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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Outpatient Medical

The following is a summary of our NOI for the outpatient medical segment (dollars in thousands):

Year EndedOne Year ChangeYear EndedOne Year ChangeTwo Year Change
December 31,December 31,December 31,
20142015$%2016$%$%
SSNOI(1)$242,195$245,563$3,3681%$250,134$4,5712%$7,9393%
Non-cash NOI attributable to same store properties(1)8,0155,186(2,829)-35%2,440(2,746)-53%(5,575)-70%
NOI attributable to non same store properties(2)30,904108,66177,757252%127,69019,02918%96,786313%
NOI$281,114$359,410$78,29628%$380,264$20,8546%$99,15035%
(1) Due to increases in cash and non-cash NOI (described below) related to 176 same store properties.
(2) Primarily due to the acquisition of 54 properties and conversions of construction projects into 17 revenue-generating properties subsequent to January 1, 2013.

The following is a summary of our results of operations for the outpatient medical segment (dollars in thousands):

Year EndedOne Year ChangeYear EndedOne Year ChangeTwo Year Change
December 31,December 31,December 31,
20142015$%2016$%$%
Revenues:
Rental income$413,129$504,121$90,99222%$536,490$32,3696%$123,36130%
Interest income3,2935,8532,56078%3,307(2,546)-43%140%
Other income1,0104,6843,674364%5,56888419%4,558451%
417,432514,65897,22623%545,36530,7076%127,93331%
Property operating expenses136,318155,24818,93014%165,1019,8536%28,78321%
Net operating income from continuing operations (NOI)281,114359,41078,29628%380,26420,8546%99,15035%
Other expenses:
Interest expense31,05027,542(3,508)-11%19,087(8,455)-31%(11,963)-39%
Depreciation and amortization152,635186,26533,63022%188,6162,3511%35,98124%
Transaction costs7,5122,765(4,747)-63%3,68792233%(3,825)-51%
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net405-(405)-100%--n/a(405)-100%
Provision for loan losses---n/a3,2803,280n/a3,280n/a
Impairment of assets---n/a4,6354,635n/a4,635n/a
191,602216,57224,97013%219,3052,7331%27,70314%
Income from continuing operations before income taxes and income (loss) from unconsolidated entities89,512142,83853,32660%160,95918,12113%71,44780%
Income tax expense(1,827)2452,072n/a(511)(756)n/a1,316-72%
Income (loss) from unconsolidated entities5,3552,908(2,447)-46%318(2,590)-89%(5,037)-94%
Income from continuing operations93,040145,99152,95157%160,76614,77510%67,72673%
Gain (loss) on real estate dispositions, net906194,126193,22021,327%(1,228)(195,354)n/a(2,134)n/a
Net income (loss)93,946340,117246,171262%159,538(180,579)-53%65,59270%
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests608(110)(718)n/a768878n/a16026%
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders$93,338$340,227$246,889265%$158,770$(181,457)-53%$65,43270%

The increase in rental income is primarily attributable to the acquisitions of new properties and the conversion of newly constructed outpatient medical properties from which we receive rent. Certain of our leases contain annual rental escalators that are contingent upon changes in the Consumer Price Index. These escalators are not fixed, so no straight-line rent is recorded; however, rental income is recorded based on the contractual cash rental payments due for the period. If the Consumer Price Index does not increase, a portion of our revenues may not continue to increase. Revenue from real property that is sold would offset revenue increases and, to the extent that revenues from sold properties exceed those from new acquisitions, we would experience decreased revenues. Our leases could renew above or below current rent rates, resulting in an increase or decrease in rental income. For the

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

three months ended December 31, 2016, our consolidated outpatient medical portfolio signed 81,930 square feet of new leases and 305,176 square feet of renewals. The weighted-average term of these leases was eight years, with a rate of $35.61 per square foot and tenant improvement and lease commission costs of $18.23 per square foot. Substantially all of these leases during the referenced quarter contain an annual fixed or contingent escalation rent structure ranging from the change in CPI to 5%.

The increase in other income is primarily attributable to the acquisition of a controlling interest in a portfolio of properties that were historically reported as unconsolidated property investments, and subsequent adjustments made to certain contingent receivables.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we completed five outpatient medical construction projects representing $108,001,000 or $304 per square foot. The following is a summary of outpatient medical construction projects pending as of December 31, 2016 (dollars in thousands):

LocationSquare FeetCommitmentBalanceEst. Completion
Wausau, WI43,883$14,100$13,1251Q17
Castle Rock, CO56,82213,1487,2901Q17
Timmonium, MD46,00020,99610,7172Q17
Howell, MI56,21115,5097,1742Q17
Brooklyn, NY140,955103,62439,8671Q18
Total343,871$167,377$78,173

Total interest expense represents secured debt interest expense. The change in secured debt interest expense is primarily due to the net effect and timing of assumptions, extinguishments and principal amortizations. The following is a summary of our outpatient medical secured debt principal activity (dollars in thousands):

Year EndedYear EndedYear Ended
December 31, 2014December 31, 2015December 31, 2016
Weighted Avg.Weighted Avg.Weighted Avg.
AmountInterest RateAmountInterest RateAmountInterest Rate
Beginning balance$700,4275.999%$609,2685.838%$627,6895.177%
Debt assumed66,1133.670%120,9592.113%-0.000%
Debt extinguished(141,796)5.567%(88,182)5.257%(210,115)5.970%
Principal payments(15,476)5.797%(14,356)5.975%(13,495)6.552%
Ending balance$609,2685.838%$627,6895.177%$404,0794.846%
Monthly averages$626,7975.928%$613,1555.434%$536,7745.106%

The increases in property operating expenses and depreciation and amortization are primarily attributable to acquisitions and construction conversions of new outpatient medical facilities for which we incur certain property operating expenses. Transaction costs represent costs incurred with property acquisitions including due diligence costs, fees for legal and valuation services, termination of pre-existing relationships, a lease termination expense and other similar costs. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded a provision for loan loss related to our critical accounting estimate for the allowance for loan losses discussed in “Critical Accounting Policies” and Note 6 to our consolidated financial statements. In addition, we recognized impairment losses on certain held-for-sale properties as the fair value less estimated costs to sell exceeded our carrying values. Income from unconsolidated entities represents our share of net income or losses related to the periods for which we held a joint venture investment with Forest City Enterprises and certain unconsolidated property investments. Changes in gains/losses on sales of properties are related to volume of property sales and the sales prices.

A portion of our outpatient medical properties were formed through partnerships. Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests represents our partners’ share of net income or loss relating to those partnerships where we are the controlling partner.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Non-Segment/Corporate

The following is a summary of our results of operations for the non-segment/corporate activities (dollars in thousands):

Year EndedOne Year ChangeYear EndedOne Year ChangeTwo Year Change
December 31,December 31,December 31,
20142015$%2016$%$%
Revenues:
Other income$677$1,091$41461%$939$(152)-14%$26239%
Expenses:
Interest expense353,724365,85512,1313%399,03533,1809%45,31113%
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net---n/a(2,516)(2,516)n/a(2,516)n/a
General and administrative142,943147,4164,4733%155,2417,8255%12,2989%
Loss (gain) on extinguishments of debt, net8,67224,77716,105186%16,439(8,338)-34%7,76790%
Other expenses-10,58310,583n/a11,9981,41513%11,998n/a
505,339548,63143,2929%580,19731,5666%74,85815%
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes(504,662)(547,540)(42,878)8%(579,258)(31,718)6%(74,596)15%
Income tax expense-(3,438)(3,438)n/a24,48827,926n/a24,488n/a
Net loss(504,662)(550,978)(46,316)9%(554,770)(3,792)1%(50,108)10%
Preferred stock dividends65,40865,406(2)0%65,406-0%(2)0%
Net loss attributable to common stockholders$(570,070)$(616,384)$(46,314)8%$(620,176)$(3,792)1%$(50,106)9%

The following is a summary of our non-segment/corporate interest expense (dollars in thousands):

Year EndedOne Year ChangeYear EndedOne Year ChangeTwo Year Change
December 31,December 31,December 31,
20142015$%2016$%$%
Senior unsecured notes$329,352$341,265$11,9134%$368,775$27,5108%$39,42312%
Secured debt460357(103)-22%310(47)-13%(150)-33%
Primary unsecured credit facility8,91410,8121,89821%16,8115,99955%7,89789%
Loan expense14,99813,421(1,577)-11%13,139(282)-2%(1,859)-12%
Totals$353,724$365,855$12,1313%$399,035$33,1809%$45,31113%

The change in interest expense on senior unsecured notes is due to the net effect of issuances and extinguishments. Please refer to Note 10 to our consolidated financial statements for additional information. The increases in interest expense are attributed to the £500,000,000 Sterling-denominated senior unsecured notes issued in November 2014, the $300,000,000 Canadian-denominated senior unsecured notes issued in November 2015 and the $700,000,000 of 4.25% senior unsecured notes issued in March 2016. Loan expense represents the amortization of deferred loan costs incurred in connection with the issuance and amendments of debt. Loan expense changes are due to amortization of charges for costs incurred in connection with senior unsecured note issuances. The change in interest expense on our primary unsecured credit facility is due primarily to the net effect and timing of draws, paydowns and variable interest rate changes. Please refer to Note 9 of our consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding our primary unsecured credit facility.

General and administrative expenses for 2014 included $19,688,000 of CEO transition costs. Excluding these costs, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of consolidated revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were 3.63%, 3.82% and 3.69%, respectively. The loss on extinguishment of debt in 2015 is primarily due to the early extinguishment of the 2016 senior unsecured notes. The loss on extinguishment of debt in 2016 is due to the early extinguishment of the 2017 senior unsecured notes. Other expenses in 2016 and 2015 included costs associated with the departure of executive officers. Other expenses in 2015 also included costs associated with the termination of our investment in a strategic outpatient medical partnership.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Other

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We believe that net income, as defined by U.S. GAAP, is the most appropriate earnings measurement. However, we consider funds from operations attributable to common stockholders (“FFO”), net operating income from continuing operations (“NOI”), same store NOI (“SSNOI”), EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA to be useful supplemental measures of our operating performance. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with U.S. GAAP implicitly assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time as evidenced by the provision for depreciation. However, since real estate values have historically risen or fallen with market conditions, many industry investors and analysts have considered presentations of operating results for real estate companies that use historical cost accounting to be insufficient. In response, the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”) created FFO as a supplemental measure of operating performance for REITs that excludes historical cost depreciation from net income. FFO, as defined by NAREIT, means net income attributable to common stockholders, computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP, excluding gains (or losses) from sales of real estate and impairment of depreciable assets, plus depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated entities and noncontrolling interests.

NOI is used to evaluate the operating performance of our properties. We define NOI as total revenues, including tenant reimbursements, less property operating expenses. Property operating expenses represent costs associated with managing, maintaining and servicing tenants for our seniors housing operating and medical facility properties. These expenses include, but are not limited to, property-related payroll and benefits, property management fees, marketing, housekeeping, food service, maintenance, utilities, property taxes and insurance. General and administrative expenses represent costs unrelated to property operations or transaction costs. These expenses include, but are not limited to, payroll and benefits, professional services, office expenses and depreciation of corporate fixed assets. SSNOI is used to evaluate the operating performance of our properties under a consistent population which eliminates changes in the composition of our portfolio. As used herein, same store is generally defined as those revenue-generating properties in the portfolio for the reporting period subsequent to January 1, 2015. Land parcels, loans and sub-leases as well as any properties acquired, developed/redeveloped, transitioned, sold or classified as held for sale during that period are excluded from the same store amounts. We believe NOI and SSNOI provide investors relevant and useful information because they measure the operating performance of our properties at the property level on an unleveraged basis. We use NOI and SSNOI to make decisions about resource allocations and to assess the property level performance of our properties.

EBITDA stands for earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. We believe that EBITDA, along with net income and cash flow provided from operating activities, is an important supplemental measure because it provides additional information to assess and evaluate the performance of our operations. We primarily utilize EBITDA to measure our interest coverage ratio, which represents EBITDA divided by total interest, and our fixed charge coverage ratio, which represents EBITDA divided by fixed charges. Fixed charges include total interest, secured debt principal amortization and preferred dividends.

A covenant in our primary unsecured credit facility contains a financial ratio based on a definition of EBITDA that is specific to that agreement. Failure to satisfy these covenants could result in an event of default that could have a material adverse impact on our cost and availability of capital, which could in turn have a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations, liquidity and/or financial condition. Due to the materiality of these debt agreements and the financial covenants, we have disclosed Adjusted EBITDA, which represents EBITDA as defined above and adjusted for items per our covenant. We use Adjusted EBITDA to measure our adjusted fixed charge coverage ratio, which represents Adjusted EBITDA divided by fixed charges on a trailing twelve months basis. Fixed charges include total interest (excluding capitalized interest and non-cash interest expenses), secured debt principal amortization and preferred dividends. Our covenant requires an adjusted fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.50 times.

Other than Adjusted EBITDA, our supplemental reporting measures and similarly entitled financial measures are widely used by investors, equity and debt analysts and rating agencies in the valuation, comparison, rating and investment recommendations of companies. Management uses these financial measures to facilitate internal and external comparisons to our historical operating results and in making operating decisions. Additionally, these measures are utilized by the Board of Directors to evaluate management. Adjusted EBITDA is used to demonstrate our compliance with a comparable financial covenant in our primary unsecured credit facility and is not being presented for use by investors for any other purpose. None of our supplemental measures represent net income or cash flow provided from operating activities as determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP and should not be considered as alternative measures of profitability or liquidity. Finally, the supplemental measures, as defined by us, may not be comparable to similarly entitled items reported by other real estate investment trusts or other companies.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The table below reflects the reconciliation of FFO to net income attributable to common stockholders, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, for the periods presented. The provisions for depreciation and amortization include provisions for depreciation and amortization from discontinued operations. Noncontrolling interest and unconsolidated entity amounts represent adjustments to reflect our share of depreciation and amortization. Amounts are in thousands except for per share data.

Year Ended December 31,
FFO Reconciliation:201420152016
Net income attributable to common stockholders$446,745$818,344$1,012,397
Depreciation and amortization844,130826,240901,242
Impairment of assets-2,22037,207
Loss (gain) on sales of properties, net(153,522)(280,387)(364,046)
Noncontrolling interests(37,852)(39,271)(71,527)
Unconsolidated entities74,58082,49467,667
Funds from operations attributable to common stockholders$1,174,081$1,409,640$1,582,940
Average common shares outstanding:
Basic306,272348,240358,275
Diluted307,747349,424360,227
Per share data:
Net income attributable to common stockholders
Basic$1.46$2.35$2.83
Diluted1.452.342.81
Funds from operations attributable to common stockholders
Basic$3.83$4.05$4.42
Diluted3.824.034.39

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The table below reflects the reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, for the periods presented. Interest expense and the provisions for depreciation and amortization include discontinued operations. Dollars are in thousands.

Year Ended December 31,
Adjusted EBITDA Reconciliation:201420152016
Net income$512,300$888,549$1,082,070
Interest expense481,196492,169521,345
Income tax expense (benefit), net(1,267)6,451(19,128)
Depreciation and amortization844,130826,240901,242
EBITDA1,836,3592,213,4092,485,529
Stock-based compensation expense32,07530,84428,869
Transaction costs69,538110,92642,910
Provision for loan losses--10,215
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt, net9,55834,67717,214
Loss/impairment (gain) on sales of properties, net(153,522)(278,167)(326,839)
Loss (gain) on derivatives, net(1,495)(58,427)(2,448)
CEO transition costs10,465--
Other expenses10,26240,6367,721
Additional other income-(2,144)(16,664)
Adjusted EBITDA$1,813,240$2,091,754$2,246,507
Adjusted Interest Coverage Ratio:
Interest expense$481,196$492,169$521,345
Capitalized interest7,1508,67016,943
Non-cash interest expense(2,427)(2,586)(1,681)
Total interest485,919498,253536,607
Adjusted EBITDA$1,813,240$2,091,754$2,246,507
Adjusted interest coverage ratio3.73x4.20x4.19x
Adjusted Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio:
Interest expense$481,196$492,169$521,345
Capitalized interest7,1508,67016,943
Non-cash interest expense(2,427)(2,586)(1,681)
Secured debt principal payments62,28067,06474,466
Preferred dividends65,40865,40665,406
Total fixed charges613,607630,723676,479
Adjusted EBITDA$1,813,240$2,091,754$2,246,507
Adjusted fixed charge coverage ratio2.96x3.32x3.32x

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following tables reflect the reconciliation of NOI and SSNOI to net operating income from continuing operations, the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measure, for the periods presented. Dollar amounts are in thousands.

Year Ended December 31,
NOI Reconciliation:201420152016
Total revenues:
Triple-net$1,027,866$1,175,806$1,208,860
Seniors housing operating1,897,5712,168,2712,525,996
Outpatient medical417,432514,658545,365
Non-segment/corporate6771,091939
Total revenues3,343,5463,859,8264,281,160
Property operating expenses:
Triple-net732--
Seniors housing operating1,266,3081,467,0091,711,882
Outpatient medical136,318155,248165,101
Total property operating expenses1,403,3581,622,2571,876,983
Net operating income:
Triple-net1,027,1341,175,8061,208,860
Seniors housing operating631,263701,262814,114
Outpatient medical281,114359,410380,264
Non-segment/corporate6771,091939
Net operating income from continuing operations$1,940,188$2,237,569$2,404,177
Year Ended December 31,
Same Store NOI Reconciliation:201420152016
Net operating income from continuing operations:
Triple-net$1,027,134$1,175,806$1,208,860
Seniors housing operating631,263701,262814,114
Outpatient medical281,114359,410380,264
Total1,939,5112,236,4782,403,238
Adjustments:
Triple-net:
Non-cash NOI on same store properties(43,448)(53,578)(44,215)
NOI attributable to non same store properties(447,455)(556,040)(588,881)
Subtotal(490,903)(609,618)(633,096)
Seniors housing operating:
Non-cash NOI on same store properties1,0441,0032,404
NOI attributable to non same store properties(6,575)(88,221)(196,668)
Subtotal(5,531)(87,218)(194,264)
Outpatient medical:
Non-cash NOI on same store properties(8,015)(5,186)(2,440)
NOI attributable to non same store properties(30,904)(108,661)(127,690)
Subtotal(38,919)(113,847)(130,130)
Total(535,353)(810,683)(957,490)
Same store net operating income:
Triple-net536,231566,188575,764
Seniors housing operating625,732614,044619,850
Outpatient medical242,195245,563250,134
Total$1,404,158$1,425,795$1,445,748
Same Store NOI Property Reconciliation:
Total properties1,313
Acquisitions(335)
Developments(44)
Disposals/Held-for-sale(72)
Segment transitions(2)
Other(1)(9)
Same store properties851
(1) Includes eight land parcels and one loan.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Critical Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions. Management considers accounting estimates or assumptions critical if:

· the nature of the estimates or assumptions is material due to the levels of subjectivity and judgment necessary to account for highly uncertain matters or the susceptibility of such matters to change; and

· the impact of the estimates and assumptions on financial condition or operating performance is material.

Management has discussed the development and selection of its critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee has reviewed the disclosure presented below relating to them. Management believes the current assumptions and other considerations used to estimate amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements are appropriate and are not reasonably likely to change in the future. However, since these estimates require assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time the estimate was made, they bear the risk of change. If actual experience differs from the assumptions and other considerations used in estimating amounts reflected in our consolidated financial statements, the resulting changes could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, liquidity and/or financial condition. Please refer to Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for further information on significant accounting policies that impact us and for the impact of new accounting standards, including accounting pronouncements that were issued but not yet adopted by us.

The following table presents information about our critical accounting policies, as well as the material assumptions used to develop each estimate:

Nature of Critical Accounting EstimateAssumptions/Approach Used
Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts, the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the accounts of joint venture entities in which we own a majority voting interest with the ability to control operations and where no substantive participating rights or substantive kick out rights have been granted to the noncontrolling interests. In addition, we consolidate those entities deemed to be variable interest entities (VIEs) in which we are determined to be the primary beneficiary. All material intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.We make judgments about which entities are VIEs based on an assessment of whether (i) the equity investors as a group, if any, do not have a controlling financial interest, or (ii) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity’s activities without additional subordinated financial support. We make judgments with respect to our level of influence or control of an entity and whether we are (or are not) the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Consideration of various factors includes, but is not limited to, our ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance, our form of ownership interest, our representation on the entity's governing body, the size and seniority of our investment, our ability and the rights of other investors to participate in policy making decisions, replace the manager and/or liquidate the entity, if applicable. Our ability to correctly assess our influence or control over an entity at inception of our involvement or on a continuous basis when determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE affects the presentation of these entities in our consolidated financial statements. If we perform a primary beneficiary analysis at a date other than at inception of the variable interest entity, our assumptions may be different and may result in the identification of a different primary beneficiary.
Income Taxes As part of the process of preparing our consolidated financial statements, significant management judgment is required to evaluate our compliance with REIT requirements.Our determinations are based on interpretation of tax laws, and our conclusions may have an impact on the income tax expense recognized. Adjustments to income tax expense may be required as a result of: (i) audits conducted by federal, state and international tax authorities, (ii) our ability to qualify as a REIT, (iii) the potential for built-in-gain recognized related to prior-tax-free acquisitions of C corporations and (iv) changes in tax laws. Adjustments required in any given period are included in income.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Nature of Critical Accounting EstimateAssumptions/Approach Used
Business Combinations Real property developed by us is recorded at cost, including the capitalization of construction period interest. The cost of real property acquired is allocated to net tangible and identifiable intangible assets based on their respective fair values. Tangible assets primarily consist of land, buildings and improvements. The remaining purchase price is allocated among identifiable intangible assets primarily consisting of the above or below market component of in-place leases and the value of in-place leases. The total amount of other intangible assets acquired is further allocated to in-place lease values and customer relationship values based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and the Company’s overall relationship with that respective tenant.We make estimates as part of our allocation of the purchase price of acquisitions to the various components of the acquisition based upon the relative fair value of each component. The most significant components of our allocations are typically the allocation of fair value to the buildings as-if-vacant, land and in-place leases. In the case of the fair value of buildings and the allocation of value to land and other intangibles, our estimates of the values of these components will affect the amount of depreciation and amortization we record over the estimated useful life of the property acquired or the remaining lease term. In the case of the value of in-place leases, we make our best estimates based on our evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant's lease. Factors considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods, market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. Our assumptions affect the amount of future revenue that we will recognize over the remaining lease term for the acquired in-place leases. We compute depreciation and amortization on our properties using the straight-line method based on their estimated useful lives which range from 15 to 40 years for buildings and five to 15 years for improvements. Amortization periods for intangibles are based on the remaining life of the lease.
Allowance for Loan Losses We maintain an allowance for loan losses in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level believed adequate to absorb potential losses in our loans receivable. The determination of the allowance is based on a quarterly evaluation of all outstanding loans. If this evaluation indicates that there is a greater risk of loan charge-offs, additional allowances or placement on non-accrual status may be required. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due as scheduled according to the contractual terms of the original loan agreement or if it has been modified in a troubled debt restructuring. Consistent with this definition, all loans on non-accrual are deemed impaired. To the extent circumstances improve and the risk of collectability is diminished, we will return these loans to full accrual status.The determination of the allowance is based on a quarterly evaluation of all outstanding loans, including general economic conditions and estimated collectability of loan payments and principal. We evaluate the collectability of our loans receivable based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, delinquency status, historical loan charge-offs, financial strength of the borrower and guarantors and value of the underlying property. Any loans with collectability concerns are subjected to a projected payoff valuation. The valuation is based on the expected future cash flows and/or the estimated fair value of the underlying collateral. The valuation is compared to the outstanding balance to determine the reserve needed for each loan. We may base our valuation on a loan’s observable market price, if any, or the fair value of collateral, net of sales costs, if the repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the collateral.
Fair Value of Derivative Instruments The valuation of derivative instruments is accounted for in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires companies to record derivatives at fair market value on the balance sheet as assets or liabilities.The valuation of derivative instruments requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the fair value of the instruments. Fair values of our forward exchange contracts are estimated using pricing models that consider forward currency spot rates, forward trade rates and discount rates. Fair values of our interest rate swaps are estimated by utilizing pricing models that consider forward yield curves, discount rates and counterparty credit risk. Such amounts and their recognition are subject to significant estimates which may change in the future.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Nature of Critical Accounting EstimateAssumptions/Approach Used
Revenue Recognition Revenue is recorded in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that revenue be recognized after four basic criteria are met. These four criteria include persuasive evidence of an arrangement, the rendering of service, fixed and determinable income and reasonably assured collectability. If the collectability of revenue is determined incorrectly, the amount and timing of our reported revenue could be significantly affected. Interest income on loans is recognized as earned based upon the principal amount outstanding subject to an evaluation of collectability risk. Substantially all of our operating leases contain fixed and/or contingent escalating rent structures. Leases with fixed annual rental escalators are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease period, subject to a collectability assessment. Rental income related to leases with contingent rental escalators is generally recorded based on the contractual cash rental payments due for the period. We recognize resident fees and services, other than move-in fees, monthly as services are provided. Lease agreements with residents generally have a term of one year and are cancelable by the resident with 30 days’ notice.We evaluate the collectability of our revenues and related receivables on an on-going basis. We evaluate collectability based on assumptions and other considerations including, but not limited to, the certainty of payment, payment history, the financial strength of the investment’s underlying operations as measured by cash flows and payment coverages, the value of the underlying collateral and guaranties and current economic conditions. If our evaluation indicates that collectability is not reasonably assured, we may place an investment on non-accrual or reserve against all or a portion of current income as an offset to revenue.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets We review our long-lived assets for potential impairment in accordance with U.S. GAAP. An impairment charge must be recognized when the carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable. The carrying value is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and eventual disposition of the asset. If it is determined that a permanent impairment of a long-lived asset has occurred, the carrying value of the asset is reduced to its fair value and an impairment charge is recognized for the difference between the carrying value and the fair value.The net book value of long-lived assets is reviewed quarterly on a property by property basis to determine if there are indicators of impairment. These indicators may include anticipated operating losses at the property level, the tenant’s inability to make rent payments, a decision to dispose of an asset before the end of its estimated useful life and changes in the market that may permanently reduce the value of the property. If indicators of impairment exist, then the undiscounted future cash flows from the most likely use of the property are compared to the current net book value. This analysis requires us to determine if indicators of impairment exist and to estimate the most likely stream of cash flows to be generated from the property during the period the property is expected to be held.

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