OMEGA HEALTHCARE INVESTORS INC - Annual Report: 2015 (Form 10-K)

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 410-427-1700

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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

None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes x   No ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨    No x

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 and Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x    No ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x      No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

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

The aggregate market value of the common stock of the registrant held by non-affiliates was $6,293,415,800.43 as of June 30, 2015, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter. The aggregate market value was computed using the $34.33 closing price per share for such stock on the New York Stock Exchange on such date.

As of February 19, 2016, there were 188,131,753 shares of common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Proxy Statement for the registrant’s 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after December 31, 2015, is incorporated by reference in Part III herein.

OMEGA HEALTHCARE INVESTORS, INC.

2015 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I

Item 1 – Business

Overview; Recent Events

Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (“Omega,” “we,” “our” or the “Company”) was incorporated in the State of Maryland on March 31, 1992. We are a self-administered real estate investment trust (“REIT”), investing in income producing healthcare facilities, principally long-term care facilities located in the United States and the United Kingdom. We provide lease or mortgage financing to qualified operators of skilled nursing facilities (“SNFs”) and, to a lesser extent, assisted living facilities (“ALFs”), independent living facilities and rehabilitation and acute care facilities. We have historically financed investments through borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, private placements or public offerings of our debt and equity securities, the assumption of secured indebtedness, retention of cash flow, or a combination of these methods.

In April 2015, Aviv REIT, Inc., a Maryland corporation (“Aviv”), merged (the “Aviv Merger”) with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Omega, pursuant to the terms of that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 30, 2014 (the “Merger Agreement”), by and among the Company, Aviv, OHI Healthcare Properties Holdco, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Omega (“Merger Sub”), OHI Healthcare Properties Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (“Omega OP”), and Aviv Healthcare Properties Limited Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership (the “Aviv OP”).

Prior to April 1, 2015 and in accordance with the Merger Agreement, Omega restructured the manner in which it holds its assets by converting to an umbrella partnership real estate investment trust structure (the “UPREIT Conversion”). As a result of the UPREIT Conversion and following the consummation of the Aviv Merger, substantially all of the Company’s assets are held by Omega OP. Omega OP is governed by the Second Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of OHI Healthcare Properties Limited Partnership, dated as of April 1, 2015 (the “Partnership Agreement”). Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, the Company and Merger Sub are the general partners of Omega OP, and have exclusive control over Omega OP’s day-to-day management. As of December 31, 2015, the Company owned approximately 95% of the issued and outstanding units of partnership interest in Omega OP (“Omega OP Units”), and other investors owned approximately 5% of the Omega OP Units.

In 2015, we completed the following transactions totaling approximately $4.4 billion in new investments:

As of December 31, 2015, our portfolio of investments included 949 healthcare facilities located in 42 states and the United Kingdom that are operated by 83 third-party operators. We use the term “operator” to refer to our tenants and mortgagees and their affiliates who manage and/or operate our properties. This portfolio was made up of:

As of December 31, 2015, our gross investments in these facilities, net of impairments and before reserve for uncollectible loans, totaled approximately $8.0 billion. In addition, we held miscellaneous investments of approximately $89.3 million at December 31, 2015, consisting primarily of secured loans to third-party operators of our facilities.

Our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports are accessible free of charge on our website at www.omegahealthcare.com. The contents of our website are not incorporated by reference herein or in any of our filings with the SEC.

Summary of Financial Information

The following table summarizes our revenues by asset category for 2015, 2014 and 2013. (See “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” “Note 3 – Properties”, “Note 4 – Direct Financing Leases”, “Note 5 – Mortgage Notes Receivable” and “Note 6 – Other Investments”).

Revenues by Asset Category

(in thousands)

The following table summarizes our real estate assets by asset category as of December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Assets by Category

(in thousands)

Description of the Business

Investment Strategy. We maintain a portfolio of long-term healthcare facilities and mortgages on healthcare facilities located in the United States and the United Kingdom. Our investments are generally geographically diverse and operated by a diverse group of established, middle-market healthcare operators that meet our standards for quality and experience of management and creditworthiness. Our criteria for evaluating potential investments includes but is not limited to:

We seek to obtain (i) contractual rent escalations under long-term, non-cancelable, “triple-net” leases and (ii) fixed-rate mortgage loans. We typically obtain substantial liquidity deposits, covenants regarding minimum working capital and net worth, liens on accounts receivable and other operating assets, and various provisions for cross-default, cross-collateralization and corporate and or personal guarantees, when appropriate.

We prefer to invest in equity ownership of properties. Due to regulatory, tax or other considerations, we may pursue alternative investment structures. The following summarizes our primary investment structures. The average annualized yields described below reflect existing contractual arrangements. However, due to the nature of the long-term care industry, we cannot assure you that the operators of our facilities will meet their payment obligations in full or when due. Therefore, the annualized yields as of January 1, 2016, set forth below, are not necessarily indicative of future yields, which may be lower.

Triple-Net Operating Leases. Triple-net operating leases typically range from 5 to 15 years, plus renewal options. Our leases generally provide for minimum annual rentals that are subject to annual formula increases based on factors such as increases in the Consumer Price Index. At January 1, 2016, our average annualized yield from operating leases was approximately 9.3%.

Direct Financing Leases. In addition to our typical lease agreements, seven of our leases are being accounted for as direct financing leases which include annual escalators. At January 1, 2016, our annualized yield from the direct financing leases was 10.5%.

Fixed-Rate Mortgages. Our mortgages typically have a fixed interest rate for the mortgage term and are secured by first mortgage liens on the underlying real estate and personal property of the mortgagor. At January 1, 2016, our average annualized yield on these investments was approximately 9.7%.

The table set forth in “Item 2 – Properties” contains information regarding our properties and investments as of December 31, 2015.

Borrowing Policies. We generally attempt to match the maturity of our indebtedness with the maturity of our investment assets and employ long-term, fixed-rate debt to the extent practicable in view of market conditions in existence from time to time.

We may use the proceeds of new indebtedness to finance our investments in additional healthcare facilities. In addition, we may invest in properties subject to existing loans, secured by mortgages, deeds of trust or similar liens on properties.

Policies With Respect To Certain Activities. With respect to our capital requirements, we typically rely on equity offerings, debt financing and retention of cash flow (subject to provisions in the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”) concerning taxability of undistributed REIT taxable income), or a combination of these methods. Our financing alternatives include bank borrowings, publicly or privately placed debt instruments, purchase money obligations to the sellers of assets or securitizations, any of which may be issued as secured or unsecured indebtedness.

We have the authority to issue our common stock or other equity or debt securities in exchange for property and to repurchase or otherwise reacquire our securities.

Subject to the percentage of ownership limitations and gross income and asset tests necessary for REIT qualification, we may invest in securities of other REITs, other entities engaged in real estate activities or securities of other issuers, including for the purpose of exercising control over such entities.

We may engage in the purchase and sale of investments. We do not underwrite the securities of other issuers.

Our officers and directors may change any of these policies without a vote of our stockholders. In the opinion of our management, our properties are adequately covered by insurance.

Competition. The healthcare industry is highly competitive and will likely become more competitive in the future. We face competition from other REITs, investment companies, private equity and hedge fund investors, healthcare operators, lenders, developers and other institutional investors, some of whom have greater resources and lower costs of capital than us.  Our operators compete on a local and regional basis with operators of facilities that provide comparable services. The basis of competition for our operators includes the quality of care provided, reputation, the physical appearance of a facility, price, the range of services offered, family preference, alternatives for healthcare delivery, the supply of competing properties, physicians, staff, referral sources, location and the size and demographics of the population and surrounding areas.

Increased competition makes it more challenging for us to identify and successfully capitalize on opportunities that meet our objectives. Our ability to compete is also impacted by national and local economic trends, availability of investment alternatives, availability and cost of capital, construction and renovation costs, existing laws and regulations, new legislation and population trends. For additional information on the risks associated with our business, please see “Item 1A — Risk Factors” below.

Taxation of Omega

The following is a general summary of the material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to (i) us, (ii) the holders of our securities and (iii) our election to be taxed as a REIT. It is not tax advice. This summary is not intended to represent a detailed description of the United States federal income tax consequences applicable to a particular holder of our securities in view of any person’s particular circumstances, nor is it intended to represent a detailed description of the United States federal income tax consequences applicable to holders of our securities subject to special treatment under the federal income tax laws such as insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, securities broker-dealers, non-U.S. persons, persons holding our securities as part of a hedge, straddle, or other risk reduction, constructive sales or conversion transaction, investors in pass-through entities, expatriates and taxpayers subject to alternative minimum taxation.

The following discussion, to the extent it constitutes matters of law or legal conclusions (assuming the facts, representations and assumptions upon which the discussion is based are accurate), represents some of the material United States federal income tax considerations relevant to ownership of our securities. The sections of the Code relating to the qualification and operation as a REIT are highly technical and complex. The following discussion sets forth certain material aspects of those sections. The information in this section is based on, and is qualified in its entirety by the Code; current, temporary and proposed Treasury Regulations (“Treasury Regulations”) promulgated under the Code; the legislative history of the Code; current administrative interpretations and practices of the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”); and court decisions, in each case, as of the date of this report. In addition, the administrative interpretations and practices of the IRS include its practices and policies as expressed in private letter rulings, which are not binding on the IRS, except with respect to the particular taxpayers who requested and received those rulings.

General. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT, under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, beginning with our taxable year ended December 31, 1992. We believe that we were organized and have operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT. We intend to continue to operate in a manner that will allow us to maintain our qualification as a REIT, but no assurance can be given that we have operated or will be able to continue to operate in a manner so as to qualify or remain qualified as a REIT.

If we qualify for taxation as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to federal corporate income taxes on our net income that is currently distributed to stockholders. However, we will be subject to certain federal income taxes as follows. First, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on any undistributed REIT taxable income, including undistributed net capital gains; provided, however, that if we have a net capital gain, we will be taxed at regular corporate rates on our undistributed REIT taxable income, computed without regard to net capital gain and the deduction for capital gains dividends, plus a 35% tax on undistributed net capital gain, if our tax as thus computed is less than the tax computed in the regular manner. Second, under certain circumstances, we may be subject to the “alternative minimum tax” on our items of tax preference that we do not distribute or allocate to our stockholders. Third, if we have (i) net income from the sale or other disposition of “foreclosure property,” which is held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business, or (ii) other nonqualifying income from foreclosure property, we will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate on such income. Fourth, if we have net income from prohibited transactions (which are, in general, certain sales or other dispositions of property (other than foreclosure property) held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business by us, (i.e., when we are acting as a dealer), such income will be subject to a 100% tax. Fifth, if we should fail to satisfy the 75% gross income test or the 95% gross income test (as discussed below), but nonetheless have maintained our qualification as a REIT because certain other remedial requirements have been met, we will be subject to a 100% tax on an amount equal to (a) the gross income attributable to the greater of the amount by which we fail the 75% or 95% test, multiplied by (b) a fraction intended to reflect our profitability. Sixth, if we should fail to distribute by the end of each year at least the sum of (i) 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year, (ii) 95% of our REIT capital gain net income for such year, and (iii) any undistributed taxable income from prior periods, we will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts actually distributed. Seventh, we will be subject to a 100% excise tax on transactions with a taxable REIT subsidiary (“TRS”) that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. Eighth, if we acquire any asset that is defined as a “built-in gain asset” from a C corporation that is not a REIT (i.e., generally a corporation subject to full corporate-level tax) in a transaction in which the basis of the built-in gain asset in our hands is determined by reference to the basis of the asset (or any other property) in the hands of the C corporation, and we recognize gain on the disposition of such asset during the 5-year period (or, for dispositions made in taxable years beginning prior to January 1, 2015, the 10-year period) beginning on the date on which such asset was acquired by us (such period, the “recognition period”), then, to the extent of the built-in gain (i.e., the excess of (a) the fair market value of such asset on the date such asset was acquired by us over (b) our adjusted basis in such asset on such date), our recognized gain will be subject to tax at the highest regular corporate rate. The results described above with respect to the recognition of built-in gain assume that we will not make an election pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.337(d)-7(c)(5).

Requirements for Qualification. The Code defines a REIT as a corporation, trust or association: (1) which is managed by one or more trustees or directors; (2) the beneficial ownership of which is evidenced by transferable shares, or by transferable certificates of beneficial interest; (3) which would be taxable as a domestic corporation, but for Sections 856 through 859 of the Code; (4) which is neither a financial institution nor an insurance company as defined in provisions of the Code; (5) the beneficial ownership of which is held by 100 or more persons; (6) during the last half year of each taxable year not more than 50% in value of the outstanding stock of which is owned, actually or constructively, by five or fewer individuals (as defined in the Code to include certain entities); and (7) which meets certain other tests, described below, regarding the nature of its income and assets and the amount of its annual distributions to stockholders. The Code provides that conditions (1) to (4) inclusive, must be met during the entire taxable year and that condition (5) must be met during at least 335 days of a taxable year of twelve months, or during a proportionate part of a taxable year of less than twelve months. For purposes of conditions (5) and (6), pension funds and certain other tax-exempt entities are treated as individuals, subject to a “look-through” exception in the case of condition (6). We may avoid disqualification as a REIT for a failure to satisfy any of these tests if such failure is due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, and we pay a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure.

Income Tests. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we annually must satisfy two gross income requirements. First, at least 75% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be derived directly or indirectly from investments relating to real property or mortgages on real property (including generally “rents from real property,” interest on mortgages on real property, and gains on sale of real property and real property mortgages, other than property described in Section 1221(a)(1) of the Code) and income derived from certain types of temporary investments. Second, at least 95% of our gross income (excluding gross income from prohibited transactions) for each taxable year must be derived from such real property investments, dividends, interest and gain from the sale or disposition of stock or securities other than property held for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business.

Rents received by us will qualify as “rents from real property” in satisfying the gross income requirements for a REIT described above only if several conditions are met. First, the amount of the rent must not be based in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, any amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term “rents from real property” solely by reason of being based on a fixed percentage or percentages of receipts or sales. Second, the Code provides that rents received from a tenant (other than rent from a tenant that is a TRS that meets the requirements described below) will not qualify as “rents from real property” in satisfying the gross income tests if we, or an owner (actually or constructively) of 10% or more of the value of our stock, actually or constructively owns 10% or more of such tenant, which is defined as a related party tenant taking into account certain complex attribution rules. Third, if rent attributable to personal property, leased in connection with a lease of real property, is greater than 15% of the total rent received under the lease, then the portion of rent attributable to such personal property will not qualify as “rents from real property.” Finally, for rents received to qualify as “rents from real property,” we generally must not operate or manage the property or furnish or render services to the tenants of such property, other than through an independent contractor from which we derive no revenue. We may, however, directly perform certain services that are “usually or customarily rendered” in connection with the rental of space for occupancy only and are not otherwise considered “rendered to the occupant” of the property. In addition, we may directly provide a minimal amount of “non-customary” services to the tenants of a property as long as our income from the services does not exceed 1% of our income from the related property. Furthermore, we may own up to 100% of the stock of a TRS, which may provide customary and non-customary services to our tenants without tainting our rental income from the related properties.

The term “interest” generally does not include any amount received or accrued (directly or indirectly) if the determination of such amount depends in whole or in part on the income or profits of any person. However, an amount received or accrued generally will not be excluded from the term “interest” solely by reason of being based on (i) a fixed percentage or (ii) percentages of gross receipts or sales. In addition, an amount that is based on the income or profits of a debtor will be qualifying interest income as long as the debtor derives substantially all of its income from the real property securing the debt from leasing substantially all of its interest in the property, but only to the extent that the amounts received by the debtor would be qualifying “rents from real property” if received directly by a REIT.

If a loan contains a provision that entitles us to a percentage of the borrower’s gain upon the sale of the real property securing the loan or a percentage of the appreciation in the property’s value as of a specific date, income attributable to that loan provision will be treated as gain from the sale of the property securing the loan, which generally is qualifying income for purposes of both gross income tests.

Interest on debt secured by mortgages on real property or on interests in real property generally is qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test. However, if the highest principal amount of a loan outstanding during a taxable year exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan as of the date we agreed to originate or acquire the loan, a portion of the interest income from such loan will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, but will be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test. The portion of the interest income that will not be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test will be equal to the portion of the principal amount of the loan that is not secured by real property. Prior to January 1, 2016, in the case of a mortgage loan that is secured by both real and personal property, an allocation of the interest received between qualified mortgage interest and interest that was not qualified mortgage interest on the loan was required to be made if the fair market value of the real property at the time the loan was made was less than the principal amount of the loan. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, in the case of a mortgage loan that is secured by both real and personal property, such allocation is required only if the fair market value of the personal property exceeds 15% of the value of the property. We do not expect the change in the rules for allocation of mortgage interest to have an impact on our ability to satisfy either of the gross income tests going forward.

A modification of a mortgage loan, if it is deemed significant for income tax purposes, could be considered to be the deemed issuance of a new mortgage loan that is subject to re-testing under these rules, with the possible re-characterization of the mortgage interest on such loan as non-qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test (but not the 95% gross income test, which is discussed below), as well as non-qualifying assets under the asset test (discussed below) and the deemed exchange of the modified loan for the new loan could result in imposition of the 100% prohibited transaction tax (also discussed below). The IRS recently issued guidance providing relief in the case of certain existing mortgage loans held by a REIT that are modified in response to these market conditions such that (i) the modified mortgage loan need not be re-tested for purposes of determining whether the income from the mortgage loan continues to be qualified income for purposes of the 75% gross income test or whether the mortgage loan retains its character as a qualified REIT asset for purposes of the asset test (discussed below), and (ii) the modification of the loan will not be treated as a prohibited transaction. At present, we do not hold any mortgage loans that have been modified, which would require us to take advantage of these rules for special relief. We monitor our mortgage loans and direct financing leases for compliance with the above rules.

Prohibited Transactions. We will incur a 100% tax on the net income derived from any sale or other disposition of property, other than foreclosure property, that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business. We believe that none of our assets is primarily held for sale to customers and that a sale of any of our assets would not be in the ordinary course of our business. Whether a REIT holds an asset primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business depends, however, on the facts and circumstances in effect from time to time, including those related to a particular asset. Nevertheless, we will attempt to comply with the terms of safe-harbor provisions in the federal income tax laws prescribing when an asset sale will not be characterized as a prohibited transaction. The Code also provides a number of alternative exceptions from the 100% tax on “prohibited transactions” if certain requirements have been satisfied with respect to property disposed of by a REIT. These requirements relate primarily to the number and/or amount of properties disposed of by a REIT, the period of time the property has been held by the REIT, and/or aggregate expenditures made by the REIT with respect to the property being disposed of. The conditions needed to meet these requirements have been lowered for taxable years beginning in 2009 and thereafter. However, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with the safe-harbor provisions or that we would be able to avoid the 100% tax on prohibited transactions if we were to dispose of an owned property that otherwise may be characterized as property that we hold primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of a trade or business.

Foreclosure Property. We will be subject to tax at the maximum corporate rate on any income from foreclosure property, other than income that otherwise would be qualifying income for purposes of the 75% gross income test, less expenses directly connected with the production of that income. However, gross income from foreclosure property is treated as qualifying for purposes of the 75% and 95% gross income tests. Foreclosure property is any real property, including interests in real property, and any personal property incident to such real property:

Such property generally ceases to be foreclosure property at the end of the third taxable year following the taxable year in which the REIT acquired the property, or longer (for a total of up to six years) if an extension is granted by the Secretary of the Treasury. In the case of a “qualified health care property” acquired solely as a result of termination of a lease, but not in connection with default or an imminent default on the lease, the initial grace period terminates on the second (rather than third) taxable year following the year in which the REIT acquired the property (unless the REIT establishes the need for and the Secretary of the Treasury grants one or more extensions, not exceeding six years in total, including the original two-year period, to provide for the orderly leasing or liquidation of the REIT’s interest in the qualified health care property). This grace period terminates and foreclosure property ceases to be foreclosure property on the first day:

The definition of foreclosure property includes any “qualified health care property,” as defined in Code Section 856(e)(6) acquired by us as the result of the termination or expiration of a lease of such property. We have from time to time operated qualified healthcare facilities acquired in this manner for up to two years (or longer if an extension was granted). However, we do not currently own any property with respect to which we have made foreclosure property elections. Properties that we had taken back in a foreclosure or bankruptcy and operated for our own account were treated as foreclosure properties for income tax purposes, pursuant to Code Section 856(e). Gross income from foreclosure properties was classified as “good income” for purposes of the annual REIT income tests upon making the election on the tax return. Once made, the income was classified as “good” for a period of three years, or until the properties were no longer operated for our own account. In all cases of foreclosure property, we utilized an independent contractor to conduct day-to-day operations to comply with certain REIT requirements. In certain cases, we operated these facilities through a taxable REIT subsidiary. For those properties operated through the taxable REIT subsidiary, we utilized an eligible independent contractor to conduct day-to-day operations to comply with certain REIT requirements. As a result of the foregoing, we do not believe that our participation in the operation of nursing homes increased the risk that we would fail to qualify as a REIT. Through our 2015 taxable year, we had not paid any tax on our foreclosure property because those properties had been producing losses. We cannot predict whether, in the future, our income from foreclosure property will be significant and whether we could be required to pay a significant amount of tax on that income.

Hedging Transactions. From time to time, we may enter into hedging transactions with respect to one or more of our assets or liabilities. Our hedging activities may include entering into interest rate swaps, caps and floors, options to purchase these items and futures and forward contracts. To the extent that we enter into an interest rate swap or cap contract, option, futures contract, forward rate agreement, or any similar financial instrument to hedge our indebtedness incurred to acquire or carry “real estate assets,” any periodic income or gain from the disposition of that contract should be qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. Accordingly, our income and gain from our interest rate swap agreements generally is qualifying income for purposes of the 95% gross income test, but not the 75% gross income test. To the extent that we hedge with other types of financial instruments, or in other situations, it is not entirely clear how the income from those transactions will be treated for purposes of the gross income tests. We have structured and intend to continue to structure any hedging transactions in a manner that does not jeopardize our status as a REIT. For tax years beginning after 2004, we were no longer required to include income from hedging transactions in gross income (i.e., not included in either the numerator or the denominator) for purposes of the 95% gross income test and we are no longer required to include in gross income (i.e., not included in either the numerator or the denominator) for purposes of the 75% gross income test any gross income from any hedging transaction entered into after July 30, 2008. We did not engage in hedge transactions in 2012, 2013, or 2014. We commenced a hedging transaction in the fourth quarter of 2015, which has been structured to satisfy the requirements of the tax treatment outlined above, and anticipate engaging in hedging transactions from time to time going forward.

TRS Income. A TRS may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by the parent REIT. Both the subsidiary and the REIT must jointly elect to treat the subsidiary as a TRS. A corporation of which a TRS directly or indirectly owns more than 35% of the voting power or value of the stock will automatically be treated as a TRS. Overall, no more than 25% of the value of a REIT’s assets may consist of securities of one or more TRSs and, with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT’s assets may consist of securities of one or more TRSs. Prior to 2009, a TRS was not permitted to directly or indirectly (i) operate or manage a health care (or lodging) facility, or (ii) provide to any other person (under a franchise, license, or otherwise) rights to any brand name under which a health care (or lodging) facility is operated. Beginning in 2009, TRSs became permitted to own or lease a health care facility provided that the facility is operated and managed by an “eligible independent contractor.” A TRS will pay income tax at regular corporate rates on any income that it earns. In addition, the new rules limit the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The rules also impose a 100% excise tax on transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT or the REIT’s operators that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. As stated above, we do not lease any of our facilities to any of our TRSs.

Failure to Satisfy Income Tests. If we fail to satisfy one or both of the 75% or 95% gross income tests for any taxable year, we may nevertheless qualify as a REIT for such year if we are entitled to relief under certain relief provisions of the Code. These relief provisions will be generally available if our failure to meet such tests was due to reasonable cause and not due to willful neglect, we attach a schedule of the sources of our income to our tax return, and any incorrect information on the schedule was not due to fraud with intent to evade tax. It is not possible, however, to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to the benefit of these relief provisions. Even if these relief provisions apply, we would incur a 100% tax on the gross income attributable to the greater of the amounts by which we fail the 75% and 95% gross income tests, multiplied by a fraction intended to reflect our profitability and we would file a schedule with descriptions of each item of gross income that caused the failure.

Asset Tests. At the close of each quarter of our taxable year, we must also satisfy the following tests relating to the nature of our assets. First, at least 75% of the value of our total assets must be represented by real estate assets (including (i) our allocable share of real estate assets held by partnerships in which we own an interest and (ii) stock or debt instruments held for less than one year purchased with the proceeds of a stock offering or long-term (at least five years) debt offering of our company), cash, cash items and government securities. Second, of our investments not included in the 75% asset class, the value of our interest in any one issuer’s securities may not exceed 5% of the value of our total assets. Third, we may not own more than 10% of the voting power or value of any one issuer’s outstanding securities. Fourth, with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may be represented by nonqualified publicly offered REIT debt instruments. Fifth, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of one or more TRSs and, with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, no more than 20% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of one or more TRSs. Sixth, no more than 25% of the value of our total assets may consist of the securities of TRSs and other non-TRS taxable subsidiaries and other assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test.

For purposes of the second and third asset tests described above the term “securities” does not include our equity or debt securities of a qualified REIT subsidiary, a TRS, or an equity interest in any partnership, since we are deemed to own our proportionate share of each asset of any partnership of which we are a partner. Furthermore, for purposes of determining whether we own more than 10% of the value of only one issuer’s outstanding securities, the term “securities” does not include: (i) any loan to an individual or an estate; (ii) any Code Section 467 rental agreement; (iii) any obligation to pay rents from real property; (iv) certain government issued securities; (v) any security issued by another REIT; and (vi) our debt securities in any partnership, not otherwise excepted under (i) through (v) above, (A) to the extent of our interest as a partner in the partnership or (B) if 75% of the partnership’s gross income is derived from sources described in the 75% income test set forth above.

We may own up to 100% of the stock of one or more TRSs. However, overall, no more than 25% (or 20% with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017) of the value of our assets may consist of securities of one or more TRSs, and no more than 25% of the value of our assets may consist of the securities of TRSs and other non-TRS taxable subsidiaries (including stock in non-REIT C corporations) and other assets that are not qualifying assets for purposes of the 75% asset test. We do not anticipate that the reduction in value of TRSs that may be owned by a REIT will have an impact on us as we believe that the value of our TRSs is substantially less than 20% of the value of our assets and we do not expect the value of our TRSs to increase materially in the future.

If the outstanding principal balance of a mortgage loan exceeds the fair market value of the real property securing the loan, a portion of such loan likely will not be a qualifying real estate asset for purposes of the 75% test. The nonqualifying portion of that mortgage loan will be equal to the portion of the loan amount that exceeds the value of the associated real property. Prior to January 1, 2016, in the case of a mortgage loan that is secured by both real and personal property, a portion of the mortgage loan was required to be treated as a nonqualifying assets for purposes of the 75% tests if the fair market value of the real property at the time the loan was made was less than the principal amount of the loan. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2015, in the case of a mortgage loan that is secured by both real and personal property, such allocation is required only if the fair market value of the personal property exceeds 15% of the value of the property. We do not expect the change in the rules for allocation of mortgage interest to have an impact on our ability to satisfy either of the asset test going forward. As discussed under the 75% gross income test (see above), the IRS recently provided relief from re-testing certain mortgage loans held by a REIT that have been modified as a result of the current distressed market conditions with respect to real property. At present, we do not hold any mortgage loans that have been modified, which would require us to take advantage of these rules for special relief.

After initially meeting the asset tests at the close of any quarter, we will not lose our status as a REIT for failure to satisfy any of the asset tests at the end of a later quarter solely by reason of changes in asset values. If the failure to satisfy the asset tests results from an acquisition of securities or other property during a quarter, the failure can be cured by disposition of sufficient nonqualifying assets within 30 days after the close of that quarter.

Subject to certain de minimis exceptions, we may avoid REIT disqualification in the event of certain failures under the asset tests, provided that (i) we file a schedule with a description of each asset that caused the failure, (ii) the failure was due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, (iii) we dispose of the assets within 6 months after the last day of the quarter in which the identification of the failure occurred (or the requirements of the rules are otherwise met within such period) and (iv) we pay a tax on the failure equal to the greater of (A) $50,000 per failure and (B) the product of the net income generated by the assets that caused the failure for the period beginning on the date of the failure and ending on the date we dispose of the asset (or otherwise satisfy the requirements) multiplied by the highest applicable corporate tax rate.

Annual Distribution Requirements. To qualify as a REIT, we are required to distribute dividends (other than capital gain dividends) to our stockholders in an amount at least equal to (A) the sum of (i) 90% of our “REIT taxable income” (computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction and our net capital gain) and (ii) 90% of the net income (after tax), if any, from foreclosure property, minus (B) the sum of certain items of noncash income. Such distributions must be paid in the taxable year to which they relate, or in the following taxable year if declared before we timely file our tax return for such year and paid on or before the first regular dividend payment after such declaration. In addition, such distributions are required to be made pro rata, with no preference to any share of stock as compared with other shares of the same class, and with no preference to one class of stock as compared with another class except to the extent that such class is entitled to such a preference. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain, or distribute at least 90%, but less than 100% of our “REIT taxable income,” as adjusted, we will be subject to tax thereon at regular ordinary and capital gain corporate tax rates.

Furthermore, if we fail to distribute during a calendar year, or by the end of January following the calendar year in the case of distributions with declaration and record dates falling in the last three months of the calendar year, at least the sum of:

• 85% of our REIT ordinary income for such year;

• 95% of our REIT capital gain income for such year; and

• any undistributed taxable income from prior periods,

we will incur a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the excess of such required distribution over the amounts we actually distribute. We may elect to retain and pay income tax on the net long-term capital gain we receive in a taxable year. If we so elect, we will be treated as having distributed any such retained amount for purposes of the 4% excise tax described above. We have made, and we intend to continue to make, timely distributions sufficient to satisfy the annual distribution requirements. We may also be entitled to pay and deduct deficiency dividends in later years as a relief measure to correct errors in determining our taxable income. Although we may be able to avoid income tax on amounts distributed as deficiency dividends, we will be required to pay interest to the IRS based upon the amount of any deduction we take for deficiency dividends.

The availability to us of, among other things, depreciation deductions with respect to our owned facilities (which reduce our taxable income and the amount of our required dividend distributions) depends upon the determination that, for federal income tax purposes, we are the true owner of such facilities for federal income tax purposes, which is dependent on the classification of the leases to operators or our facilities as “true leases” rather than financing arrangements for federal income tax purposes. The determinations of whether (1) we are the owner of such facilities, and (2) the leases are true leases, for federal tax purposes are essentially factual matters. We believe that we will be treated as the owner of each of the facilities that we lease, and such leases will be treated as true leases for federal income tax purposes. However, no assurances can be given that the IRS will not successfully challenge our status as the owner of our facilities subject to leases, and the status of such leases as true leases, asserting that the purchase of the facilities by us and the leasing of such facilities merely constitute steps in secured financing transactions in which the lessees are owners of the facilities and we are merely a secured creditor. In such event, we would not be entitled to claim depreciation deductions with respect to any of the affected facilities. As a result, we might fail to meet the 90% distribution requirement or, if such requirement is met, we might be subject to corporate income tax or the 4% excise tax.

Reasonable Cause Savings Clause. We may avoid disqualification in the event of a failure to meet certain requirements for REIT qualification if the failures are due to reasonable cause and not willful neglect, and if the REIT pays a penalty of $50,000 for each such failure. This reasonable cause safe harbor is not available for failures to meet the 95% and 75% gross income tests or the assets tests.

Failure to Qualify. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, and the reasonable cause relief provisions do not apply, we will be subject to tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Distributions to stockholders in any year in which we fail to qualify will not be deductible, and our failure to qualify as a REIT would reduce the cash available for distribution by us to our stockholders. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, all distributions to stockholders will be taxable as dividend income, to the extent of our current and accumulated earnings and profits. However, in such a case, subject to certain limitations of the Code, corporate distributees may be eligible for the dividends received deduction with respect to dividends that we make, and in the case of an individual, trust, or an estate, dividends are treated the same as capital gain income, which currently is subject to a maximum income tax rate that is lower than regular income tax rates. In addition, in the case of an individual, trust or an estate, to the extent such taxpayer’s unearned income (including dividends) exceeds certain threshold amounts, the Medicare Tax on unearned income also will apply to dividend income. Unless entitled to relief under specific statutory provisions, we would also be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification was lost. It is not possible to state whether in all circumstances we would be entitled to such statutory relief. Failure to qualify could result in our incurring indebtedness or liquidating investments to pay the resulting taxes.

Our Subsidiaries. We own and operate a number of properties through subsidiaries and the classification of such subsidiaries varies for federal income tax purposes as described in this section. Some of the subsidiaries elected to be taxed as REITs beginning with the calendar year ending December 31, 2015. The stock of the REIT subsidiaries, and dividends received from the REIT subsidiaries, will qualify under the asset tests and income tests, respectively, as described above, provided that such subsidiaries maintain their REIT qualification.

Some of the subsidiaries are classified as qualified REIT subsidiaries, which we refer to as QRSs. Code Section 856 (i) provides that a corporation that is a QRS shall not be treated as a separate corporation, and all assets, liabilities, and items of income, deduction, and credit of a qualified REIT subsidiary shall be treated as assets, liabilities and such items (as the case may be) of the REIT. Thus, in applying the tests for REIT qualification described above, the QRSs will be ignored, and all assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction, and credit of such QRSs will be treated as our assets, liabilities and items of income, deduction, and credit.

Some of the subsidiaries are classified as TRSs. As described above, a TRS may earn income that would not be qualifying income if earned directly by the parent REIT; however, no more than 25% of the value of a REIT’s assets may consist of securities of one or more TRSs and, with respect to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT’s assets may consist of securities of one or more TRSs. One or more of our TRSs hold a number of assets that cannot be owned directly by a REIT. The value of the securities of our TRSs is far less than the permitted percentage thresholds described in this section.

Some of the subsidiaries are classified as partnerships. In the case of a REIT that is a partner in a partnership, such REIT is treated as owning its proportionate share of the assets of the partnership and as earning its allocable share of the gross income of the partnership for purposes of the applicable REIT qualification tests. Thus, our proportionate share of the assets, liabilities, and items of income of any partnership, joint venture, or limited liability company that is treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes in which we own an interest, directly or indirectly, will be treated as our assets and gross income for purposes of applying the various REIT qualification requirements. See “Tax Aspects of Our Investments in the Operating Partnership and Subsidiary Partnerships” below.

Tax Aspects of Investments in the Operating Partnership and Subsidiary Partnerships

The following discussion summarizes certain federal income tax considerations applicable to our direct or indirect investments in our operating partnership, Omega OP, and any subsidiary partnerships or limited liability companies that we form or acquire (each, a “Partnership”, and collectively, the “Partnerships”). This discussion does not cover state or local tax laws or any federal tax laws other than income tax laws.

Classification as Partnerships. We will be entitled to include in our income our distributive share of each Partnership’s income and to deduct our distributive share of each Partnership’s losses only if such Partnership is classified for federal income tax purposes as a partnership (or an entity that is disregarded for federal income tax purposes if the entity is treated as having only one owner for federal income tax purposes) rather than as a corporation or an association taxable as a corporation. An unincorporated entity with at least two owners or members will be classified as a partnership, rather than as a corporation, for federal income tax purposes if it:

Under the check-the-box regulations, an unincorporated entity with at least two owners or members may elect to be classified either as an association taxable as a corporation or as a partnership. If such an entity fails to make an election, it generally will be treated as a partnership (or an entity that is disregarded for federal income tax purposes if the entity is treated as having only one owner for federal income tax purposes) for federal income tax purposes. The Operating Partnership intends to be classified as a partnership for federal income tax purposes and will not elect to be treated as an association taxable as a corporation under the check-the-box regulations.

A publicly traded partnership is a partnership whose interests are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof. A partnership whose interests are traded on an established securities market or are readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof, and thus will be characterized as a publicly traded partnership that is characterized as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes, may avoid characterization as a corporation for any taxable year if, for each taxable year beginning after December 31, 1987, in which it was classified as a publicly traded partnership, 90% or more of the partnership’s gross income for such year consists of certain passive-type income, including real property rents, gains from the sale or other disposition of real property, interest, and dividends (the “Qualifying Income Exception”). The Treasury Regulations provide limited safe harbors under which certain transfers of interests in the partnership may be ignored or not taken into account in the determination of whether a partnership’s interests are considered to be readily tradable on a secondary market or the substantial equivalent thereof (the “PTP Transfer Exceptions”). The Operating Partnership’s partnership agreement contains provisions enabling its general partner to take such steps as are necessary or appropriate to prevent the issuance and transfers of interests in the Operating Partnership that do not satisfy one of the PTP Transfer Exceptions, and thus, cause the Operating Partnership to be treated as a publicly traded partnership. To date, we believe that all transfers of our OP Units have satisfied one of the PTP Transfer Exceptions. However, even if the transfers of OP Units failed to qualify for any of the PTP Transfer Exceptions, and our Operating Partnership was considered to be a publicly traded partnership, we believe that our Operating Partnership would have sufficient qualifying income to satisfy the Qualifying Income Exception, and therefore, would not be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

We have not requested, and do not intend to request, a ruling from the IRS that the Operating Partnership will be classified as a partnership and not as a corporation for federal income tax purposes. If for any reason the Operating Partnership were taxable as a corporation, rather than as a partnership, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we likely would not be able to qualify as a REIT unless we qualified for certain relief provisions. See the discussions entitled “Failure to Satisfy Income Tests,” “Asset Tests” and “Failure to Qualify” set forth above. In addition, any change in a Partnership’s status for tax purposes might be treated as a taxable event, in which case we might incur tax liability without any related cash distribution. See “Annual Distribution Requirements” above. Further, items of income and deduction of such Partnership would not pass through to its partners, and its partners would be treated as stockholders for tax purposes. Consequently, such Partnership would be required to pay income tax at corporate rates on its net income, and distributions to its partners would constitute dividends that would not be deductible in computing such Partnership’s taxable income.

Partners, Not the Partnerships, Subject to Tax. A partnership is not a taxable entity for federal income tax purposes. Rather, we are required to take into account our allocable share of each Partnership’s income, gains, losses, deductions, and credits for any taxable year of such Partnership ending within or with our taxable year, without regard to whether we have received or will receive any distribution from such Partnership.

Partnership Allocations. Although a partnership agreement generally will determine the allocation of income and losses among partners, such allocations will be disregarded for tax purposes if they do not comply with the provisions of the Code and Treasury Regulations governing partnership allocations. If an allocation is not recognized for federal income tax purposes, the item subject to the allocation will be reallocated in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership, which will be determined by taking into account all of the facts and circumstances relating to the economic arrangement of the partners with respect to such item.

Tax Allocations With Respect to Partnership Properties. Income, gain, loss, and deduction attributable to property that has appreciated or depreciated that is contributed to a partnership in exchange for an interest in the partnership must be allocated in a manner such that the contributing partner is charged with, or benefits from, respectively, the unrealized gain or unrealized loss associated with the property at the time of the contribution (the “704(c) Allocations”). The amount of such unrealized gain or unrealized loss, referred to as “built-in gain” or “built-in loss”, generally is equal to the difference between the fair market value of the contributed property at the time of contribution and the adjusted tax basis of such property at the time of contribution (a “book-tax difference”). Allocations with respect to book-tax differences are solely for federal income tax purposes and do not affect the book capital accounts or other economic or legal arrangements among the partners. A book-tax difference attributable to depreciable property generally is decreased on an annual basis as a result of the allocation of depreciation deductions to the contributing partner for book purposes but not for tax purposes. The Treasury Regulations require entities taxed as partnerships to use a “reasonable method” for allocating items with respect to which there is a book-tax difference and outline several reasonable allocation methods.

Any gain or loss recognized by a Partnership on the disposition of contributed properties will be allocated first to the partners of the Partnership who contributed such properties to the extent of their built-in gain or loss on those properties for federal income tax purposes. The partners’ built-in gain or loss on such contributed properties will equal the difference between the partners’ proportionate share of the book value of those properties and the partners’ tax basis allocable to those properties at the time of the contribution as reduced for any decrease in the book-tax difference. Any remaining gain or loss recognized by the Partnership on the disposition of the contributed properties, and any gain or loss recognized by the Partnership on the disposition of the other properties, generally will be allocated among the partners in accordance with the partnership agreement, unless such allocations and agreement do not satisfy the requirements of applicable Treasury Regulations, in which case the allocation will be made in accordance with the partners’ interests in the partnership.

On April 1, 2015, we acquired substantially all of the assets of Aviv REIT, Inc., through a merger of Aviv REIT, Inc., with and into our wholly-owned subsidiary, which merger included a combination which resulted in the acquisition by the Operating Partnership of substantially all of our assets and all of the assets of Aviv Healthcare Properties Limited Partnership. We treated such transfer of the properties to the Operating Partnership as a contribution to which the Operating Partnership received a “carryover” tax basis in the contributed properties. As a result, such properties had significant built-in gain or loss subject to Section 704(c) of the Code. As general partner of the Operating Partnership, we may account for the book-tax difference with respect to the properties contributed to the Operating Partnership under any method approved by Section 704(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations, except with respect to those properties acquired by the Operating Partnership that were contributed by Aviv REIT, Inc., with respect to which the Operating Partnership elected to use the “remedial method” of allocation pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.704-3(d).

Sale of a Partnership’s Property. Generally, any gain realized by a Partnership on the sale of property held by the Partnership for more than one year will be long-term capital gain, except for any portion of such gain that is treated as depreciation or cost recovery recapture. Our share of any gain realized by a Partnership on the sale of any property held by the Partnership as inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of the Partnership’s trade or business will be treated as income from a prohibited transaction that is subject to a 100% penalty tax. Such prohibited transaction income also may have an adverse effect upon our ability to satisfy the income tests for REIT status. See “Income Tests” above. We do not presently intend to acquire or hold or to allow any Partnership to acquire or hold any property that represents inventory or other property held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of our or such Partnership’s trade or business.

Government Regulation and Reimbursement

The healthcare industry is heavily regulated. Our operators are subject to extensive and complex federal, state and local healthcare laws and regulations. These laws and regulations are subject to frequent and substantial changes resulting from the adoption of new legislation, rules and regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations of existing law. The ultimate timing or effect of these changes, which may be applied retroactively, cannot be predicted. Changes in laws and regulations impacting our operators, in addition to regulatory non-compliance by our operators, can have a significant effect on the operations and financial condition of our operators, which in turn may adversely impact us. The following is a discussion of certain laws and regulations generally applicable to our operators, and in certain cases, to us.

Healthcare Reform. A substantial amount of rules and regulations have been issued under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, as amended by the Health Care and Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively referred to as the “Healthcare Reform Law”). We expect additional rules, regulations and interpretations under the Healthcare Reform Law to be issued that may materially affect our operators’ financial condition and operations.

Under the Healthcare Reform Law, a Federal Commission on Long-Term Care was established which issued its report in September 2013. One of its recommendations was the convening of the White House Conference on Aging which met in July, 2015. At that meeting, it was announced that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) was issuing a proposed rule on July 16, 2015 that included a significant number of revisions to the regulations covering the conditions of participation for SNFs to receive Medicare and Medicaid payments. These proposed regulations will substantially impact SNFs because they reflect the advances made over the past 24 years in the theory and practices of service delivery and safety, including the impact of other recent legislation emphasizing service quality, value over volume of services, and consistency in reporting. A final rule has not yet been published.

Given the complexity of the Healthcare Reform Law and the substantial requirements for regulation thereunder, the impact of the Healthcare Reform Law on our operators or their ability to meet their obligations to us cannot be predicted. The Healthcare Reform Law could result in decreases in payments to our operators or otherwise adversely affect the financial condition of our operators, thereby negatively impacting our financial condition. Our operators may not be successful in modifying their operations to lessen the impact of any increased costs or other adverse effects resulting from changes in governmental programs, private insurance and/or employee welfare benefit plans. The impact of the Healthcare Reform Law on each of our operators will vary depending on payor mix, resident conditions and a variety of other factors. In addition to the provisions relating to reimbursement, other provisions of the Healthcare Reform Law may impact our operators as employers (e.g., requirements related to providing health insurance for employees).

Reimbursement Generally. A significant portion of our operators’ revenue is derived from governmentally-funded reimbursement programs, consisting primarily of Medicare and Medicaid. As federal and state governments focus on healthcare reform initiatives, and as the federal government and many states face significant current and future budget deficits, efforts to reduce costs by government payors will likely continue, which may result in reductions in reimbursement at both the federal and state levels. These cost-cutting measures could result in a significant reduction of reimbursement rates to our operators under both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Additionally, new and evolving payor and provider programs, including but not limited to Medicare Advantage, dual eligible, accountable care organizations, and bundled payments could adversely impact our tenants’ and operators’ liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.

We currently believe that our operator coverage ratios are adequate and that our operators can absorb moderate reimbursement rate reductions and still meet their obligations to us. However, significant limits on the scopes of services reimbursed and/or reductions of reimbursement rates could have a material adverse effect on our operators’ results of operations and financial condition, which could adversely affect our operators’ ability to meet their obligations to us.

Medicaid. State budgetary concerns, coupled with the implementation of rules under the Healthcare Reform Law, may result in significant changes in healthcare spending at the state level. Many states are currently focusing on the reduction of expenditures under their state Medicaid programs, which may result in a reduction in reimbursement rates for our operators. The need to control Medicaid expenditures may be exacerbated by the potential for increased enrollment in Medicaid due to unemployment and declines in family incomes. Since our operators’ profit margins on Medicaid patients are generally relatively low, more than modest reductions in Medicaid reimbursement or an increase in the number of Medicaid patients could adversely affect our operators’ results of operations and financial condition, which in turn could negatively impact us.

The Healthcare Reform Law provided for Medicaid coverage to be expanded to all individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level, beginning January 1, 2014. The federal government committed to paying the entire cost for Medicaid coverage for newly eligible beneficiaries from 2014 through 2016. In 2017, the federal share will decline to 95%; in 2018, to 94%; in 2019, to 93%; and in 2020 and subsequent years, to 90%.

On June 28, 2012, however, the Supreme Court ruled that states could not be required to expand Medicaid or risk losing federal funding of their existing Medicaid programs. As of December 31, 2015, thirty-one states including the District of Columbia have expanded or are expanding Medicaid coverage as contemplated by the Healthcare Reform Law, with many of the remaining states involved in a variety of legislative proposals or discussions.

Medicare. On April 1, 2014, President Obama signed the “Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014” which calls for the United States Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) to develop a value based purchasing program for SNFs aimed at lowering readmission rates beginning on October 1, 2018.

On July 30, 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued a final rule outlining the FY 2016 Medicare payment rates for SNFs. Aggregate payments to SNFs are projected to increase by $430 million, or 1.2%, from payments in FY 2015. This estimated increase is attributable to a 2.3% market basket increase, reduced by a 0.6% forecast error adjustment and further reduced by 0.5% in accordance with the multifactor productivity adjustment required by law. The final rule also includes policies that advance setting measurable goals and timelines for paying SNFs based on the quality rather than the quantity of care to patients.

The “Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015” extended the Medicare therapy cap exceptions process through December 31, 2017. The statutory Medicare Part B outpatient cap for occupational therapy is $1,960 for 2016, and the combined cap for physical therapy and speech therapy is also $1,960 for 2016. These caps do not apply to therapy services covered under Medicare Part A for SNFs, although the caps apply in most other instances involving patients in SNFs or long-term care facilities who receive therapy services covered under Medicare Part B. The exception process permits medically necessary therapy services beyond the cap limits. Expiration of the therapy cap exceptions process in the future could have a material adverse effect on our operators’ financial condition and operations, which could adversely impact their ability to meet their obligations to us.

The “Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015” (“BBA”) was signed by President Obama on November 2, 2015. While the BBA provides $80 billion in discretionary spending sequestration relief over two years, it also extended Medicare sequestration, which generally cuts Medicare provider and plan payments by 2% across the board, for an additional year, through 2025. The BBA also provides a uniform 2% reduction for 2024 instead of applying different rates during the first and second halves of the fiscal year. However, the fiscal year 2025 sequestration will be “front loaded,” such that, a 4% reduction will apply during the first six months of the fiscal year and no reduction will be imposed during the second half of the fiscal year.

Quality of Care Initiatives. CMS has implemented a number of initiatives focused on the quality of care provided by nursing homes that could affect our operators. For instance, in December 2008, CMS released quality ratings for all of the nursing homes that participate in Medicare or Medicaid under its “Five Star Quality Rating System.” Facility rankings, ranging from five stars (“much above average”) to one star (“much below average”) are updated on a monthly basis. SNFs are required to provide information for the CMS Nursing Home Compare website regarding staffing and quality measures. Based on this data and the results of state health inspections, SNFs are then rated based on the five-star rating system. In 2015, CMS made changes to the rating system including: (1) revising scoring methodology by which quality measure ratings are calculated for SNFs; (2) increasing the number and type of quality measures that are not solely based on self-reported data and (3) adding critical measures to staffing such as turnover and retention. It is possible that this or any other ranking system could lead to future reimbursement policies that reward or penalize facilities on the basis of the reported quality of care parameters.

CMS has incorporated hospital readmissions review into the Quality Indicators Survey. Under Medicare’s Inpatient Prospective Payment System, CMS began adjusting payments to hospitals for excessive readmissions of patients for heart attacks, heart failure and pneumonia during fiscal years beginning on and after October 1, 2012. Long term care facilities are under increased scrutiny to prevent residents from being readmitted to hospitals for these conditions in particular, and have an opportunity to demonstrate their quality of care by reducing their hospital readmission rates. It is anticipated that hospital readmissions will be a consideration in the future in the CMS five-star rating system.

Office of the Inspector General Activities. The Office of Inspector General’s (the “OIG”) Work Plan for government fiscal year 2016, which describes projects that the OIG plans to address during the fiscal year, includes two projects related specifically to nursing homes. (1) compliance with various aspects of the SNF prospective payment system; and (2) background checks for employees.

Fraud and Abuse. There are various federal and state civil and criminal laws and regulations governing a wide array of healthcare provider referrals, relationships and arrangements, including laws and regulations prohibiting fraud by healthcare providers. Many of these complex laws raise issues that have not been clearly interpreted by the relevant governmental authorities and courts.

These laws include: (i) federal and state false claims acts, which, among other things, prohibit providers from filing false claims or making false statements to receive payment from Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs; (ii) federal and state anti-kickback and fee-splitting statutes, including the Medicare and Medicaid anti-kickback statute, which prohibit the payment or receipt of remuneration to induce referrals or recommendations of healthcare items or services, such as services provided in a SNF; (iii) federal and state physician self-referral laws (commonly referred to as the Stark Law), which generally prohibit referrals by physicians to entities for designated health services (some of which are provided in SNFs) with which the physician or an immediate family member has a financial relationship; (iv) the federal Civil Monetary Penalties Law, which prohibits, among other things, the knowing presentation of a false or fraudulent claim for certain healthcare services and (v) federal and state privacy laws, including the privacy and security rules contained in the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, which provide for the privacy and security of personal health information.

Violations of healthcare fraud and abuse laws carry civil, criminal and administrative sanctions, including punitive sanctions, monetary penalties, imprisonment, denial of Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement and potential exclusion from Medicare, Medicaid or other federal or state healthcare programs. Additionally, there are criminal provisions that prohibit filing false claims or making false statements to receive payment or certification under Medicare and Medicaid, as well as failing to refund overpayments or improper payments. Violation of the anti-kickback statute or Stark Law may form the basis for a federal False Claims Act violation. These laws are enforced by a variety of federal, state and local agencies and can also be enforced by private litigants through, among other things, federal and state false claims acts, which allow private litigants to bring qui tam or whistleblower actions, which have become more frequent in recent years.

Privacy. Our operators are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations designed to protect the confidentiality and security of patient health information, including the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended, the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act, and the corresponding regulations promulgated thereunder (collectively referred to herein as “HIPAA”). HHS has been conducting audits of covered entities to evaluate compliance with HIPAA, and it will continue its audit program in 2016 which will also include an audit of business associates and a focus on security risk assessments.

Various states have similar laws and regulations that govern the maintenance and safeguarding of patient records, charts and other information generated in connection with the provision of professional medical services. These laws and regulations require our operators to expend the requisite resources to secure protected health information, including the funding of costs associated with technology upgrades. Operators found in violation of HIPAA or any other privacy law or regulation may face large penalties. In addition, compliance with an operator’s notification requirements in the event of a breach of unsecured protected health information could cause reputational harm to an operator’s business.

Licensing and Certification. Our operators and facilities are subject to various federal, state and local licensing and certification laws and regulations, including laws and regulations under Medicare and Medicaid requiring operators of SNFs and ALFs to comply with extensive standards governing operations. Governmental agencies administering these laws and regulations regularly inspect our operators’ facilities and investigate complaints. Our operators and their managers receive notices of observed violations and deficiencies from time to time, and sanctions have been imposed from time to time on facilities operated by them. In addition, many states require certain healthcare providers to obtain a certificate of need, which requires prior approval for the construction, expansion or closure of certain healthcare facilities, which has the potential to impact some of our operators’ abilities to expand or change their businesses.

Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”). Our properties must comply with the ADA and any similar state or local laws to the extent that such properties are public accommodations as defined in those statutes. The ADA may require removal of barriers to access by persons with disabilities in certain public areas of our properties where such removal is readily achievable. Should barriers to access by persons with disabilities be discovered at any of our properties, we may be directly or indirectly responsible for additional costs that may be required to make facilities ADA-compliant. Noncompliance with the ADA could result in the imposition of fines or an award of damages to private litigants. Our commitment to make readily achievable accommodations pursuant to the ADA is ongoing, and we continue to assess our properties and make modifications as appropriate in this respect.

Other Laws and Regulations. Additional federal, state and local laws and regulations affect how our operators conduct their operations, including laws and regulations protecting consumers against deceptive practices and otherwise generally affecting our operators’ management of their property and equipment and the conduct of their operations (including laws and regulations involving fire, health and safety; quality of services, including care and food service; residents’ rights, including abuse and neglect laws; and the health standards set by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration).

General and Professional Liability. Although arbitration agreements have been effective in limiting general and professional liabilities for SNF and long term care providers, there have been numerous lawsuits challenging the validity of arbitration agreements in long term care settings. On July 16, 2015, CMS issued a proposed rule on, Reform of Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities, which would require SNFs to explain binding arbitration agreements to residents and their families before they sign them. The rule would also prohibit requiring arbitration agreements as a condition of admission. While a final rule has not been promulgated, if this rule is finalized as proposed, there would likely be an increase in liabilities for SNF and long term care providers.

Executive Officers of Our Company

As of February 1, 2016, the executive officers of our company were as follows:

C. Taylor Pickett (54) is our Chief Executive Officer and has served in this capacity since June 2001. Mr. Pickett has also served as Director of the Company since May 30, 2002. Mr. Pickett’s term as a Director expires in 2017. Mr. Pickett has also been a member of the board of trustees of Corporate Office Properties Trust, an office REIT focusing on U.S. government agencies and defense contractors, since November 2013. Mr. Pickett is also a Director of Atherio, a technology company. From January 1993 to June 2001, Mr. Pickett served as a member of the senior management team of Integrated Health Services, Inc., most recently as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Integrated Health Services, Inc. Mr. Pickett held various positions at PHH Corporation and KPMG Peat Marwick.

Daniel J. Booth (52) is our Chief Operating Officer and has served in this capacity since October 2001. From 1993 to October 2001, Mr. Booth served as a member of the management team of Integrated Health Services, Inc., most recently serving as Senior Vice President, Finance. Prior to joining Integrated Health Services, Inc., Mr. Booth served as a Vice President in the Healthcare Lending Division of Maryland National Bank (now Bank of America).

Steven J. Insoft (51) is our Chief Corporate Development Officer and has served in this capacity since April 1, 2015. Mr. Insoft served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Aviv REIT, Inc. since 2012, while previously serving as Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Prior to joining Aviv REIT, Inc. in 2005, Mr. Insoft spent eight years as a Vice President and Senior Investment Officer of Nationwide Health Properties, Inc., a publicly-traded REIT. Before that, he was President and Chief Financial Officer of CMI Senior Housing & Healthcare, Inc., a privately-held nursing home and assisted living facility operations and development company, for seven years. Mr. Insoft received an M.B.A. from Columbia University and a B.S.E. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Pennsylvania.

Robert O. Stephenson (52) is our Chief Financial Officer and has served in this capacity since August 2001. From 1996 to July 2001, Mr. Stephenson served as the Senior Vice President and Treasurer of Integrated Health Services, Inc. Prior to joining Integrated Health Services, Inc., Mr. Stephenson held various positions at CSX Intermodal, Inc., Martin Marietta Corporation and Electronic Data Systems.

Michael D. Ritz (47) is our Chief Accounting Officer and has served in this capacity since February 2007. From April 2005 to February 2007, Mr. Ritz served as the Vice President, Accounting & Assistant Corporate Controller of Newell Rubbermaid Inc., and from August 2002 to April 2005, Mr. Ritz served as the Director, Financial Reporting of Newell Rubbermaid Inc. From July 2001 through August 2002, Mr. Ritz served as the Director of Accounting and Controller of Novavax Inc.

As of December 31, 2015, we had 58 full-time employees, including the five executive officers listed above.

Item 1A - Risk Factors

Following are some of the risks and uncertainties that could cause the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, business and prospects to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements contained in this report or the Company’s other filings with the SEC. These risks should be read in conjunction with the other risks described in this report including but not limited to those described in “Taxation” and “Government Regulation and Reimbursement” under “Item 1” above. The risks described below are not the only risks facing the Company and there may be additional risks of which the Company is not presently aware or that the Company currently considers unlikely to significantly impact the Company. Our business, financial condition, results of operations or liquidity could be materially adversely affected by any of these risks, and, as a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline.

Risks Related to the Operators of Our Facilities

Our financial position could be weakened and our ability to make distributions and fulfill our obligations with respect to our indebtedness could be limited if any of our major operators become unable to meet their obligations to us or fail to renew or extend their relationship with us as their lease terms expire or their mortgages mature, or if we become unable to lease or re-lease our facilities or make mortgage loans on economically favorable terms. We have no operational control over our operators. Adverse developments concerning our operators could arise due to a number of factors, including those listed below.

The bankruptcy or insolvency of our operators could limit or delay our ability to recover on our investments.

We are exposed to the risk that a distressed operator may not be able to meet its lease, mortgage or other obligations to us or other third parties. This risk is heightened during a period of economic or political instability. Although each of our lease and loan agreements typically provide us with the right to terminate, evict an operator, foreclose on our collateral, demand immediate payment and exercise other remedies upon the bankruptcy or insolvency of an operator, title 11 of the United States Code, as amended and supplemented (the “Bankruptcy Code”), would limit or, at a minimum, delay our ability to collect unpaid pre-bankruptcy rents and mortgage payments and to pursue other remedies against a bankrupt operator.

Leases. A bankruptcy filing by one of our lessee operators would typically prevent us from collecting unpaid pre-bankruptcy rents or evicting the operator, absent approval of the bankruptcy court. The Bankruptcy Code provides a lessee with the option to assume or reject an unexpired lease within certain specified periods of time. Generally, a lessee is required to pay all rent that becomes payable between the date of its bankruptcy filing and the date of the assumption or rejection of the lease (although such payments will likely be delayed as a result of the bankruptcy filing). If one of our lessee operators chooses to assume its lease with us, the operator must cure all monetary defaults existing under the lease (including payment of unpaid pre-bankruptcy rents) and provide adequate assurance of its ability to perform its future obligations under the lease. If one of our lessee operators opts to reject its lease with us, we would have a claim against such operator for unpaid and future rents payable under the lease, but such claim would be subject to a statutory “cap” and would generally result in a recovery substantially less than the face value of such claim. Although the operator’s rejection of the lease would permit us to recover possession of the leased facility, we would likely face losses, costs and delays associated with re-leasing the facility to a new operator.

Several other factors could impact our rights under leases with bankrupt operators. First, the operator could seek to assign its lease with us to a third party. The Bankruptcy Code generally disregards anti-assignment provisions in leases to permit the assignment of unexpired leases to third parties (provided all monetary defaults under the lease are cured and the third party can demonstrate its ability to perform its obligations under the lease). Second, in instances in which we have entered into a master lease agreement with an operator that operates more than one facility, the bankruptcy court could determine that the master lease was comprised of separate, divisible leases (each of which could be separately assumed or rejected), rather than a single, integrated lease (which would have to be assumed or rejected in its entirety). Finally, the bankruptcy court could re-characterize our lease agreement as a disguised financing arrangement, which could require us to receive bankruptcy court approval to foreclose or pursue other remedies with respect to the facility.

Mortgages. A bankruptcy filing by an operator to whom we have made a mortgage loan would typically prevent us from collecting unpaid pre-bankruptcy mortgage payments and foreclosing on our collateral, absent approval of the bankruptcy court. As an initial matter, we could ask the bankruptcy court to order the operator to make periodic payments or provide other financial assurances to us during the bankruptcy case (known as “adequate protection”), but the ultimate decision regarding “adequate protection” (including the timing and amount) rests with the bankruptcy court. In addition, we would need bankruptcy court approval before commencing or continuing any foreclosure action against the operator’s facility. The bankruptcy court could withhold such approval, especially if the operator can demonstrate that the facility is necessary for an effective reorganization and that we have a sufficient “equity cushion” in the facility. If the bankruptcy court does not either grant us “adequate protection” or permit us to foreclose on our collateral, we may not receive any loan payments until after the bankruptcy court confirms a plan of reorganization for the operator. Even if the bankruptcy court permits us to foreclose on the facility, we would still be subject to the losses, costs and other risks associated with a foreclosure sale, including possible successor liability under government programs, indemnification obligations and suspension or delay of third-party payments. Should such events occur, our income and cash flow from operations would be adversely affected.

Failure by our operators to comply with various local, state and federal government regulations may adversely impact their ability to make debt or lease payments to us.

Our operators are subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations, including those described below, that are subject to frequent and substantial changes (sometimes applied retroactively) resulting from new legislation, adoption of rules and regulations, and administrative and judicial interpretations of existing law. The ultimate timing or effect of these changes cannot be predicted. These changes may have a dramatic effect on our operators’ costs of doing business and on the amount of reimbursement by both government and other third-party payors. The failure of any of our operators to comply with these laws, requirements and regulations could adversely affect their ability to meet their obligations to us.

Provisions of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 require certain changes to reimbursement and studies of reimbursement policies that may adversely affect payments to SNFs.

Several provisions of the Protecting Access to Medicare Act of 2014 and other legislation will affect Medicare payments to SNFs, including, but not limited to, provisions changing the payment methodology, implementing value-based purchasing and payment bundling and studying the appropriateness of restrictions on payments for health care acquired conditions. These provisions are in various stages of implementation See “Item 1. Business – Government Regulation and Reimbursement – Healthcare Reform,” “– Reimbursement,” “– Medicaid,” and “– Medicare.” Although we cannot accurately predict the extent to which or how such provisions may be implemented, or the effect any such implementation would have on our operators or our business, these provisions could result in decreases in payments to our operators, increase our operators’ costs or otherwise adversely affect the financial condition of our operators, thereby negatively impacting their ability to meet their obligations to us.

The Healthcare Reform Law imposes additional requirements on SNFs regarding compliance and disclosure.

The Healthcare Reform Law required SNFs to implement, by March 2013, a compliance and ethics program that is effective in preventing and detecting criminal, civil and administrative violations and in promoting quality of care. However to date, HHS has failed to issue the proposed regulations to implement this law. While the timing for implementation and specific requirements may be in question, there is a clear statutory mandate for Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP providers or suppliers and nursing facilities to have effective compliance and ethics programs. Accordingly, it remains unclear whether this provision of the law will be enforced until the regulations are issued. See “Item 1. Business – Government Regulation and Reimbursement – Healthcare Reform.” If our operators fall short in their compliance and ethics programs and quality assurance and performance improvement programs, if and when required, their reputations and ability to attract residents could be adversely affected.

Our operators depend on reimbursement from governmental and other third-party payors, and reimbursement rates from such payors may be reduced.

Changes in the reimbursement rate or methods of payment from third-party payors, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs, or the implementation of other measures to reduce reimbursements for services provided by our operators has in the past, and could in the future, result in a substantial reduction in our operators’ revenues and operating margins. See “Item 1. Business – Government Regulation and Reimbursement – Reimbursement,” “– Medicaid,” and “– Medicare.” We currently believe that our operator coverage ratios are adequate and that our operators can absorb moderate reimbursement rate reductions and still meet their obligations to us. However, significant limits on the scopes of services reimbursed and on reimbursement rates could have a material adverse effect on our operators’ results of operations and financial condition, which could cause the revenues of our operators to decline and negatively impact their ability to meet their obligations to us.

Additionally, net revenue realizable under third-party payor agreements can change after examination and retroactive adjustment by payors during the claims settlement processes or as a result of post-payment audits. Payors may disallow requests for reimbursement based on determinations that certain costs are not reimbursable or reasonable, additional documentation is necessary or certain services were not covered or were not medically necessary. New legislative and regulatory proposals could impose further limitations on government and private payments to healthcare providers. In some cases, states have enacted or are considering enacting measures designed to reduce Medicaid expenditures and to make changes to private healthcare insurance. We cannot make assurances that adequate third-party payor reimbursement levels will continue to be available for the services provided by our operators.

Government budget deficits could lead to a reduction in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement.

President Obama and members of the U.S. Congress have approved or proposed various spending cuts and tax reform initiatives that have resulted or could result in changes (including substantial reductions in funding) to Medicare, Medicaid or Medicare Advantage Plans. Any such existing or future federal legislation relating to deficit reduction that reduces reimbursement payments to healthcare providers could have a material adverse effect on certain of our operators’ liquidity, financial condition or results of operations, which could adversely affect their ability to satisfy their obligations to us and could have a material adverse effect on us. Additionally, many states are focusing on the reduction of expenditures under their Medicaid programs, which may result in a reduction in reimbursement rates for our operators. See “Item 1. Business – Government Regulation and Reimbursement – Reimbursement,” “– Medicaid,” and “– Medicare.” These potential reductions could be compounded by the potential for federal cost-cutting efforts that could lead to reductions in reimbursement to our operators under both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Potential reductions in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement to our operators could reduce the cash flow of our operators and their ability to make rent or mortgage payments to us. The need to control Medicaid expenditures may be exacerbated by the potential for increased enrollment in Medicaid due to unemployment and declines in family incomes. Medicaid enrollment may continue to increase in the future, as the Healthcare Reform Law allowed states to increase the number of people who are eligible for Medicaid in 2014. Since our operators’ profit margins on Medicaid patients are generally relatively low, more than modest reductions in Medicaid reimbursement and an increase in the number of Medicaid patients could place some operators in financial distress, which in turn could adversely affect us. If funding for Medicare and/or Medicaid is reduced, it could have a material adverse effect on our operators’ results of operations and financial condition, which could adversely affect our operators’ ability to meet their obligations to us.

We may be unable to find a replacement operator for one or more of our leased properties.

From time to time, we may need to find a replacement operator for one or more of our leased properties for a variety of reasons, including upon the expiration of the lease term or the occurrence of an operator default. During any period in which we are attempting to locate one or more replacement operators, there could be a decrease or cessation of rental payments on the applicable property or properties. We cannot assure you that any of our current or future operators will elect to renew their respective leases with us upon expiration of the terms thereof. Similarly, we cannot assure you that we will be able to locate a suitable replacement operator or, if we are successful in locating a replacement operator, that the rental payments from the new operator would not be significantly less than the existing rental payments. Our ability to locate a suitable replacement operator may be significantly delayed or limited by various state licensing, receivership, certificate of need or other laws, as well as by Medicare and Medicaid change-of-ownership rules. We also may incur substantial additional expenses in connection with any such licensing, receivership or change-of-ownership proceedings. Any such delays, limitations and expenses could materially delay or impact our ability to collect rent, obtain possession of leased properties or otherwise exercise remedies for default.

A prolonged economic slowdown could adversely impact our operating income and earnings, as well as the results of operations of our operators, which could impair their ability to meet their obligations to us.

We believe the risks associated with our investments will be more acute during periods of economic slowdown or recession (such as the recent recession), due to the adverse impact caused by various factors including inflation, deflation, increased unemployment, volatile energy costs, geopolitical issues, the availability and cost of credit, the U.S. mortgage market, a distressed real estate market, market volatility and weakened business and consumer confidence. This difficult operating environment caused by an economic slowdown or recession could have an adverse impact on the ability of our operators to maintain occupancy rates, which could harm their financial condition. Any sustained period of increased payment delinquencies, foreclosures or losses by our operators under our leases and loans could adversely affect our income from investments in our portfolio. 

Certain third parties may not be able to satisfy their obligations to us or our operators due to uncertainty in the capital markets.

Interest rate fluctuations, financial market volatility or credit market disruptions could limit the ability of our operators to obtain credit to finance their businesses on acceptable terms, which could adversely affect their ability to satisfy their obligations to us. Similarly, if any of our other counterparties, such as letter of credit issuers, insurance carriers, banking institutions, title companies and escrow agents, experience difficulty in accessing capital or other sources of funds or fail to remain a viable entity, it could have an adverse effect on our business.

Our operators may be subject to significant legal actions that could result in their increased operating costs and substantial uninsured liabilities, which may affect their ability to meet their obligations to us.

As is typical in the long-term healthcare industry, our operators are often subject to claims for damages relating to the services that they provide. We can give no assurance that the insurance coverage maintained by our operators will cover all claims made against them or continue to be available at a reasonable cost, if at all. In some states, insurance coverage for the risk of punitive damages arising from professional and general liability claims and/or litigation may not, in certain cases, be available to operators due to state law prohibitions or limitations of availability. As a result, our operators operating in these states may be liable for punitive damage awards that are either not covered or are in excess of their insurance policy limits.

We also believe that there has been, and will continue to be, an increase in governmental investigations of long-term care providers, particularly in the area of Medicare/Medicaid false claims, as well as an increase in enforcement actions resulting from these investigations. Insurance is not available to our operators to cover such losses. Any adverse determination in a legal proceeding or governmental investigation, whether currently asserted or arising in the future, could have a material adverse effect on an operator’s financial condition. If an operator is unable to obtain or maintain insurance coverage, if judgments are obtained in excess of the insurance coverage, if an operator is required to pay uninsured punitive damages, or if an operator is subject to an uninsurable government enforcement action, the operator could be exposed to substantial additional liabilities. Such liabilities could adversely affect the operator’s ability to meet its obligations to us.

In addition, we may in some circumstances be named as a defendant in litigation involving the services provided by our operators. Although we generally have no involvement in the services provided by our operators, and our standard lease agreements and loan agreements generally require our operators to indemnify us and carry insurance to cover us in certain cases, a significant judgment against us in such litigation could exceed our and our operators’ insurance coverage, which would require us to make payments to cover the judgment.

Increased competition as well as increased operating costs result in lower revenues for some of our operators and may affect the ability of our operators to meet their obligations to us.

The long-term healthcare industry is highly competitive and we expect that it may become more competitive in the future. Our operators are competing with numerous other companies providing similar healthcare services or alternatives such as home health agencies, life care at home, community-based service programs, retirement communities and convalescent centers. Our operators compete on a number of different levels including the quality of care provided, reputation, the physical appearance of a facility, price, the range of services offered, family preference, alternatives for healthcare delivery, the supply of competing properties, physicians, staff, referral sources, location and the size and demographics of the population in the surrounding areas. We cannot be certain that the operators of all of our facilities will be able to achieve occupancy and rate levels that will enable them to meet all of their obligations to us. Our operators may encounter increased competition in the future that could limit their ability to attract residents or expand their businesses and therefore affect their ability to pay their lease or mortgage payments.

In addition, the market for qualified nurses, healthcare professionals and other key personnel is highly competitive and our operators may experience difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. Increases in labor costs due to higher wages and greater benefits required to attract and retain qualified healthcare personnel incurred by our operators could affect their ability to meet their obligations to us. This situation could be particularly acute in certain states that have enacted legislation establishing minimum staffing requirements.

We may be unable to successfully foreclose on the collateral securing our mortgage loans, and even if we are successful in our foreclosure efforts, we may be unable to successfully find a replacement operator, or operate or occupy the underlying real estate, which may adversely affect our ability to recover our investments.

If an operator defaults under one of our mortgage loans, we may foreclose on the loan or otherwise protect our interest by acquiring title to the property. In such a scenario, we may be required to make substantial improvements or repairs to maximize the facility’s investment potential. Operators may contest enforcement of foreclosure or other remedies, seek bankruptcy protection against our exercise of enforcement or other remedies and/or bring claims for lender liability in response to actions to enforce mortgage obligations. Even if we are able to successfully foreclose on the collateral securing our mortgage loans, we may be unable to expeditiously find a replacement operator, if at all, or otherwise successfully operate or occupy the property, which could adversely affect our ability to recover our investment.

Uninsured losses or losses in excess of our operators’ insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial position and our cash flow.

Under the terms of our leases, our operators are required to maintain comprehensive general liability, fire, flood, earthquake, boiler and machinery, nursing home or long-term care professional liability and extended coverage insurance with respect to our properties with policy specifications, limits and deductibles set forth in the leases or other written agreements between us and the operator. However, our properties may be adversely affected by casualty losses which exceed insurance coverages and reserves. Should an uninsured loss occur, we could lose both our investment in, and anticipated profits and cash flows from, the property. Even if it were practicable to restore the property to its condition prior to the damage caused by a major casualty, the operations of the affected property would likely be suspended for a considerable period of time. In the event of any substantial loss affecting a property, disputes over insurance claims could arise.

Risks Related to Us and Our Operations

Our primary assets are the units of partnership interest in Omega OP and, as a result, we will depend on distributions from the Partnership to pay dividends and expenses.

The Company is a holding company and has no material assets other than units of partnership interest in its operating partnership, Omega OP. We intend to cause the Partnership to make distributions to partners, including the Company, in an amount sufficient to allow us to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes and to pay all of our expenses. To the extent we need funds and Omega OP is restricted from making distributions under applicable law or otherwise, or if Omega OP is otherwise unable to provide such funds, the failure to make such distributions could materially adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition.

We rely on external sources of capital to fund future capital needs, and if we encounter difficulty in obtaining such capital, we may not be able to make future investments necessary to grow our business or meet maturing commitments.

To qualify as a REIT under the Code, we are required to, among other things, distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year to our stockholders. Because of this distribution requirement, we may not be able to fund, from cash retained from operations, all future capital needs, including capital needed to make investments and to satisfy or refinance maturing commitments. As a result, we rely on external sources of capital, including debt and equity financing. If we are unable to obtain needed capital at all or only on unfavorable terms from these sources, we might not be able to make the investments needed to grow our business, or to meet our obligations and commitments as they mature, which could negatively affect the ratings of our debt and even, in extreme circumstances, affect our ability to continue operations. Our access to capital depends upon a number of factors over which we have little or no control, including the performance of the national and global economies generally; competition in the healthcare industry; issues facing the healthcare industry, including regulations and government reimbursement policies; our operators’ operating costs; the ratings of our debt securities; the market’s perception of our growth potential; the market value of our properties; our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions; and the market price of the shares of our capital stock. Difficult capital market conditions in our industry during the past several years, and our need to stabilize our portfolio have limited and may continue to limit our access to capital. While we currently have sufficient cash flow from operations to fund our obligations and commitments, we may not be in a position to take advantage of future investment opportunities in the event that we are unable to access the capital markets on a timely basis or we are only able to obtain financing on unfavorable terms.

Economic conditions and turbulence in the credit markets may create challenges in securing third-party borrowings or refinancing our existing debt.

Depressed economic conditions, the availability and cost of credit, turmoil in the mortgage market and depressed real estate markets have contributed and will in the future contribute to increased volatility and diminished expectations for real estate markets and the economy as a whole. Significant market disruption and volatility could impact our ability to secure third-party borrowings or refinance our existing debt in the future.

Our ability to raise capital through equity sales is dependent, in part, on the market price of our common stock, and our failure to meet market expectations with respect to our business could negatively impact the market price of our common stock and availability of equity capital.

As with other publicly-traded companies, the availability of equity capital will depend, in part, on the market price of our common stock which, in turn, will depend upon various market conditions and other factors that may change from time to time including:

The market value of the equity securities of a REIT is generally based upon the market’s perception of the REIT’s growth potential and its current and potential future earnings and cash distributions. Our failure to meet the market’s expectation with regard to future earnings and cash distributions would likely adversely affect the market price of our common stock and, as a result, the availability of equity capital to us.

We are subject to risks associated with debt financing, which could negatively impact our business and limit our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and to repay maturing debt.

The financing required to make future investments and satisfy maturing commitments may be provided by borrowings under our credit facilities, private or public offerings of debt or equity, the assumption of secured indebtedness, mortgage financing on a portion of our owned portfolio or through joint ventures. To the extent we must obtain debt financing from external sources to fund our capital requirements, we cannot guarantee such financing will be available on favorable terms, if at all. In addition, if we are unable to refinance or extend principal payments due at maturity or pay them with proceeds from other capital transactions, our cash flow may not be sufficient to make distributions to our stockholders and repay our maturing debt. Furthermore, if prevailing interest rates, changes in our debt ratings or other factors at the time of refinancing result in higher interest rates upon refinancing, the interest expense relating to that refinanced indebtedness would increase, which could reduce our profitability and the amount of dividends we are able to pay. Moreover, additional debt financing increases the amount of our leverage. The degree of leverage could have important consequences to stockholders, including affecting our investment grade ratings and our ability to obtain additional financing in the future, and making us more vulnerable to a downturn in our results of operations or the economy generally.

Unforeseen costs associated with the acquisition of new properties could reduce our profitability.

Our business strategy contemplates future acquisitions that may not prove to be successful. For example, we might encounter unanticipated difficulties and expenditures relating to our acquired properties, including contingent liabilities, or our newly acquired properties might require significant management attention that would otherwise be devoted to our ongoing business. As a further example, if we agree to provide funding to enable healthcare operators to build, expand or renovate facilities on our properties and the project is not completed, we could be forced to become involved in the development to ensure completion or we could lose the property. Such costs may negatively affect our results of operations.

We may not be able to adapt our management and operational systems to integrate and manage our growth without additional expense.

We cannot assure you that we will be able to adapt our management, administrative, accounting and operational systems to integrate and manage the long-term care facilities we have acquired in the past and those that we may acquire under our existing cost structure in a timely manner. Our failure to timely integrate and manage recent and future acquisitions or developments could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

We may be subject to additional risks in connection with our recent and future acquisitions of long-term care facilities.

We may be subject to additional risks in connection with our recent and future acquisitions of long-term care facilities, including but not limited to the following:

We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage our recently acquired or future new facilities without encountering difficulties or that any such difficulties will not have a material adverse effect on us.

Our assets may be subject to impairment charges.

We periodically, but not less than annually, evaluate our real estate investments and other assets for impairment indicators. The judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based on factors such as market conditions, operator performance and legal structure. If we determine that a significant impairment has occurred, we are required to make an adjustment to the net carrying value of the asset, which could have a material adverse affect on our results of operations and funds from operations in the period in which the write-off occurs.

We may not be able to sell certain closed facilities for their book value.

From time to time, we close facilities and actively market such facilities for sale. To the extent we are unable to sell these properties for our book value, we may be required to take a non-cash impairment charge or loss on the sale, either of which would reduce our net income.

Our indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition.

We have a material amount of indebtedness and we may increase our indebtedness in the future. Debt financing could have important consequences to our stockholders. For example, it could:

Covenants in our debt documents limit our operational flexibility, and a covenant breach could materially adversely affect our operations.

The terms of our credit agreements and note indentures require us to comply with a number of customary financial and other covenants which may limit our management’s discretion by restricting our ability to, among other things, incur additional debt, redeem our capital stock, enter into certain transactions with affiliates, pay dividends and make other distributions, make investments and other restricted payments, and create liens. Any additional financing we may obtain could contain similar or more restrictive covenants. Our continued ability to incur indebtedness and conduct our operations is subject to compliance with these financial and other covenants. Breaches of these covenants could result in defaults under the instruments governing the applicable indebtedness, in addition to any other indebtedness cross-defaulted against such instruments. Any such breach could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We have now, and may have in the future, exposure to contingent rent escalators.

We receive revenue primarily by leasing our assets under leases that are long-term triple-net leases in which the rental rate is generally fixed with annual rent escalations, subject to certain limitations. Certain leases contain escalators contingent on changes in the Consumer Price Index. If the Consumer Price Index does not increase, our revenues may not increase.

We are subject to particular risks associated with real estate ownership, which could result in unanticipated losses or expenses.

Our business is subject to many risks that are associated with the ownership of real estate. For example, if our operators do not renew their leases, we may be unable to re-lease the facilities at favorable rental rates, if at all. Other risks that are associated with real estate acquisition and ownership include, without limitation, the following:

Our real estate investments are relatively illiquid.

Real estate investments are relatively illiquid and generally cannot be sold quickly. In addition, some of our properties serve as collateral for our secured debt obligations and cannot be readily sold. Additional factors that are specific to our industry also tend to limit our ability to vary our portfolio promptly in response to changes in economic or other conditions. For example, all of our properties are ‘‘special purpose’’ properties that cannot be readily converted into general residential, retail or office use. In addition, transfers of operations of nursing homes and other healthcare-related facilities are subject to regulatory approvals not required for transfers of other types of commercial operations and other types of real estate. Thus, if the operation of any of our properties becomes unprofitable due to competition, age of improvements or other factors such that an operator becomes unable to meet its obligations to us, then the liquidation value of the property may be substantially less, particularly relative to the amount owing on any related mortgage loan, than would be the case if the property were readily adaptable to other uses. Furthermore, the receipt of liquidation proceeds or the replacement of an operator that has defaulted on its lease or loan could be delayed by the approval process of any federal, state or local agency necessary for the transfer of the property or the replacement of the operator with a new operator licensed to manage the facility. In addition, certain significant expenditures associated with real estate investment, such as real estate taxes and maintenance costs, are generally not reduced when circumstances cause a reduction in income from the investment. Should such events occur, our income and cash flows from operations would be adversely affected.

As an owner or lender with respect to real property, we may be exposed to possible environmental liabilities.

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, ordinances and regulations, a current or previous owner of real property or a secured lender, such as us, may be liable in certain circumstances for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of, or related releases of, certain hazardous or toxic substances at, under or disposed of in connection with such property, as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances, including government fines and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property. Such laws often impose liability based on the owner’s knowledge of, or responsibility for, the presence or disposal of such substances. As a result, liability may be imposed on the owner in connection with the activities of an operator of the property. The cost of any required investigation, remediation, removal, fines or personal or property damages and the owner’s liability therefore could exceed the value of the property and/or the assets of the owner. In addition, the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate such substances, may adversely affect an operators’ ability to attract additional residents and our ability to sell or rent such property or to borrow using such property as collateral which, in turn, could negatively impact our revenues.

Although our leases and mortgage loans require the lessee and the mortgagor to indemnify us for certain environmental liabilities, the scope of such obligations may be limited. For instance, most of our leases do not require the lessee to indemnify us for environmental liabilities arising before the lessee took possession of the premises. Further, we cannot assure you that any such mortgagor or lessee would be able to fulfill its indemnification obligations.

The industry in which we operate is highly competitive. Increasing investor interest in our sector and consolidation at the operator level or REIT level could increase competition and reduce our profitability.

Our business is highly competitive and we expect that it may become more competitive in the future. We compete for healthcare facility investments with other healthcare investors, including other REITs, some of which have greater resources and lower costs of capital than we do. Increased competition makes it more challenging for us to identify and successfully capitalize on opportunities that meet our business goals. If we cannot capitalize on our development pipeline, identify and purchase a sufficient quantity of healthcare facilities at favorable prices, or if we are unable to finance such acquisitions on commercially favorable terms, our business, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected. In addition, if our cost of capital should increase relative to the cost of capital of our competitors, the spread that we realize on our investments may decline if competitive pressures limit or prevent us from charging higher lease or mortgage rates.

We may be named as defendants in litigation arising out of professional liability and general liability claims relating to our previously owned and operated facilities that if decided against us, could adversely affect our financial condition.

We and several of our wholly-owned subsidiaries were named as defendants in professional liability and general liability claims related to our owned and operated facilities prior to 2005. Other third-party managers responsible for the day-to-day operations of these facilities were also named as defendants in these claims. In these suits, patients of certain previously owned and operated facilities have alleged significant damages, including punitive damages, against the defendants. Although all of these prior suits have been settled, we or our affiliates could be named as defendants in similar suits to the extent we own and operate facilities in the future. There can be no assurance that we would be successful in our defense of such potential matters or in asserting our claims against various managers of the subject facilities or that the amount of any settlement or judgment would be substantially covered by insurance or that any punitive damages will be covered by insurance.

Our charter and bylaws contain significant anti-takeover provisions which could delay, defer or prevent a change in control or other transactions that could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of our common stock.

Our charter and bylaws contain various procedural and other requirements which could make it difficult for stockholders to effect certain corporate actions. Our Board of Directors has the authority to issue additional shares of preferred stock and to fix the preferences, rights and limitations of the preferred stock without stockholder approval. In addition, our charter contains limitations on the ownership of our capital stock intended to ensure we continue to meet the requirements for qualification as a REIT. These provisions could discourage unsolicited acquisition proposals or make it more difficult for a third party to gain control of us, which could adversely affect the market price of our securities and/or result in the delay, deferral or prevention of a change in control or other transactions that could provide our stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of our common stock.

Members of our management and Board of Directors are holders of units of partnership interest in Omega OP, and their interests may differ from those of our public stockholders.

Some members of our management and Board of Directors are holders of units of partnership interest in Omega OP. Those unitholders may have conflicting interests with holders of the Company’s common stock. For example, such unitholders of OP units may have different tax positions from the Company or holders of the Company’s common stock, which could influence their decisions in their capacities as members of management regarding whether and when to dispose of assets, whether and when to incur new or refinance existing indebtedness and how to structure future transactions.

The Company is exposed to risks associated with entering new geographic markets.

The Company’s acquisition and development activities may involve entering geographic markets where the Company has not previously had a presence. The construction and/or acquisition of properties in new geographic areas involves risks, including the risk that the property will not perform as anticipated and the risk that any actual costs for site development and improvements identified in the pre-construction or pre-acquisition due diligence process will exceed estimates. There is, and it is expected that there will continue to be, significant competition for investment opportunities that meet management’s investment criteria, as well as risks associated with obtaining financing for acquisition activities, if necessary.

Ownership of property outside the U.S. may subject us to different or greater risks than those associated with our U.S. investments.

We have investments in the United Kingdom, and may from time to time may seek to acquire other properties in the United Kingdom or otherwise outside the U.S. Although we currently have investments in the United Kingdom, we have limited experience investing in healthcare properties or other real estate-related assets located outside the United States. International development, investment, ownership and operating activities involve risks that are different from those we face with respect to our U.S. properties and operations. These risks include, but are not limited to, any international currency gain recognized with respect to changes in exchange rates may not qualify under the 75.0% gross income test or the 95.0% gross income test that we must satisfy annually in order to qualify and maintain our status as a REIT; challenges with respect to the repatriation of foreign earnings and cash; changes in foreign political, regulatory, and economic conditions, including regionally, nationally, and locally; challenges in managing international operations; challenges of complying with a wide variety of foreign laws and regulations, including those relating to real estate, corporate governance, operations, taxes, employment and legal proceedings; foreign ownership restrictions with respect to operations in countries; diminished ability to legally enforce our contractual rights in foreign countries; differences in lending practices and the willingness of domestic or foreign lenders to provide financing; regional or country-specific business cycles and economic instability; and changes in applicable laws and regulations in the U.S. that affect foreign operations. In addition, we have limited investing experience in international markets. If we are unable to successfully manage the risks associated with international expansion and operations, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected.

We may be adversely affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Our ownership of properties in the United Kingdom currently subjects us to fluctuations in the exchange rates between U.S. dollars and the British pound, which may, from time to time, impact our financial condition and results of operations. If we continue to expand our international presence through investments in, or acquisitions or development of healthcare assets outside the United States or the United Kingdom, we may transact business in other foreign currencies. Although we may pursue hedging alternatives, including borrowing in local currencies, to protect against foreign currency fluctuations, we cannot assure you that such fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition.

Our future results will suffer if we do not effectively manage our expanded operations following the Merger with Aviv.

We have expanded our operations as a result of the Merger with Aviv and intend to continue to expand our operations through additional acquisitions of properties, some of which may involve complex challenges. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to manage the integration of the Aviv operations and our expansion opportunities, each of which may pose substantial challenges for us to integrate new operations into our existing business in an efficient and timely manner, and upon our ability to successfully monitor our operations, costs, regulatory compliance and service quality, and to maintain other necessary internal controls. There is no assurance that our expansion or acquisition opportunities will be successful, or that we will realize any operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements, synergies or other benefits from any future acquisitions we may complete.

We may change our investment strategies and policies and capital structure.

Our Board of Directors, without the approval of our stockholders, may alter our investment strategies and policies if it determines that a change is in our stockholders’ best interests. The methods of implementing our investment strategies and policies may vary as new investments and financing techniques are developed.

Our success depends in part on our ability to retain key personnel and our ability to attract or retain other qualified personnel.

Our future performance depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our executive management team and other key employees. The loss of the services of our current executive management team could have an adverse impact on our operations. Although we have entered into employment agreements with the members of our executive management team, these agreements may not assure their continued service. In addition, our future success depends, in part, on our ability to attract, hire, train and retain other qualified personnel. Competition for qualified employees is intense, and we compete for qualified employees with companies with greater financial resources. Our failure to successfully attract, hire, retain and train the people we need would significantly impede our ability to implement our business strategy.

Failure to properly manage our rapid growth could distract our management or increase our expenses.

We have experienced rapid growth and development in a relatively short period of time and expect to continue this rapid growth in the future. This growth has resulted in increased levels of responsibility for our management. Future property acquisitions could place significant additional demands on, and require us to expand, our management, resources and personnel. Our failure to manage any such rapid growth effectively could harm our business and, in particular, our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows, which could negatively affect our ability to make distributions to stockholders and the trading price of our common stock. Our growth could also increase our capital requirements, which may require us to issue potentially dilutive equity securities and incur additional debt.

We rely on information technology in our operations, and any material failure, inadequacy, interruption or security failure of that technology could harm our business.

We rely on information technology networks and systems, including the Internet, to process, transmit and store electronic information, and to manage or support a variety of business processes, including financial transactions and records, personal identifying information, tenant and lease data. We purchase some of our information technology from vendors, on whom our systems depend. We rely on commercially available systems, software, tools and monitoring to provide security for processing, transmission and storage of confidential tenant and other customer information, such as individually identifiable information, including information relating to financial accounts. Although we have taken steps to protect the security of our information systems and the data maintained in those systems, it is possible that our safety and security measures will not be able to prevent the systems’ improper functioning or damage, or the improper access or disclosure of personally identifiable information such as in the event of cyber attacks. Security breaches, including physical or electronic break-ins, computer viruses, attacks by hackers and similar breaches, can create system disruptions, shutdowns or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Any failure to maintain proper function, security and availability of our information systems could interrupt our operations, damage our reputation, subject us to liability claims or regulatory penalties and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.

Pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to provide a report by management on internal control over financial reporting, including management’s assessment of the effectiveness of such control. Changes to our business will necessitate ongoing changes to our internal control systems and processes. Internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements due to inherent limitations, including the possibility of human error, the circumvention or overriding of controls, or fraud. Therefore, even effective internal controls can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements. In addition, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the control may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. If we fail to maintain the adequacy of our internal controls, including any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or if we experience difficulties in their implementation, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely harmed, we could fail to meet our reporting obligations and there could be a material adverse effect on our stock price.

If we fail to maintain our REIT status, we will be subject to federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates.

We were organized to qualify for taxation as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code. See “Item 1. Business – Taxation.” We believe that we have operated in such a manner as to qualify for taxation as a REIT under the Code and intend to continue to operate in a manner that will maintain our qualification as a REIT. Qualification as a REIT involves the satisfaction of numerous requirements, some on an annual and some on a quarterly basis, established under highly technical and complex provisions of the Code for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations and involve the determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control. We cannot assure you that we will at all times satisfy these rules and tests.

If we were to fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, as a result of a determination that we failed to meet the annual distribution requirement or otherwise, we would be subject to federal income tax, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, on our taxable income at regular corporate rates with respect to each such taxable year for which the statute of limitations remains open. Moreover, unless entitled to relief under certain statutory provisions, we also would be disqualified from treatment as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which qualification is lost. This treatment would significantly reduce our net earnings and cash flow because of our additional tax liability for the years involved, which could significantly impact our financial condition.

We generally must distribute annually at least 90% of our taxable income to our stockholders to maintain our REIT status. To the extent that we do not distribute all of our net capital gain or do distribute at least 90%, but less than 100% of our “REIT taxable income,” as adjusted, we will be subject to tax thereon at regular ordinary and capital gain corporate tax rates.

Even if we remain qualified as a REIT, we may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flow.

Even if we remain qualified for taxation as a REIT, we may be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for the payment of our debt obligations. In addition, to meet REIT qualification requirements, we may hold some of our non-healthcare assets through taxable REIT subsidiaries or other subsidiary corporations that will be subject to corporate level income tax at regular rates.

Prior to the completion of the Merger, Aviv availed itself of the self-determination provisions and the deficiency dividend procedures under the REIT sections of the Code and supporting Treasury Regulations and IRS pronouncements to remedy certain potential technical violations of the REIT requirements. If there is an adjustment to Aviv’s REIT taxable income or dividends paid deductions as a result of Aviv taking such action, or other determinations by the IRS, the Company could be required to further implement the deficiency dividend procedures in order to maintain Aviv’s REIT status or take other steps to remedy any past non-compliance by Aviv. Any such further implementation of the deficiency dividend procedures could require the Company to make significant distributions to its stockholders and to pay significant penalties and interest to the IRS, which could impair the Company’s ability to expand its business and raise capital, reduce its cash available for distribution to its stockholders and materially adversely affect the value of the Company’s common stock.

Qualifying as a REIT involves highly technical and complex provisions of the Code and complying with REIT requirements may affect our profitability.

Qualification as a REIT involves the application of technical and intricate Code provisions. Even a technical or inadvertent violation could jeopardize our REIT qualification. To qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the nature and diversification of our assets, the sources of our income and the amounts we distribute to our stockholders. Thus, we may be required to liquidate otherwise attractive investments from our portfolio, or be unable to pursue investments that would be otherwise advantageous to us, to satisfy the asset and income tests or to qualify under certain statutory relief provisions. We may also be required to make distributions to stockholders at disadvantageous times or when we do not have funds readily available for distribution (e.g., if we have assets which generate mismatches between taxable income and available cash). Having to comply with the distribution requirement could cause us to: (i) sell assets in adverse market conditions; (ii) borrow on unfavorable terms; or (iii) distribute amounts that would otherwise be invested in future acquisitions, capital expenditures or repayment of debt. As a result, satisfying the REIT requirements could have an adverse effect on our business results and profitability.

Future changes in the tax laws could impact our ability to qualify as a REIT in the future.

Future changes in the tax laws, such as the “Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes Act of 2015” (the “PATH Act”) that was enacted on December 18, 2015, which contains several provisions pertaining to REIT qualification and taxation, could impact our ability to qualify as a REIT in the future. We have included in the discussion regarding our taxation as a REIT, see “Item 1. Business – Taxation,” some of the provisions from the PATH Act that could have an impact on us. However, we do not believe that any of these provisions will materially impact our ability to maintain our qualification as a REIT going forward. While many of the recent changes to the tax laws impacting REITs have been “relief” that generally ease the burden of complying with the REIT tax rules, there can be no assurance that future changes in tax laws will not adversely impact our ability qualify as a REIT in the future.

Risks Related to Our Stock

In addition to the risks related to our operators and our operations described above, the following are additional risks associated with our stock.

The market value of our stock could be substantially affected by various factors.

Market volatility may adversely affect the market price of our common stock. As with other publicly traded securities, the share price of our stock depends on many factors, which may change from time to time, including:

Our issuance of additional capital stock, warrants or debt securities, whether or not convertible, may reduce the market price for our outstanding securities, including our common stock, and dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders.

We cannot predict the effect, if any, that future sales of our capital stock, warrants or debt securities, or the availability of our securities for future sale, will have on the market price of our securities, including our common stock. Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock or preferred shares, warrants or debt securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for common stock in the public market, or the perception that such sales might occur, could negatively impact the market price of our stock and the terms upon which we may obtain additional equity financing in the future.

In addition, we may issue additional capital stock in the future to raise capital or as a result of the following:

There are no assurances of our ability to pay dividends in the future.

Our ability to pay dividends may be adversely affected upon the occurrence of any of the risks described herein. Our payment of dividends is subject to compliance with restrictions contained in our credit agreements, the indentures governing our senior notes and any preferred stock that our Board of Directors may from time to time designate and authorize for issuance. All dividends will be paid at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our earnings, our financial condition, maintenance of our REIT status and such other factors as our Board of Directors may deem relevant from time to time. There are no assurances of our ability to pay dividends in the future. In addition, our dividends in the past have included, and may in the future include, a return of capital.

Preferred stock that we may issue from time to time may have liquidation and other rights that are senior to the rights of the holders of our common stock.

Our Board of Directors has the authority to designate and issue preferred stock that may have dividend, liquidation and other rights that are senior to those of our common stock.

Legislative or regulatory action could adversely affect purchasers of our stock.

Significant legislative, judicial and administrative changes to the federal income tax laws could adversely impact the income tax consequences of owning our stock. Such changes have occurred in the past and are likely to continue to occur in the future, and we cannot assure you that any of these changes will not adversely affect an investment in our stock or on our stock’s market value or resale potential. Stockholders are urged to consult with their own tax advisor with respect to the impact that past legislative, regulatory or administrative changes or potential legislation may have on their investment in our stock.

A downgrade of our credit rating could impair our ability to obtain additional debt financing on favorable terms, if at all, and significantly reduce the trading price of our common stock.

If any rating agency downgrades our credit rating, or places our rating under watch or review for possible downgrade, then it may be more difficult or expensive for us to obtain additional debt financing, and the trading price of our common stock may decline. Factors that may affect our credit rating include, among other things, our financial performance, our success in raising sufficient equity capital, adverse changes in our debt and fixed charge coverage ratios, our capital structure and level of indebtedness and pending or future changes in the regulatory framework applicable to our operators and our industry. We cannot assure you that these credit agencies will not downgrade our credit rating in the future.

Item 1B – Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2 - Properties

At December 31, 2015, our real estate investments included long-term care facilities and rehabilitation hospital investments, in the form of (i) owned facilities that are leased to operators or their affiliates, (ii) investments in direct financing leases to operators or their affiliates and (iii) mortgages on facilities that are operated by the mortgagors or their affiliates. The properties are located in 42 states and the United Kingdom and are operated by 83 operators. We use the term “operator” to refer to our tenants and mortgagees and their affiliates who manage and or operate our properties. In some cases, our tenants and mortgagees contract with a healthcare operator to operate the facilities. The following table summarizes our property investments as of December 31, 2015:

(1) Certain of our lease agreements contain purchase options that permit the lessees to purchase the underlying properties from us.

(2) In general, many of our mortgages contain prepayment provisions that permit prepayment of the outstanding principal amounts thereunder.

The following table presents the concentration of our real estate investments by state as of December 31, 2015:

(1) These states each include a facility/property that is classified as held-for-sale as of December 31, 2015.

Geographically Diverse Property Portfolio. Our portfolio of properties is broadly diversified by geographic location. Our portfolio includes healthcare properties located in 42 states and the United Kingdom. In addition, the majority of our 2015 rental, direct financing lease and mortgage income was derived from facilities in states that require state approval for development and expansion of healthcare facilities. We believe that such state approvals may limit competition for our operators and enhance the value of our properties.

Large Number of Tenants. Our facilities are operated by 83 different public and private healthcare providers and/or managers. Except for New Ark Investment, Inc. (“New Ark”) (7%), Maplewood Real Estate Holdings, LLC (6%) and Ciena Healthcare (5%), which together hold approximately 18% of our portfolio (by investment), no other single tenant holds greater than 5% of our portfolio (by investment).

Significant Number of Long-term Leases and Mortgage Loans. At December 31, 2015, approximately 79% of our operating leases, 81% of our mortgages and 86% of our direct financing leases have primary terms that expire after 2020. The majority of our leased real estate properties are leased under provisions of master lease agreements. We also lease facilities under single facility leases. The initial terms of both types of leases typically range from 5 to 15 years, plus renewal options, with the exception of our investment in the direct financing leases with New Ark which expire in 2063.

All of our leased properties are leased under long term, triple-net leases. The following table displays the expiration of the annualized straight-line rental revenues under our operating lease agreements as of December 31, 2015 by year without giving effect to any renewal options:

Item 3 - Legal Proceedings

We are subject to various legal proceedings, claims and other actions arising out of the normal course of business. While any legal proceeding or claim has an element of uncertainty, management believes that the outcome of each lawsuit, claim or legal proceeding that is pending or threatened, or all of them combined, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

Item 4 - Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5 - Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Our shares of common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “OHI.” The following table sets forth, for the periods shown, the high and low prices as reported on the New York Stock Exchange Composite for the periods indicated and cash dividends declared per common share:

The closing price for our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange on February 19, 2016 was $30.55 per share. As of February 19, 2016 there were 188,131,753 shares of common stock outstanding with approximately 2,943 registered holders.

The following table provides information about shares available for future issuance under our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2015.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

During the fourth quarter of 2015, we purchased 18,626 outstanding shares of our common stock from employees to pay the withholding taxes related to the vesting of restricted stock.

Issuer Purchases of Common Stock

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities

We may from time to time issues shares of common stock pursuant to redemptions by the limited partners of Omega OP of OP units. Pursuant to the Partnership Agreement, each time OP units are redeemed for shares of Common Stock, the limited partner is deemed to sell to Omega a number of OP units equal to the number of shares of Common Stock that were issued in transactions that are not registered under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act due to the fact that the shares of Common Stock were issued only to the limited partner effecting the redemption and therefore does not involve a public offering.

Item 6 - Selected Financial Data

The following table sets forth our selected financial data and operating data for our Company on a historical basis. The following data should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included elsewhere herein. Our historical operating results may not be comparable to our future operating results. The comparability of our selected financial data is significantly affected by our acquisitions and new investments from 2011 to 2015. See “Item 7 – Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Portfolio and Other Developments.”

Item 7 – Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-looking Statements, Reimbursement Issues and Other Factors Affecting Future Results

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this document, including statements regarding potential future changes in reimbursement. This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These statements relate to our expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, performance and underlying assumptions and other statements other than statements of historical facts. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of forward-looking terminology including, but not limited to, terms such as “may,” “will,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “believes,” “intends,” “should” or comparable terms or the negative thereof. These statements are based on information available on the date of this filing and only speak as to the date hereof and no obligation to update such forward-looking statements should be assumed. Our actual results may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of a variety of factors, including, among other things:

Overview

We have one reportable segment consisting of investments in healthcare-related real estate properties. Our core business is to provide financing and capital to the long-term healthcare industry with a particular focus on SNFs located in the United States and the United Kingdom. Our core portfolio consists of long-term leases and mortgage agreements. All of our leases are “triple-net” leases, which require the tenants to pay all property-related expenses. Our mortgage revenue derives from fixed rate mortgage loans, which are secured by first mortgage liens on the underlying real estate and personal property of the mortgagor.

Our portfolio of investments at December 31, 2015, included 949 healthcare facilities, located in 42 states and the United Kingdom that are operated by 83 third-party operators. Our gross real estate investment in these facilities totaled approximately $8.0 billion at December 31, 2015, with 99% of our real estate investments related to long-term healthcare facilities. The portfolio is made up of (i) 782 SNFs, (ii) 85 ALFs, (iii) 16 specialty facilities, (iv) one medical office building, (v) fixed rate mortgages on 56 SNFs and two ALFs and (vi) seven SNFs that are currently closed or held-for-sale. At December 31, 2015, we also held other investments of approximately $89.3 million, consisting primarily of secured loans to third-party operators of our facilities.

Current market and economic conditions, including deficits at both the federal and state level could result in additional cost-cutting at both the federal and state levels resulting in additional reductions to reimbursement rates and levels to our operators under both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. State deficits could be exacerbated by the potential for increased enrollment in Medicaid due to prolonged high unemployment levels and declining family incomes, which could cause states to reduce state expenditures under their respective state Medicaid programs by lowering reimbursement rates.

We currently believe that our operator coverage ratios are strong and that our operators can absorb moderate reimbursement rate reductions under Medicaid and Medicare and still meet their obligations to us. However, significant limits on the scope of services reimbursed and on reimbursement rates and fees could have a material adverse effect on an operator’s results of operations and financial condition, which could adversely affect the operator’s ability to meet its obligations to us.

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of (i) Omega, (ii) Omega OP and (iii) all direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Omega. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, and our net earnings are reduced by the portion of net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests.

2015 and Recent Highlights

Acquisition and Other Investments

In 2015, we completed the following transactions totaling approximately $4.4 billion in new investments.

See “Portfolio and Other Developments” below for a description of 2015 acquisitions and other investments.

Financing Activities

HUD Mortgage Payoffs

During 2015, we paid approximately $188.5 million to retire 24 mortgage loans guaranteed by U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”). The payoffs resulted in a $4.2 million gain on the extinguishment of the debt due to the write-off of approximately $13.3 million of unamortized fair value adjustments recorded at the time of acquisition offset by prepayment fees of approximately $9.1 million.

Senior Notes

During 2015, we redeemed all of our outstanding $575 million 6.75% Senior Notes due 2022 (the “2022 Notes”) and our $200 million 7.5% Senior Notes due 2020. As a result of the redemptions, we recorded approximately $33.0 million in redemption related costs and write-offs, including $26.9 million for the early redemption or call premiums and $6.1 million in net write-offs associated with unamortized deferred financing costs and original issuance premiums/discounts.

On September 23, 2015, we sold $600 million aggregate principal amount of our 5.250% Senior Notes due 2026 (the “2026 Notes”). The 2026 Notes were sold at an issue price of 99.717% of their face value before the initial purchasers’ discount. Our total net proceeds from the offering, after deducting initial purchasers’ discounts and other offering expenses, were approximately $594.4 million. On March 18, 2015, we sold $700 million aggregate principal amount of our 4.50% Senior Notes due 2027 (the “2027 Notes”). The 2027 Notes were sold at an issue price of 98.546% of their face value before the initial purchasers’ discount. Our total net proceeds from the offering, after deducting initial purchasers’ discounts and other offering expenses, were approximately $683 million.

During 2015, we paid approximately $1.2 billion to retire debt assumed in the Aviv Merger.

$250 Million Term Loan Facility

On December 16, 2015, we entered into a $250 million senior unsecured term loan facility (the “2015 Term Loan Facility”). The 2015 Term Loan Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus an applicable percentage (beginning at 180 basis points, with a range of 140 to 235 basis points) based on our ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and/or Fitch Ratings.

Unsecured Credit Facility

On June 27, 2014, we entered into a credit agreement (as amended, the “2014 Credit Agreement”) providing us with $1.2 billion unsecured credit facility, comprised of a $1 billion senior unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) and a $200 million senior unsecured term loan facility (the “Term Loan Facility” or “Tranche A-1 Term Loan Facility,” and, collectively, the “2014 Credit Facilities”). The 2014 Credit Facilities replaces the Company’s previous $700 million senior unsecured credit facility (the “2012 Credit Facility”).

On April 1, 2015, we entered into a First Amendment to Credit Agreement (the “First Amendment to Omega Credit Agreement”) which amended the 2014 Credit Facilities. Under the First Amendment to Omega Credit Agreement, the Company (i) increased the aggregate revolving commitment amount under the Revolving Credit Facility from $1 billion to $1.25 billion and (ii) obtained a $200 million senior unsecured incremental term loan facility (the “Acquisition Term Loan Facility” or “Tranche A-2 Term Loan Facility”).

Omega OP Term Loan Facility

On April 1, 2015, Omega OP entered into a credit agreement (the “Omega OP Credit Agreement”) providing it with a $100 million senior unsecured term loan facility (the “Omega OP Term Loan Facility”). The Omega OP Term Loan Facility bears interest at LIBOR plus an applicable percentage (beginning at 150 basis points, with a range of 100 to 195 basis points) based on our ratings from Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and/or Fitch Ratings.

Issuance of 10.925 Million Shares of Common Stock

On February 9, 2015, we completed an underwritten public offering of 10.925 million shares of our common stock at $42.00 per share before underwriting and other offering expenses. The Company’s total net proceeds from the offering were approximately $440 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses.

See “Financing Activities and Borrowing Arrangements” below for a description of the 2015 financing activities and borrowing arrangements.

Portfolio and Other Developments

The following tables summarize the significant transactions that occurred from 2013 to 2015. The 2015 table excludes the acquisition of Care Homes in the United Kingdom and the Aviv Merger in the second quarter of 2015, which are discussed separately below.

2015 Acquisitions and Other

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized revenue attributable to the aforementioned acquisitions of approximately $4.9 million and net income attributable to the acquisitions of approximately $2.3 million. Acquisition costs related to the above were expensed as period costs. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we expensed $2.2 million of acquisition related costs. No goodwill was recorded in connection with these acquisitions.

Acquisition of Care Homes in the United Kingdom

On May 1, 2015, we closed on a purchase/leaseback Care Homes Transaction for 23 care homes located in the United Kingdom and operated by Healthcare Homes. As part of the transaction, we acquired title to the 23 care homes with 1,018 registered beds and leased them to Healthcare Homes pursuant to a 12-year master lease agreement with an initial annual cash yield of 7%, and annual escalators of 2.5%. The care homes, comparable to ALFs in the United States, are located throughout the East Anglia region (north of London) of the United Kingdom. Healthcare Homes is headquartered in Colchester (Essex County), England. We recorded approximately $193.8 million of assets consisting of land ($20.7 million), building and site improvements ($152.1 million), furniture and fixtures ($5.3 million) and goodwill ($15.7 million).

In 2015, we incurred approximately $3.2 million in acquisition related costs associated with the Care Homes Transaction. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized approximately $9.5 million of rental revenue in connection with the Care Homes Transaction.

Aviv Merger

On April 1, 2015, Omega completed the Aviv Merger, which was structured as a stock-for-stock merger. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, each outstanding share of Aviv common stock was converted into 0.90 of a share of Omega common stock. In connection with the Aviv Merger, Omega issued approximately 43.7 million shares of common stock to former Aviv stockholders. As a result of the Aviv Merger, Omega acquired 342 facilities, two facilities subject to direct financing leases, one medical office building, two mortgages and other investments. The facilities are located in 31 states and are operated by 38 third-party operators. Omega also assumed certain outstanding equity awards and other debt and liabilities. Based on the closing price of Omega’s common stock on April, 1, 2015, we estimate the fair value of the consideration exchanged or assumed to be approximately $3.9 billion. Omega's estimated fair values of Aviv’s assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the Aviv Merger date are determined based on certain valuations and analyses that have yet to be finalized including the values of in place lease assets and liabilities, and accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as detailed below, are subject to adjustment once the analyses are completed.

The following table highlights the preliminary fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on April 1, 2015:

(a)   Includes the fair value of stock compensation plans assumed.

In 2015, we incurred approximately $52.1 million in acquisition related costs associated with the Aviv Merger. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we recognized approximately $188.4 million of total revenue in connection with the Aviv Merger.

Included within accrued expenses and other liabilities is a $67.3 million contingent liability related to a leasing arrangement with an operator assumed as a result of the Aviv Merger.

During the fourth quarter of 2015, we adjusted the fair value of the in place lease assets and liabilities that we provisionally recognized on April 1, 2015 in connection with the Aviv Merger. We increased the fair value of the in place lease assets and in place lease liabilities to $8.2 million and $105.5 million, respectively which resulted in a $79.0 million net increase in goodwill. The change to the provisional amounts resulted in an $8.2 million increase in rental income, of which $2.7 million relates to the second and third quarters of 2015, respectively.

2014 Acquisitions and Other

For the year ended December 31, 2014, we recognized revenue attributable to the acquisitions of approximately $3.2 million and net income attributable to the acquisitions of approximately $1.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we expensed $3.9 million of acquisition related costs.

Transition of Two West Virginia Facilities to a New Operator

On July 1, 2014, we transitioned two West Virginia SNFs that we previously leased to Diversicare Healthcare Services (“Diversicare” and formerly known as Advocat) to a new unrelated third party operator. The two facilities represent 150 operating beds. We amended our Diversicare master lease to reflect the transition of the two facilities to the new operator and for the year ended December 31, 2014 recorded a $0.8 million provision for uncollectible straight-line accounts receivable. Simultaneous with the Diversicare master lease amendment, we entered into a 12-year master lease with a new third party operator.

$415 Million of Refinancing/Consolidating Mortgage Loans

On June 30, 2014, we entered into an agreement to refinance/consolidate $117 million in existing mortgages on 17 facilities into one mortgage and simultaneously provide mortgage financing for an additional 14 facilities. The new $415 million mortgage is secured by 31 facilities totaling 3,430 licensed beds all located in the state of Michigan. The new loan bears an initial annual cash interest rate of 9.0% and increases by 0.225% per year (e.g., beginning in year 2 the interest rate will be 9.225%, in year 3 the rate will be 9.45%, etc.).

One of the existing mortgages that was refinanced/consolidated into the new $415 million mortgage included annual interest rate escalators and required the mortgagee to pay a prepayment penalty in the event the mortgage was retired early which required us to record an effective yield interest receivable. In connection with the refinancing/consolidating transaction which was entered into at market terms, the old mortgage was considered to be retired early since the modifications made to the terms of the mortgage were more than minor. As of the date of the refinancing/consolidation transaction, the effective yield interest receivable was approximately $2.0 million. We forgave the prepayment penalty associated with the retired mortgage and recorded a $2.0 million provision to write-off the effective yield interest receivable related to the retired mortgage.

$112.5 Million of New Mortgage Loan

On January 17, 2014, we entered into a $112.5 million first mortgage loan with an existing operator. The loan is secured by 7 SNFs and 2 ALFs with a total of 798 operating beds located in Pennsylvania (7) and Ohio (2). The loan is cross-defaulted and cross-collateralized with our existing master lease with the operator. The loan bears an initial annual cash interest rate of 9.5% and matures in January 2024.

2013 Acquisitions and Other

Acquisition costs related to the above transactions were expensed as a period cost. For the year ended December 31, 2013, we expensed $0.2 million of acquisition related expenses.

Transition of 11 Arkansas Facilities to a New Operator

On August 30, 2013, we transitioned 11 SNFs located in Arkansas that we previously leased to Diversicare Healthcare Services to a new third party operator. The 11 facilities represent 1,084 operating beds. We amended our Diversicare master lease to provide for reduced rent to reflect the transition of the 11 facilities to the new operator, and recorded a $2.3 million provision for uncollectible straight-line rent receivable. Simultaneously with the amendment to the Diversicare master lease, we entered into a new master lease with the new third party operator of the 11 facilities. The new master lease expires on August 31, 2023 and includes fixed annual rent escalators.

$529 Million Purchase/Leaseback Transaction

On November 27, 2013, we closed on an aggregate $529 million purchase/leaseback transaction in connection with the acquisition of Ark Holding Company, Inc. (“Ark Holding”) by 4 West Holdings Inc. At closing, we acquired 55 SNFs and 1 ALF operated by Ark Holding and leased the facilities back to Ark Holding, now known as New Ark Investment Inc. (“New Ark”), pursuant to four 50-year master leases, with rental payments yielding 10.6% per annum over the term of the leases. The purchase/leaseback transaction is being accounted for as a direct financing lease. The 56 facilities represent 5,623 licensed beds located in 12 states, predominantly in the southeastern United States.  The 56 facilities are separated by region and divided among four cross-defaulted Master Leases.  The four regions include the Southeast (39 facilities), the Northwest (7 facilities), Texas (9 facilities) and Indiana (1 facility). The initial year one contractual rent is $47 million with 2.5% escalators beginning in year five.

The lease agreements allow the tenant the right to purchase the facilities for a bargain purchase price plus closing costs at the end of the lease term. In addition, commencing in the 41st year of each lease, the tenant will have the right to prepay the remainder of its obligations thereunder for an amount equal to the sum of the unamortized portion of the original aggregate $529 million investment plus the net present value of the remaining payments under the lease and closing costs. In the event the tenant exercises either of these options, we have the right to purchase the properties for fair value at the time.

Additionally, in June and July of 2014, we purchased three facilities and subsequently leased them to New Ark under a twelve-year master lease expiring in 2026. The 2014 three facility lease is being accounted for as an operating lease.

Asset Sales, Impairments and Other

In 2015, we sold seven SNFs (four previously held-for-sale) for total cash proceeds of approximately $41.5 million, generating a gain of approximately $6.4 million. We also recorded a total of $17.7 million provision for impairment related to six SNFs to reduce their net book value to their estimated fair value less costs to sell. To estimate the fair value of these facilities we utilized a market approach and Level 3 inputs. Two of the facilities are reclassified as assets held for sale.

In 2014, we sold four SNFs (three previously held-for-sale) and a parcel of land for total cash proceeds of $4.1 million, resulting in a $2.9 million gain. We also closed two SNFs and recorded a $3.7 million provision for impairment related to these facilities. To estimate the fair value of these facilities we utilized a market approach and Level 3 inputs.

In 2013, we sold one SNF and a parcel of land for total cash proceeds of $2.3 million resulting in a $1.2 million loss.

See “Note 7 – Assets Held For Sale” for more details.

As of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, we do not have any material properties or operators with facilities that are not materially occupied.

Results of Operations

The following is our discussion of the consolidated results of operations, financial position and liquidity and capital resources, which should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.

Year Ended December 31, 2015 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2014

Operating Revenues

Our operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015, were $743.6 million, an increase of $238.8 million over the same period in 2014. Following is a description of certain of the changes in operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014:

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015, were $332.3 million, an increase of approximately $172.9 million over the same period in 2014. Following is a description of certain of the changes in our operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2015 compared to 2014:

Other Income (Expense)

For the year ended December 31, 2015, total other expenses were $183.1 million, an increase of approximately $56.3 million over the same period in 2014. The $56.3 million increase was primarily the result of: (i) a $28.0 million increase in interest expense due to an increase in borrowings outstanding to fund new investments since January 2014 including the April 1, 2015 Aviv Merger and May 1, 2015 Care Homes Transaction and (ii) a $25.8 million increase in interest refinancing charges.

2015 Taxes

Because we qualify as a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income taxes on the REIT taxable income that we distribute to stockholders, subject to certain exceptions. For tax year 2015, we made common dividend payments of $358.2 million to satisfy REIT requirements relating to qualifying income. Subject to the limitation under the REIT asset test rules, we are permitted to own up to 100% of the stock of one or more taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”). We have elected for two of our subsidiaries to be treated as TRSs. One of our TRSs is subject to federal, state and local income taxes at the applicable corporate rates and the other is subject to foreign income taxes. As of December 31, 2015, one of our TRSs had a net operating loss carry-forward of approximately $0.9 million. The loss carry-forward is fully reserved as of December 31, 2015 with a valuation allowance due to uncertainties regarding realization.

In connection with the Care Homes Transaction in May 2015, we acquired 10 legal entities consisting of 23 facilities. The tax basis in these legal entities acquired for United Kingdom taxes was approximately $82 million less than the purchase price. We recorded a preliminary initial deferred tax liability associated with the temporary tax basis difference of approximately $15 million.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we recorded approximately $1.0 million of state and local income tax provision and approximately $0.2 million of provision for foreign income taxes.

Net Income

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2015 was $233.3 million compared to $221.3 million for the same period in 2014.

National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Funds From Operations

Our funds from operations available to common stockholders (“NAREIT FFO”), for the year ended December 31, 2015, was $455.3 million, compared to $345.4 million for the same period in 2014.

We calculate and report NAREIT FFO in accordance with the definition of Funds from Operations and interpretive guidelines issued by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), and, consequently, NAREIT FFO is defined as net income available to common stockholders, adjusted for the effects of asset dispositions and certain non-cash items, primarily depreciation and amortization and impairment on real estate assets. We believe that NAREIT FFO is an important supplemental measure of our operating performance. Because the historical cost accounting convention used for real estate assets requires depreciation (except on land), such accounting presentation implies that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time, while real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions. NAREIT FFO was designed by the real estate industry to address this issue. NAREIT FFO herein is not necessarily comparable to NAREIT FFO of other REITs that do not use the same definition or implementation guidelines or interpret the standards differently from us.

NAREIT FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure. We use NAREIT FFO as one of several criteria to measure the operating performance of our business. We further believe that by excluding the effect of depreciation, amortization, impairment on real estate assets and gains or losses from sales of real estate, all of which are based on historical costs and which may be of limited relevance in evaluating current performance, NAREIT FFO can facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods and between other REITs. We offer this measure to assist the users of our financial statements in evaluating our financial performance under GAAP, and NAREIT FFO should not be considered a measure of liquidity, an alternative to net income or an indicator of any other performance measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Investors and potential investors in our securities should not rely on this measure as a substitute for any GAAP measure, including net income.

The following table presents our NAREIT FFO results for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Year Ended December 31, 2014 compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013

Operating Revenues

Our operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014, were $504.8 million, an increase of $86.1 million over the same period in 2013. Following is a description of certain of the changes in operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013:

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014, were $159.5 million, an increase of approximately $6.4 million over the same period in 2013. Following is a description of certain of the changes in our operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013:

Other Income (Expense)

For the year ended December 31, 2014, total other expenses were $126.8 million, an increase of approximately $34.8 million over the same period in 2013. The $34.8 million increase was primarily the result of: (i) a $19.0 million increase in interest expense due to (a) an increase in borrowings outstanding and (b) an increase in the average rate of the borrowings due to the repayment of lower cost credit facility debt with higher cost long term bond debt and (ii) a $14.2 million increase in interest refinancing charge. In 2014, we recorded approximately $3.0 million in refinancing related costs including: (a) $2.6 million write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the termination of our previous $700 million 2012 Credit Facilities, (b) $2.0 million write-off of deferred financing costs associated with the termination of our $200 million unsecured term loan facility and (c) $1.7 million prepayment penalty on the payoff of HUD debt in June 2014, partially offset by $3.3 million gain related the write-off of premium on the HUD debt paid off in September 2014. In 2013, we recorded an $11.1 million gain primarily related to write-off of premium associated with HUD debt that was retired in May 2013.

2014 Taxes

Because we qualify as a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income taxes on the REIT taxable income that we distribute to stockholders, subject to certain exceptions. For tax year 2014, we made common dividend payments of $258.5 million to satisfy REIT requirements relating to qualifying income. Currently, we have one TRS that is taxable as a corporation and that pays federal, state and local income tax on its net income at the applicable corporate rates. The TRS had a net operating loss carry-forward as of December 31, 2014 of $1.0 million. The loss carry-forward was fully reserved with a valuation allowance due to uncertainties regarding realization.

Net Income

Net income for the year ended December 31, 2014 was $221.3 million compared to $172.5 million for the same period in 2013.

National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Funds From Operations

Our NAREIT FFO, for the year ended December 31, 2014, was $345.4 million, compared to $302.7 million for the same period in 2013. NAREIT FFO is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts Funds From Operations” above.

The following table presents our NAREIT FFO results for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013: