. Sabra owns substantially all of its assets and properties and conducts its operations through Sabra Health Care Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Operating Partnership”), of which Sabra is the sole general partner and a wholly owned subsidiary of Sabra is currently the only limited partner, or by subsidiaries of the Operating Partnership. The Company’s investment portfolio is primarily comprised of skilled nursing/transitional care facilities, senior housing communities (“Senior Housing - Leased”) and specialty hospitals and other facilities, in each case leased to third-party operators; senior housing communities operated by third-party property managers pursuant to property management agreements (“Senior Housing - Managed”); investments in loans receivable; and preferred equity investments.
COVID-19
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread have negatively impacted and are expected to continue to negatively impact the Company and its operations in a number of ways, including but not limited to:
•Decreased occupancy and increased operating costs for the Company’s tenants and borrowers, which have negatively impacted their operating results and may adversely impact their ability to make full and timely rental payments and debt service payments, respectively, to the Company. In some cases, the Company may have to restructure tenants’ long-term rent obligations and may not be able to do so on terms that are as favorable to the Company as those currently in place. Reduced or modified rental and debt service amounts could result in the determination that the full amounts of the Company’s investments are not recoverable, which could result in an impairment charge. To date, the impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s skilled nursing/transitional care facility and assisted living community tenants has been partially mitigated by the assistance they have received or expect to receive from state and federal assistance programs, including through the CARES Act (as defined and further described under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Skilled Nursing Facility Reimbursement Rates” in Part II, Item 7), although these benefits on an individual tenant basis vary and may not provide enough relief to meet their rental obligations to the Company. From the beginning of the pandemic through December 31, 2021, the Company has agreed to temporary pandemic-related rent deferrals for six tenants of two to nine months of rent totaling $3.4 million, of which $0.3 million has been repaid. In addition, the Company has drawn $11.9 million from a tenant’s letter of credit to fund rent for September through November 2021 and a portion of December 2021 due from its tenant, the Avamere Family of Companies (“Avamere”) (see the related discussion in Note 4, “Investment in Real Estate Properties”). However, the longer the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, the more likely that the Company’s tenants and borrowers will begin to default on these obligations, particularly if state and federal assistance is reduced or eliminated. Such defaults could materially and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations and liquidity, in addition to resulting in potential impairment charges.
•Decreased occupancy and increased operating costs within the Company’s Senior Housing - Managed portfolio, which have negatively impacted and are expected to continue to negatively impact the operating results of these investments. As noted above, the assistance received or expected to be received by eligible assisted living operators will partially mitigate the negative impact of COVID-19 on the Company’s Senior Housing - Managed portfolio. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company recognized government grants of $0.5 million in resident fees and services. Prolonged deterioration in the operating results for the Company’s investments in its Senior Housing - Managed portfolio could result in the determination that the full amounts of the Company’s investments are not recoverable, which could result in an impairment charge.
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•See Note 4, “Investment in Real Estate Properties,” for discussion of the impact on the Company’s investment in unconsolidated joint venture.
The Company’s financial results as of and for the year ended December 31, 2021 reflect the results of the Company’s evaluation of the impact of COVID-19 on its business including, but not limited to, its evaluation of potential impairments of long-lived or other assets, measurement of credit losses on financial instruments, evaluation of any lease modifications, evaluation of lease accounting impact, estimates of fair value and the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
2.SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Sabra and its wholly owned subsidiaries as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2021, 2020 and 2019. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).
GAAP requires the Company to identify entities for which control is achieved through voting rights or other means 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; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. If the Company were determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, the Company would consolidate investments in the VIE. The Company may change its original assessment of a VIE due to events such as modifications of contractual arrangements that affect the characteristics or adequacy of the entity’s equity investments at risk and the disposal of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.
The Company identifies 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. The Company performs this analysis on an ongoing basis. As of December 31, 2021, the Company determined that it was not the primary beneficiary of any VIEs.
As it relates to investments in loans, in addition to the Company’s assessment of VIEs and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary of those VIEs, the Company evaluates the loan terms and other pertinent facts to determine whether the loan investment should be accounted for as a loan or as a real estate joint venture. If an investment has the characteristics of a real estate joint venture, including if the Company participates in the majority of the borrower’s expected residual profit, the Company would account for the investment as an investment in a real estate joint venture and not as a loan investment. Expected residual profit is defined as the amount of profit, whether called interest or another name, such as an equity kicker, above a reasonable amount of interest and fees expected to be earned by a lender. At December 31, 2021 and 2020, none of the Company’s investments in loans were accounted for as real estate joint ventures.
As it relates to investments in joint ventures, the Company assesses any limited partners’ rights and their impact on the presumption of control of the limited partnership by any single partner. The Company also applies this guidance to managing member interests in limited liability companies. The Company reassesses its determination of which entity controls the joint venture if: there is a change to the terms or in the exercisability of the rights of any partners or members, the sole general partner or managing member increases or decreases its ownership interests, or there is an increase or decrease in the number of outstanding ownership interests. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s determination of which entity controls its investments in joint ventures has not changed as a result of any reassessment.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could materially differ from those estimates.
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Real Estate Investments and Rental Revenue Recognition
Real Estate Acquisition Valuation
All assets acquired and liabilities assumed in an acquisition of real estate accounted for as a business combination are measured at their acquisition date fair values. For acquisitions of real estate accounted for as an asset acquisition, the fair value of consideration transferred by the Company (including transaction costs) is allocated to all assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis. The acquisition value of land, building and improvements are included in real estate investments on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The acquisition value of above market lease, tenant origination and absorption costs and tenant relationship intangible assets is included in lease intangible assets, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The acquisition value of below market lease intangible liabilities is included in lease intangible liabilities, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Acquisition costs associated with real estate acquisitions deemed asset acquisitions are capitalized, and costs associated with real estate acquisitions deemed business combinations are expensed as incurred. Restructuring costs that do not meet the definition of a liability at the acquisition date are expensed in periods subsequent to the acquisition date.
Estimates of the fair values of the tangible assets, identifiable intangibles and assumed liabilities require the Company to make significant assumptions to estimate market lease rates, property operating expenses, carrying costs during lease-up periods, discount rates, market absorption periods, and the number of years the property will be held for investment. The Company makes its best estimate based on the Company’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. The use of inappropriate assumptions would result in an incorrect valuation of the Company’s acquired tangible assets, identifiable intangibles and assumed liabilities, which would impact the amount of the Company’s net income.
Depreciation and Amortization
Real estate costs related to the acquisition and improvement of properties are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the expected useful life of the asset and the remaining lease term of any property subject to a ground lease. Tenant improvements are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lesser of the expected useful life of the asset and the remaining lease term. Depreciation is discontinued when a property is identified as held for sale. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to expense as incurred and significant replacements and betterments are capitalized. Repair and maintenance costs include all costs that do not extend the useful life of the real estate asset. The Company considers the period of future benefit of an asset to determine its appropriate useful life. Depreciation of real estate assets and amortization of tenant origination and absorption costs and tenant relationship lease intangibles are included in depreciation and amortization on the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income. Amortization of above and below market lease intangibles is included in rental income on the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income. The Company anticipates the estimated useful lives of its assets by class to be generally as follows: land improvements, 15 to 20 years; buildings and building improvements, five to 45 years; and furniture and equipment, three to 10 years. Intangibles are generally amortized over the remaining noncancellable lease terms, with tenant relationship intangible amortization periods including extension periods of up to 25 years.
Impairment of Real Estate Investments
The Company regularly monitors events and changes in circumstances, including investment operating performance and general market conditions, that could indicate that the carrying amounts of its real estate investments may not be recoverable. When indicators of potential impairment suggest that the carrying value of real estate investments may not be recoverable, the Company assesses the recoverability by estimating whether the Company will recover the carrying value of its real estate investments through the undiscounted future cash flows and the eventual disposition of the investment. In some instances, there may be various potential outcomes for an investment and its potential undiscounted future cash flows. In these instances, the undiscounted future cash flows models used to assess recoverability are based on several assumptions and are probability-weighted based on the Company’s best estimates as of the date of evaluation. These assumptions include, among others, market rent, revenue and expense growth rates, occupancy, holding period, market capitalization rates, and estimated market values based on analysis of letters of intent, purchase and sale agreements and recent sales data for comparable properties. When discounted cash flow is used to determine fair value, a discount rate assumption is also used. The assumptions are generally based on management’s experience in its local real estate markets, and the effects of current market conditions, which are subject to economic and market uncertainties. If, based on this analysis, the Company does not believe that it will be able to recover the carrying value of its real estate investments, the Company would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of its real estate investments. The Company determines estimated fair value based primarily upon (i) estimated sale prices from signed contracts or letters of intent from third-party offers, (ii) discounted cash flow models of the investment over its remaining hold period, (iii) third-party appraisals and (iv) recent sales data for comparable properties.
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Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes rental revenue from tenants, including rental abatements, lease incentives and contractual fixed increases attributable to operating leases, on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases when it is probable that substantially all rents over the life of a lease are collectible. Certain of the Company’s leases provide for contingent rents equal to a percentage of the facility’s revenue in excess of specified base amounts or other thresholds. Such revenue is recognized when actual results reported by the tenant, or estimates of tenant results, exceed the applicable base amount or other threshold.
The Company assesses the collectability of rents on a lease-by-lease basis, and in doing so, considers such things as historical bad debts, tenant creditworthiness, current economic trends, facility operating performance, lease structure, credit enhancements (including guarantees), current developments relevant to a tenant’s business specifically and to its business category generally, and changes in tenants’ payment patterns. The Company’s assessment includes an estimation of a tenant’s ability to fulfill all of its rental obligations over the remaining lease term. In addition, with respect to tenants in bankruptcy, management makes estimates of the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition claims in assessing the estimated collectability of the related receivable. If at any time the Company cannot determine that it is probable that substantially all rents over the life of a lease are collectible, rental revenue will be recognized only to the extent of payments received, and all receivables associated with the lease will be written off irrespective of amounts expected to be collectible. Any recoveries of these amounts will be recorded in future periods upon receipt of payment. Write-offs of receivables and any recoveries of previously written-off receivables are recorded as adjustments to rental revenue.
Revenue from resident fees and services is recorded monthly as services are provided and includes resident room and care charges, ancillary services charges and other resident charges.
Government Grants
By analogy to International Accounting Standards 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, government assistance provided to the Company in the form of an income grant, which is not related to long-lived assets and is not required to be repaid, is recognized as grant income when there is reasonable assurance that the grant will be received and the Company will comply with any conditions associated with the grant. Additionally, grants are recognized over the periods in which the Company recognizes the qualifying expenses and/or lost income for which the grants are intended to compensate. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the amount of qualifying expenditures exceeded amounts recognized under the CARES Act and other programs, and the Company had complied with all grant conditions. Accordingly, during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company recognized $0.5 million and $1.8 million, respectively, of grants in resident fees and services, and during the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company recognized $3.5 million of grants in loss from unconsolidated joint venture in the accompanying consolidated statements of (loss) income.
Assets Held for Sale, Dispositions and Discontinued Operations
The Company generally considers real estate to be “held for sale” when the following criteria are met: (i) management commits to a plan to sell the property, (ii) the property is available for sale immediately, (iii) the property is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value, (iv) the sale of the property within one year is considered probable and (v) significant changes to the plan to sell are not expected. Real estate that is held for sale and its related assets are classified as assets held for sale and are included in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets, net on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Secured indebtedness and other liabilities related to real estate held for sale are classified as liabilities related to assets held for sale and are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Real estate classified as held for sale is no longer depreciated and is reported at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value less estimated costs to sell. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, the Company did not have any assets held for sale.
For sales of real estate where the Company has collected the consideration to which it is entitled in exchange for transferring the real estate, the related assets and liabilities are removed from the balance sheet and the resultant gain or loss is recorded in the period in which the transaction closes. Any post-sale involvement is accounted for as separate performance obligations, and when the separate performance obligations are satisfied, the portion of the sales price allocated to each such obligation is recognized.
Additionally, the Company records the operating results related to real estate that has been disposed of or classified as held for sale as discontinued operations for all periods presented if it represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results.
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Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture
The Company reports investments in unconsolidated entities over whose operating and financial policies it has the ability to exercise significant influence under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, the Company’s share of the investee’s earnings or losses is included in the Company’s consolidated statements of (loss) income. The initial carrying value of the investment is based on the amount paid to purchase the joint venture interest. Differences between the Company’s cost basis and the basis reflected at the joint venture level are generally amortized over the lives of the related assets and liabilities, and such amortization is included in the Company’s share of earnings of the joint venture. In addition, distributions received from unconsolidated entities are classified based on the nature of the activity or activities that generated the distribution.
The Company regularly monitors events and changes in circumstances, including investment operating performance, changes in anticipated holding period and general market conditions, that could indicate that the carrying amounts of its equity method investments may be impaired. An equity method investment's value is impaired when the fair value of the investment is less than its carrying value and the Company determines the decline in value is other-than-temporary. The fair value is estimated based on discounted cash flows models that include all estimated cash inflows and outflows and any estimated debt premiums or discounts. The discounted cash flows are based on several assumptions including, management fee, absorption period, terminal capitalization rates, revenue and expense per bed, stabilized occupancy, stabilized operating margin, price per bed and discount rates. The assumptions are generally based on management’s experience in its local real estate markets, and the effects of current market conditions, which are subject to economic and market uncertainties. If the Company believes that there is an other-than-temporary decline in the value of an equity method investment, the Company would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of such equity method investment.
Loans Receivable, Sales-Type Lease and Credit Losses
Loans Receivable
The Company’s loans receivable are reflected at amortized cost on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The amortized cost of a loan receivable is the outstanding unpaid principal balance, net of unamortized discounts, costs and fees directly associated with the origination of the loan.
Loans acquired in connection with a business combination are recorded at their acquisition date fair value. The Company determines the fair value of loans receivable based on estimates of expected discounted cash flows, collateral, credit risk and other factors. The Company does not establish a valuation allowance at the acquisition date, as the amount of estimated future cash flows reflects its judgment regarding their uncertainty. The Company recognizes the difference between the acquisition date fair value and the total expected cash flows as interest income using the effective interest method over the life of the applicable loan. The Company immediately recognizes in income any unamortized balances if the loan is repaid before its contractual maturity.
Interest income on the Company’s loans receivable is recognized on an accrual basis over the life of the investment using the interest method. Direct loan origination costs are amortized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to interest income. When concerns exist as to the ultimate collection of principal or interest due under a loan, the loan is placed on nonaccrual status, and the Company will not recognize interest income until the cash is received, or the loan returns to accrual status. If the Company determines that the collection of interest according to the contractual terms of the loan or through the receipts of assets in satisfaction of contractual amounts due is probable, the Company will resume the accrual of interest. In instances where borrowers are in default under the terms of their loans, the Company may continue recognizing interest income provided that all amounts owed under the contractual terms of the loan, including accrued and unpaid interest, do not exceed the estimated fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell.
On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the collectability of its interest income receivable and establishes a reserve for amounts not expected to be collected. The Company’s evaluation includes reviewing credit quality indicators such as payment status, changes affecting the operations of the facilities securing the loans, and national and regional economic factors. The reserve is a valuation allowance that reflects management’s estimate of losses inherent in the interest income receivable balance as of the balance sheet date. The reserve is adjusted through provision for loan losses and other reserves on the Company’s consolidated statements of (loss) income and is decreased by charge-offs to specific receivables.
Sales-Type Lease
The Company’s investment in sales-type leases is reflected on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as the present value of total rental payments, plus estimated purchase price, less unearned lease income. Selling profit or loss is
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recorded upon classification as a sales-type lease, and unearned income is amortized over the lease term to provide a constant yield when collectability of the lease payments is reasonably assured.
Credit Losses
On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates the collectability of its loan portfolio and sales-type leases, including the portion of unfunded loan commitments expected to be funded, and establishes an allowance for credit losses. The allowance for credit losses is calculated using the related amortization schedules, payment histories and loan-to-value ratios. The following rates are applied to determine the aggregate expected losses, which is recorded as the allowance for credit losses: (i) a default rate, (ii) a liquidation cost rate and (iii) a distressed property reduction rate. If no loan-to-value ratio is available, a loss severity rate is applied in place of the liquidation cost rate and the distressed property reduction rate. The default rate is based on average charge-off and delinquency rates from the Federal Reserve, and the other rates are based on industry research and historical performance of a similar portfolio of financial assets. The allowance for credit losses is a valuation allowance that reflects management’s estimate of losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the balance sheet date. The reserve is adjusted through provision for loan losses and other reserves on the Company’s consolidated statements of (loss) income and is decreased by charge-offs to specific loans.
Preferred Equity Investments and Preferred Return
Preferred equity investments are accounted for at unreturned capital contributions, plus accrued and unpaid preferred returns. The Company recognizes preferred return income on a monthly basis based on the outstanding investment including any previously accrued and unpaid return. As a preferred member of the preferred equity joint ventures in which the Company participates, the Company is not entitled to share in the joint venture’s earnings or losses. Rather, the Company is entitled to receive a preferred return, which is deferred if the cash flow of the joint venture is insufficient to currently pay the accrued preferred return.
The Company regularly monitors events and changes in circumstances that could indicate that the carrying amounts of its preferred equity investments may not be recoverable or realized. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates its preferred equity investments for impairment based on a comparison of the fair value of the investment to its carrying value. The fair value is estimated based on discounted cash flows that include all estimated cash inflows and outflows over a specified holding period. If, based on this analysis, the Company does not believe that it will be able to recover the carrying value of its preferred equity investment, the Company would record an impairment loss to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value of its preferred equity investment.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all short-term (with an original maturity of three months or less), highly-liquid investments utilized as part of the Company’s cash-management activities to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents may include cash and short-term investments. Short-term investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value.
The Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance exceeded federally insurable limits as of December 31, 2021. To date, the Company has experienced no loss or lack of access to cash in its operating accounts. The Company has a corporate banking relationship with Bank of America, N.A. in which it deposits the majority of its cash.
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash primarily consists of amounts held by an exchange accommodation titleholder or by secured debt lenders to provide for future real estate tax expenditures, tenant improvements and capital expenditures. Pursuant to the terms of the Company’s leases with certain tenants, the Company has assigned its interests in certain of these restricted cash accounts with secured debt lenders to the tenants, and this amount is included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. As of December 31, 2021 and 2020, restricted cash totaled $3.9 million and $6.4 million, respectively, and restricted cash obligations totaled $3.2 million and $3.5 million, respectively.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense for stock-based awards granted to Sabra’s employees (team members) and its non-employee directors is recognized in the statements of income based on the estimated grant date fair value, as adjusted. Compensation expense for awards with graded vesting schedules is generally recognized ratably over the period from the grant date to the date when the award is no longer contingent on the recipient providing additional services. Compensation expense for awards with performance-based vesting conditions is recognized based on the Company’s estimate of the ultimate value of such award after considering the Company’s expectations of future performance. Forfeitures of stock-based awards are recognized as they occur.
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Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred financing costs representing fees paid to third parties are amortized over the terms of the respective financing agreements using the interest method. Deferred financing costs related to secured debt, term loans and senior unsecured notes are recorded as a reduction of the related debt liability, and deferred financing costs related to the revolving credit facility are recorded in accounts receivable, prepaid expenses and other assets, net. Unamortized deferred financing costs are generally expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financings that do not close are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not close.
Income Taxes
The Company elected to be treated as a REIT with the filing of its U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year beginning January 1, 2011. The Company believes that it has been organized and operated, and it intends to continue to operate, in a manner to qualify as a REIT. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of the Company’s annual REIT taxable income to stockholders (which is computed without regard to the dividends-paid deduction or net capital gains and which does not necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with GAAP). As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax on income that it distributes as dividends to its stockholders. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate income tax rates and generally will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost, unless the Internal Revenue Service grants the Company relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially and adversely affect the Company’s net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders. However, the Company believes that it is organized and operates in such a manner as to qualify for treatment as a REIT.
As a result of certain investments, the Company now records income tax expense or benefit with respect to certain of its entities that are taxed as taxable REIT subsidiaries under provisions similar to those applicable to regular corporations and not under the REIT provisions.