UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-Q



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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2016

or



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

For the transition period from _____________ to _____________

Commission File Number: 001-32641

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(615) 221-2250

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes    No  

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

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

As of May 6, 2016, 185,809,480 shares of the registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding (excluding unvested restricted shares).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

FORM 10-Q

FOR THE QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

 

PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.   Financial Statements

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except stock amounts)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EQUITY

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

(Unaudited, in thousands)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited, in thousands)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1.  Description of Business

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. ("Brookdale" or the "Company") is the leading operator of senior living communities throughout the United States.  The Company is committed to providing senior living solutions primarily within properties that are designed, purpose-built and operated to provide the highest quality service, care and living accommodations for residents.  The Company operates independent living, assisted living and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers ("CCRCs").  Through its ancillary services programs, the Company also offers a range of outpatient therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice services.

2.  Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. In the opinion of management, these financial statements include all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company as of March 31, 2016, and for all periods presented. The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting. All adjustments made have been of a normal and recurring nature. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted. The Company believes that the disclosures included are adequate and provide a fair presentation of interim period results. Interim financial statements are not necessarily indicative of the financial position or operating results for an entire year. It is suggested that these interim financial statements be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto, together with management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC on February 12, 2016.

The results of communities and companies acquired are included in the condensed consolidated financial statements from the effective date of the respective acquisition. 

Principles of Consolidation

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Brookdale and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Investments in affiliated companies that the Company does not control, but has the ability to exercise significant influence over governance and operation, are accounted for by the equity method. The ownership interest of consolidated entities not wholly owned by the Company are presented as noncontrolling interests in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. Noncontrolling interest represents the share of consolidated entities owned by third parties. Noncontrolling interest is adjusted for the noncontrolling holder's share of additional contributions, distributions and the proportionate share of the net income or loss of each respective entity.

The Company continually evaluates its potential variable interest entity ("VIE") relationships under certain criteria as provided for in Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 810, Consolidation ("ASC 810").  ASC 810 broadly defines a VIE as an entity in which either (i) the equity investors as a group, if any, lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct the activities of such entity that most significantly impact such entity's economic performance or (ii) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support. The Company identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the entity. The Company performs this analysis on an ongoing basis and consolidates any VIEs for which the Company is determined to be the primary beneficiary. Refer to Note 13 for more information about the Company's VIE relationships.

Revenue Recognition

Resident Fees

Resident fee revenue is recorded when services are rendered and consists of fees for basic housing, support services and fees associated with additional services such as personalized health and assisted living care. Residency agreements are generally for a term of 30 days to one year, with resident fees billed monthly in advance. Revenue from certain skilled nursing services and ancillary charges is recognized as services are provided, and such fees are billed monthly in arrears.

Management Fees

Management fee revenue is recorded as services are provided to the owners of the communities. Revenues are determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined).

Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities

The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide for payment to the Company of a monthly management fee plus reimbursement of certain operating expenses. Where the Company is the primary obligor with respect to any such operating expenses, the Company recognizes revenue when the goods have been delivered or the service has been rendered and the Company is due reimbursement. Such revenue is included in "reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability approach which requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance reduces deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company has elected the "with-and-without approach" regarding ordering of windfall tax benefits to determine whether the windfall tax benefit did reduce taxes payable in the current year. Under this approach, the windfall tax benefits would be recognized in additional paid-in capital only if an incremental tax benefit is realized after considering all other tax benefits presently available.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability as of the measurement date. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The three levels are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Cash and cash equivalents and cash and escrow deposits – restricted are reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets at amounts considered by management to reasonably approximate fair value due to the short maturity.

The Company estimates the fair value of its debt using a discounted cash flow analysis based upon the Company's current borrowing rate for debt with similar maturities and collateral securing the indebtedness. The Company had outstanding debt (including the Company's secured credit facility but excluding capital and financing lease obligations) with a carrying value of approximately $3.9 billion as of both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Fair value of the debt approximates carrying value in all periods. The Company's fair value of debt disclosure is classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

Self-Insurance Liability Accruals

The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Although the Company maintains general liability and professional liability insurance policies for its owned, leased and managed communities under a master insurance program, the Company's current policies provide for deductibles for each and every claim. As a result, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than the deductible amounts. In addition, the Company maintains a high deductible workers compensation program and a self-insured employee medical program.

The Company reviews the adequacy of its accruals related to these liabilities on an ongoing basis, using historical claims, actuarial valuations, third-party administrator estimates, consultants, advice from legal counsel and industry data, and adjusts accruals periodically. Estimated costs related to these self-insurance programs are accrued based on known claims and projected claims incurred but not yet reported. Subsequent changes in actual experience are monitored, and estimates are updated as information becomes available.

Community Leases

The Company, as lessee, makes a determination with respect to each of its community leases as to whether each should be accounted for as an operating lease or capital lease. The classification criteria is based on estimates regarding the fair value of the leased community, minimum lease payments, effective cost of funds, the economic life of the community and certain other terms in the lease agreements. In a business combination, the Company assumes the lease classification previously determined by the prior lessee absent a modification, as determined by ASC 840, Leases ("ASC 840"), in the assumed lease agreement. Payments made under operating leases are accounted for in the Company's consolidated statements of operations as lease expense for actual rent paid plus or minus a straight-line adjustment for estimated minimum lease escalators and amortization of deferred gains in situations where sale-leaseback transactions have occurred.

For communities under capital lease and lease financing obligation arrangements, a liability is established on the Company's consolidated balance sheets representing the present value of the future minimum lease payments and a residual value for financing leases and a corresponding long-term asset is recorded in property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles in the consolidated balance sheets. For capital lease assets, the asset is depreciated over the remaining lease term unless there is a bargain purchase option in which case the asset is depreciated over the useful life. For financing lease assets, the asset is depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Leasehold improvements purchased during the term of the lease are amortized over the shorter of their economic life or the lease term.

All of the Company's leases contain fixed or formula-based rent escalators. To the extent that the escalator increases are tied to a fixed index or rate, lease payments are accounted for on a straight-line basis over the life of the lease. In addition, all rent-free or rent holiday periods are recognized in lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the rent holiday period.

Sale-leaseback accounting is applied to transactions in which an owned community is sold and leased back from the buyer if certain continuing involvement criteria are met. Under sale-leaseback accounting, the Company removes the community and related liabilities from the consolidated balance sheets. Gain on the sale is deferred and recognized as a reduction of facility lease expense for operating leases and a reduction of interest expense for capital leases.

For leases in which the Company is involved with the construction of the building, the Company accounts for the lease during the construction period under the provisions of ASC 840.  If the Company concludes that it has substantively all of the risks of ownership during construction of a leased property and therefore is deemed the owner of the project for accounting purposes, it records an asset and related financing obligation for the amount of total project costs related to construction in progress.  Once construction is complete, the Company considers the requirements under ASC 840-40.  If the arrangement qualifies for sale-leaseback accounting, the Company removes the assets and related liabilities from the consolidated balance sheets. If the arrangement does not qualify for sale-leaseback accounting, the Company continues to amortize the financing obligation and depreciate the assets over the lease term.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation: Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"). ASU 2016-09 is intended to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes and forfeitures, as well as the classification of awards and classification on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation: Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis ("ASU 2015-02"). ASU 2015-02 changes the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. ASU 2015-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company adopted ASU 2015-02 on January 1, 2016, and it did not have a material impact on the Company's condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 affects any entity that either enters into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enters into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets. Under ASU 2014-09, an entity will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects what it expects in exchange for the goods or services. The new standard will be effective for the Company beginning on January 1, 2018 and early adoption will be permitted beginning on January 1, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its condensed consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

Reclassifications

For the three months ended March 31, 2015, $5.3 million was reclassified between general and administrative expense and facility operating expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations. Certain other prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current financial statement presentation, with no effect on the Company's consolidated financial position or results of operations.

3.  Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding.  Diluted EPS includes the components of basic EPS and also gives effect to dilutive common stock equivalents.  For purposes of calculating basic and diluted earnings per share, vested restricted stock awards are considered outstanding. Under the treasury stock method, diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other instruments that are convertible into common stock were exercised or could result in the issuance of common stock.  Potentially dilutive common stock equivalents include unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units and convertible debt instruments and warrants.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company reported a consolidated net loss.  As a result of the net loss, unvested restricted stock, restricted stock units and convertible debt instruments and warrants were antidilutive for each period and were not included in the computation of diluted weighted average shares.  The weighted average restricted stock and restricted stock units excluded from the calculations of diluted net loss per share were 3.9 million and 4.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The calculation of diluted weighted average shares excludes the impact of conversion of the outstanding principal amount of $316.3 million of the Company's 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2018. As of March 31, 2016 and 2015, the maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of the notes is approximately 13.8 million (after giving effect to additional make-whole shares issuable upon conversion in connection with the occurrence of certain events); however it is the Company's current intent and policy to settle the principal amount of the notes in cash upon conversion. The maximum number of shares issuable upon conversion of the notes in excess of the amount of principal that would be settled in cash is approximately 3.0 million. In addition, the calculation of diluted weighted average shares excludes the impact of the exercise of warrants to acquire the Company's common stock. As of March 31, 2016 and 2015, the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the warrants was approximately 10.8 million.

4.  Acquisitions and Dispositions

2016 Community Dispositions

The Company designates communities as held for sale when it is probable that the properties will be sold. If appropriate, the Company records impairment losses and records these assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at the lesser of the carrying value and fair value less estimated selling costs. The Company allocates a portion of the goodwill of a reporting unit to the disposal groups if the disposal group constitutes a business. The Company determines the fair value of the communities based primarily on purchase and sale agreements from prospective purchasers (Level 2 input). The Company evaluates the fair value of the assets held for sale each period to determine if it has changed. The long-lived assets are not depreciated while classified as held for sale.

As of December 31, 2015, the Company identified 17 communities as held for sale. Impairment charges related to communities identified as held for sale as of December 31, 2015 totaled $15.2 million and were recognized as impairment expense in the fourth quarter of 2015 within the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company recognized $2.6 million of impairment charges related to communities identified as held for sale, primarily due to changes in the estimated fair value of the assets held for sale.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company sold seven of the communities previously classified as held for sale for an aggregate selling price of $46.7 million. The Company recorded a $2.7 million net gain on the sale of these communities within the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations. The results of operations of these communities were previously reported in the Assisted Living and CCRCs – Rental segments.

As of March 31, 2016, $65.9 million was recorded as assets held for sale and $60.8 million of mortgage debt was included in the current portion of long-term debt within the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet related to the remaining ten communities classified as held for sale. This debt will either be assumed by the prospective purchasers or be repaid with the proceeds from the sales. The sale of these communities is expected to occur in 2016, although there can be no assurance that the transactions will close or if they do, when the actual closing will occur. The results of operations of these communities classified as held for sale are reported in the Assisted Living segment within the condensed consolidated financial statements.

2015 Community Acquisitions

In February 2015, the Company acquired the underlying real estate associated with 15 communities that were previously leased for an aggregate purchase price of $268.6 million. The results of operations of these communities are reported in the Retirement Centers, Assisted Living, and CCRCs – Rental segments within the condensed consolidated financial statements. The fair value of the communities acquired was determined to approximate $187.2 million. The fair values of the property, plant and equipment of the acquired communities were determined utilizing a direct capitalization method considering stabilized facility operating income and market capitalization rates. These fair value measurements were based on current market conditions as of the acquisition date and are considered Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The range of capitalization rates utilized was 6.25% to 8.75%, depending upon the property type, geographical location, and the quality of the respective community. The Company recorded the difference between the amount paid and the estimated fair value of the communities acquired ($76.1 million) as a loss on facility lease termination on the condensed consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015, which includes the reversal of $5.3 million of deferred lease liabilities associated with the termination of the operating lease agreements. The payment for the termination of the lease agreements has been included within net cash provided by operating activities within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

5.  Stock-Based Compensation

The Company's compensation expense recorded in connection with grants of restricted stock reflects an initial estimated cumulative forfeiture rate from 0% to 20% over the requisite service period of the awards. That estimate is revised if subsequent information indicates that the actual number of awards expected to vest is likely to differ from previous estimates.

Current year grants of restricted stock under the Company's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan were as follows (amounts in thousands except for value per share):

6.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

The following is a summary of the carrying amount of goodwill as of March 31, 2016 and as of December 31, 2015 presented on an operating segment basis (dollars in thousands):

 

Goodwill is tested for impairment annually with a test date of October 1 or sooner if indicators of impairment are present.  The Company determined no impairment was necessary for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Factors the Company considers important in its analysis, which could trigger an impairment of such assets, include significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant negative industry or economic trends, a significant decline in the Company's stock price for a sustained period and a decline in its market capitalization below net book value. A change in anticipated operating results or the other metrics indicated above could necessitate further analysis of potential impairment at an interval prior to the Company's annual measurement date.

The following is a summary of other intangible assets at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

 

Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was $2.9 million and $3.1 million, respectively. Health care licenses were determined to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not subject to amortization. The community purchase options are not currently amortized, but will be added to the cost basis of the related communities if the option is exercised, and will then be depreciated over the estimated useful life of the community.

7.  Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles, Net

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net, which include assets under capital and financing leases, consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

Long-lived assets with definite useful lives are depreciated or amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives (or, in certain cases, the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the lease term) and are tested for impairment whenever indicators of impairment arise. The Company determined no impairment was necessary during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

8.  Debt

Long-term Debt and Capital and Financing Lease Obligations

Long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations consist of the following (dollars in thousands):

 

Credit Facilities

On December 19, 2014, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent, lender and swingline lender, and the other lenders from time to time parties thereto. The agreement provides for a total commitment amount of $500.0 million, comprised of a $100.0 million term loan drawn at closing and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility (with a $50.0 million sublimit for letters of credit and a $50.0 million swingline feature to permit same day borrowing) and an option to increase the revolving credit facility by an additional $250.0 million, subject to obtaining commitments for the amount of such increase from acceptable lenders. The maturity date is January 3, 2020, and amounts drawn under the facility bear interest at 90-day LIBOR plus an applicable margin from a range of 2.50% to 3.50%. The applicable margin varies based on the percentage of the total commitment drawn, with a 2.50% margin at utilization equal to or lower than 35%, a 3.25% margin at utilization greater than 35% but less than or equal to 50%, and a 3.50% margin at utilization greater than 50%. The quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility is 0.25% per annum when the outstanding amount of obligations (including revolving credit, swingline and term loans and letter of credit obligations) is greater than or equal to 50% of the total commitment amount or 0.35% per annum when such outstanding amount is less than 50% of the total commitment amount.

Amounts drawn on the facility may be used to finance acquisitions, fund working capital and capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes.

The facility is secured by a first priority mortgage on certain of the Company's communities. In addition, the agreement permits the Company to pledge the equity interests in subsidiaries that own other communities (rather than mortgaging such communities), provided that loan availability from pledged assets cannot exceed 10% of loan availability from mortgaged assets. The availability under the line will vary from time to time as it is based on borrowing base calculations related to the appraised value and performance of the communities securing the facility.

The agreement contains typical affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants with respect to minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage and minimum consolidated tangible net worth. A violation of any of these covenants could result in a default under the credit agreement, which would result in termination of all commitments under the agreement and all amounts owing under the agreement and certain other loan agreements becoming immediately due and payable and/or trigger cross default provisions in our other outstanding debt and lease agreements.

As of March 31, 2016, the outstanding balance under this credit facility was $210.0 million. Additionally, there were $24.2 million of letters of credit outstanding under this credit facility. In addition to the sublimit for letters of credit on this credit facility, the Company also had separate secured and unsecured letter of credit facilities of up to $64.5 million in the aggregate as of March 31, 2016. Letters of credit totaling $62.5 million had been issued under these separate facilities as of that date.

2016 Financings

In March 2016, the Company obtained a $100.0 million supplemental loan, secured by first mortgages on ten communities. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.20% and matures on January 1, 2023. Proceeds from the loan were utilized to pay down the outstanding balance of the credit facility.

As of March 31, 2016, the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its outstanding debt and lease agreements.

9.  Litigation

The Company has been and is currently involved in litigation and claims incidental to the conduct of its business which are comparable to other companies in the senior living industry. Certain claims and lawsuits allege large damage amounts and may require significant costs to defend and resolve. Similarly, the senior living industry is continuously subject to scrutiny by governmental regulators, which could result in litigation related to regulatory compliance matters. As a result, the Company maintains general liability and professional liability insurance policies in amounts and with coverage and deductibles the Company believes are adequate, based on the nature and risks of its business, historical experience and industry standards. The Company's current policies provide for deductibles for each claim. Accordingly, the Company is, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than the deductible amounts.

10.  Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

11.  Facility Operating Leases

The following table provides a summary of facility lease expense and the impact of straight-line adjustment and amortization of (above) below market rents and deferred gains (dollars in thousands):

12.  Income Taxes

The difference in the Company's effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was due to an increase in the valuation allowance against the Company's deferred tax assets recorded in 2016 and the negative tax benefit on the vesting of restricted stock, a direct result of the Company's lower stock price during the three months ended March 31, 2016. The Company determined that the additional valuation allowance was required after consideration of the Company's future reversal of estimated timing differences. The Company recorded a deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $13.2 million as a result of the operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016, which was off-set by an increase in the valuation allowance of $14.2 million. The Company recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $79.2 million as a result of the operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The Company evaluates its deferred tax assets each quarter to determine if a valuation allowance is required based on whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset would not be realized. The Company's valuation allowance as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is $135.8 million and $121.6 million, respectively.

The Company's current tax expense continues to mainly reflect its cash tax position for states that do not allow for or have suspended the use of net operating losses for the period.

The Company recorded interest charges related to its tax contingency reserve for cash tax positions for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 which are included in income tax expense or benefit for the period. Tax returns for years 2012 through 2014 are subject to future examination by tax authorities. In addition, the net operating losses from prior years are subject to adjustment under examination.

13.  Variable Interest Entities

At March 31, 2016, the Company has equity interests in unconsolidated VIEs. The Company has determined that it does not have the power to direct the activities of the VIEs that most significantly impact the VIEs' economic performance and is not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs in accordance with ASC 810. The Company's interests in the VIEs are, therefore, accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

The Company holds a 51% equity interest, and HCP, Inc. ("HCP") owns a 49% interest, in a venture that owns and operates entry fee CCRCs (the "CCRC Venture"). The CCRC Venture's opco has been identified as a VIE. The equity members of the CCRC Venture's opco share certain operating rights, and the Company acts as manager to the CCRC Venture opco. However, the Company does not consolidate this VIE because it does not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact this VIE's economic performance. The assets of the CCRC Venture opco primarily consist of the CCRCs that it owns and leases, resident fees receivable, notes receivable and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the CCRC Venture opco primarily consist of community lease obligations, mortgage debt, accounts payable, accrued expenses and refundable entrance fees. Assets generated by the CCRC operations (primarily rents from CCRC residents) of the CCRC Venture opco may only be used to settle its contractual obligations (primarily the rental costs and operating expenses incurred to operate the communities).

The Company holds an equity ownership interest in each of the propco and opco of three ventures ("RIDEA Ventures") that operate senior housing communities in a RIDEA structure. The Company's equity ownership interest is 10% for two of the ventures and 20% for one venture. HCP owns the remaining 90% and 80% equity ownership interests in the RIDEA Ventures. The RIDEA Ventures have been identified as VIEs. The equity members of the RIDEA Ventures share certain operating rights, and the Company acts as manager to the opcos of the RIDEA Ventures. However, the Company does not consolidate these VIEs because it does not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these VIEs. The assets of the RIDEA Ventures primarily consist of the senior housing communities that it owns, resident fees receivable, and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the RIDEA Ventures primarily consist of notes payable to HCP, accounts payable and accrued expenses. Assets generated by the operations of the senior housing communities (primarily rents from senior housing residents) of the RIDEA Ventures may only be used to settle its contractual obligations (primarily the notes payable and operating expenses incurred to operate the communities).

The carrying value and classification of the related assets, liabilities and maximum exposure to loss as a result of the Company's involvement with these VIEs are summarized below at March 31, 2016 (in millions):

As of March 31, 2016, the Company is not required to provide financial support, through a liquidity arrangement or otherwise, to its unconsolidated VIEs.

14.  Segment Information

As of March 31, 2016, the Company has five reportable segments: Retirement Centers; Assisted Living; CCRCs – Rental; Brookdale Ancillary Services; and Management Services. Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses; for which separate financial information is available; and whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to assess the performance of the individual segment and make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment.

Retirement Centers.  The Company's Retirement Centers segment includes owned or leased communities that are primarily designed for middle to upper income seniors generally age 75 and older who desire an upscale residential environment providing the highest quality of service. The majority of the Company's retirement center communities consist of both independent living and assisted living units in a single community, which allows residents to "age-in-place" by providing them with a continuum of senior independent and assisted living services.

Assisted Living.  The Company's Assisted Living segment includes owned or leased communities that offer housing and 24-hour assistance with activities of daily life to mid-acuity frail and elderly residents. Assisted living communities include both freestanding, multi-story communities and freestanding single story communities. The Company also operates memory care communities, which are freestanding assisted living communities specially designed for residents with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

CCRCs - Rental.  The Company's CCRCs - Rental segment includes large owned or leased communities that offer a variety of living arrangements and services to accommodate all levels of physical ability and health. Most of the Company's CCRCs have independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing available on one campus or within the immediate market, and some also include memory care/Alzheimer's units.

Brookdale Ancillary Services. The Company's Brookdale Ancillary Services segment includes the outpatient therapy, home health and hospice services provided to residents of many of the Company's communities, to other senior living communities that the Company does not own or operate and to seniors living outside of the Company's communities. The Brookdale Ancillary Services segment does not include the therapy services provided in the Company's skilled nursing units, which are included in the Company's CCRCs - Rental segment.

Management Services.  The Company's Management Services segment includes communities operated by the Company pursuant to management agreements. In some of the cases, the controlling financial interest in the community is held by third parties and, in other cases, the community is owned in a venture structure in which the Company has an ownership interest. Under the management agreements for these communities, the Company receives management fees as well as reimbursed expenses, which represent the reimbursement of expenses it incurs on behalf of the owners.

The accounting policies of the Company's reportable segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 2.

The following table sets forth certain segment financial and operating data (dollars in thousands):

(1)	All revenue is earned from external third parties in the United States.

(2)	Management services segment revenue includes reimbursements for which the Company is the primary obligor of costs incurred on behalf of managed communities.

(3)	Segment operating income is defined as segment revenues less segment facility operating expenses (excluding depreciation and amortization).

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Those forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties and include all statements that are not historical statements of fact and those regarding our intent, belief or expectations, including, but not limited to, statements relating to our operational, sales, marketing and branding initiatives and growth strategies and our expectations regarding their effect on our results; our expectations regarding the economy, the senior living industry, occupancy, pricing, revenue, cash flow, operating income, expenses, capital expenditures, Program Max opportunities, the integration of Emeritus, cost savings and synergies, liquidity and leverage, senior housing supply, the demand for senior housing, the home resale market, expansion, development and construction activity, acquisition opportunities, asset dispositions, our share repurchase program, taxes, capital deployment, returns on invested capital and Cash From Facility Operations; our expectations regarding returns to shareholders and our growth prospects; our expectations concerning the future performance of recently acquired communities and the effects of acquisitions on our financial results; our ability to secure financing or repay, replace or extend existing debt at or prior to maturity; our ability to remain in compliance with all of our debt and lease agreements (including the financial covenants contained therein); our expectations regarding financings and refinancings of assets (including the timing thereof) and their effect on our results; our expectations regarding changes in government reimbursement programs and their effect on our results; our plans to generate growth organically through occupancy improvements, increases in annual rental rates and the achievement of operating efficiencies and cost savings; our plans to expand our offering of ancillary services (therapy, home health, personalized living and hospice); our plans to expand, renovate, redevelop and reposition existing communities; our plans to acquire additional communities, asset portfolios, operating companies and home health agencies; the expected project costs for our expansion, redevelopment and repositioning program; our expected levels of expenditures and reimbursements (and the timing thereof); our expectations for the performance of our entrance fee communities; our ability to anticipate, manage and address industry trends and their effect on our business; our expectations regarding the payment of dividends; and our ability to increase revenues, earnings, Adjusted EBITDA, Cash From Facility Operations, and/or Facility Operating Income (as such terms are defined in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q). Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "potential," "intend," "expect," "endeavor," "seek," "anticipate," "estimate," "overestimate," "underestimate," "believe," "project," "predict," "continue," "plan," "target" or other similar words or expressions. Although we believe that expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, we can give no assurance that our expectations will be attained and actual results and performance could differ materially from those projected. Factors which could have a material adverse effect on our operations and future prospects or which could cause events or circumstances to differ from the forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, the risk associated with the current global economic situation and its impact upon capital markets and liquidity; changes in governmental reimbursement programs; our inability to extend (or refinance) debt (including our credit and letter of credit facilities and our outstanding convertible notes) as it matures; the risk that we may not be able to satisfy the conditions precedent to exercising the extension options associated with certain of our debt agreements; events which adversely affect the ability of seniors to afford our monthly resident fees or entrance fees; the conditions of housing markets in certain geographic areas; our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to cover required interest and long-term operating lease payments; the effect of our indebtedness and long-term operating leases on our liquidity; the risk of loss of property pursuant to our mortgage debt and long-term lease obligations; the possibilities that changes in the capital markets, including changes in interest rates and/or credit spreads, or other factors could make financing more expensive or unavailable to us; our determination from time to time to purchase any shares under the repurchase program; our ability to fund any repurchases; our ability to effectively manage our growth; our ability to maintain consistent quality control; delays in obtaining regulatory approvals; the risk that we may not be able to expand, redevelop and reposition our communities in accordance with our plans; our ability to complete acquisitions and dispositions; our ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, including our acquisition of Emeritus; competition for the acquisition of assets; our ability to obtain additional capital on terms acceptable to us; a decrease in the overall demand for senior housing; our vulnerability to economic downturns; acts of nature in certain geographic areas; terminations of our resident agreements and vacancies in the living spaces we lease; early terminations or non-renewal of management agreements; increased competition for skilled personnel; increased union activity; departure of our key officers; increases in market interest rates; environmental contamination at any of our communities; failure to comply with existing environmental laws; an adverse determination or resolution of complaints filed against us; the cost and difficulty of complying with increasing and evolving regulation; and the inability to obtain, or delays in obtaining, cost savings and synergies from the Emeritus acquisition; as well as other risks detailed from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including those set forth under "Item 1A. Risk Factors" included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. When considering forward-looking statements, you should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in such SEC filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements, which reflect our management's views as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements, and we expressly disclaim any obligation to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Executive Overview

As of March 31, 2016, we are the largest operator of senior living communities in the United States based on total capacity, with 1,121 communities in 47 states and the ability to serve approximately 108,000 residents. We offer our residents access to a full continuum of services across the most attractive sectors of the senior living industry. As of March 31, 2016, we operated in five business segments: Retirement Centers, Assisted Living, Continuing Care Retirement Centers ("CCRCs") - Rental, Brookdale Ancillary Services and Management Services.

We believe that we are positioned to take advantage of favorable demographic trends and future supply-demand dynamics in the senior living industry. We also believe that we operate in the most attractive sectors of the senior living industry with opportunities to increase our revenues through providing a combination of housing, hospitality services, ancillary services and health care services. Our senior living communities offer residents a supportive "home-like" setting, assistance with activities of daily living (such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and transferring/walking) and, in certain communities, licensed skilled nursing services. We also provide ancillary services, including therapy and home health services, to our residents. Our strategy is to be the leading provider of senior living solutions, built on a large and growing senior housing platform. By providing residents with a range of service options as their needs change, we provide greater continuity of care, enabling seniors to "age-in-place" and thereby maintain residency with us for a longer period of time. The ability of residents to age-in-place is also beneficial to our residents and their families who are concerned with care decisions for their elderly relatives.

We believe that there are organic growth opportunities inherent in our existing portfolio. We intend to take advantage of those opportunities by growing revenues, while maintaining expense control, at our existing communities, continuing the expansion and maturation of our ancillary services programs, expanding, renovating, redeveloping and repositioning our existing communities, and acquiring additional operating companies and communities.

On July 31, 2014, we acquired Emeritus Corporation ("Emeritus"), a senior living service provider focused on operating residential style communities throughout the United States, for approximately $3.0 billion consisting of the issuance of our stock with a fair value of approximately $1.6 billion and our assumption of approximately $1.4 billion aggregate principal amount of existing mortgage indebtedness. At the closing of the merger, the size of our consolidated portfolio increased by 493 communities, 182 of which were owned and 311 of which were subject to leases that we directly or indirectly assumed in the merger. The Emeritus communities provide independent living, assisted living, memory care and, to a lesser extent, skilled nursing care. The merger significantly increased our scale and provides us the opportunity to leverage this scale to build our national brand and provide greater organic growth, achieve greater operating efficiencies, and drive new innovations to serve our residents. In addition, the merger provided us entry into 10 new states and significantly increased our presence in many high-population states, especially in the west and northeast. Enhanced geographic coverage and density is a contributing factor to our ability to increase our operating efficiencies and may provide additional opportunities for growth from markets with clusters of assets. The merger also enables us to expand our therapy, home health and hospice ancillary programs into the Emeritus communities and accelerate the introduction of Emeritus' Nurse on Call home health services into our major markets. The results of Emeritus' operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements subsequent to the acquisition date.

Since the closing of our acquisition of Emeritus, we have executed on our plans to integrate legacy Emeritus locations into our systems and infrastructure platform as rapidly as prudently possible.  In 2015, we completed the final cutover waves of integration activities and have a common system and infrastructure platform in place.  We continue to reinforce and refine our operating model and certain processes during 2016.

During the year ended December 31, 2015, we identified 34 owned communities as assets held for sale, with 17 of these communities being sold for an aggregate selling price of approximately $82.9 million during the year ended December 31, 2015. The communities were identified as non-core assets that do not fit our long-term strategy. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company sold seven of these communities previously classified as held for sale for an aggregate selling price of $46.7 million. The sale of the remaining ten communities is expected in 2016, although there can be no assurance that the transactions will close or if they do, when the actual closing will occur.

We increased our liquidity position by $107.3 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016. Our total liquidity was $301.9 million as of March 31, 2016, including $70.9 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $231.0 million of availability on our secured credit facility. Proceeds from asset sales, community financings and cash flows from operations reduced the outstanding balance on our line of credit to $210.0 million.

As part of our strategic capital allocation growth strategy, we initially projected net capital expenditures of $255.0 to $265.0 million for 2016, excluding recurring capital expenditures included in Cash From Facility Operations.  During the three months ended March 31, 2016, and in an effort to grow our free cash flow, we further refined our strategic capital allocation plans for 2016 by reducing our anticipated net capital expenditures, excluding recurring capital expenditures included in Cash From Facility Operations, by $40.0 to $50.0 million.

The table below presents a summary of our operating results and certain other financial metrics for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 and the amount and percentage of increase or decrease of each applicable item (dollars in millions).

Adjusted EBITDA, Cash From Facility Operations and Facility Operating Income are non-GAAP financial measures we use in evaluating our financial and operating performance. See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" below for an explanation of how we define each of these measures, a detailed description of why we believe such measures are useful and the limitations of each measure, and a reconciliation of each of the non-GAAP measures to net income (loss).

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, total revenues increased to $1.3 billion, an increase of $15.3 million, or 1.2%, over our total revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Resident fees for the three months ended March 31, 2016 increased $8.9 million, or 0.8%, from the three months ended March 31, 2015. Management fees increased $1.7 million, or 11.1%, from the three months ended March 31, 2015, and reimbursed costs on behalf of managed communities increased $4.7 million, or 2.6%. The increase in resident fees during the three months ended March 31, 2016 was primarily a result of a 4.2% increase in senior housing average monthly revenue per unit compared to the prior year period. The increase was partially offset by the impact of disposition activity since the prior year period and a 190 basis point decrease in weighted average occupancy in the 934 communities we owned or leased during both full periods.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, facility operating expenses were $715.9 million, an increase of $19.0 million, or 2.7%, as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was ($48.8) million, or $(0.26) per basic and diluted common share, compared to net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders of ($130.5) million, or $(0.71) per basic and diluted common share, for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, our Adjusted EBITDA, Cash From Facility Operations and Facility Operating Income decreased by 1.8%, 2.2% and 2.9%, respectively, when compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015. Adjusted EBITDA includes integration, transaction, transaction-related and strategic project costs of $20.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $27.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Cash From Facility Operations includes integration, transaction, transaction-related and strategic project costs of $20.9 million (including $1.0 million of debt modification costs excluded from Adjusted EBITDA) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and $27.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Consolidated Results of Operations

Three Months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, statement of operations items and the amount and percentage of change of these items. The results of operations for any particular period are not necessarily indicative of results for any future period. The following data should be read in conjunction with our condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which are included in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

As of March 31, 2016 our total operations included 1,121 communities with a capacity to serve 108,315 residents.

 

(1)	Management services segment revenue includes management fees and reimbursements for which we are the primary obligor of costs incurred on behalf of managed communities.

 

(2)	Period end units operated excludes equity homes.  Weighted average units operated represents the average units operated during the period, excluding equity homes.

 

(3)	Senior Housing average monthly revenue per unit represents the average of the total monthly resident fee revenues, excluding amortization of entrance fees and Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue, divided by average occupied units.

Resident Fees

Resident fee revenue increased $8.9 million, or 0.8%, over the prior year period primarily as a result of an increase in the average monthly revenue per unit compared to the prior year period. During the current period, revenues grew 1.5% at the 934 communities we owned or leased during both full periods with a 3.7% increase in the average monthly revenue per unit (excluding amortization of entrance fees in both instances). The increase was partially offset by the impact of disposition activity since the prior year period and a 190 basis point decrease in weighted average occupancy in the 934 communities we owned or leased during both full periods.

Retirement Centers segment revenue increased $5.9 million, or 3.6%, primarily due to an increase in average monthly revenue per unit at the communities we operated during both full periods. The increase was partially offset by the impact of disposition activity since the prior year period as well as a decrease in occupancy at the communities we operated during both full periods.

Assisted Living segment revenue decreased $0.1 million, primarily due to the impact of disposition and lease termination activity since the prior year period as well as a decrease in occupancy at the communities we operated during both full periods. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in average monthly revenue per unit at the communities we operated during both full periods.

CCRCs - Rental segment revenue decreased $3.7 million, or 2.4%, primarily due to the impact of disposition activity since the prior year period as well as a decrease in occupancy at the communities we operated during both full periods. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in average monthly revenue per unit at the communities we operated during both full periods.

Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue increased $6.8 million, or 5.9%, primarily due to an increase in home health average census and the roll-out of our home health and hospice services to additional units subsequent to the prior year period. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in therapy service volume.

Management Services Revenue

Management Services segment revenue, including management fees and reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities, increased $6.4 million, or 3.3%, primarily due to additional costs incurred on behalf of managed communities resulting from increases in salaries and wages and other facility operating expenses at the communities operated in both periods.

Facility Operating Expense

Facility operating expense increased over the prior year period primarily due to an increase in salaries and wages arising from rate increases and an extra day of expense due to the leap year. The increase was partially offset by the impact of disposition activity since the prior year period.

Retirement Centers segment operating expenses increased $2.0 million, or 2.2%, primarily driven by an increase in salaries and wages arising from wage rate increases. The increase was partially offset by disposition activity since the prior year period.

Assisted Living segment operating expenses increased $2.6 million, or 0.7%, primarily driven by an increase in salaries and wages arising from wage rate increases. The increase was partially offset by disposition and lease termination activity since the prior year period.

CCRCs - Rental segment operating expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 0.5%, primarily driven by disposition activity since the prior year period. The decrease was partially offset by increases in salaries and wages due to wage rate increases.

Brookdale Ancillary Services segment operating expenses increased $15.0 million, or 16.2%, primarily due to expense increases in connection with higher census and increased salaries and wage expense as additional employees were hired to roll out services to communities acquired as part of the Emeritus transaction.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense increased $3.1 million, or 3.5%, over the prior year period primarily as a result of an increase in strategic project costs. Strategic project costs include costs associated with certain strategic projects related to refining the Company's strategy, building out enterprise-wide capabilities for the post-merger platform (including the electronic medical records ("EMR") roll-out project) and reducing costs and achieving synergies by capitalizing on scale.

Transaction Costs

Transaction costs for the three months ended March 31, 2015 were $6.7 million. Transaction costs in the prior year period are primarily related to direct costs related to acquisition and community leasing activity.

Facility Lease Expense

Facility lease expense increased $2.2 million, or 2.3%, primarily due to annual rent increases.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $93.3 million, or 42.3%, primarily due to amortization of in-place lease intangibles acquired as part of our acquisition of Emeritus reaching full amortization subsequent to the prior year period.

Asset Impairment

Asset impairment for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was $3.4 million primarily due to a decrease in the estimated selling price of assets held for sale.

Loss on Facility Lease Termination

A loss on facility lease termination of $76.1 million was recognized during the three months ended March 31, 2015 for the difference between the amount paid to acquire the underlying real estate associated with 15 communities that were previously leased and the estimated fair value of the communities, net of the deferred lease liabilities previously recognized.

Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities

Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities increased $4.7 million, or 2.6%, primarily due to additional costs incurred on behalf of managed communities resulting from increases in salaries and wages and other facility operating expenses at the communities operated in both full periods.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased $0.4 million, or 0.4%, primarily due to interest paid on our credit facility.

Income Taxes

The difference in our effective tax rates for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 was primarily due to recording a valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets and the impact of the negative tax benefit recorded on the vesting of restricted stock during the three months ended March 31, 2016. We recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $13.2 million as a result of the operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2016, which was off-set by an increase in the valuation allowance of $14.2 million. We recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $79.2 million as a result of the operating loss for the three months ended March 31, 2015.  We evaluate our deferred tax assets each quarter to determine if a valuation allowance is required based on whether it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset would not be realized.  Our valuation allowance as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 is $135.8 million and $121.6 million, respectively.

We recorded interest charges related to our tax contingency reserve for cash tax positions for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 which are included in income tax expense (benefit) for the period.  Tax returns for years 2012 through 2014 are subject to future examination by tax authorities.  In addition, the net operating losses from prior years are subject to adjustment under examination.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following is a summary of cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands):

The increase in cash provided by operating activities of $60.3 million was attributable primarily to the payment of $81.4 million of cash during the prior year period to terminate 15 community leases upon the acquisition of the underlying real estate associated with the communities.

The decrease in cash used in investing activities of $156.8 million was primarily attributable to the acquisition of assets related to our acquisition of 15 previously leased communities in the prior year period.

The change in cash (used in) provided by financing activities period over period was primarily attributable to the proceeds from draws on our secured credit facility in connection with certain acquisitions during the prior year period.

Our principal sources of liquidity have historically been from:

•	cash balances on hand;

•	cash flows from operations;

•	proceeds from our credit facilities;

•	funds generated through unconsolidated venture arrangements;

•	proceeds from mortgage financing, refinancing of various assets or sale-leaseback transactions; and

•	funds raised in the debt or equity markets and proceeds from the selective disposition of underperforming and/or non-core assets.

Over the longer-term, we expect to continue to fund our business through these principal sources of liquidity.

Our liquidity requirements have historically arisen from:

•	working capital;

•	operating costs such as employee compensation and related benefits, general and administrative expense and supply costs;

•	debt service and lease payments;

•	acquisition consideration and transaction and integration costs;

•	capital expenditures and improvements, including the expansion, renovation, redevelopment and repositioning of our current communities and the development of new communities;

•	cash collateral required to be posted in connection with our financial instruments;

•	purchases of common stock under our share repurchase authorizations;

•	other corporate initiatives (including integration, information systems, branding and other strategic projects); and

•	prior to 2009, dividend payments.

Over the near-term, we expect that our liquidity requirements will primarily arise from:

•	working capital;

•	operating costs such as employee compensation and related benefits, general and administrative expense and supply costs;

•	debt service and lease payments;

•	acquisition consideration and transaction and integration costs;

•	capital expenditures and improvements, including the expansion, renovation, redevelopment and repositioning of our existing communities;

•	cash funding needs of our unconsolidated ventures for operating, capital expenditure and financing needs; and

•	other corporate initiatives (including information systems and other strategic projects).

We are highly leveraged and have significant debt and lease obligations. As of March 31, 2016, we have three principal corporate-level debt obligations: our $500.0 million secured credit facility, our $316.3 million 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2018, and our separate secured and unsecured letter of credit facilities providing for up to $64.5 million of letters of credit in the aggregate. The remainder of our indebtedness is generally comprised of approximately $3.3 billion of non-recourse property-level mortgage financings as of March 31, 2016.

At March 31, 2016, we had $3.9 billion of debt outstanding, including $210.0 million drawn on our secured credit facility and excluding capital and financing lease obligations, at a weighted-average interest rate of 4.8% (calculated using an imputed interest rate of 7.5% for our 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2018). At March 31, 2016, we had $2.5 billion of capital and financing lease obligations and $86.7 million of letters of credit had been issued under our letter of credit facilities. Approximately $275.7 million of our debt and capital and financing lease obligations are included in current liabilities within our condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2016. The current portion of long-term debt includes $60.8 million of mortgage debt related to ten communities classified as held for sale. This debt will either be assumed by the prospective purchasers or be repaid with the proceeds from the sales. We also have substantial operating lease obligations and capital expenditure requirements. For the year ending March 31, 2017, we will be required to make approximately $391.6 million of payments in connection with our existing operating leases.

At March 31, 2016, we had $388.4 million of negative working capital. We had $70.9 million of cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2016, excluding cash and escrow deposits-restricted and lease security deposits of $111.4 million in the aggregate. As of that date, we also had $231.0 million of availability on our secured credit facility. Due to the nature of our business, it is not unusual to operate in the position of negative working capital because we collect revenues much more quickly, often in advance, than we are required to pay obligations, and we have historically refinanced or extended maturities of debt obligations as they become current liabilities. Our operations result in a very low level of current assets primarily stemming from our deployment of cash to pursue strategic business development opportunities or to pay down long-term liabilities. 

Investments in our current portfolio are comprised of recurring capital expenditures and other major projects (including corporate initiatives). These major projects include unusual or non-recurring capital projects, projects which create new or enhanced economics, such as major renovations or reposition projects at our communities, integration related expenditures (including the cost of developing information systems), and expenditures supporting the expansion of our ancillary services programs.

Through our Program Max initiative, we intend to expand, renovate, redevelop and reposition certain of our communities where economically advantageous. Certain of our communities may benefit from additions and expansions or from adding a new level of service for residents to meet the evolving needs of our customers. These Program Max projects include converting space from one level of care to another, reconfiguration of existing units, the addition of services that are not currently present or physical plant modifications. We currently have nine Program Max projects that have been approved, most of which have begun construction and are expected to generate 240 net new units.

As part of our strategic capital allocation growth strategy, we initially projected net capital expenditures of $255.0 to $265.0 million for 2016, excluding recurring capital expenditures included in Cash From Facility Operations.  During the three months ended March 31, 2016, and in an effort to grow our free cash flow, we further refined our strategic capital allocation plans for 2016 by reducing our anticipated net capital expenditures, excluding recurring capital expenditures included in Cash From Facility Operations, by $40.0 to $50.0 million. The following table summarizes our actual capital expenditures for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as well as our anticipated capital expenditures for the year ended December 31, 2016 for our consolidated communities (dollars in millions):

(1)	Payments are included in Cash From Facility Operations.

 

(2)

Includes EBITDA-enhancing projects (primarily community renovations and apartment upgrades) and other major building infrastructure projects. Amount shown for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is the amount invested, net of third party lessor funding of $7.0 million. Anticipated amounts shown for 2016 are amounts invested or anticipated to be invested, net of approximately $19.0 million to $22.0 million of lessor reimbursements received or anticipated to be received.

 

(3)

Includes community expansions and major repositioning or upgrade projects.  Also includes de novo community developments.  Amount shown for the three months ended March 31, 2016 is the amount invested, net of third party lessor funding of $8.8 million. Anticipated amounts shown for 2016 are amounts invested or anticipated to be invested, net of approximately $35.0 million to $38.0 million of lessor reimbursements received or anticipated to be received.

(4)	Corporate, integration and other includes capital expenditures for information technology systems and equipment and expenditures supporting the expansion of our support platform and ancillary services programs.

During 2016, we anticipate that our capital expenditures will be funded from cash on hand, cash flows from operations, lessor reimbursements in the amount of $63.0 million to $71.0 million, amounts drawn on construction loans and amounts drawn on our secured credit facility.

As opportunities arise, we plan to selectively purchase existing operating companies, asset portfolios, home health agencies and communities. We may also seek to acquire the fee interest in communities that we currently lease or manage. We expect to continue to assess our financing alternatives periodically and access the capital markets opportunistically. If our existing resources are insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, or if we enter into an acquisition or strategic arrangement with another company, we may need to sell additional equity or debt securities. Any such sale of additional equity securities will dilute the interests of our existing stockholders, and we cannot be certain that additional public or private financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If we are unable to obtain this additional financing, we may be required to delay, reduce the scope of, or eliminate one or more aspects of our business development activities, any of which could reduce the growth of our business.

We currently estimate that our existing cash flows from operations, together with cash on hand, amounts available under our secured credit facility and, to a lesser extent, proceeds from anticipated financings and refinancings of various assets, will be sufficient to fund our liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months, assuming a relatively stable macroeconomic environment.

Our actual liquidity and capital funding requirements depend on numerous factors, including our operating results, the actual level of capital expenditures, our expansion, development and acquisition activity, general economic conditions and the cost of capital. Shortfalls in cash flows from operating results or other principal sources of liquidity may have an adverse impact on our ability to execute our business and growth strategies. Volatility in the credit and financial markets may also have an adverse impact on our liquidity by making it more difficult for us to obtain financing or refinancing. As a result, this may impact our ability to grow our business, maintain capital spending levels, expand certain communities, or execute other aspects of our business strategy. In order to continue some of these activities at historical or planned levels, we may incur additional indebtedness or lease financing to provide additional funding. There can be no assurance that any such additional financing will be available or on terms that are acceptable to us.

Credit Facilities

On December 19, 2014, we entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent, lender and swingline lender, and the other lenders from time to time parties thereto. The agreement provides for a total commitment amount of $500.0 million, comprised of a $100.0 million term loan drawn at closing and a $400.0 million revolving credit facility (with a $50.0 million sublimit for letters of credit and a $50.0 million swingline feature to permit same day borrowing) and an option to increase the revolving credit facility by an additional $250.0 million, subject to obtaining commitments for the amount of such increase from acceptable lenders. The maturity date is January 3, 2020, and amounts drawn under the facility bear interest at 90-day LIBOR plus an applicable margin from a range of 2.50% to 3.50%. The applicable margin varies based on the percentage of the total commitment drawn, with a 2.50% margin at utilization equal to or lower than 35%, a 3.25% margin at utilization greater than 35% but less than or equal to 50%, and a 3.50% margin at utilization greater than 50%. The quarterly commitment fee on the unused portion of the facility is 0.25% per annum when the outstanding amount of obligations (including revolving credit, swingline and term loans and letter of credit obligations) is greater than or equal to 50% of the total commitment amount or 0.35% per annum when such outstanding amount is less than 50% of the total commitment amount.

Amounts drawn on the facility may be used to finance acquisitions, fund working capital and capital expenditures and for other general corporate purposes.

The facility is secured by first priority mortgages on certain of our communities. In addition, the agreement permits us to pledge the equity interests in subsidiaries that own other communities (rather than mortgaging such communities), provided that loan availability from pledged assets cannot exceed 10% of loan availability from mortgaged assets. The availability under the line will vary from time to time as it is based on borrowing base calculations related to the appraised value and performance of the communities securing the facility.

The agreement contains typical affirmative and negative covenants, including financial covenants with respect to minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage and minimum consolidated tangible net worth. A violation of any of these covenants could result in a default under the amended credit agreement, which would result in termination of all commitments under the agreement and all amounts owing under the agreement and certain other loan agreements becoming immediately due and payable and/or trigger cross-default provisions in our other outstanding debt and lease documents.

As of March 31, 2016, we had $210.0 million drawn, $24.2 million of letters of credit outstanding and $231.0 million of availability on our secured credit facility. We also had separate secured and unsecured letter of credit facilities of up to $64.5 million in the aggregate as of March 31, 2016. Letters of credit totaling $62.5 million had been issued under these separate facilities as of that date.

As of March 31, 2016, we are in compliance with the financial covenants of our outstanding debt and lease agreements.

Contractual Commitments

Significant ongoing commitments consist primarily of leases, debt, purchase commitments and certain other long-term liabilities. For a summary and complete presentation and description of our ongoing commitments and contractual obligations, see the "Contractual Commitments" section of Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015 filed with the SEC on February 12, 2016.

There have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in our contractual commitments during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 31, 2016, we do not have an interest in any "off-balance sheet arrangements" (as defined in Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K) that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

We own interests in certain unconsolidated ventures as described under Note 13 to the condensed consolidated financial statements. Except in limited circumstances, our risk of loss is limited to our investment in each venture. We also own interests in certain other unconsolidated ventures that are not considered variable interest entities. The equity method of accounting has been applied in the accompanying financial statements with respect to our investment in unconsolidated ventures.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains financial measures utilized by management to evaluate our financial and operating performance that are not calculated in accordance with GAAP.  Each of these measures, Adjusted EBITDA, Cash From Facility Operations ("CFFO"), and Facility Operating Income, should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a substitute for net income (loss), income (loss) from operations, cash flows provided by or used in operations, or other financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP.  We use these non-GAAP financial measures to supplement our GAAP results in order to provide a more complete understanding of the factors and trends affecting our business.  We strongly urge you to review the reconciliations of such measures from GAAP net income (loss), along with our consolidated financial statements included herein.  We also strongly urge you not to rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.  We caution investors that amounts presented in accordance with our definitions of Adjusted EBITDA, CFFO, and Facility Operating Income may not be comparable to similar measures disclosed by other companies, because not all companies calculate these non-GAAP measures in the same manner.

Adjusted EBITDA

Definition of Adjusted EBITDA

We define Adjusted EBITDA as follows:

Net income (loss) before:

•	provision (benefit) for income taxes;

•	non-operating (income) expense items;

•	depreciation and amortization (including non-cash impairment charges);

•	(gain) loss on sale or acquisition of communities (including gain (loss) on facility lease termination);

•	straight-line lease expense (income), net of amortization of (above) below market rents;

•	amortization of deferred gain;

•	amortization of deferred entrance fees;

•	non-cash stock-based compensation expense; and

•	change in future service obligation;

and including:

•

entrance fee receipts and refunds (excluding (i) first generation entrance fee receipts from the sale of units at a recently opened entrance fee CCRC prior to stabilization and (ii) first generation entrance fee refunds not replaced by second generation entrance fee receipts at the recently opened community prior to stabilization); and

•	Cash From Facility Operations from unconsolidated ventures.

Management's Use of Adjusted EBITDA

We use Adjusted EBITDA to assess our overall financial and operating performance. We believe this non-GAAP measure, as we have defined it, is helpful in identifying trends in our day-to-day performance because the items excluded have little or no significance on our day-to-day operations. This measure provides an assessment of controllable expenses and affords management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial goals as well as achieve optimal financial performance. It provides an indicator for management to determine if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed.

Adjusted EBITDA provides us with a measure of financial performance, independent of items that are beyond the control of management in the short-term, such as the change in the liability for the obligation to provide future services under existing lifecare contracts, depreciation and amortization (including non-cash impairment charges), straight-line lease expense (income), taxation and interest expense associated with our capital structure. This metric measures our financial performance based on operational factors that management can impact in the short-term, namely the cost structure or expenses of the organization. Adjusted EBITDA is one of the metrics used by senior management and the board of directors to review the financial performance of the business on a monthly basis. Adjusted EBITDA is also used by research analysts and investors to evaluate the performance of and value companies in our industry.

Limitations of Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool. Material limitations in making the adjustments to our net income (loss) to calculate Adjusted EBITDA, and using this non-GAAP financial measure as compared to GAAP net income (loss), include:

•	the cash portion of interest expense, income tax (benefit) provision and non-recurring charges related to gain (loss) on sale of communities and extinguishment of debt activities generally represent charges (gains), which may significantly affect our financial results; and

•	depreciation and amortization, though not directly affecting our current cash position, represent the wear and tear and/or reduction in value of our communities, which affects the services we provide to our residents and may be indicative of future needs for capital expenditures.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance, results of operations and financial position because it is helpful in identifying trends in our day-to-day performance since the items excluded have little or no significance to our day-to-day operations and it provides an assessment of our expense management.

The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA from net income (loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):