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NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORP - Quarter Report: 2021 June (Form 10-Q)

nhc20210630_10q.htm
 

 

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

  

☒ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2021

OR

☐ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _____ to _____

  

Commission file number    001-13489

 

nhc20210630_10qimg001.jpg

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)

  

Delaware

52-2057472

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization

Identification No.)

  

100 E. Vine Street

Murfreesboro, TN

37130

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

  

(615) 890–2020

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

  

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act:

 

Title of each class

Trading

Symbols(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common, $0.01 par value

NHC

NYSE American

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S–T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes ☒  No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated filer ☒

Accelerated filer ☐

  

Non–accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company ☐

  
 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as is defined in Rule 12b–2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐   No ☒

 

15,423,240 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding as of August 2, 2021.

 



 

 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Page

Item 1.

Financial Statements

3
     

Item 2.

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

25
     

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

37
     

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

38
 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

38
     

Item 1A

Risk Factors

38
     

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

38
     

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

38
     

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

39
     

Item 5.

Other Information

39
     

Item 6.

Exhibits

39

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
                 

Revenues and grant income:

                

Net patient revenues

 $236,976  $225,671  $453,831  $469,766 

Other revenues

  11,056   11,323   22,425   23,352 

Government stimulus income

  15,126   24,648   37,875   24,648 

Net operating revenues and grant income

  263,158   261,642   514,131   517,766 
                 

Cost and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  156,804   156,914   301,934   304,383 

Other operating

  72,043   70,861   142,196   142,529 

Facility rent

  10,170   10,320   20,233   20,652 

Depreciation and amortization

  10,131   10,545   20,292   20,983 

Interest

  215   453   459   865 

Total costs and expenses

  249,363   249,093   485,114   489,412 
                 

Income from operations

  13,795   12,549   29,017   28,354 
                 

Other income/(losses):

                

Non–operating income

  5,586   5,954   11,846   12,392 

Gains on acquisitions of equity method investments

  95,202   -   95,202   1,708 

Unrealized (losses)/gains on marketable equity securities

  (6,489

)

  20,053   570   (40,339

)

                 

Income before income taxes

  108,094   38,556   136,635   2,115 

Income tax provision

  (2,764

)

  (10,034

)

  (9,997

)

  (409

)

Net income

  105,330   28,522   126,638   1,706 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

  (447

)

  (198

)

  (488

)

  (234

)

                 

Net income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation

 $104,883  $28,324  $126,150  $1,472 
                 

Earnings per share attributable to National HealthCare Corporation stockholders:

                

Basic

 $6.83  $1.85  $8.22  $0.10 

Diluted

 $6.80  $1.84  $8.19  $0.10 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                

Basic

  15,349,162   15,307,105   15,338,400   15,300,941 

Diluted

  15,419,012   15,372,430   15,404,634   15,367,464 
                 

Dividends declared per common share

 $0.52  $0.52  $1.04  $1.04 

 

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

 

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

(unaudited in thousands)

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 
                 

Net income

 $105,330  $28,522  $126,638  $1,706 
                 

Other comprehensive income:

                

Unrealized gains/(losses) on investments in marketable debt securities

  407   4,796   (2,033

)

  2,251 

Reclassification adjustment for realized gains on sales of marketable debt securities

  (212

)

  (11

)

  (212

)

  (13

)

Income tax (expense)/benefit related to items of other comprehensive income

  (42

)

  (1,005

)

  476   (470

)

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

  153   3,780   (1,769

)

  1,768 
                 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

  (447

)

  (198

)

  (488

)

  (234

)

                 

Comprehensive income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation

 $105,036  $32,104  $124,381  $3,240 

 

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

 

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

  

June 30,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

 
  

unaudited

     

Assets

        

Current Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $134,692  $147,093 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current portion

  14,093   9,673 

Marketable equity securities

  128,666   128,590 

Marketable debt securities

  33,651   47,762 

Restricted marketable equity securities

  25,174   4,680 

Restricted marketable debt securities, current portion

  16,839   16,601 

Accounts receivable

  97,811   89,670 

Inventories

  7,939   8,781 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  6,160   2,977 

Notes receivable, current portion

  882   928 

Total current assets

  465,907   456,755 
         

Property and Equipment:

        

Property and equipment, at cost

  1,050,009   1,030,426 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (530,392

)

  (510,108

)

Net property and equipment

  519,617   520,318 
         

Other Assets:

        

Restricted cash and cash equivalents, less current portion

  1,802   1,736 

Restricted marketable debt securities, less current portion

  115,856   125,472 

Deposits and other assets

  4,681   4,580 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  168,572   179,055 

Goodwill

  168,295   21,341 

Intangible assets

  7,038   - 

Notes receivable, less current portion

  3,734   12,093 

Investments in unconsolidated companies

  1,867   40,782 

Total other assets

  471,845   385,059 

Total assets

 $1,457,369  $1,362,132 

 

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

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

  

June 30,

2021

  

December 31,

2020

 
  

unaudited

     

Liabilities and Stockholders Equity

        

Current Liabilities:

        

Trade accounts payable

 $22,246  $21,112 

Finance lease obligations, current portion

  4,557   4,423 

Operating lease liabilities, current portion

  26,873   25,451 

Accrued payroll

  93,264   86,183 

Amounts due to third party payors

  16,931   16,454 

Accrued risk reserves, current portion

  30,932   30,953 

Other current liabilities

  19,639   21,344 

Provider relief funds

  10,429   16,068 

Contract liabilities

  40,121   51,253 

Dividends payable

  8,020   7,987 

Total current liabilities

  273,012   281,228 
         

Finance lease obligations, less current portion

  8,228   10,540 

Operating lease liabilities, less current portion

  141,699   153,604 

Accrued risk reserves, less current portion

  70,918   68,584 

Refundable entrance fees

  7,461   7,462 

Deferred income taxes

  13,463   14,079 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  29,336   28,375 

Total liabilities

  544,117   563,872 
         

Equity:

        

Common stock, $.01 par value; 45,000,000 shares authorized; 15,423,240 and 15,369,745 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding

  154   153 

Capital in excess of par value

  230,248   226,943 

Retained earnings

  673,151   563,024 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

  3,288   5,057 

Total National HealthCare Corporation stockholders’ equity

  906,841   795,177 

Noncontrolling interest

  6,411   3,083 

Total equity

  913,252   798,260 

Total liabilities and equity

 $1,457,369  $1,362,132 

 

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

 

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited in thousands)  

 

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

        

Net income

 $126,638  $1,706 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

        

Depreciation and amortization

  20,292   20,983 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments

  (5,306

)

  (5,429

)

Distributions from unconsolidated investments

  6,314   6,901 

Unrealized (gains)/losses on marketable equity securities

  (570

)

  40,339 

Gains on sale of marketable debt securities

  (212

)

  (13

)

Gains on acquisitions of equity method investments

  (95,202

)

  (1,708

)

Deferred income taxes

  (140

)

  (11,529

)

Stock–based compensation

  1,179   1,289 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

  2,402   8,350 

Inventories

  842   332 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  (2,278

)

  2,238 

Trade accounts payable

  (2,325

)

  (1,241

)

Accrued payroll

  3,858   (1,320

)

Amounts due to third party payors

  (15

)

  2,570 

Accrued risk reserves

  2,313   8,860 

Provider relief funds

  (5,639

)

  19,294 

Contract liabilities

  (11,132

)

  50,992 

Other current liabilities

  (1,800

)

  11,979 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  903   134 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  40,122   154,727 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

        

Purchases of property and equipment

  (13,143

)

  (12,517

)

Acquisitions of equity method investments, net of cash acquired

  (28,713

)

  (6,648

)

Investments in unconsolidated companies

  -   (185

)

Investments in notes receivable

  -   (425

)

Collections of notes receivable

  8,405   1,139 

Purchases of marketable securities

  (43,483

)

  (19,754

)

Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

  44,939   19,823 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (31,995

)

  (18,567

)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

        

Borrowings under credit facility

  -   40,000 

Repayments under credit facility

  -   (50,000

)

Principal payments under finance lease obligations

  (2,178

)

  (2,052

)

Dividends paid to common stockholders

  (15,990

)

  (15,948

)

Noncontrolling interest contributions

  -   525 

Issuance of common shares

  2,405   949 

Repurchase of common shares

  (278

)

  (53

)

Entrance fee (refunds) deposits

  (1

)

  188 

Net cash used in financing activities

  (16,042

)

  (26,391

)

Net (Decrease)/Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents

  (7,915

)

  109,769 

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period

  158,502   61,010 

Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents, End of Period

 $150,587  $170,779 
         

Balance Sheet Classifications:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $134,692  $149,471 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  15,895   21,308 

Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents

 $150,587  $170,779 

 

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

 

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

  

Common Stock

  

Capital in

Excess of

  

Retained

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

  

Non-

controlling

  

Total

Stockholders’

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Par Value

  

Earnings

  

Income

  

Interest

  

Equity

 

Balance at January 1, 2021

  15,369,745  $153  $226,943  $563,024  $5,057  $3,083  $798,260 

Net income

           21,267      41   21,308 

Other comprehensive loss

              (1,922

)

     (1,922

)

Stock–based compensation

        496            496 

Shares sold – options exercised

  24,331   1   326            327 

Repurchase of common shares

  (3,936

)

     (278

)

           (278

)

Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.52 per share)

           (8,003

)

        (8,003

)

Balance at March 31, 2021

  15,390,140  $154  $227,487  $576,288  $3,135  $3,124  $810,188 
                             

Net income

           104,883      447   105,330 

Contributions attributable to noncontrolling interest

                 2,840   2,840 

Other comprehensive income

              153      153 

Stock–based compensation

        683            683 

Shares sold – options exercised

  33,100      2,078            2,078 

Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.52 per share)

           (8,020

)

        (8,020

)

Balance at June 30, 2021

  15,423,240  $154  $230,248  $673,151  $3,288  $6,411  $913,252 

 

  

Common Stock

  

Capital in

Excess of

  

Retained

  

Accumulated

Other

Comprehensive

  

Non-

controlling

  

Total

Stockholders’

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Par Value

  

Earnings

  

Income

  

Interest

  

Equity

 

Balance at January 1, 2020

  15,332,206  $153  $222,787  $553,093  $2,560  $476  $779,069 

Net (loss) income

           (26,852

)

     36   (26,816

)

Contributions attributable to noncontrolling interest

                 281   281 

Other comprehensive loss

              (2,012

)

     (2,012

)

Stock–based compensation

        466            466 

Shares sold – options exercised

  15,006      400            400 

Repurchase of common shares

  (611

)

     (53

)

           (53

)

Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.52 per share)

           (7,980

)

        (7,980

)

Balance at March 31, 2020

  15,346,601  $153  $223,600  $518,261  $548  $793  $743,355 
                             

Net income

           28,324      198   28,522 

Contributions attributable to noncontrolling interest

                 244   244 

Other comprehensive income

              3,780      3,780 

Stock–based compensation

        823            823 

Shares sold – options exercised

  11,073      549            549 

Repurchase of common shares

  (186

)

                  

Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.52 per share)

           (7,986

)

        (7,986

)

Balance at June 30, 2020

  15,357,488  $153  $224,972  $538,599  $4,328  $1,235  $769,287 

 

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

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2021

(unaudited) 

 

 

Note 1 Description of Business

 

National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of senior health care services. As of June 30, 2021, we operate or manage, through certain affiliates, 75 skilled nursing facilities with a total of 9,473 licensed beds, 24 assisted living facilities, five independent living facilities, one behavioral health hospital, 35 homecare agencies, and 28 hospice agencies. We operate specialized care units within certain of our healthcare centers such as Alzheimer's disease care units and sub-acute nursing units. In addition, we provide insurance services, management and accounting services, and we lease properties to operators of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. We operate in 10 states and are located primarily in the southeastern United States.

 

 

 

Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The listing below is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all our significant accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), with limited need for management’s judgment in their application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. See our audited December 31, 2020 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. Our audited December 31, 2020 consolidated financial statements are available at our web site: www.nhccare.com.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements to which these notes are attached include all normal, recurring adjustments which are necessary to fairly present the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NHC. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all entities controlled by NHC. The Company presents noncontrolling interest within the equity section of its consolidated balance sheets. The Company presents the amount of consolidated net income that is attributable to NHC and the noncontrolling interest in its consolidated statements of operations.

 

We assume that users of these interim financial statements have read or have access to the audited December 31, 2020 consolidated financial statements and that the adequacy of additional disclosure needed for a fair presentation, except in regard to material contingencies, may be determined in that context. Accordingly, footnotes and other disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in our most recent annual report to stockholders have been omitted. This interim financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year for a variety of reasons.

 

Estimates and Assumptions

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and could cause our reported net income to vary significantly from period to period, including but not limited to, the potential future effects of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”).

 

Net Patient Revenues and Accounts Receivable

 

Net patient revenues are derived from services rendered to patients for skilled and intermediate nursing, rehabilitation therapy, assisted living and independent living, home health care services, and hospice services. Net patient revenue is reported at the amount that reflects the consideration to which the Company expects to be entitled in exchange for providing patient services. These amounts are due from patients, governmental programs, and other third-party payors, and include variable consideration for retroactive revenue adjustments due to settlement of audits, reviews, and investigations.

 

The Company recognizes revenue as its performance obligations are completed. Routine services are treated as a single performance obligation satisfied over time as services are rendered. These routine services represent a bundle of services that are not capable of being distinct. The performance obligations are satisfied over time as the patient simultaneously receives and consumes the benefits of the healthcare services provided. Additionally, there may be ancillary services which are not included in the daily rates for routine services, but instead are treated as separate performance obligations satisfied at a point in time when those services are rendered.  Contract liabilities are recorded for payments the Company receives in which performance obligations have not been completed.

 

9

 

The Company determines the transaction price based on established billing rates reduced by contractual adjustments provided to third party payors. Contractual adjustments are based on contractual agreements and historical experience. The Company considers the patient's ability and intent to pay the amount of consideration upon admission. Credit losses are recorded as bad debt expense, which is included as a component of other operating expenses in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. Bad debt expense was $1,102,000 and $2,021,000 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2021. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, bad debt expense was $1,245,000 and $2,075,000, respectively. As of June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, the Company has recorded allowance for doubtful accounts of $6,841,000 and $5,672,000, respectively, as our best estimate of expected losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance.

 

Other Revenues

 

Other revenues include revenues from the provision of insurance services, management and accounting services to other long–term care providers, and rental income. Our insurance revenues consist of premiums that are generally paid in advance and then amortized into income over the policy period. We charge for management services based on a percentage of net revenues. We charge for accounting services based on a monthly fee or a fixed fee per bed of the healthcare center under contract. We record other revenues as the performance obligations are satisfied based on the terms of our contractual arrangements.

 

We recognize rental income based on the terms of our operating leases. Under certain of our leases, we receive variable rent, which is based on the increase in revenues of a lessee over a base year. We recognize variable rent annually or monthly, as applicable, when, based on the actual revenue of the lessee is earned.

 

Government Grants

 

In the absence of specific guidance to account for government grants under U.S. GAAP, we have concluded to account for government grants in accordance with International Accounting Standard (“IAS”) 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, and as such, we recognize grant income on a systematic basis in line with the recognition of specific expenses and lost revenues for which the grants are intended to compensate.   

 

Segment Reporting

 

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 280, Segment Reporting, the Company is required to report financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. The Company has two reportable operating segments: (1) inpatient services, which includes the operation of skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, and one behavioral health hospital, and (2) homecare and hospice services. The Company also reports an “all other” category that includes revenues from rental income, management and accounting services fees, insurance services, and costs of the corporate office. See Note 8 for further disclosure of the Company’s operating segments.

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

Other operating expenses include the costs of care and services that we provide to the residents of our facilities and the costs of maintaining our facilities. Our primary patient care costs include drugs, medical supplies, purchased professional services, food, and professional liability insurance and licensing fees. The primary facility costs include utilities and property insurance.

 

General and Administrative Costs

 

With the Company being a healthcare provider, the majority of our expenses are "cost of revenue" items. Costs that could be classified as "general and administrative" by the Company would include its corporate office costs, excluding stock-based compensation, which were $4,885,000 and $10,254,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. General and administrative costs were $4,892,000 and $10,390,000 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, respectively.

 

Long-Term Leases

 

The Company’s lease portfolio primarily consists of finance and operating real estate leases for certain skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, homecare and hospice offices, and pharmacy warehouses. The original terms of the leases typically range from two to fifteen years. Several of the real estate leases include renewal options which vary in length and may not include specific rent renewal amounts. We determine if an arrangement is a lease at inception of a contract. We determine the lease term by assuming exercise of renewal options that are reasonably certain.

 

10

 

The Company records right-of-use assets and liabilities on the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets for non-cancelable real estate operating leases with original or remaining lease terms in excess of one year. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less at inception are not recorded on our interim condensed consolidated balance sheets and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term in our interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. We recognize lease components and non-lease components together and not as separate parts of a lease for real estate leases.

 

Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recorded at the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. The present value of the lease payments are discounted using the incremental borrowing rate associated with each lease. The variable components of the lease payment that fluctuate with the operations of a health facility are not included in determining the right-of-use assets and lease liabilities. Rather, these variable components are expensed as incurred.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over the expected useful lives of the assets estimated as follows: buildings and improvements, 20-40 years and equipment and furniture, 3-15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over periods that do not exceed the non-cancelable respective lease terms using the straight-line method.

 

Finance leases are recorded at cost. Finance leases are amortized in accordance with the provision codified within ASC 842, Leases. Amortization of finance lease assets is included in depreciation and amortization expense.

 

Business Combinations

 

We account for acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations. Acquisitions are accounted for as purchases and are included in our consolidated financial statements from their respective acquisition dates. Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, if any, are measured at fair value on the acquisition date using the appropriate valuation method. Goodwill generated from acquisitions is recognized for the excess of the purchase price over tangible and identifiable intangible assets. In determining the fair value of identifiable assets, we use various valuation techniques. These valuation methods require us to make estimates and assumptions surrounding projected revenues and costs, future growth, and discount rates.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business combinations. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to an annual impairment test. We perform our annual goodwill impairment assessment on the first day of the fourth quarter.  Tests are performed more frequently if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting unit below its carrying amount.

 

The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names and certificates of need and licenses. The Company reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable.

 

Accrued Risk Reserves  

 

We are self–insured for risks related to health insurance and have wholly–owned limited purpose insurance companies that insure risks related to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability insurance claims. The accrued risk reserves include a liability for reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims. Our policy is to engage an external, independent actuary to assist in estimating our exposure for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted claims). We reassess our accrued risk reserves on a quarterly basis.

 

Professional liability remains an area of particular concern to us. The long-term care industry has seen an increase in personal injury/wrongful death claims based on alleged negligence by skilled nursing facilities and their employees in providing care to residents. The Company has been, and continues to be, subject to claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business, including potential claims related to patient care and treatment. A significant increase in the number of these claims, or an increase in the amounts due as a result of these claims could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows. It is also possible that future events could cause us to make significant adjustments or revisions to these reserve estimates and cause our reported net income to vary significantly from period to period.

 

We are principally self-insured for incidents occurring in all centers owned or leased by us. The coverages include both primary policies and excess policies. In all years, settlements, if any, in excess of available insurance policy limits and our own reserves would be expensed by us.

 

11

 

Continuing Care Contracts

 

We have one continuing care retirement center (“CCRC”) within our operations. Residents at this retirement center may enter into continuing care contracts with us. The contracts provide that 10% of the resident entry fee becomes non-refundable upon occupancy, and the remaining refundable portion of the entry fee is calculated using the lessor of the price at which the apartment is re-assigned or 90% of the original entry fee, plus 40% of any appreciation if the apartment value exceeds the original resident’s entry fee.

 

Non-refundable fees are included as a component of the transaction price and are amortized into revenue over the actuarily determined remaining life of the resident, which is the expected period of occupancy by the resident. We pay the refundable portion of our entry fees to residents when they relocate from our community and the apartment is re-occupied. Refundable entrance fees are not included as part of the transaction price and are classified as noncurrent liabilities section of our consolidated balance sheets. As of June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we have recorded refundable entrance fees in the amount of $7,461,000 and $7,462,000, respectively.

 

We also annually estimate the present value of the cost of future services and the use of facilities to be provided to the current CCRC residents and compare that amount with the balance of non-refundable deferred revenue from entrance fees received. If the present value of the cost of future services exceeds the related anticipated revenues, a liability is recorded with a corresponding charge to income. As of June 30, 2021, and December 31, 2020, we have recorded a future service obligation liability in the amount of $2,177,000. This obligation is reflected within other noncurrent liabilities in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets. 

 

Other Noncurrent Liabilities

 

Other noncurrent liabilities include reserves primarily related to various uncertain income tax positions, deferred revenue, and obligations to provide future services to our CCRC residents. Deferred revenue includes the deferred gain on the sale of assets to National Health Corporation (“National”) and the non-refundable portion (10%) of CCRC entrance fees being amortized over the remaining life expectancies of the residents.

 

Noncontrolling Interest

 

The noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary is presented within total equity in the Company's interim condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company presents the noncontrolling interest and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to NHC in its interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s earnings per share is calculated based on net income attributable to NHC’s stockholders. The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest is adjusted based on an allocation of the subsidiary earnings, contributions, and distributions.

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

We have equity interests in unconsolidated limited liability companies that operate various post-acute and senior healthcare businesses. We analyze our investments in these limited liability companies to determine if the company is considered a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and would require consolidation. To the extent that we own interests in a VIE and we (i) have the power to direct the activities of the VIE and (ii) have the obligation or rights to absorb the VIE's losses or receive its benefits, then we would be determined to be the primary beneficiary and would consolidate the VIE. To the extent we own interests in a VIE, then at each reporting period, we re-assess our conclusions as to which, if any, party within the VIE is considered the primary beneficiary.

 

The Company's maximum exposure to losses in its investments in unconsolidated VIEs cannot be quantified and may or may not be limited to its investment in the unconsolidated VIE. The investments in unconsolidated VIEs are classified as “investments in limited liability companies” in the consolidated balance sheets.

 

Prior Period Classification

 

Certain amounts in prior periods have been reclassified to conform with current period presentation.

 

 

 

Note 3 Coronavirus Pandemic

 

In early March 2020, COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel strain of the coronavirus, was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. The U.S. government enacted several laws beginning in March 2020 designed to help the nation respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new laws impacted healthcare providers in a variety of ways, but the largest legislation from a monetary relief perspective is the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"). Through the CARES Act, as well as the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act ("PPPCHE"), the federal government has allocated $178 billion to the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, which is referred to as the Provider Relief Fund. The Provider Relief Fund is administered through grants and other mechanisms to skilled nursing providers, home health providers, hospitals, and other Medicare and Medicaid enrolled providers to cover any unreimbursed health care related expenses or lost revenue attributable to the public health emergency resulting from COVID-19.    

 

12

 

The Provider Relief Fund grants come with terms and condition certifications in which all providers are required to submit documents to ensure the funds will be used for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19. The Company recorded $15,126,000 and $24,648,000 of government stimulus income from the Provider Relief Funds for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company recorded $37,875,000 and $24,648,000 of government stimulus income from the Provider Relief Funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  The grant income was determined on a systemic basis in line with the recognition of specific expenses and lost revenues for which the grants are intended to compensate. The Company’s assessment of whether the terms and conditions for amounts received have been met for income recognition and the Company’s related income calculation considered all frequently asked questions and other interpretive guidance issued to date by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”).

 

As of June 30, 2021, amounts not recognized as income are $10,429,000 and are reflected in the current liability section of our interim condensed consolidated balance sheet (provider relief funds). We anticipate incurring additional COVID-19 related expenses or lost revenues in the future; therefore, at this time, we believe that we will fully utilize the remaining $10,429,000 of Provider Relief Funds before the reporting requirement deadlines outlined by HHS.

 

Additionally, as part of the CARES Act, the legislation included an expansion of the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program. The expanded Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program is a streamlined version of existing policy that allows the Medicare Administrative Contractors (“MAC’s”) to issue up to three months of advance Medicare payments to help increase cash flow and liquidity to Medicare Part A and Part B providers in certain circumstances that include national emergencies. We received approximately $51,253,000 as part of this program. These funds are applied against claims for services provided to Medicare patients after approximately one year from the date we received the funds. During the first eleven months after repayment begins, repayment will occur through an automatic recoupment of twenty-five percent of Medicare payments. During the succeeding six months, repayment will occur through an automatic recoupment of fifty percent of Medicare payments. Any remaining balance that was not paid through the recoupment process within twenty-nine months of receipt of the funds will be required to be paid on-demand, subject to an interest rate of four percent. Recoupment of the accelerated payments began in the second quarter of 2021. As of June 30, 2021, $40,121,000 of the accelerated payments remain and is reflected within contract liabilities in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

The CARES Act temporarily suspended Medicare sequestration beginning May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The Medicare sequestration policy reduces fee-for-service Medicare payments by 2 percent. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 further suspended the 2.0% payment adjustment through June 30, 2021. On April 14, 2021, Congress extended the Medicare sequestration suspension period to December 31, 2021.

 

The CARES Act also temporarily permitted employers to defer the deposit and payment of the employer’s portion of the social security taxes (6.2% of employee wages) that otherwise would be due between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The provision requires that the deferred taxes be paid over a two-year period with half the amount required to be paid by December 31, 2021, and the other half by December 31, 2022. At June 30, 2021, we have deferred $21,153,000 of the Company’s share of the social security taxes.  At June 30, 2021, half of the payroll tax deferral is included in accrued payroll in the current liabilities section of the consolidated balance sheet and the other half of the payroll tax deferral is included in other noncurrent liabilities within our consolidated balance sheet. 

 

We have also received supplemental Medicaid payments from many of the states in which we operate to help mitigate the incremental costs resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency. We have recorded $7,094,000 and $3,858,000 in net patient revenues for these supplemental Medicaid payments for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We have recorded $11,049,000 and $5,532,000 in net patient revenues for these supplemental Medicaid payments for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

 

 

Note 4 Acquisition of Caris HealthCare, L.P.

 

On June 11, 2021, the Company acquired the remaining 24.9% equity interest in Caris HealthCare, L.P. (“Caris”) for a purchase price of approximately $28,713,000, net of cash acquired. Caris specializes in providing hospice and palliative care to over 1,200 patients per day in 28 locations in Georgia, Missouri, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. As a leading senior care provider, this acquisition is a strategic advancement of our growth that provides a continuum of post-acute health care to seniors in our operational footprint.

 

Prior to the June 11, 2021 acquisition date, the Company held a 75.1% non-controlling equity interest in Caris, which was accounted for as an equity method investment. The Company accounted for the acquisition of the remaining 24.9% equity interest of Caris as a step acquisition, which required remeasurement of the Company’s previous 75.1% ownership interest to fair value. Using acquisition accounting, the Company increased the value of its previously held equity method investment to its fair value of approximately $133.1 million, which resulted in a gain of $95.2 million. This gain is recorded in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations under the line item “gains on acquisitions of equity method investments”.

 

13

 

The Company utilized widely accepted income-based, market-based, and cost-based valuation approaches to perform the preliminary purchase price allocation and to determine the fair value of the previously held equity method investment.

 

The Company has performed a preliminary valuation analysis of the fair market value of Caris’ assets to be acquired and liabilities to be assumed. The final valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was not complete as of June 30, 2021, but will be finalized within the allowable measurement period. The following table summarizes the allocation of the preliminary assets and liabilities as of the transaction’s closing date (in thousands):

 

  

Amount

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $15,515 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  58 

Accounts receivable

  10,544 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  1,006 

Property and equipment

  3,608 

Operating lease – right-of-use assets

  1,600 

Intangible assets

  7,038 

Total assets acquired

  39,369 
     

Trade accounts payable

  3,459 

Accrued payroll

  3,223 

Other current liabilities

  587 

Operating lease liabilities

  1,600 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  58 

Total liabilities assumed

  8,927 
     

Net identifiable assets acquired

  30,442 

Goodwill

  146,954 

Total estimated fair value of Caris

 $177,396 

 

The indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired include the trade name of Caris and the certificates of need and licenses. The goodwill is recorded in the homecare and hospice segment and is attributed to the workforce acquired and reputation of the business as part of the transaction. We expect approximately 35% - 40% of the goodwill to be deductible for income tax purposes.

 

For the second quarter of 2021, Caris contributed net patient revenues of $3,712,000 and income before income taxes of $982,000 that are included in the Company’s interim condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

The following table contains unaudited pro forma interim condensed consolidated statements of operations information for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, assuming that the Caris acquisition closed on January 1, 2020. The pro forma financial information includes various assumptions, including those related to the preliminary purchase price allocation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed. The pro forma financial information may vary in future quarters based on the final valuations and analysis of the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands).

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 

Net patient revenues

 $249,733  $241,670  $481,802  $501,726 

Total costs and expenses

  258,754   261,573   506,320   514,274 

Income from operations

  17,161   16,068   35,782   35,452 

Non-operating income

  3,162   3,453   6,975   7,315 

Income before income taxes

  13,834   39,574   43,327   4,136 

Net income attributable to NHC

 $10,378  $29,077  $32,350  $2,968 

 

 

 

Note 5 Net Patient Revenues

 

The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers by service type and by payor.

 

14

 

Revenue by Service Type

 

The Company’s net patient services can generally be classified into the following two categories: (1) inpatient services, which includes the operation of skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, and a behavioral health hospital, and (2) homecare and hospice services (in thousands).

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 

Net patient revenues:

                

Inpatient services

 $218,860  $214,387  $422,103  $445,374 

Homecare and hospice services

  18,116   11,284   31,728   24,392 

Total net patient revenue

 $236,976  $225,671  $453,831  $469,766 

 

For inpatient and hospice services, revenue is recognized on a daily basis as each day represents a separate contract and performance obligation. For homecare, revenue is recognized when services are provided based on the number of days of service rendered in the period of care or on a per-visit basis. Typically, patients and third-party payors are billed monthly after services are performed or the patient is discharged, and payments are due based on contract terms.

 

As our performance obligations relate to contracts with a duration of one year or less, the Company is not required to disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied at the end of the reporting period. The Company has minimal unsatisfied performance obligations at the end of the reporting period as our patients are typically under no obligation to remain admitted in our facilities or under our care.  As the period between the time of service and time of payment is typically one year or less, the Company did not adjust for the effects of a significant financing component.

 

Revenue by Payor

 

Certain groups of patients receive funds to pay the cost of their care from a common source. The following table sets forth sources of net patient revenues for the periods indicated:

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

 

Six Months Ended

June 30

Source

 

2021

 

2020

 

2021

 

2020

Medicare

  34%  32%  34%  33%

Managed Care

  12%  10%  13%  11%

Medicaid

  29%  32%  29%  30%

Private Pay and Other

  25%  26%  24%  26%

Total

  100%  100%  100%  100%

 

Medicare covers skilled nursing services for beneficiaries who require nursing care and/or rehabilitation services following a hospitalization of at least three consecutive days (there is temporary relief from the three-day hospital stay during the COVID-19 emergency). For each eligible day a Medicare beneficiary is in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare pays the facility a daily payment, subject to adjustment for certain factors such as a wage index in the geographic area. The payment covers all services provided by the skilled nursing facility for the beneficiary that day, including room and board, nursing, therapy and drugs, as well as an estimate of capital–related costs to deliver those services.

 

For homecare services, Medicare pays based on the acuity level of the patient and based on periods of care. A period of care is defined as a length of care up to 30 days with multiple continuous periods allowed. The services covered by the payment include all disciplines of care, in addition to medical supplies, within the scope of the home health benefit.

 

Certain managed care payors for homecare services pay on a per-visit basis. This revenue is recorded on an accrual basis based upon the date of services at amounts equal to its established or estimated per-visit rates.     

 

For hospice services, Medicare pays a daily rate to cover the hospice’s costs for providing services included in the patient care plan. Medicare makes daily payments based on 1 of 4 levels of hospice care. All hospice care and services offered to patients and their families must follow an individualized written plan of care that meets the patient’s needs.

 

Our hospice service revenue is subject to certain limitations on payments from Medicare. We are subject to an inpatient cap limit and an overall Medicare payment cap for each provider number. We monitor these caps on a provider-by-provider basis and estimate amounts due back to Medicare if we estimate a cap has been exceeded. If applicable, we record these cap adjustments as a reduction to revenue.

 

15

 

Medicaid is operated by individual states with the financial participation of the federal government. The states in which we operate currently use prospective cost–based reimbursement systems. Under cost–based reimbursement systems, the skilled nursing facility is reimbursed for the reasonable direct and indirect allowable costs it incurred in a base year in providing routine resident care services as defined by the program.

 

Private pay, managed care, and other payment sources include commercial insurance, individual patient funds, managed care plans and the Veterans Administration. Private paying patients, private insurance carriers and the Veterans Administration generally pay based on the healthcare center's charges or specifically negotiated contracts. For private pay patients in skilled nursing, assisted living and independent living facilities, the Company bills for room and board charges, with the remittance being due on receipt of the statement and generally by the 10th day of the month the services are performed.

 

Contract Liabilities

 

Included in the Company’s interim condensed consolidated balance sheets are contract liabilities, which represent payments the Company receives in advance of services provided. As of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, the Company has recorded $40,121,000 and $51,253,000, respectively, in contract liabilities related to receipts from the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program.  Recoupment of the accelerated payments began in the second quarter of 2021.

 

A summary of the contract liabilities are follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2020

 $51,253 

Payments received

  - 

Payments recouped

  (11,132

)

Balance at June 30, 2021

 $40,121 

 

Third Party Payors

 

Laws and regulations governing the Medicare and Medicaid programs are complex and subject to interpretation. Noncompliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to regulatory actions including fines, penalties, and exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. We believe that we are following all applicable laws and regulations.

 

Medicare and Medicaid program revenues, as well as certain Managed Care program revenues, are subject to audit and retroactive adjustment by government representatives or their agents. Settlements with third-party payors for retroactive adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are considered variable consideration and are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing patient care. These settlements are estimated based on the terms of the payment agreement with the payor, correspondence from the payor and the Company’s historical settlement activity, including an assessment to ensure that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the retroactive adjustment is subsequently resolved. Estimated settlements are adjusted in future periods as adjustments become known, or as years are settled or are no longer subject to such audits, reviews, and investigations. We believe that any differences between the net revenues recorded and final determination will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements. We have made provisions of approximately $16,931,000 and $16,454,000 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively, for various Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Care claims reviews and current and prior year cost reports.

 

 

 

Note 6 Other Revenues

 

Other revenues are outlined in the table below. Revenues from rental income include health care real estate properties owned by us and leased to third party operators. Revenues from management and accounting services include fees provided to manage and provide accounting services to other healthcare operators. Revenues from insurance services include premiums for workers’ compensation and professional liability insurance policies that our wholly–owned insurance subsidiaries have written for certain healthcare operators to which we provide management or accounting services. "Other" revenues include miscellaneous health care related earnings (in thousands).

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 

Rental income

 $5,514  $5,646  $11,161  $11,325 

Management and accounting services fees

  4,136   4,121   8,460   8,600 

Insurance services

  1,277   1,398   2,541   2,780 

Other

  129   158   263   647 

Total other revenues

 $11,056  $11,323  $22,425  $23,352 

 

16

 

Rental Income

 

The Company leases real estate assets consisting of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities to third party operators. Additionally, we sublease four Florida skilled nursing facilities included in our lease from National Health Investors (“NHI”) as noted in Note 9 – Long Term Leases. Rental income reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 

Operating lease payments

 $5,303  $5,505  $10,809  $11,008 

Variable lease payments

  211   141   352   317 

Total rental income

 $5,514  $5,646  $11,161  $11,325 

 

Management Fees from National Health Corporation

 

We manage five skilled nursing facilities owned by National Health Corporation (“National”). For the three and six months ended June 30, 2021, we recognized management fees and interest on management fees of $940,000 and $1,837,000 from these centers, respectively. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, we recognized management fees and interest on management fees of $941,000 and $2,478,000 for these centers, respectively.

 

Insurance Services

 

For workers’ compensation insurance services, the premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2021 were $766,000 and $1,518,000, respectively. For workers’ compensation insurance services, the premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020 were $883,000 and $1,662,000, respectively. Associated losses and expenses are reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations as "Salaries, wages and benefits."

 

For professional liability insurance services, the premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2021 were $511,000 and $1,023,000, respectively. For professional liability insurance services, the premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020 were $515,000 and $1,118,000, respectively. Associated losses and expenses including those for self–insurance are included in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations as "Other operating costs and expenses".

 

 

 

Note 7 NonOperating Income

 

Non–operating income includes equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, dividends and other realized gains and losses on sales of marketable securities, and interest income (in thousands).

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments

 $2,395  $2,618  $5,306  $5,429 

Dividends and net realized gains on sales of securities

  1,915   1,891   3,877   3,913 

Interest income

  1,276   1,445   2,663   3,050 

Total non-operating income

 $5,586  $5,954  $11,846  $12,392 

 

Caris HealthCare, L.P.

 

On June 11, 2021, the Company acquired the remaining 24.9% equity interest in Caris. See Note 4 - “Acquisition of Caris HealthCare, L.P.” for further detail describing the acquisition.

 

Prior to the June 11, 2021 acquisition date, Caris was our most significant equity method investment with a 75.1% non-controlling ownership interest. From the respective acquisition date, Caris’ financial information is now included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements and will no longer be accounted for as an equity method investment.

 

17

 

 

 

Note 8 Business Segments

 

The Company has two reportable operating segments: (1) inpatient services, which includes the operation of skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, and our behavioral health hospital; and (2) homecare and hospice services. These reportable operating segments are consistent with information used by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), to assess performance and allocate resources.

 

The Company also reports an “all other” category that includes revenues from rental income, management and accounting services fees, insurance services, and costs of the corporate office. For additional information on these reportable segments see Note 2Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.

 

The Company’s CODM evaluates performance and allocates capital resources to each segment based on an operating model that is designed to improve the quality of patient care and profitability of the Company while enhancing long-term shareholder value. The CODM does not review assets by segment in his resource allocation and therefore, assets by segment are not disclosed below.

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of operations by business segment (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021

 
  

Inpatient
Services

  

Homecare

and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

Revenues:

                

Net patient revenues

 $218,860  $18,116  $-  $236,976 

Other revenues

  97   -   10,959   11,056 

Government stimulus income

  15,126   -   -   15,126 

Net operating revenues and grant income

  234,083   18,116   10,959   263,158 
                 

Costs and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  128,573   10,482   17,749   156,804 

Other operating

  65,129   3,991   2,923   72,043 

Rent

  8,278   454   1,438   10,170 

Depreciation and amortization

  9,227   94   810   10,131 

Interest

  215   -   -   215 

Total costs and expenses

  211,422   15,021   22,920   249,363 
                 

Income (loss) from operations

  22,661   3,095   (11,961

)

  13,795 

Non-operating income

  -   -   5,586   5,586 

Gain on acquisition of equity method investment

  -   -   95,202   95,202 

Unrealized losses on marketable equity securities

  -   -   (6,489

)

  (6,489

)

                 

Income before income taxes

 $22,661  $3,095  $82,338  $108,094 

 

  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Inpatient
Services

  

Homecare

and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

Revenues and grant income:

                

Net patient revenues

 $214,387  $11,284  $-  $225,671 

Other revenues

  127   -   11,196   11,323 

Government stimulus income

  22,622   2,026   -   24,648 

Net operating revenues and grant income

  237,136   13,310   11,196   261,642 
                 

Costs and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  136,380   7,963   12,571   156,914 

Other operating

  63,999   4,342   2,520   70,861 

Rent

  8,380   446   1,494   10,320 

Depreciation and amortization

  9,626   106   813   10,545 

Interest

  366   -   87   453 

Total costs and expenses

  218,751   12,857   17,485   249,093 
                 

Income (loss) from operations

  18,385   453   (6,289

)

  12,549 

Non-operating income

  -   -   5,954   5,954 

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

  -   -   20,053   20,053 
                 

Income before income taxes

 $18,385  $453  $19,718  $38,556 

 

18

 
  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

 
  

Inpatient
Services

  

Homecare

and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

Revenues and grant income:

                

Net patient revenues

 $422,103  $31,728  $-  $453,831 

Other revenues

  195   -   22,230   22,425 

Government stimulus income

  37,875   -   -   37,875 

Net operating revenues and grant income

  460,173   31,728   22,230   514,131 
                 

Costs and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  257,383   18,890   25,661   301,934 

Other operating

  129,938   6,934   5,324   142,196 

Rent

  16,472   884   2,877   20,233 

Depreciation and amortization

  18,490   181   1,621   20,292 

Interest

  459   -   -   459 

Total costs and expenses

  422,742   26,889   35,483   485,114 
                 

Income (loss) from operations

  37,431   4,839   (13,253

)

  29,017 

Non-operating income

  -   -   11,846   11,846 

Gain on acquisition of equity method investment

  -   -   95,202   95,202 

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

  -   -   570   570 
                 

Income before income taxes

 $37,431  $4,839  $94,365  $136,635 

 

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
  

Inpatient
Services

  

Homecare

and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

Revenues and grant income:

                

Net patient revenues

 $445,374  $24,392  $-  $469,766 

Other revenues

  561   -   22,791   23,352 

Government stimulus income

  22,622   2,026   -   24,648 

Net operating revenues and grant income

  468,557   26,418   22,791   517,766 
                 

Costs and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  271,595   16,279   16,509   304,383 

Other operating

  129,104   8,161   5,264   142,529 

Rent

  16,757   903   2,992   20,652 

Depreciation and amortization

  19,197   160   1,626   20,983 

Interest

  748   -   117   865 

Total costs and expenses

  437,401   25,503   26,508   489,412 
                 

Income (loss) from operations

  31,156   915   (3,717

)

  28,354 

Non-operating income

  -   -   12,392   12,392 

Gain on acquisition of equity method investment

  -   -   1,708   1,708 

Unrealized losses on marketable equity securities

  -   -   (40,339

)

  (40,339

)

                 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 $31,156  $915  $(29,956

)

 $2,115 

 

 

 

Note 9 Long-Term Leases

 

Operating Leases

 

At June 30, 2021, we leased from NHI the real property of 35 skilled nursing facilities, seven assisted living centers and three independent living centers under two separate lease agreements. As part of the first lease agreement, we sublease four Florida skilled nursing facilities to a third-party operator. Base rent expense under both NHI lease agreements totals $34,200,000 annually with rent thereafter escalating by 4% of the increase in facility revenue over a base year. Total facility rent expense to NHI was $9,492,000 and $18,903,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021. Total facility rent expense to NHI was $9,655,000 and $19,310,000 for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020.

 

19

 

Finance Leases

 

At June 30, 2021, we leased and operated three senior healthcare facilities in the state of Missouri under three separate lease agreements. Two of the healthcare facilities are skilled nursing facilities that also include assisted living facilities and the third healthcare facility is a memory care facility. Each of the leases is a ten-year lease with two five–year renewal options. Under the terms of the leases, base rent totals $5,200,000 annually with rent thereafter escalating by 4% of the increase in facility revenue over the 2014 base year.

 

Minimum Lease Payments

 

The following table summarizes the maturity of our finance and operating lease liabilities as of June 30, 2021 (in thousands):

 

  

Finance

Leases

  

Operating

Leases

 

2022

 $5,200  $36,047 

2023

  5,200   35,418 

2024

  3,467   34,918 

2025

  -   34,549 

2026

  -   34,343 

Thereafter

  -   22,857 

Total minimum lease payments

  13,867   198,132 

Less: amounts representing interest

  (1,082

)

  (29,560

)

Present value of future minimum lease payments

  12,785   168,572 

Less: current portion

  (4,557

)

  (26,873

)

Noncurrent lease liabilities

 $8,228  $141,699 

 

 

 

Note 10 Earnings per Share

 

Basic net income per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for each period presented. Diluted net income per share reflects the potential dilution that would have occurred if securities to issue common stock were exercised, converted, or resulted in the issuance of common stock that would have then shared in our earnings.

 

The following table summarizes the earnings and the weighted average number of common shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (in thousands, except for share and per share amounts):

 

  

Three Months Ended June 30

  

Six Months Ended June 30

 
  

2021

  

2020

  

2021

  

2020

 

Basic:

                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  15,349,162   15,307,105   15,338,400   15,300,941 

Net income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation

 $104,883  $28,324  $126,150  $1,472 

Earnings per common share, basic

 $6.83  $1.85  $8.22  $0.10 
                 

Diluted:

                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  15,349,162   15,307,105   15,338,400   15,300,941 

Effects of dilutive instruments

  69,850   65,325   66,234   66,523 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  15,419,012   15,372,430   15,404,634   15,367,464 
                 

Net income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation

 $104,883  $28,324  $126,150  $1,472 

Earnings per common share, diluted

 $6.80  $1.84  $8.19  $0.10 

 

In the above table, options to purchase 631,905 and 698,421 shares of our common stock have been excluded for the six months ended June 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, due to their anti-dilutive impact.

 

20

 

 

 

Note 11 Investments in Marketable Securities

 

Our investments in marketable equity securities are carried at fair value with the changes in unrealized gains and losses recognized in our results of operations at each measurement date. Our investments in marketable debt securities are classified as available for sale securities and carried at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income at each measurement date. Any credit related decline in fair market values of our available for sale debt securities are recorded in our results of operations through an allowance for credit losses. Realized gains and losses from securities sales are recognized in results of operations upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method on a trade date basis. Refer to Note 12 for a description of the Company's methodology for determining the fair value of marketable securities.

 

Marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

  

June 30, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value

 

Investments available for sale:

                

Marketable equity securities

 $30,176  $128,666  $30,176  $128,590 

Corporate debt securities

  20,009   19,930   25,812   25,778 

Asset-backed securities

  2,476   2,464   2,485   2,480 

U.S. Treasury securities

  11,298   11,257   19,519   19,504 

Restricted investments available for sale:

                

Marketable equity securities

  24,783   25,174   4,783   4,680 

Corporate debt securities

  63,046   66,398   61,709   66,247 

Asset-based securities

  33,587   34,436   40,655   41,769 

U.S. Treasury securities

  22,234   22,015   20,760   21,159 

State and municipal securities

  9,543   9,846   12,497   12,898 
  $217,152  $320,186  $218,396   323,105 

 

Included in the marketable equity securities are the following (in thousands, except share amounts):

 

  

June 30, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

Shares

  

Cost

  

Fair

Value

  

Shares

  

Cost

  

Fair

Value

 

NHI Common Stock

  1,630,642  $24,734  $109,335   1,630,642  $24,734  $112,792 

 

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of debt securities classified as available for sale, by contractual maturity, are as follows (in thousands):

 

  

June 30, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

Cost

  

Fair

Value

  

Cost

  

Fair

Value

 

Maturities:

                

Within 1 year

 $41,415  $41,582  $49,694  $49,863 

1 to 5 years

  85,438   88,232   99,143   103,002 

6 to 10 years

  35,340   36,532   34,326   36,685 

Over 10 years

  -   -   274   285 
  $162,193  $166,346  $183,437  $189,835 

 

Gross unrealized gains related to marketable equity securities are $99,232,000 and $98,445,000 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Gross unrealized losses related to marketable equity securities are $351,000 and $134,000 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company recognized a net unrealized loss of $6,489,000 and a net unrealized gain of $570,000, respectively, for the changes in fair market value of the marketable equity securities in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2020, the Company recognized net unrealized gains of $20,053,000 and net unrealized losses of $40,339,000, respectively, for the changes in fair market value of the marketable equity securities in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

Gross unrealized gains related to available for sale marketable debt securities are $4,806,000 and $6,759,000 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. Gross unrealized losses related to available for sale marketable debt securities are $653,000 and $361,000 as of June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The Company’s unrealized losses in our available for sale marketable debt securities were determined to be non-credit related.

 

21

 

The Company has not recognized any credit related impairments for the three months or six months ending June 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

For the marketable securities in gross unrealized loss positions, (a) it is more likely than not that the Company will not be required to sell the investment securities before recovery of the unrealized losses, and (b) the Company expects that the contractual principal and interest will be received on the investment securities.

 

Proceeds from the sale of available for sale marketable debt securities during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020 were $44,939,000 and $19,823,000, respectively. Investment gains of $212,000 and $13,000 were realized on these sales during the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. No sales were reported for marketable equity securities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

 

 

Note 12 Fair Value Measurements

 

The accounting standard for fair value measurements provides a framework for measuring fair value and requires expanded disclosures regarding fair value measurements. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received for an asset or the exit price that would be paid to transfer a liability in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. This accounting standard establishes a fair value hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs, where available. The following summarizes the three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

 

Level 1 – The valuation is based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.

 

Level 2 – The valuation is based on observable inputs such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model–based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

 

Level 3 – The valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by minimal or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the instrument. Level 3 valuations are typically performed using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that incorporate management’s own estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the instrument, or valuations that require significant management judgment or estimation.

 

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

 

The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

  

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

June 30, 2021

 

Fair

Value

  

Quoted

Prices
in

Active
Markets

For Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $134,692  $134,692  $  $ 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  15,895   15,895       

Marketable equity securities

  153,840   153,840       

Corporate debt securities

  86,328   46,850   39,478    

Mortgage–backed securities

  36,900   -   36,900    

U.S. Treasury securities

  33,272   33,272       

State and municipal securities

  9,846   -   9,846    

Total financial assets

 $470,773  $384,549  $86,224  $ 

 

22

 
  

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

December 31, 2020

 

Fair

Value

  

Quoted Prices in

Active Markets

For Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $147,093  $147,093  $  $ 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  11,409   11,409       

Marketable equity securities

  133,270   133,270       

Corporate debt securities

  92,025   56,772   35,253    

Asset–backed securities

  44,249      44,249    

U.S. Treasury securities

  40,663   40,663       

State and municipal securities

  12,898      12,898    

Total financial assets

 $481,607  $389,207  $92,400  $ 

 

 

 

Note 13 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

At June 30, 2021, the Company reviewed the carrying value of goodwill for impairment indicators, including due to the events and circumstances surrounding the Coronavirus Pandemic ("COVID-19"). As a result of the review, there were no impairment indicators regarding the Company’s goodwill during the three months ended June 30, 2021 that required a quantitative test to be performed. However, our accounting estimates could materially change from period to period due to changing market factors, including those driven by COVID-19. We will continue to monitor future events, changes in circumstances, and the potential impact thereof. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to future goodwill impairment losses.

 

See Note 4Acquisition of Caris HealthCare, L.P. for further detail describing the goodwill addition in 2021. At June 30, 2021, the following table represents the activity related to our goodwill by segment (in thousands):

 

  

Inpatient

Services

  

Homecare and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

January 1, 2021

 $3,741  $17,600  $  $21,341 

Additions

     146,954      146,954 

June 30, 2021

 $3,741  $164,554  $  $168,295 

 

As part of the Caris acquisition, we also recorded indefinite-lived intangible assets that consisted of the trade name ($4,340,000) and certificates of need and licenses ($2,698,000).

 

 

 

Note 14 - Stock Repurchase Program

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, the Company repurchased 3,936 shares of its common stock for a total cost of $278,000. The shares were funded from cash on hand and were cancelled and returned to the status of authorized but unissued.

 

 

 

Note 15 StockBased Compensation

 

NHC recognizes stock–based compensation expense for all stock options granted over the requisite service period using the fair value at the date of grant using the Black–Scholes pricing model. Stock–based compensation totaled $683,000 and $823,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Stock–based compensation totaled $1,179,000 and $1,289,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Stock–based compensation is included in “Salaries, wages and benefits” in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

At June 30, 2021, the Company had $2,494,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock–based compensation awards. This unrecognized compensation cost will be amortized over an approximate one-year period.

 

Stock Options

 

The following table summarizes the significant assumptions used to value the options granted for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

  

June 30,

2021

 

December 31,
2020

Risk–free interest rate

  0.21%  0.87%

Expected volatility

  35.1%  20.1%

Expected life, in years

  2.2   2.2 

Expected dividend yield

  3.01%  2.91%

 

23

 

The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

  

Number of

Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

 

Options outstanding at January 1, 2020

  809,529  $71.24  $ 

Options granted

  104,057   73.98    

Options exercised

  (43,630

)

  63.37    

Options cancelled

  (3,000

)

  72.94    

Options outstanding at December 31, 2020

  866,956   72.11    

Options granted

  56,829   70.73    

Options exercised

  (148,900

)

  68.41    

Options cancelled

  (6,000

)

  72.94    

Options outstanding at June 30, 2021

  768,885  $72.72  $648,212 
             

Options exercisable at June 30, 2021

  222,686  $69.84  $580,540 

 

Options

Outstanding

June 30, 2021

  

Exercise Prices

  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

  

Weighted Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life in Years

 
103,809   60.73-67.28   63.66   2.9 
665,076   71.64-84.30   74.14   1.1 
768,885         72.72   1.3 

 

 

 

Note 16 Income Taxes

 

The Company's income tax provision as a percentage of our income before income taxes was 2.6% and 26.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 

 

The Company's income tax provision as a percentage of our income before income taxes was 7.3% and 19.4% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. 

 

Typically, these percentages vary from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes, excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation, benefits resulting from the lapsing of statute of limitations of items in our tax contingency reserve, and non-deductible expenses. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2021, the income tax provision and effective tax rate were favorably impacted by the nontaxable gain recognized upon re-measurement of our existing equity investment in Caris Healthcare, L.P.

 

Our quarterly income tax provision, and our estimate of our annual effective income tax rate, is subject to variation due to several factors, including volatility based on the amount of pre-tax income or loss.  

 

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2017 (with certain state exceptions).

 

 

 

Note 17 Contingencies and Commitments

 

Accrued Risk Reserves

 

We are self–insured for risks related to health insurance and have wholly–owned limited purpose insurance companies that insure risks related to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability insurance claims both for our owned and leased entities and certain of the entities to which we provide management or accounting services. The liability we have recognized for reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims totals $101,850,000 and $99,537,000 at June 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. The liability is included in accrued risk reserves in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets and is subject to adjustment for actual claims incurred. It is possible that these claims plus unasserted claims could exceed our insurance coverages and our reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

24

 

As a result of the terms of our insurance policies and our use of wholly–owned limited purpose insurance companies, we have retained significant insurance risk with respect to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability. We consider the professional services of independent actuaries to assist us in estimating our exposures for claims obligations (for both asserted and unasserted claims) related to deductibles and exposures in excess of coverage limits, and we maintain reserves for these obligations. Such estimates are based on many variables including historical and statistical information and other factors.

 

Workers Compensation

 

For workers’ compensation, we utilize a wholly–owned Tennessee domiciled property/casualty insurance company to write coverage for NHC affiliates and for third–party customers. Policies are written for a duration of twelve months and cover only risks related to workers’ compensation losses. All customers are companies which operate in the senior care industry. Business is written on a direct basis. 

 

General and Professional Liability Insurance and Lawsuits

 

The senior care industry has experienced significant increases in both the number of personal injury/wrongful death claims and in the severity of awards based upon alleged negligence by skilled nursing facilities and their employees in providing care to residents. The Company has been, and continues to be, subject to claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business, including potential claims related to patient care and treatment. The defense of these lawsuits may result in significant legal costs, regardless of the outcome, and can result in large settlement amounts or damage awards. Additional insurance is purchased through third party providers that serve to supplement the coverage provided through our wholly owned captive insurance company.

 

There is certain additional litigation incidental to our business, none of which, based upon information available to date, would be material to our financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. In addition, the long–term care industry is continuously subject to scrutiny by governmental regulators, which could result in litigation or claims related to regulatory compliance matters.

 

Qui Tam Litigation

 

 United States of America, ex rel. Jennifer Cook and Sally Gaither v. Integrated Behavioral Health, Inc., NHC HealthCare/Moulton, LLC, et al., Case No. 2:20-CV-00877-AMM (N.D. Ala.)  This is a qui tam case originally filed under seal on June 22, 2020. The United States declined intervention on March 1, 2021. Thereafter, the Plaintiff filed an amended Complaint against Dr. Sanja Malhotra, Integrated Behavioral Health, Inc. and other entities Dr. Malhotra is alleged to own or in which he has a financial interest.  The Complaint also named multiple skilled nursing facilities as Defendants, including NHC Healthcare/Moulton, LLC, an affiliate of National HealthCare Corporation. The gravamen of the Complaint against the facilities is that Dr. Malhotra had nurse practitioners providing free services in the facilities in exchange for referrals to entities he owned or in which he had a financial interest in violation of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute. NHC Healthcare/Moulton, LLC denies the allegations and is vigorously defending the claim. A motion to dismiss has been filed and is pending.

 

Governmental Regulations

 

Laws and regulations governing the Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs are complex and subject to interpretation. Management believes that it is following all applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. However, compliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to future government review and interpretation as well as significant regulatory action including fines, penalties, and exclusions from the Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs. There have been several enacted and proposed federal and state relief measures as a result of COVID-19 which should provide support to us during this pandemic; however, the full benefit of any such programs would not be realized until these payments are fully implemented, government agencies issue applicable regulations, or guidance and such relief is provided.

 

 

 

 

Item 2.

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

 

Forward–Looking Statements

 

References throughout this document to the Company include National HealthCare Corporation and its wholly owned subsidiaries. In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commissions “Plain English” guidelines, this Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q has been written in the first person. In this document, the words “we”, “our”, “ours” and “us” refer only to National HealthCare Corporation and its wholly–owned subsidiaries and not any other person.

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10–Q and other information we provide from time to time, contains certain “forward–looking” statements as that term is defined by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements regarding our expected future financial position, results of operations or cash flows, continued performance improvements, ability to service and refinance our debt obligations, ability to finance growth opportunities, ability to control our patient care liability costs, ability to respond to changes in government regulations, ability to execute our three–year strategic plan, and similar statements including, without limitations, those containing words such as “believes”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “estimates”, “plans”, and other similar expressions are forward–looking statements.

 

 

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

 

 

national and local economic conditions, including their effect on the availability and cost of labor, utilities and materials;

     
 

the effect of government regulations and changes in regulations governing the healthcare industry, including our compliance with such regulations;

     
 

changes in Medicare and Medicaid payment levels and methodologies and the application of such methodologies by the government and its fiscal intermediaries;

     
 

liabilities and other claims asserted against us, including patient care liabilities, as well as the resolution of current litigation (see Note 17: Contingencies and Commitments);

     
 

the uncertainty of the extent, duration and effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the response of governments

     
 

the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

     
 

the availability and terms of capital to fund acquisitions and capital improvements;

     
 

the ability to refinance existing debt on favorable terms;

     
 

the competitive environment in which we operate;

     
 

the ability to maintain and increase census levels; and

     
 

demographic changes.

 

See the notes to the quarterly financial statements, and “Item 1. Business” in our 2020 Annual Report on Form 10–K for a discussion of various governmental regulations and other operating factors relating to the healthcare industry and the risk factors inherent in them. This may be found on our web site at www.nhccare.com. You should carefully consider these risks before making any investment in the Company. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing us. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know of or that we currently deem immaterial. If any of the risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our shares of stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Given these risks and uncertainties, we can give no assurances that these forward–looking statements will, in fact, transpire and, therefore, caution investors not to place undue reliance on them.

 

Overview

 

National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of senior health care services. We operate or manage, through certain affiliates, 75 skilled nursing facilities with a total of 9,473 licensed beds, 24 assisted living facilities, five independent living facilities, one behavioral health hospital, 35 homecare agencies, and 28 hospice agencies. We operate specialized care units within certain of our healthcare centers such as Alzheimer's disease care units and sub-acute nursing units. In addition, we provide insurance services, management and accounting services, and we lease properties to operators of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. We operate in 10 states and are located primarily in the southeastern United States.

 

Impact of COVID-19

 

In early March 2020, COVID-19, a disease caused by the novel strain of the coronavirus, was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. As a provider of healthcare services, we are significantly exposed to the public health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  NHC’s primary objective has remained the same throughout the COVID-19 pandemic: that is to protect the health and safety of our patients, residents, and partners (employees). We continue to follow all guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), and state and local health departments to prevent the spread of the disease within our operations. 

 

We began our first vaccination clinics in our skilled nursing facilities around the middle of December 2020. As the vaccination clinics progressed and as the vaccine became more accessible, we began to see a significant decline in COVID-19 cases among our operations.  With the COVID-19 cases significantly declining during the first and second quarters of 2021, the census in our skilled nursing facilities began to increase. The census in our skilled nursing facilities has risen every month in the first and second quarters of 2021 and increased approximately 7.5% from January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021. 

 

 

Despite the COVID-19 cases significantly declining during the first and second quarters of 2021, our operating expenses remain elevated with incentive compensation being paid to our frontline partners, as well as increased costs of personal protective equipment (“PPE”), sanitizers and cleaning supplies, and COVID-19 testing of our patients and partners. Despite the continued disruption of COVID-19 to our operations, our capital and financial resources, including our overall liquidity, remain strong. Our liquidity provides us with significant flexibility to maintain the strength of our balance sheet in periods of uncertainty or stress.

 

At this time, we are not able to quantify the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on our future financial results, but we expect the developments related to COVID-19 to adversely affect our financial performance in 2021.  The ultimate impact of the pandemic on our financial results will depend on, among other factors, the duration and severity of the pandemic, the volume of acute and post-acute healthcare patients cared for across the broader health care systems, the timing and availability of effective medical treatments and vaccines, and the impact of government actions and administrative regulations on our industry and broader economy, including future government stimulus efforts.  We have received and may continue to receive payments and advances from the various federal and state initiatives. These legislative initiatives have been beneficial to partially mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our results of operations and financial position to date.  The federal and state governments may consider additional stimulus and relief efforts, but we are unable to predict whether any of the additional stimulus measures will be enacted or their impact.   

 

Legislation and Government Stimulus Due to COVID-19

 

The U.S. government enacted several laws beginning in March 2020 designed to help the nation respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The new laws impacted healthcare providers in a variety of ways, but the largest legislation from a monetary relief perspective is the CARES Act. Through the CARES Act, as well as the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enactment Act, the federal government has allocated $178 billion to the Public Health and Social Services Emergency Fund, which is referred to as the Provider Relief Fund. The Provider Relief Fund is administered through grants and other mechanisms to skilled nursing providers, home health providers, hospitals, and other Medicare and Medicaid enrolled providers to cover any unreimbursed health care related expenses or lost revenue attributable to the public health emergency resulting from COVID-19.    

 

The Provider Relief Fund grants come with terms and condition certifications in which all providers are required to submit documents to ensure the funds will be used for healthcare-related expenses or lost revenue attributable to COVID-19. The Company recorded $15,126,000 and $24,648,000 of government stimulus income from the Provider Relief Funds for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The Company recorded $37,875,000 and $24,648,000 of government stimulus income from the Provider Relief Funds for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.  The grant income was determined on a systemic basis in line with the recognition of specific expenses and lost revenues for which the grants are intended to compensate. The Company’s assessment of whether the terms and conditions for amounts received have been met for income recognition and the Company’s related income calculation considered all frequently asked questions and other interpretive guidance issued to date by HHS.

 

As of June 30, 2021, amounts not recognized as income are $10,429,000 and are reflected in the current liability section of our interim condensed consolidated balance sheet (provider relief funds). We anticipate incurring additional COVID-19 related expenses or lost revenues in the future; therefore, at this time, we believe that we will fully utilize the remaining $10,429,000 of Provider Relief Funds before the reporting requirement deadlines outlined by HHS.

 

Additionally, as part of the CARES Act, the legislation included an expansion of the Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment Program. We received approximately $51,253,000 as part of this program. These funds are applied against claims for services provided to Medicare patients after approximately one year from the date we received the funds. Recoupment of the accelerated payments began in the second quarter of 2021. As of June 30, 2021, $40,121,000 of the accelerated payments remain and is reflected within contract liabilities in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

The CARES Act temporarily suspended Medicare sequestration beginning May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The Medicare sequestration policy reduces fee-for-service Medicare payments by 2 percent. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 further suspended the 2.0% payment adjustment through June 30, 2021. On April 14, 2021, Congress extended the Medicare sequestration suspension period to December 31, 2021.

 

The CARES Act also temporarily permitted employers to defer the deposit and payment of the employer’s portion of the social security taxes (6.2% of employee wages) that otherwise would be due between March 27, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The provision requires that the deferred taxes be paid over a two-year period with half the amount required to be paid by December 31, 2021, and the other half by December 31, 2022. At June 30, 2021, we have deferred $21,153,000 of the Company’s share of the social security taxes. 

 

 

Summary of Goals and Areas of Focus

 

Occupancy

 

A primary area of management focus continues to be the rates of occupancy within our skilled nursing facilities. The overall census in owned and leased skilled nursing facilities for the six months ending June 30, 2021 was 78.9% compared to 87.9% for the same period a year ago. For the three months ended June 30, 2021, overall census in our owned and leased skilled nursing facilities was 81.1%% compared to 84.3% in the second quarter of 2020. The census in our skilled nursing facilities for the second quarter of 2021 increased approximately 4% from April 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021. The census in our skilled nursing facilities increased approximately 7.5% from January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021.  

 

Due to the pandemic, as well as the increased availability of assisted living facilities and home and community-based services, the challenge of maintaining desirable patient census levels has been amplified. Management has undertaken a number of steps in order to best position our current and future health care facilities. This includes working internally to examine and improve systems to be most responsive to referral sources and payors. Additionally, NHC is in various stages of partnerships with hospital systems, payors, and other post–acute alliances to better position ourselves so we are an active participant in the delivery of post-acute healthcare services.

 

Quality of Patient Care

 

CMS introduced the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families and caregivers compare skilled nursing facilities more easily. The Five-Star Quality Rating System gives each skilled nursing operation a rating ranging between one and five stars in various categories (five stars being the best). The Company has always strived for patient-centered care and quality outcomes as precursors to outstanding financial performance.

 

The tables below summarize NHC's overall performance in these Five-Star ratings versus the skilled nursing industry as of June 30, 2021:

 

   

NHC Ratings

 

Industry Ratings

Total number of skilled nursing facilities, end of period

    75          

Number of 4 and 5-star rated skilled nursing facilities

    60          

Percentage of 4 and 5-star rated skilled nursing facilities

    80 %     47 %

Average rating for all skilled nursing facilities, end of period

    4.15       3.21  

 

Development and Growth

 

We are undertaking to expand our senior care operations while protecting our existing operations and markets. The following table lists our recent development activities.

 

Type of

Operation

   

Description

   

Size

   

Location

   

Placed in Service

 

Skilled Nursing

   

Acquisition

   

166 beds

   

Knoxville, TN

   

February 2020

 

Assisted Living

   

Bed Addition

   

20 beds

   

Gallatin, TN

   

September 2020

 

Skilled Nursing

   

Bed Addition

   

30 beds

   

Kingsport, TN

   

December 2020

 

Hospice

   

Acquisition

   

28 agencies

   

Various

   

June 2021

 

Behavioral Health Hospital

   

New Facility

   

16 beds

   

St. Louis, MO

   

Under Construction

 

Behavioral Health Hospital

   

New Facility

   

64 beds

   

Knoxville, TN

   

Under Construction

 

 

Accrued Risk Reserves

 

Our accrued professional liability and workers’ compensation reserves totaled $101,850,000 at June 30, 2021 and are a primary area of management focus. We have set aside restricted cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities to fund our estimated professional liability and workers’ compensation liabilities.

 

As to exposure for professional liability claims, we have developed performance certification criteria to measure and bring focus to the patient care issues most likely to produce professional liability exposure, including in–house acquired pressure ulcers, significant weight loss and numbers of falls. These programs for certification, which we regularly modify and improve, have produced measurable improvements in reducing these incidents. Our experience is that achieving goals in these patient care areas improves both patient and employee satisfaction.

 

 

Government Reimbursement Programs

 

Medicare Skilled Nursing Facilities

 

On July 29, 2021, CMS released a final rule outlining fiscal year 2022 Medicare payment rates and policy changes for skilled nursing facilities, which begins October 1, 2021. The fiscal year 2022 rule results in an increase of approximately $410 million in Medicare Part A payments to SNFs in 2022.  This estimate reflects an update to payment rates of 1.2%, which is based on a 2.7% SNF market basket update, less a 0.8% forecast error adjustment and a 0.7% productivity adjustment. These impact figures do not incorporate the SNF Value-Based Program reductions that are estimated to be $184.3 million in FY2022.

 

On July 31, 2020, CMS released its final rule outlining fiscal year 2021 Medicare payment rates and policy changes for skilled nursing facilities, which began October 1, 2020. The fiscal year 2021 final rule provided for an approximate 2.2% increase, or $750 million, compared to fiscal year 2020 levels. The final rule reflected the commitment to shifting Medicare payments from volume to value, with the continued implementation of PDPM and value-based purchasing to improve interoperability, operational quality, and safety.  

 

The CARES Act temporarily suspended Medicare sequestration beginning May 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020. The Medicare sequestration policy reduces fee-for-service Medicare payments by 2 percent. The CARES Act extends the sequestration policy through 2030 in exchange for this temporary suspension. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 further suspended the 2.0% payment adjustment through June 30, 2021. On April 14, 2021, Congress extended the Medicare sequestration suspension period to December 31, 2021.

 

For the first six months of 2021, our average Medicare per diem rate for skilled nursing facilities increased 4.2% as compared to the same period in 2020. 

 

Medicaid Skilled Nursing Facilities

 

Effective July 1, 2020 and for the fiscal year 2021, the state of Tennessee implemented specific individual nursing facility increases. We estimate the resulting increase in revenue for the 2021 fiscal year will be approximately $1,500,000, or $375,000 per quarter.

 

Effective October 1, 2020 and for the fiscal year 2021, the state of South Carolina implemented specific individual nursing facility rate changes. We estimate the resulting increase in revenue for the 2021 fiscal year will be approximately $3,600,000 annually, or $900,000 per quarter.

 

We have also received from many of the states in which we operate supplemental Medicaid payments to help mitigate the incremental costs resulting from the COVID-19 public health emergency. We have recorded $7,094,000 and $3,858,000 in net patient revenues for these supplemental Medicaid payments for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. We have recorded $11,049,000 and $5,532,000 in net patient revenues for these supplemental Medicaid payments for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively.

 

For the first six months of 2021, our average Medicaid per diem increased 8.4% compared to the same period in 2020.

 

We face challenges with respect to states’ Medicaid payments, because many currently do not cover the total costs incurred in providing care to those patients. States will continue to control Medicaid expenditures and also look for adequate funding sources, including provider assessments. There are several pieces of legislation that include provisions designed to reduce Medicaid spending. These provisions include, among others, provisions strengthening the Medicaid asset transfer restrictions for persons seeking to qualify for Medicaid long-term care coverage, which could, due to the timing of the penalty period, increase facilities’ exposure to uncompensated care. Other provisions could increase state funding for home and community-based services, potentially having an impact on funding for nursing facilities.

 

Medicare Homecare Programs

 

In November 2020, CMS released its final rule outlining fiscal year 2021 Medicare payment rates. CMS projects payments to home health agencies in fiscal year 2021 will increase in aggregate by 1.9%, or $390 million. The increase reflects the effects of the 2.0% home health payment update percentage and a 0.1% decrease due to reductions made by the rural add-on policy. The rule also updates the home health wage index, limiting any decrease in a geographic area’s wage index value to no more than 5% next year.

 

In June 2021, CMS released its proposed rule outlining fiscal year 2022 Medicare payment rates. CMS projects payments to home health agencies in fiscal year 2022 will increase in aggregate by 1.7%, or $310 million, based on proposed policies. Additionally, CMS proposed plans to expand the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) model nationwide by the start of 2022. The CMS Innovation Center developed the HHVBP demonstration in an effort to create financial incentives for better quality of care.

 

 

Medicare Hospice

 

In July 2020, CMS released its final rule outlining fiscal year 2021 Medicare payment rates. CMS issued a rate increase of 2.4%, or $540 million, effective October 1, 2020. The hospice cap amount for the 2021 cap year is equal to the FY 2020 cap amount updated by the FY 2021 hospice payment update percentage of 2.4 percent, or $30,683.93.

 

In Apil 2021, CMS released its proposed rule outlining fiscal year 2022 Medicare payment rates. CMS issued a proposed rule to update hospice payment rates for fiscal year 2022 with a 2.3%, or $530 million, net increase to payments as compared to FY 2021. This includes a 2.5% market basket update and a 0.2 percentage point cut for productivity.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company has two reportable operating segments: (1) inpatient services, which includes the operation of skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, and our behavioral health hospital; and (2) homecare and hospice services. These reportable operating segments are consistent with information used by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), to assess performance and allocate resources.

 

The Company also reports an “all other” category that includes revenues from rental income, management and accounting services fees, insurance services, and costs of the corporate office. For additional information on these reportable segments see Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.   

 

The Company’s CODM evaluates performance and allocates capital resources to each segment based on an operating model that is designed to improve the quality of patient care and profitability of the Company while enhancing long-term shareholder value. The CODM does not review assets by segment in his resource allocation and therefore, assets by segment are not disclosed below.

 

The following table sets forth the Company’s unaudited interim condensed consolidated statements of operations by business segment (in thousands):

 

   

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021

 
   

Inpatient
Services

   

Homecare

and Hospice

   

All Other

   

Total

 

Revenues:

                               

Net patient revenues

  $ 218,860     $ 18,116     $ -     $ 236,976  

Other revenues

    97       -       10,959       11,056  

Government stimulus income

    15,126       -       -       15,126  

Net operating revenues and grant income

    234,083       18,116       10,959       263,158  
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    128,573       10,482       17,749       156,804  

Other operating

    65,129       3,991       2,923       72,043  

Rent

    8,278       454       1,438       10,170  

Depreciation and amortization

    9,227       94       810       10,131  

Interest

    215       -       -       215  

Total costs and expenses

    211,422       15,021       22,920       249,363  
                                 

Income (loss) from operations

    22,661       3,095       (11,961

)

    13,795  

Non-operating income

    -       -       5,586       5,586  

Gain on acquisition of equity method investment

    -       -       95,202       95,202  

Unrealized losses on marketable equity securities

    -       -       (6,489

)

    (6,489

)

                                 

Income before income taxes

  $ 22,661     $ 3,095     $ 82,338     $ 108,094  

 

 

   

Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
   

Inpatient
Services

   

Homecare

and Hospice

   

All Other

   

Total

 

Revenues and grant income:

                               

Net patient revenues

  $ 214,387     $ 11,284     $ -     $ 225,671  

Other revenues

    127       -       11,196       11,323  

Government stimulus income

    22,622       2,026       -       24,648  

Net operating revenues and grant income

    237,136       13,310       11,196       261,642  
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    136,380       7,963       12,571       156,914  

Other operating

    63,999       4,342       2,520       70,861  

Rent

    8,380       446       1,494       10,320  

Depreciation and amortization

    9,626       106       813       10,545  

Interest

    366       -       87       453  

Total costs and expenses

    218,751       12,857       17,485       249,093  
                                 

Income (loss) from operations

    18,385       453       (6,289

)

    12,549  

Non-operating income

    -       -       5,954       5,954  

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

    -       -       20,053       20,053  
                                 

Income before income taxes

  $ 18,385     $ 453     $ 19,718     $ 38,556  

 

   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021

 
   

Inpatient
Services

   

Homecare

and Hospice

   

All Other

   

Total

 

Revenues and grant income:

                               

Net patient revenues

  $ 422,103     $ 31,728     $ -     $ 453,831  

Other revenues

    195       -       22,230       22,425  

Government stimulus income

    37,875       -       -       37,875  

Net operating revenues and grant income

    460,173       31,728       22,230       514,131  
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    257,383       18,890       25,661       301,934  

Other operating

    129,938       6,934       5,324       142,196  

Rent

    16,472       884       2,877       20,233  

Depreciation and amortization

    18,490       181       1,621       20,292  

Interest

    459       -       -       459  

Total costs and expenses

    422,742       26,889       35,483       485,114  
                                 

Income (loss) from operations

    37,431       4,839       (13,253

)

    29,017  

Non-operating income

    -       -       11,846       11,846  

Gain on acquisition of equity method investment

    -       -       95,202       95,202  

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

    -       -       570       570  
                                 

Income before income taxes

  $ 37,431     $ 4,839     $ 94,365     $ 136,635  

 

 

   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 
   

Inpatient
Services

   

Homecare

and Hospice

   

All Other

   

Total

 

Revenues and grant income:

                               

Net patient revenues

  $ 445,374     $ 24,392     $ -     $ 469,766  

Other revenues

    561       -       22,791       23,352  

Government stimulus income

    22,622       2,026       -       24,648  

Net operating revenues and grant income

    468,557       26,418       22,791       517,766  
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    271,595       16,279       16,509       304,383  

Other operating

    129,104       8,161       5,264       142,529  

Rent

    16,757       903       2,992       20,652  

Depreciation and amortization

    19,197       160       1,626       20,983  

Interest

    748       -       117       865  

Total costs and expenses

    437,401       25,503       26,508       489,412  
                                 

Income (loss) from operations

    31,156       915       (3,717

)

    28,354  

Non-operating income

    -       -       12,392       12,392  

Gain on acquisition of equity method investment

    -       -       1,708       1,708  

Unrealized losses on marketable equity securities

    -       -       (40,339

)

    (40,339

)

                                 

Income (loss) before income taxes

  $ 31,156     $ 915     $ (29,956

)

  $ 2,115  

 

Non-GAAP Financial Presentation

 

The Company is providing certain non-GAAP financial measures as the Company believes that these figures are helpful in allowing investors to more accurately assess the ongoing nature of the Company’s operations and measure the Company’s performance more consistently across periods. Therefore, the Company believes this information is meaningful in addition to the information contained in the GAAP presentation of financial information. The presentation of this additional non-GAAP financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP.

 

Specifically, the Company believes the presentation of non-GAAP financial information that excludes the unrealized gains or losses on our marketable equity securities, operating results for the newly constructed healthcare facilities not at full capacity, share-based compensation expense, and any gains on the acquisitions of equity method investments is helpful in allowing investors to more accurately access the Company’s operations.

 

The operating results for the newly constructed healthcare facilities not at full capacity for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021 include facilities that began operations from 2019 to 2021. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2020, included are facilities that began operations from 2018 to 2020. For all of the 2021 and 2020 periods presented, there is one memory care facility that is included in the reconciliation.

 

In June 2021, the gain on the acquisition of an equity method investment is from the acquisition of Caris HealthCare, L.P. See Note 4 for additional detail describing the Caris acquisition. In February 2020, the gain on the acquisition of an equity method investment is from the acquisition of a skilled nursing facility in Knoxville, Tennessee where we owned a prior 25% non-controlling ownership interest before acquiring the remaining 75% ownership interest.

 

The tables below provide reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP items (dollars in thousands, except per share data):

 

   

Three Months Ended

June 30

   

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
   

2021

   

2020

   

2021

   

2020

 
                                 

Net income attributable to National Healthcare Corporation

  $ 104,883     $ 28,324     $ 126,150     $ 1,472  

Non-GAAP adjustments

                               

Unrealized (gains)/losses on marketable equity securities

    6,489       (20,053

)

    (570

)

    40,339  

Gains on acquisitions of equity method investments

    (95,202

)

    -       (95,202

)

    (1,708

)

Operating results for newly opened facilities not at full capacity

    120       112       365       314  

Share-based compensation expense

    683       823       1,179       1,289  

Provision/(benefit) of income taxes on non-GAAP adjustments

    (1,896

)

    4,971       (253

)

    (10,461

)

Non-GAAP Net income

  $ 15,077     $ 14,177     $ 31,669     $ 31,245  
                                 
                                 

GAAP diluted earnings per share

  $ 6.80     $ 1.84     $ 8.19     $ 0.10  

Non-GAAP adjustments

                               

Unrealized (gains)/losses on marketable equity securities

    0.31       (0.97

)

    (0.03

)

    1.94  

Gains on acquisitions of equity method investments

    (6.17

)

    -       (6.18

)

    (0.08

)

Operating results for newly opened facilities not at full capacity

    0.01       0.01       0.02       0.02  

Share-based compensation expense

    0.03       0.04       0.06       0.05  

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share

  $ 0.98     $ 0.92     $ 2.06     $ 2.03  

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table and discussion set forth items from the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net operating revenues and grant income for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020.

 

Percentage of Net Operating Revenues and Grant Income

 

   

Three Months Ended
June 30

   

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
   

2021

   

2020

   

2021

   

2020

 

Net operating revenues and grant income

    100.0

%

    100.0

%

    100

%

    100

%

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    59.6       60.0       58.7       58.8  

Other operating

    27.4       27.1       27.7       27.5  

Facility rent

    3.9       3.9       4.0       4.0  

Depreciation and amortization

    3.8       4.0       3.9       4.0  

Interest

    0.1       0.2       0.1       0.2  

Total costs and expenses

    94.8       95.2       94.4       94.5  

Income from operations

    5.2       4.8       5.6       5.5  

Non–operating income

    2.2       2.2       2.4       2.3  

Gains on acquisitions of equity method investments

    36.2       -       18.5       0.4  

Unrealized gains/(losses) on marketable equity securities

    (2.5

)

    7.7       0.1       (7.8

)

Income before income taxes

    41.1       14.7       26.6       0.4  

Income tax provision

    (1.1

)

    (3.8

)

    (2.0

)

    (0.1

)

Net income

    40.0       10.9       24.6       0.3  

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (0.1

)

    (0.1

)

    (0.1

)

    0.0  

Net income attributable to stockholders of NHC

    39.9       10.8       24.5       0.3  

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

Results for the quarter ended June 30, 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2020 include a 0.6% increase in net operating revenues and grant income and a 9.9% increase in income from operations. For the quarter ended June 30, 2021, GAAP net income attributable to NHC was $104,883,000 compared to $28,324,000 for the same period in 2020.

 

The large increase in our reported GAAP net income for the second quarter of 2021 is primarily due to the gain recorded from the acquisition of Caris, a hospice provider. Excluding the gain on the Caris acquisition, as well as the unrealized losses in our marketable equity securities portfolio and the other non-GAAP adjustments, non-GAAP net income for the three months ended June 30, 2021 was $15,077,000 compared to $14,177,000 for the second quarter of 2020, which is an increase of 6.4%.

 

Net operating revenues and grant income

 

Net patient revenues increased $11,305,000, or 5.0%, compared to the same period last year.

 

The total census at owned and leased skilled nursing facilities for the quarter averaged 81.1%, compared to an average of 84.3% for the same quarter a year ago. With the COVID-19 cases significantly declining during the first and second quarters of 2021, the census in our skilled nursing facilities began to increase.  The census in our skilled nursing facilities for the second quarter of 2021 increased approximately 4% from April 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021.

 

Overall, the composite skilled nursing facility per diem increased 7.8% compared to the same quarter a year ago. Our Medicare per diem rates increased 2.0% and managed care per diem rates increased 4.2% compared to the same quarter a year ago. Medicaid and private pay per diem rates increased 8.2% and 3.7%, respectively, compared to the same quarter a year ago. The Medicaid per diem rate increased significantly due to the supplemental COVID-19 payments that we received from various states to help mitigate the incremental costs in fighting the pandemic. For the three months ending June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, $7,094,000 and $3,858,000 have been included in our net patient revenues for these supplemental COVID-19 Medicaid payments.

 

In June 2021, the Company acquired the remaining ownership interest in Caris, which resulted in net patient revenues increasing of $3,712,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2020. Our homecare operations had an increase in net patient revenues of approximately $3,121,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the second quarter of 2020. In November 2020, the Company sold a skilled nursing facility located in Town & Country, Missouri. For the three months ended June 30, 2021, the sale of this facility decreased net patient revenue by $2,171,000 compared to the second quarter of 2020.

 

 

Other revenues decreased $267,000, or 2.4%, compared to the same quarter last year, as further detailed in Note 6 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, we recorded $15,126,000 and $24,648,000 in government stimulus income related to funds received from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. See Note 3 - Coronavirus Pandemic for additional information.  

 

Total costs and expenses

 

Total costs and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 increased $270,000, or 0.1%, to $249,363,000 from $249,093,000.

 

Salaries, wages, and benefits decreased $110,000, or 0.1%, to $156,804,000 from $156,914,000. Salaries, wages, and benefits as a percentage of net operating revenues and grant income was 59.6% compared to 60.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. With the COVID-19 cases significantly declining during the second quarter of 2021, the COVID-related incentive pay (or combat pay) was significantly reduced in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter a year ago. But, we continue to face tremendous wage pressure and inflation to retain and attract new partners (employees). Therefore, the wage pressure and inflation increases offset any reduction in salaries and wages from the decreasing of the COVID-related incentive pay. Our Caris acquisition increased salaries, wages, and benefits $1,905,000 in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter a year ago.

 

Other operating expenses increased $1,182,000, or 1.7%, to $72,043,000 for the 2021 period compared to $70,861,000 for the 2020 period. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net operating revenues and grant income was 27.4% and 27.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our Caris acquisition increased other operating expenses $771,000 in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the same quarter a year ago.

 

Other income

 

Non–operating income decreased by $368,000 compared to the same period last year, as further detailed in Note 7 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Gain on acquisition of equity method investments

 

In June 2021, a gain of $95,202,000 was recorded on the acquisition of the remaining ownership interest of Caris. We previously held a noncontrolling interest in the partnership. See Note 4 for additional detail describing the Caris acquisition.

 

Income taxes

 

The income tax provision for the three months ended June 30, 2021 is $2,764,000 (an effective income tax rate of 2.6%). The $95.2 million gain from the Caris acquisition is a non-taxable event and is the primary driver of our effective tax rate being lower than expected. Excluding certain items, we expect our corporate (federal and state) income tax rate for 2021 to be approximately 26.0%. 

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

The noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries is presented within total equity of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The company presents the noncontrolling interest and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to NHC in its consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s earnings per share is calculated based on net income attributable to NHC’s stockholders. The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest is adjusted based on an allocation of subsidiary earnings based on ownership interest.

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2020

 

Results for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the first six months of 2020 include a 0.7% decrease in net operating revenues and grant income and a 2.3% increase in income from operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, GAAP net income attributable to NHC was $126,150,000 compared to $1,472,000 for the same period in 2020.

 

The large increase in our reported GAAP net income for the 2021 six-month period compared to the same period in 2020 is primarily due to the gain recorded from the acquisition of Caris, a hospice provider. Excluding the gain on the Caris acquisition, as well as the unrealized gains and losses in our marketable equity securities portfolio and the other non-GAAP adjustments, non-GAAP net income for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $31,669,000 compared to $31,245,000 for the first six months of 2020, which is an increase of 1.4%.

 

 

Net operating revenues and grant income

 

Net patient revenues decreased $15,935,000, or 3.4%, compared to the same period last year. 

 

The total census at owned and leased skilled nursing facilities for the six months averaged 78.9%, compared to an average of 87.9% for the same period a year ago. With the COVID-19 cases significantly declining during the first and second quarters of 2021, the census in our skilled nursing facilities began to increase. The census in our skilled nursing facilities has risen every month in the first and second quarters of 2021 and increased approximately 7.5% from January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021. 

 

Overall, the composite skilled nursing facility per diem at our owned and leased skilled nursing facilities increased 7.4% compared to the same period a year ago. Our Medicare per diem rates increased 4.2% and managed care per diem rates increased 3.7% compared to the same period a year ago. Medicaid and private pay per diem rates increased 8.4% and 1.1%, respectively, compared to the same period a year ago. The Medicaid per diem rate increased significantly due to the supplemental COVID-19 payments that we received from various states to help mitigate the incremental costs in fighting the pandemic. For the six months ending June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, $11,049,000 and $5,532,000 have been included in our net patient revenues for these supplemental COVID-19 Medicaid payments

 

In June 2021, the Company acquired the remaining ownership interest in Caris, which resulted in net patient revenues increasing $3,712,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period a year ago. Our homecare operations had an increase in net patient revenues of approximately $3,625,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to the same period a year ago. In November 2020, the Company sold a skilled nursing facility located in Town & Country, Missouri. For the six months ended June 30, 2021, the sale of this facility decreased net patient revenue by $4,404,000 compared to the same period a year ago.

 

Other revenues decreased $927,000, or 4.0%, compared to the same period last year, as further detailed in Note 6 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively, we recorded $37,875,000 and $24,648,000 in government stimulus income related to funds received from the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. See Note 3 - Coronavirus Pandemic for additional information.  

 

Total costs and expenses

 

Total costs and expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to the same period of 2020 decreased $4,298,000, or 0.9%, to $485,114,000 from $489,412,000.

 

Salaries, wages, and benefits decreased $2,449,000, or 0.8%, to $301,934,000 from $304,383,000. Salaries, wages, and benefits as a percentage of net operating revenues and grant income was 58.7% compared to 58.8% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. With the COVID-19 cases significantly declining during the first and second quarter of 2021, the COVID-related incentive pay (or combat pay) was significantly reduced for the 2021 six-month period compared to the same period a year ago. But, we continue to face tremendous wage pressure and inflation to retain and attract new partners (employees). Therefore, the wage pressure and inflation increases offset most of the reduction in salaries and wages from the decreasing of the COVID-related incentive pay. Our Caris acquisition in June 2021 increased salaries, wages, and benefits $1,905,000 in the second quarter of 2021 compared to the six-month period a year ago.

 

Other operating expenses decreased $333,000, or 0.2%, to $142,196,000 for the 2021 period compared to $142,529,000 for the 2020 period. Other operating expenses as a percentage of net operating revenues and grant income was 27.7% and 27.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Our Caris acquisition increased other operating expenses $771,000 in the six month period of 2021 compared to the same period a year ago.

 

Other income

 

Non–operating income decreased by $546,000 compared to the same period last year, as further detailed in Note 7 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Gain on acquisition of equity method investments

 

In June 2021, a gain of $95,202,000 was recorded on the acquisition of the remaining ownership interest of Caris. We previously held a noncontrolling interest in the partnership. See Note 4 for additional detail describing the Caris acquisition.

 

 

In February 2020, a gain of $1,708,000 was recorded on the acquisition of the remaining ownership interest of a 166-bed skilled nursing facility in Knoxville, Tennessee. We previously held a noncontrolling interest in the facility. Upon acquiring the remaining ownership interest, we valued the business and our previously held equity position based upon the facility’s fair value.

 

Income taxes

 

The income tax provision for the six months ended June 30, 2021 is $9,997,000 (an effective income tax rate of 7.3%). The $95.2 million gain from the Caris acquisition is a non-taxable event and is the primary driver of our effective tax rate being lower than expected. Excluding certain items, we expect our corporate (federal and state) income tax rate for 2021 to be approximately 26.0%. 

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

The noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries is presented within total equity of the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The company presents the noncontrolling interest and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to NHC in its consolidated statements of operations. The Company’s earnings per share is calculated based on net income attributable to NHC’s stockholders. The carrying amount of the noncontrolling interest is adjusted based on an allocation of subsidiary earnings based on ownership interest.

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Financial Condition

 

Our primary sources of cash include revenues from the operations of our healthcare and senior living facilities, management and accounting services, rental income, and investment income. Our primary uses of cash include salaries, wages and other operating costs of our healthcare and senior living facilities, the cost of additions to and acquisitions of real property, facility rent expenses, and dividend distributions. These sources and uses of cash are reflected in our interim condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and are discussed in further detail below.

 

The following is a summary of our sources and uses of cash flows (dollars in thousands):

 

   

Six Months Ended

June 31

   

Six Month Change

 
   

2021

   

2020

    $    

%

 

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, at beginning of period

  $ 158,502     $ 61,010     $ 97,492       159.8  
                                 

Cash provided by operating activities

    40,122       154,727       (114,605

)

    (74.1

)

                                 

Cash used in investing activities

    (31,995

)

    (18,567

)

    (13,428

)

    (72.3

)

                                 

Cash used in financing activities

    (16,042

)

    (26,391

)

    10,349       39.2  
                                 

Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, at end of period

  $ 150,587     $ 170,779     $ (20,192

)

    (11.8

)

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2021 was $40,122,000 as compared to $154,727,000 in the same period last year. Cash provided by operating activities consisted of net income of $126,638,000 and adjustments for non–cash items of $79,959,000. There was cash used for working capital needs in the amount of $12,871,000 for six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to cash provided by working capital needs in the amount $102,187,000 for the same period a year ago. We also received cash distributions from our unconsolidated investments of $6,314,000 during the six months ended June 30, 2021, compared to $6,901,000 for the same period a year ago.

 

Included in the adjustments for non-cash items are depreciation expense, equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments, unrealized gains on our marketable equity securities, deferred taxes, stock compensation, and gains on the acquisitions of equity method investments.

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $31,995,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $18,567,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020. Cash used for property and equipment additions was $13,143,000 and $12,517,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. The acquisition of Caris resulted in cash used of $28,713,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021. The Company collected notes receivable of $8,405,000 and $1,139,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Sales of marketable securities, net of purchases, resulted in positive cash flow of $1,456,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to $69,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020.

 

 

Financing Activities 

 

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $16,042,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 compared to net cash used in financing activities of $26,391,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2020. We made principal payments under our finance lease obligations in the amount of $2,178,000 and $2,052,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2021 and 2020, respectively. Cash used for dividend payments to common stockholders totaled $15,990,000 in the current year period compared to $15,948,000 for the same period a year ago.

 

Shortterm liquidity

 

We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements primarily from our cash flows from operating activities. In addition to cash flows from operations, our current cash on hand of $134,692,000 and our marketable equity and debt securities of $162,317,000 are expected to be adequate to meet our contractual obligations, operating liquidity, and our growth and development plans in the next twelve months. 

 

Longterm liquidity

 

We expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements primarily from our cash flows from operating activities, our current cash on hand of $134,692,000 and our marketable equity and debt securities of $162,317,000. We also have substantial value in our unencumbered real estate assets which could potentially be used as collateral in future borrowing opportunities. At June 30, 2021, we do not have any long-term debt.

 

Our ability to meet our long–term contractual obligations, and to finance our operating requirements and growth plans will depend upon our future performance. Our future performance will be affected by business, economic, financial and other factors, including potential changes in state and federal government payment rates for healthcare, customer demand, success of our marketing efforts, pressures from competitors, and the state of the economy, including the state of financial and credit markets, as well as many unforeseen factors.

 

Commitment and Contingencies

 

Governmental Regulations

 

Laws and regulations governing the Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs are complex and subject to interpretation. Management believes that it is following all applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. However, compliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to future government review and interpretation as well as significant regulatory action including fines, penalties, and exclusions from the Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal healthcare programs. There have been several enacted and proposed federal and state relief measures as a result of COVID-19 which should provide support to us during this pandemic; however, the full benefit of any such programs would not be realized until these payments are fully implemented, government agencies issue applicable regulations, or guidance and such relief is provided.

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

Market risk represents the potential economic loss arising from adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments. Currently, our exposure to market risk relates primarily to our fixed–income and equity portfolios. These investment portfolios are exposed primarily to, but not limited to, interest rate risk, credit risk, equity price risk, and concentration risk. We also have exposure to market risk that includes our cash and cash equivalents, notes receivable, and long–term debt. The Company's senior management has established comprehensive risk management policies and procedures to manage these market risks.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The fair values of our fixed–income investments fluctuate in response to changes in market interest rates. Increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates generally translate into decreases and increases, respectively, in the fair values of those instruments. Additionally, the fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by the creditworthiness of the issuer, prepayment options, the liquidity of the instrument and other general market conditions. At June 30, 2021, we have available for sale marketable debt securities in the amount of $166,346,000. The fixed maturity portfolio is comprised of investments with primarily short–term and intermediate–term maturities. The portfolio composition allows flexibility in reacting to fluctuations of interest rates. The fixed maturity portfolio allows our insurance company subsidiaries to achieve an adequate risk–adjusted return while maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet obligations.

 

 

Our cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with a maturity of less than three months when purchased. As a result of the short–term nature of our cash instruments, a hypothetical 1% change in interest rates would have minimal impact on our future earnings and cash flows related to these instruments.

 

We do not currently use any derivative instruments to hedge our interest rate exposure. We have not used derivative instruments for trading purposes and the use of such instruments in the future would be subject to approvals by the Investment Committee of the Board of Directors.

 

Credit Risk

 

Credit risk is managed by diversifying the fixed maturity portfolio to avoid concentrations in any single industry group or issuer and by limiting investments in securities with lower credit ratings.

 

Equity Price and Concentration Risk

 

Our marketable equity securities are recorded at their fair market value based on quoted market prices. Thus, there is exposure to equity price risk, which is the potential change in fair value due to a change in quoted market prices. At June 30, 2021, the fair value of our marketable equity securities is approximately $153,840,000. Of the $153.8 million equity securities portfolio, our investment in NHI comprises approximately $109.3 million, or 71.1%, of the total fair value. We manage our exposure to NHI by closely monitoring the financial condition, performance, and outlook of the company. Hypothetically, a 10% change in quoted market prices would result in a related increase or decrease in the fair value of our equity investments of approximately $15.4 million. At June 30, 2021, our equity securities had net unrealized gains of $98.9 million. Of the $98.9 million of unrealized gains, $84.6 million is related to our investment in NHI.

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

 

As of June 30, 2021, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Principal Accounting Officer (“PAO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and PAO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2021.

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

 

For a discussion of prior, current, and pending litigation of material significance to NHC, please see Note 17 of this Form 10–Q.

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2021, there were no material changes to the risk factors that were disclosed in Item 1A of National HealthCare Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020.

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Not applicable

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None

 

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information.

 

None 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits.

 

 

(a)        List of exhibits

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description

     

3.1

 

Certificate of Incorporation of National HealthCare Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form S-4 (File No. 333-37185) dated October 3, 1997.)

     

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of National HealthCare Corporation (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2017.)

     

3.3

 

Certificate of Designation Series B Junior Participating Preferred Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s registration statement on Form 8-A, dated August 3, 2007.)

     

3.4

 

Restated Bylaws as amended February 14, 2013 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2013.)

     

4.1

 

Form of Common Stock (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed on August 3, 2017.)

     

31.1

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer

     

31.2

 

Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Principal Accounting Officer

     

32

 

Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 by Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer

     

101.INS

 

Inline XBRL Instance Document (the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

     

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

     

104

 

Cover Page Interactive File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document and include in Exhibit 101)

 

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

 

(Registrant)

 
     

Date: August 5, 2021

/s/ Stephen F. Flatt                   

 
 

Stephen F. Flatt

 
 

Chief Executive Officer

 
     
     

Date: August 5, 2021

/s/ Brian F. Kidd                     

 
 

Brian F. Kidd

 
 

Senior Vice President and Controller

 
 

(Principal Accounting Officer)

 
     

 

 

40