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Brookdale Senior Living

bkd · NYSE Healthcare
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Ticker bkd
Exchange NYSE
Sector Healthcare
Industry Medical - Care Facilities
Employees 10,000+
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FY2017 Annual Report · Brookdale Senior Living
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2017 ANNUAL REPORT

Bringing New Life to Senior Living®

brookdale.com

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

As of and for the years ended December 31

(in thousands, except per share data) 

Selected Operating Data

Total revenue

Income (loss) from operations

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale common stockholders

          2017

          2016

$            4,747,116 $        4,976,980

$         (270,045) $           (31,083)

$          (571,606) $        (404,636)

$           (571,419) $        (404,397)

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Brookdale common stockholders

$               (3.07) $               (2.18)

Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per share

                186,155              185,653

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

Net cash provided by operating activities

Adjusted Free Cash Flow(1)

$            638,566 $           770,763

$            366,664 $          365,732

$               97,553 $           153,755

Brookdale's proportionate share of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of unconsolidated ventures(1)

$               35,416 $            32,630

Selected Balance Sheet Data

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Total assets

Debt and capital and financing lease obligations

Total Brookdale stockholders’ equity

Stock Performance Data

Closing share price on December 31

$          5,852,145 $       7,379,305

$            222,647 $          216,397

$             291,796 $                   —

$         7,675,449 $        9,217,687

$           5,142,291 $       6,045,167

$          1,530,728 $       2,077,982

$                  9.70 $               12.42

(1) Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are financial measures that are not calculated in accordance with Generally Accepted 

Accounting Principles (GAAP). See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” beginning on page 73 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K included in this 2017 

Annual Report for the Company’s definitions of its non-GAAP financial measures, reconciliations of such measures to their most comparable GAAP 

financial measures and other important information regarding the use of the Company’s non-GAAP financial measures. The Company changed its 

definition and calculation of Adjusted EBITDA when it reported results for the second quarter of 2016. Prior period amounts of Adjusted EBITDA 

included herein have been recast to conform to the new definition. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a description of the changes to the 

definition of Adjusted EBITDA.

Adjusted EBITDA
(in millions)

$728

$771

$639

$900

$800

$700

$600

$500

$400

$300

$200

$100

$-

Adjusted Free Cash Flow 
(in millions)

$154

$98

$180

$160

$140

$120

$100

$80

$60

$40

$20

$-

$(9)

2015 

2016  

2017

$(20)

2015 

2016  

2017

Total number of communities 

(period end) 

2015 
1,123 

 2016 
1,055 

 2017 
1,023 

Total units operated 

(period end)

  2015 
107,786    102,768      100,582

     2016          2017

2

BROOKDALE ANNUAL REPORT — 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

Dear Fellow Shareholders,

It is a great honor to lead this company as President and Chief Executive Officer, and I 

recognize that it is a substantial responsibility — to our residents, to our associates and to 

you, our shareholders. Since becoming President and CEO February 28, 2018, I’ve had many 

extended visits and discussions with representatives of all these key constituents. Some of 

the most personally rewarding moments have come from participating in community life, 

meeting the wonderful seniors who have chosen Brookdale and listening to suggestions 

about how to improve Brookdale from the extraordinary associates who have chosen their 

careers with us, and from you, our shareholders. 

Choice is central to our vision for Brookdale. We want to be the nation’s first choice in senior living, and our strategy leads us 

there. I am deeply committed to our mission of enriching the lives of those we serve, because the work we do, the care we are 

able to provide to nearly 100,000 residents and patients, is so important. It really matters!

I know personally the difficulty of providing care for an aging relative and the incredible difference quality senior living makes in 

the lives of seniors and their family members. I grew up on a farm in central Illinois, and one of my responsibilities was providing 

care for my grandfather, who was blind. That early experience is part of what drew me to Brookdale and our important mission. 

When my mom’s health declined in 2017, and she moved into a senior living facility, she was completely dependent upon 

the community staff. Watching the way the staff took care of her gave me a new appreciation for the intricacies of resident 

and patient care, extending from the personalized interactions every day to the work of the office support staff that handled 

contracts and billing. 

It was through this experience that I became fully aware of just how important it was that the people who took care of my 

mom were, themselves, taken care of. That’s why a strategic priority in Brookdale’s turnaround strategy is to attract, engage, 

develop and retain the best associates!

Our strategy clearly reflects the need for the right balance of mission and margin: we must deliver our mission every day, and 

we must make sure that we are good stewards of the company’s resources — because we can’t do one without the other. I am 

acutely aware of our responsibilities to our residents and patients, our associates and our shareholders.

Brookdale has had several challenging years, and we are committed to regaining your trust. In 2018 I introduced a pivot in our 

strategy from a national focus to what has historically made us successful: a local, community focus. We will win locally by 

bringing new life to senior living and balancing mission and margin to deliver attractive, long-term returns for our shareholders.

Brookdale has a bright future. We are a mission-driven business, and the seniors who we serve depend on us seven days a 

week, 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. They have entrusted us with their lives. 

We are the premier senior living provider with the most diversified platform in the industry. While we have the leading market 

position in more than half of the top 50 markets(1) in independent living, assisted living and memory care, our goal is to be the 

best. Our culture is based on servant-leadership, and we will accomplish our goal of being the most trusted and effective senior 

living provider by building relationships that create passionate advocates and generate referrals one person at a time. 

(1) Top 50 markets as reported by National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) data 

BROOKDALE ANNUAL REPORT — 2017

3

A

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Shareholders

Our simplified strategy focuses on the three constituencies

Residents — earning the trust and endorsement of our residents and their families

Associates — having the best teams in the business who provide high-quality care for our residents

Shareholders — taking actions to provide attractive, long-term returns

Here are more insights on each of these:  

Residents

Serving our residents, patients and their families with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity is core to our mission. We need 

to earn resident and family trust and endorsements every day by providing high-quality care and personalized service. Brookdale 

delivers the expertise and compassion needed when seniors and their families are facing some of life’s most difficult decisions 

and are looking for help from someone with deep experience to show them the way. Sometimes a caring touch, a listening ear 

or a helping hand from our associates is what matters most. We have tremendous respect for our seniors and find true joy in 

demonstrating, through our person-centered care, how much their lives matter and how important they are.

Associates

A simple philosophy resonates within Brookdale: if we take care of our employees, they, in turn, will take care of our customers. 

We are investing to develop and retain the best workforce of servant-leaders who focus on building close, personal relationships 

with our residents and their families. Our associates value passion, courage, partnership and trust. Our goal is to leverage being the 

largest senior living provider with the most experience in the industry to provide the best solutions for our residents. Given that 

our business is built one relationship at a time, we want our community executive directors to operate like they own their business 

while taking advantage of the benefits of national scale. We are empowering our caring, compassionate associates to deliver 

exceptional service every day.

Shareholders

Enhancing the execution of our mission is essential to generate attractive, long-term returns for our shareholders. Since we 

announced the conclusion of the strategic review in February 2018, the dialogue with our shareholders has been vital. Our 

new Chairman of the Board, Lee Wielansky, and I have personally engaged in extended discussions with many of our largest 

shareholders, have actively listened to their suggestions, and have already acted on some of their ideas. We are committed to 

being transparent and have started to provide leading operational indicators, such as the increase in first visits, which will reflect 

our progress before we see improvement in our financial results. 

We are on a multi-year journey. Yes, 2017 was disappointing — the new supply environment put pressure on our occupancy, and 

the strategic review took a significant toll on our associates and potential new residents as rumors of options played out in the 

press and other public forums. In order to improve employee retention in the communities, we started to invest more in our top 

three positions. While costly, we have seen positive results with an improvement in retention. 

In 2017 our associates responded to the natural disaster challenges with exceptional leadership. Our “everyday heroes” responded 

to unprecedented challenges from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma that created deep impacts in Texas and Florida, as well as in other 

coastal states. They rose to the dangerous challenges posed by the California wildfires that lasted for weeks. Our associates took 

extraordinary actions to keep our residents safe, including wading through waist-high flood water to reach their community, 

leveraging Brookdale’s vendor relationships for extra supplies and safely evacuating frail residents to safe locations — usually other 

Brookdale communities. Our associates demonstrated their deep commitment to our mission by putting our residents first. This 

was a time when both our residents and associates experienced firsthand the significant benefits of scale.

4

BROOKDALE ANNUAL REPORT — 2017

While 2018 continues to be challenging, with new senior housing supply needing to be absorbed and the impact of intentional 

investments in our associates, we believe that our focus on winning locally is a key to our turnaround. I, and many others on the 

senior leadership team, have served in our local communities for a closer connection and are seeing the renewed energy of our 

community leaders as they have been able to make more decisions locally. 

Recently, we worked closely with our three largest REIT landlords to restructure our leases. I’m grateful for these partnerships, 

which resulted in win-win arrangements that benefit Brookdale and our shareholders during our near-term transition. 

The U.S. recently reached a new milestone: a population of more than 50 million seniors for the first time in history. Over the next 

few years, the Silver Wave demographic growth of seniors will start to become a reality in our industry. The Board of Directors 

and I are confident that our strategy to “win locally” can create long-term shareholder value. We will differentiate by providing 

choice, high-quality and personalized service to our residents and patients, delivered by caring, committed associates. This will 

provide the opportunity to use our industry-leading scale to drive revenue growth, achieve operational excellence and drive 

sustainable cash flow. 

At the end of the day, it comes down to taking care of residents and patients in the best possible way. Every day our Brookdale 

team does something that is worth getting up for: we provide people with support, dignity and joy at a time in their lives when 

those aspects of a quality life are not always guaranteed. We provide families with support and understanding during one of the 

most difficult experiences that they, as a daughter or a son, will ever have. Simply put, we take care of people. And that is what 

matters most. 

This past year has been tough, and we thank you, as a shareholder, for continuing to support this important mission of taking 

care of our nation’s seniors and for your confidence in our prospects for future growth and increased shareholder value. We also 

thank our residents and patients for choosing a Brookdale community as their home or healthcare provider and allowing us to 

serve them. And we thank our associates for their demonstrated commitment to enriching the lives of those we serve.

Sincerely,

Lucinda M. Baier

Brookdale President and CEO Lucinda “Cindy” Baier shares a moment with 

Alma Kessler, a resident of four years, at Brookdale Des Plaines, in July 2018.

BROOKDALE ANNUAL REPORT — 2017

5

About Brookdale Senior Living

Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 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. Brookdale operates independent living, assisted living, 

and dementia care communities and continuing care retirement centers. Through its ancillary services program, the Company also 

offers a range of home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services. 

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this 2017 Annual Report may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private 

Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These 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 the creation and enhancement of shareholder value; shareholder returns; our strategy; 

our operational, sales, marketing and branding initiatives; associate retention; our expectations regarding the economy, the senior 

living industry, senior housing construction, supply and competition, occupancy and pricing, the demand for senior housing and 

labor pressures; our expectations regarding our operating results, cash flow and liquidity; and our ability to anticipate, manage 

and address industry trends and their effect on our business. See “Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation 

Reform Act of 1995” on page 4 and “Risk Factors” beginning on page 19 of the Annual Report on Form 10-K included in this report 

for important 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. 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 2017 Annual Report. 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 2017 Annual Report to reflect any change in 

our expectations with regard thereto or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

6

BROOKDALE ANNUAL REPORT — 2017

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

[X]

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

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 

or

[ ]

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

Commission File Number 001-32641

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)

20-3068069
(I.R.S. Employer
 Identification No.)

111 Westwood Place, Suite 400
Brentwood, Tennessee 37027
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Registrant's telephone number including area code)

(615) 221-2250

SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:

Title of Each Class
Common Stock, $0.01 Par Value Per Share

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
New York Stock Exchange

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 
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 [X] 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 [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller 
reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller 
reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer   [X]

Accelerated filer   [ ]

Non-accelerated filer [ ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company [ ]

Emerging growth company [ ]

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

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 common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant on June 30, 2017, the last business day of 
the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $2.8 billion. The market value calculation was 
determined using a per share price of $14.71, the price at which the registrant's common stock was last sold on the New York 
Stock Exchange on such date. For purposes of this calculation only, shares held by non-affiliates excludes only those shares 
beneficially  owned  by  the  registrant's  executive  officers,  directors  and  stockholders  owning  10%  or  more  of  the  Company's 
outstanding common stock.

As of February 20, 2018, 186,572,921 shares of the registrant's common stock, $0.01 par value, were outstanding (excluding 
unvested restricted shares).

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Certain sections of the registrant's Definitive Proxy Statement relating to its 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, or an amendment 
to this Form 10-K, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2017, are incorporated by reference into Part III of 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

FORM 10-K

FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 

PART I

Item 1

Item 1A

Item 1B

Item 2

Item 3

Item 4

PART II

Item 5

Item 6

Item 7

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of 
Equity Securities

Selected Financial Data

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

Item 7A

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8

Item 9

Item 9A

Item 9B

PART III

Item 10

Item 11

Item 12

Item 13

Item 14

PART IV

Item 15

Item 16

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Executive Compensation

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder 
Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

Form 10-K Summary

3

PAGE

6

19

34

34

35

35

36

38

40

77

78

122

122

122

123

123

123

124

124

125
128

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

Certain statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the 
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These 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 redefined strategy, including initiatives undertaken to execute on our strategic priorities 
and their intended effect on our results; our operational, sales, marketing and branding initiatives; our expectations regarding the 
economy, the senior living industry, senior housing construction, supply and competition, occupancy and pricing and the demand 
for senior housing; our expectations regarding our revenue, cash flow, operating income, expenses, capital expenditures, including 
expected levels and reimbursements and the timing thereof, expansion, redevelopment and repositioning opportunities, including 
Program Max opportunities, and their projected costs, cost savings and synergies, and our liquidity and leverage; our plans and 
expectations with respect to acquisition, disposition, development, lease restructuring and termination, financing, re-financing and 
venture transactions and opportunities (including assets held for sale, the pending transactions with HCP, Inc. and our plans to 
market in 2018 and sell approximately 30 owned communities), including the timing thereof and their effects on our results; our 
expectations regarding taxes, capital deployment and returns on invested capital, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow 
(as those terms are defined in this Annual Report on Form 10-K); our expectations regarding returns to stockholders, our share 
repurchase program and the payment of dividends; 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 changes in government reimbursement programs and their effect on our results; our 
plans to expand our offering of ancillary services; and our ability to anticipate, manage and address industry trends and their effect 
on our business. 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. These forward 
looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations, and our ability to predict results or the actual effect of future 
plans or strategies is inherently uncertain. 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; the risk of overbuilding, new supply and new competition; 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 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 
lease payments and to fund our planned capital projects; risks related to the implementation of our redefined strategy, including 
initiatives undertaken to execute on our strategic priorities and their effect on our results; the effect of our indebtedness and long-
term leases on our liquidity; the effect of our non-compliance with any of our debt or lease agreements (including the financial 
covenants contained therein) and the risk of lenders or lessors declaring a cross default in the event of our non-compliance with 
any such agreements; 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 our share 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 acquisition, disposition, lease restructuring and termination, 
financing, re-financing and venture transactions (including assets held for sale, the pending transactions with HCP, Inc. and our 
plans to market in 2018 and sell approximately 30 owned communities) on agreed upon terms or at all, including in respect of the 
satisfaction of closing conditions, the risk that regulatory approvals are not obtained or are subject to unanticipated conditions, 
and uncertainties as to the timing of closing, and our ability to identify and pursue any such opportunities in the future; our ability 
to successfully integrate acquisitions; 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 wage pressure and union activity; 
departure  of  our  key  officers  and  potential  disruption  caused  by  changes  in  management;  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; unanticipated costs to comply with legislative or regulatory developments, including requirements to obtain emergency 
power generators for our communities; 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" contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  
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 

4

management's views as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. 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 Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto 
or change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

5

Item 1. 

Business.

PART I

Unless otherwise specified, references to "Brookdale," "we," "us," "our" or "the Company" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K 
mean Brookdale Senior Living Inc. together with its consolidated subsidiaries.

Overview

Our Business

As of December 31, 2017, we are the largest operator of senior living communities in the United States based on total capacity, 
with 1,023 communities in 46 states and the ability to serve approximately 101,000 residents. We offer our residents access to a 
full continuum of services across the most attractive sectors of the senior living industry. We operate independent living, assisted 
living and dementia-care communities and continuing care retirement centers ("CCRCs"). Through our ancillary services programs, 
we also offer a range of home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services to residents of many of our communities and to 
seniors living outside of our communities.

As of December 31, 2017, we owned or leased 794 communities (66,641 units) and provided management services with respect 
to 229 communities (33,941 units) for third parties or unconsolidated ventures in which we have an ownership interest. As of such 
date, we operated 129 retirement center communities (24,476 units), 822 assisted living communities (56,718 units) and 72 CCRCs 
(19,388 units).  The majority of our units are located in campus settings or communities containing multiple services, including 
CCRCs.  As of December 31, 2017, our ancillary services platform included networks in 28 states with the ability to provide home 
health services to 63.7% of our units, hospice services to 21.7% of our units, and outpatient therapy to 17.0% of our units. During 
the year ended December 31, 2017, we generated 82.1% of our resident fee revenues from private pay customers and 15.2% from 
government reimbursement programs (primarily Medicare). For the year ended December 31, 2017, 39.5% of our resident and 
management fee revenues were generated from owned communities, 46.9% from leased communities, 11.6% from our ancillary 
services business and 2.0% from communities we operate on behalf of third parties or unconsolidated ventures.

We believe that we operate in the most attractive sectors of the senior living industry, and our goal is to be the first choice in senior 
living by being the nation’s most trusted and effective senior living provider and employer.  Our community and service offerings 
combine housing, health care, hospitality and ancillary services.  Our senior living communities offer residents a supportive home-
like setting, assistance with activities of daily living ("ADL") such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and transferring/walking 
and, in certain communities, licensed skilled nursing services. We also provide ancillary services, including home health, hospice 
and outpatient therapy services to residents of many of our communities and to seniors living outside of our communities. 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," which we believe enables them to 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.  
With our platform of a range of community and service offerings, we believe that we are positioned to take advantage of favorable 
demographic trends over time.

Leadership and Redefined Strategy

On February 22, 2018, we announced that Lucinda M. Baier, our Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed as our President and 
Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board of Directors effective February 28, 2018, at which time T. Andrew Smith 
will  step  down  from  such  roles.    We  further  announced  that  Bryan  Richardson,  our  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief 
Administrative Officer, will leave his employment effective March 9, 2018.  Ms. Baier will continue to serve as our principal 
financial officer while we conduct a search for her replacement, and we do not currently intend to replace Mr. Richardson’s position.

For 2018, we have re-evaluated and redefined our strategic priorities, which are now focused on our three primary stakeholders: 
our stockholders, our associates, and, always at our foundation, our residents, patients and their families.  Through our redefined 
strategy, we intend to provide attractive long-term returns to our stockholders; attract, engage, develop and retain the best associates; 
and continue to earn the trust and endorsements of our residents, patients and their families.  

• 

Stockholders. Our stockholders’ continued investment in us allows us to advance our mission to our residents and their families. 
Therefore we believe we must balance our mission with an emphasis on margin.  With this strategic priority, we intend to 
take actions to provide long-term returns to our stockholders by focusing on growing RevPAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted 
Free Cash Flow. 

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•  Associates. Brookdale’s culture is based on servant leadership, and our associates are the key to attracting and caring for 
residents and creating value for all of our stakeholders. Through this strategic priority, we intend to create a compelling value 
proposition for our associates in the areas of compensation, leadership, career growth and meaningful work. In 2017, we took 
the first corrective steps by investing in community leaders, and in 2018 we plan to extend this plan deeper in the communities. 

•  Residents, Patients and Their Families. Brookdale continues to be driven by its mission—to enrich the lives of those we serve 
with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity—and we believe this continued focus is essential to create value for all of 
our stakeholders. This strategic priority includes enhancing our organizational alignment to foster an environment where our 
associates can focus on providing valued, high quality care and personalized service.  We intend to win locally through our 
targeted sales and marketing efforts by differentiating our community and service offerings based on quality, a portfolio of 
choices, and personalized service delivered by caring associates.

As part of our redefined strategy, we plan to continue to evaluate and, where opportunities arise, pursue lease restructurings, 
development  and  acquisition  opportunities,  including  selectively  acquiring  existing  operating  companies,  senior  living 
communities and ancillary services companies.  Any such restructurings or acquisitions may be pursued on our own, or through 
our  investments  in  ventures.    In  addition,  we  intend  to  continue  to  evaluate  our  owned  and  leased  community  portfolios  for 
opportunities to dispose of owned communities and terminate leases. We plan to market in 2018 and sell approximately 30 owned 
communities (in addition to assets held for sale as of December 31, 2017), which we believe will generate more than $250 million 
of proceeds, net of associated debt and transaction costs.

We believe that our successful execution on these strategic priorities will allow us to achieve our goal to be the first choice in 
senior living by being the nation’s most trusted and effective senior living provider and employer.

2016 - 2017 Portfolio Optimization Update 

During 2016 and 2017, we engaged in an initiative to optimize our community portfolio through disposing of owned and leased 
communities, restructuring leases, and investing in our Program Max initiative in order to simplify and streamline our business, 
to increase the quality and durability of our cash flow, to improve our liquidity, and to reduce our debt and lease leverage.  During 
the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017, we completed dispositions, through sales and lease terminations, of 
165 communities.  During 2017, we also amended and restated triple-net leases covering substantially all of the communities we 
lease from HCP, Inc. (“HCP”) into a master lease and invested $8.8 million on Program Max projects, net of $8.1 million of third 
party lessor reimbursements.

During 2018, we expect to close on the dispositions of 15 owned communities (1,508 units) classified as held for sale as of 
December 31, 2017, the terminations of our triple-net leases on 33 communities (3,123 units), the terminations of management 
agreements on 37 communities (5,522 units) and our acquisitions of six communities that we currently lease or manage (995
units).  In addition, we plan to market in 2018 and sell approximately 30 owned communities.  

The closings of the expected sales of assets are subject (where applicable) to our successful marketing of such assets on terms 
acceptable to us.  Further, the closings of the various pending transactions and expected sales of assets are, or will be, subject to 
the satisfaction of various closing conditions, including (where applicable) the receipt of regulatory approvals.  However, there 
can be no assurance that the transactions will close or, if they do, when the actual closings will occur.  

See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” for a summary of the 
foregoing completed and pending transactions and their impact on our results of operations.  

The Senior Living Industry

The senior living industry has undergone dramatic growth in the last twenty years, marked by the emergence of the assisted living 
segment in the mid-1990s, and it remains highly fragmented and characterized by numerous local and regional operators. We are 
one of a limited number of large operators that provide a broad range of community locations and service level offerings at varying 
price levels.

Beginning in 2007, the industry was affected negatively by the downturn in the general economy, which resulted in a near halt in 
construction of new units. The industry experienced a slow recovery in occupancy and rate growth beginning in 2010 according 
to the National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry ("NIC").  In more recent years, as the economy and 
senior living industry have improved, the industry has attracted increased investment resulting in increased development of new 
senior housing supply.  According to NIC data, industry occupancy increased modestly through 2015, as the pace of absorption 
outpaced inventory growth slightly.  Starting in 2016, NIC data showed that industry occupancy began to decrease as a result of 
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new openings, and based on projections of NIC, industry occupancy is expected to be flat through 2018.  During 2016 and 2017, 
we experienced an elevated rate of competitive new openings, with significant new competition opening in several of our markets, 
which adversely affected our occupancy, revenues, and results of operations.  We continue to address such competition through 
pricing initiatives based on the competitive market, current in-place rents and occupancy; focusing on operations, including ensuring 
high customer satisfaction, protecting key leadership potions and actively engaging district and regional management in community 
operations; local and national marketing efforts, including leveraging our industry leading name through enhanced digital, direct 
mail and local community outreach; and community segmentation through which we evaluate current community position relative 
to competition and reposition if necessary (e.g., price, services, amenities and programming). We expect the elevated rate of 
competitive new openings and pressures on our occupancy and rate growth to continue through 2018.

We believe that a number of trends will contribute to the continued growth of the senior living industry in coming years. The 
primary market of the senior living industry is individuals age 75 and older. According to United States Census data, that group 
is projected to be the fastest growing age cohort over the next twenty years. As a result of scientific and medical breakthroughs 
over the past 30 years, seniors are living longer. Due to demographic trends, and continuing advances in science, nutrition and 
healthcare, the senior population will continue to grow, and we expect the demand for senior living services to continue to increase 
in future years.

We believe the senior living industry has been and will continue to be impacted by several other trends. Increased longevity results 
in increasing frailty in seniors, soaring rates of dementia among the elderly, and a growing burden of chronic illness and chronic 
conditions. As a result of increased mobility in society, a reduction of average family size and increased number of two-wage 
earner couples, families struggle to provide care for seniors and look for alternatives outside of their family for their care. There 
is a growing consumer awareness among seniors and their families concerning the types of services provided by senior living 
operators, which has further contributed to the demand for senior living services. Also, the current prospective senior customer 
possesses greater financial resources than in the past, which makes it more likely that they are able to afford to live in market-rate 
senior housing. 

Challenges in our industry include increased state and local regulation of the assisted living and skilled nursing sectors, which has 
led to an increase in the cost of doing business. The regulatory environment continues to intensify in the number and types of laws 
and regulations affecting us, accompanied by increased enforcement activity by state and local officials. In addition, like other 
companies, our financial results may be negatively impacted by increasing employment costs including salaries, wages and benefits, 
such as health care benefit coverage, for our employees. Increases in the costs of food, utilities, insurance, and real estate taxes 
may also have a negative impact on our financial results.

In addition, there continue to be various federal and state legislative and regulatory proposals to implement cost containment 
measures that would limit payments to healthcare providers in the future. We cannot predict what action, if any, Congress will 
take on reimbursement policies of the Medicare or Medicaid programs or what future rule changes the Centers for Medicare & 
Medicaid  Services  ("CMS")  will  implement.  Changes  in  the  reimbursement  rates  or  methods  or  timing  of  government 
reimbursement programs could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

Our History

We  were  formed  as  a  Delaware  corporation  in  June  2005  for  the  purpose  of  combining  two  leading  senior  living  operating 
companies, Brookdale Living Communities, Inc. ("BLC") and Alterra Healthcare Corporation ("Alterra"). BLC and Alterra had 
been operating independently since 1986 and 1981, respectively. On November 22, 2005, we completed our initial public offering 
of common stock, and on July 25, 2006, we acquired American Retirement Corporation ("ARC"), another leading senior living 
provider that had been operating independently since 1978. On September 1, 2011, we completed the acquisition of Horizon Bay, 
the then-ninth largest operator of senior living communities in the United States.

On July 31, 2014, we completed the acquisition by merger of Emeritus Corporation, a Washington corporation, pursuant to which 
a wholly-owned subsidiary of ours merged with and into Emeritus, with Emeritus continuing as the surviving corporation and a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of ours. At the time of the merger, Emeritus was the second largest operator of senior living communities 
in the United States.

Our Communities and Service Offerings

We offer a variety of senior living housing and service alternatives in communities located across the United States. Our communities 
consist of retirement center communities, assisted living communities, rental CCRCs and entry fee CCRCs. We manage certain 
of our communities for third parties or unconsolidated ventures in which we have an ownership interest pursuant to management 

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agreements. In addition, through our ancillary services programs, we provide home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services 
to residents of many of our communities and to seniors living outside of our communities.

Retirement Centers

Our retirement center communities 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  our  retirement  center 
communities consist of both independent 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. While the number varies depending upon 
the particular community, as of December 31, 2017 approximately 79.0% of all of the units at our retirement center communities 
are independent living units, with the balance of units licensed for assisted living.

Our retirement center communities are large multi-story buildings averaging 190 units with extensive common areas and amenities. 
Residents may choose from studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, depending upon the specific community.  Each retirement 
center  community  provides  residents  with  basic  services  such  as  meal  service,  24-hour  emergency  response,  housekeeping, 
concierge services, transportation and recreational activities. Most of these communities also offer custom tailored supplemental 
care services at an additional charge, which may include medication reminders, check-in services and escort and companion 
services.

In  addition  to  the  basic  services,  our  retirement  center  communities  that  include  assisted  living  also  provide  residents  with 
supplemental care service options to provide assistance with ADLs. The levels of care provided to residents vary from community 
to community depending, among other things, upon the licensing requirements and healthcare regulations of the state in which 
the community is located.

Residents in our retirement center communities are able to maintain their residency for an extended period of time due to the range 
of service options available to residents (not including skilled nursing) as their needs change.  Residents with cognitive or physical 
frailties and higher level service needs are accommodated with supplemental services in their own units or, in certain communities, 
are cared for in a more structured and supervised environment on a separate wing or floor. These communities also generally have 
a dedicated assisted living staff, including nurses at the majority of communities, and separate assisted living dining rooms and 
activity areas.

Retirement  center  communities  that  we  own  or  lease  are  included  in  our  Retirement  Centers  segment,  and  retirement  center 
communities for which we provide management services for third parties or unconsolidated ventures in which we have an ownership 
interest are included in our Management Services segment. As of December 31, 2017, our Retirement Center segment consisted 
of 84 retirement center communities with 15,042 units, representing 15.0% of our total senior living capacity, and 45 retirement 
center communities with 9,434 units were included in our Management Services segment, representing 9.4% of our total senior 
living capacity. In the aggregate, these retirement center communities represented 24.3% of our total senior living capacity.

Assisted Living

Our assisted living communities offer housing and 24-hour assistance with ADLs to mid-acuity frail and elderly residents. Our 
assisted living communities include both freestanding, multi-story communities with more than 50 beds, and smaller, freestanding 
single story communities with less than 50 beds. Depending upon the specific location, the community may include (i) private 
studio,  one-bedroom  and  one-bedroom  deluxe  apartments,  or  (ii)  individual  rooms  for  one  or  two  residents  in  wings  or 
"neighborhoods" scaled to a single-family home, which includes a living room, dining room, patio or enclosed porch, laundry 
room and personal care area, as well as a caregiver work station.

We also operate memory care communities, which are freestanding assisted living communities specially designed for residents 
with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias requiring the attention, personal care and services needed to help cognitively impaired 
residents maintain a higher quality of life. Our memory care communities have from 14 to 69 beds and some are part of a campus 
setting which includes a freestanding assisted living community.

All residents at our assisted living and memory care communities receive the basic care level, which includes ongoing health 
assessments,  three  meals  per  day  and  snacks,  coordination  of  special  diets  planned  by  a  registered  dietitian,  assistance  with 
coordination of physician care, social and recreational activities, housekeeping and personal laundry services. In some locations 
we offer our residents exercise programs and programs designed to address issues associated with early stages of Alzheimer's and 
other forms of dementia. In addition, we offer at additional cost, higher levels of personal care services to residents at these 
communities who are very physically frail or experiencing early stages of Alzheimer's disease or other dementia and who require 
more frequent or intensive physical assistance or increased personal care and supervision due to cognitive impairments.

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As a result of their progressive decline in cognitive abilities, residents at our memory care communities typically require higher 
levels of personal care and services and therefore pay higher monthly service fees. Specialized services include assistance with 
ADLs, behavior management and an activities program, the goal of which is to provide a normalized environment that supports 
residents' remaining functional abilities. Whenever possible, residents participate in all facets of daily life at the residence, such 
as assisting with meals, laundry and housekeeping.

Assisted living communities (including memory care communities) that we own or lease are included in our Assisted Living 
segment, and assisted living communities for which we provide management services for third parties or unconsolidated ventures 
in which we have an ownership interest are included in our Management Services segment. As of December 31, 2017, our Assisted 
Living segment consisted of 682 assisted living communities with 44,773 units, representing 44.5% of our total senior living 
capacity, and 140 assisted living communities with 11,945 units were included in our Management Services segment, representing 
11.9% of our total senior living capacity. In the aggregate, these assisted living communities represented 56.4% of our total senior 
living capacity.

As of December 31, 2017, we provide memory care services at 527 of our communities, aggregating 13,164 memory care units 
across our segments. These communities include 118 freestanding memory care communities with 4,575 units included in our 
Assisted Living segment.

CCRCs-Rental

Our CCRCs are large communities that offer a variety of living arrangements and services to accommodate all levels of physical 
ability and health. Most of our CCRCs have independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing available on one campus or 
within the immediate market, and some also include Alzheimer's and dementia care service areas.

CCRCs that we own or lease are included in our CCRCs-Rental segment, and CCRCs for which we provide management services 
for third parties or unconsolidated ventures in which we have an ownership interest are included in our Management Services 
segment. As of December 31, 2017, our CCRCs-Rental segment included 28 CCRCs with 6,826 units, representing 6.8% of our 
total senior living capacity, and 44 CCRCs with 12,562 units were included in our Management Services segment, representing 
12.4% of our total senior living capacity. In the aggregate, these CCRCs represented 19.3% of our total senior living capacity.

Twenty of our CCRCs, of which 18 are included in the Management Services segment, allow for residents in the independent 
living apartment units to pay a one-time upfront entrance fee, typically $100,000 to $400,000 or more, which is partially refundable 
in certain circumstances. We refer to these communities as entry fee CCRCs. The amount of the entrance fee varies depending 
upon the type and size of the dwelling unit, the type of contract plan selected, whether the contract contains a lifecare benefit (i.e., 
a healthcare discount) for the resident, the amount and timing of the refund, and other variables. These agreements are subject to 
regulations in various states. In addition to their initial entrance fee, residents under all of our entrance fee agreements also pay a 
monthly service fee, which entitles them to the use of certain amenities and services. Since entrance fees are paid upon initial 
occupancy, the monthly fees are generally less than fees at a comparable rental community. The refundable portion of a resident's 
entrance fee is generally refundable within a certain number of months or days following contract termination or upon the sale of 
the unit, or in some agreements, upon the resale of a comparable unit or 12 months after the resident vacates the unit. In addition, 
some entrance fee agreements entitle the resident to a refund of the original entrance fee paid plus a percentage of the appreciation 
of the unit upon resale. As of December 31, 2017, our CCRCs-Rental segment included two entry fee CCRCs with 543 units, 
representing less than 0.5% of our total senior living capacity, and 18 entry fee CCRCs with 7,876 units were included in our 
Management Services segment, representing 7.8% of our total senior living capacity.

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Through our ancillary services programs, we currently provide home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services, as well as 
education and wellness programs, to residents of many of our communities and to seniors living outside of our communities. The 
home health services we provide include skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, home 
health aide services, and social services as needed. Our hospice services include clinical and skilled care, as well as spiritual and 
emotional  counseling.   Our  outpatient  therapy  services  include  physical  therapy,  occupational  therapy  and  speech  language 
pathology services and other specialized therapy.  The majority of our home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services are 
reimbursed by government reimbursement programs, primarily Medicare, and non-covered services are paid directly by residents 
from private pay sources.  Our education and wellness programs focus on wellness and physical fitness to allow residents to 
maintain maximum independence. These services provide many continuing education opportunities for seniors and their families 
through health fairs, seminars, and other consultative interactions. We believe that our ancillary services offerings are unique in 

10

the senior living industry and that we have a significant advantage over our competitors with respect to providing ancillary services 
because of our established infrastructure, scale and experience.

Our Brookdale Ancillary Services segment includes the home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services provided to residents 
of many of our communities and to seniors living outside of our communities. The Brookdale Ancillary Services segment does 
not include skilled nursing or inpatient therapy services provided in our skilled nursing units, which are included in the CCRCs-
Rental segment. During the three months ended December 31, 2016, we significantly reduced the number of outpatient therapy 
clinics located in our communities as lower reimbursement rates and lower utilization made the business less attractive.

Management Services

We operate certain of our communities pursuant to management agreements. In some of these cases, the community is owned by 
third parties and, in other cases, the community is owned in an unconsolidated venture in which we have an ownership interest. 
Under the management agreements for these communities, we receive management fees as well as reimbursed expenses, which 
represent the reimbursement of certain expenses we incur on behalf of the owners.

The majority of our management agreements are long-term agreements. In most cases, either party to the agreements may terminate 
upon the occurrence of an event of default caused by the other party. In addition, in some cases, subject to our rights, if any, to 
cure deficiencies, community owners may terminate us as manager if any licenses or certificates necessary for operation are 
revoked, if we do not satisfy certain designated performance thresholds or if the community is sold to an unrelated third party (in 
which case we may be entitled to receive a contractual termination fee). Also, in some instances, a community owner may terminate 
the management agreement relating to a particular community if we are in default under other management agreements relating 
to other communities owned by the same owner or its affiliates. Certain of our management agreements, both with unconsolidated 
ventures and with entities owned by third parties, provide that an event of default under the debt instruments applicable to the 
ventures or the entities owned by third parties that is caused by us may also be considered an event of default by us under the 
relevant management agreement, giving the non-Brookdale party to the management agreement the right to pursue the remedies 
provided for in the management agreement, potentially including termination of the management agreement. Further, in the event 
of default on a loan, the lender may have the ability to terminate us as manager. With respect to communities held in unconsolidated 
ventures, in some cases, the management agreement can be terminated in connection with the sale by the venture partner of its 
interest in the venture or the sale of properties by the venture.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 73.9% of our management fees revenue was derived from services 
provided to unconsolidated ventures in which HCP held an interest, including 29.1% of our management fees revenue derived 
from services provided to our unconsolidated CCRC venture in which we share control with HCP. Early termination or non-
renewal of, or renewal on less-favorable terms, of our management agreements (including our management agreements with such 
unconsolidated ventures) could cause a loss in revenues and could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flows.

As of December 31, 2017, the 229 communities and 33,941 units in our Management Services segment represented 33.7% of our 
total  senior  living  capacity. As  of  that  date,  we  operated  61  communities,  representing  8,222  units,  for  third  parties  and  168 
communities, representing 25,719 units, for unconsolidated ventures in which we have an ownership interest. As of December 31, 
2017, these communities consisted of 45 retirement center communities (9,434 units), 140 assisted living communities (11,945
units) and 44 CCRCs (12,562 units).

Competitive Strengths

We believe our nationwide network of senior living communities and ancillary services networks are well positioned to benefit 
from the growth and increasing demand in the industry. Some of our most significant competitive strengths are:

• 

Skilled management team with extensive experience. Our senior management team and our Board of Directors have extensive 
experience in the senior living, healthcare and real estate industries, including the acquisition, operation and management of 
a broad range of senior living assets.

•  Geographically diverse, high-quality, purpose-built communities. As of December 31, 2017, we are the largest operator of 
senior living communities in the United States based on total capacity, with 1,023 communities in 46 states and the ability to 
serve approximately 101,000 residents.

•  Ability to provide a broad spectrum of care. Given our diverse mix of retirement centers, assisted living communities and 
CCRCs, as well as our ancillary services offerings, we are able to meet a wide range of our customers' needs. We believe that 

11

we are one of the few companies in the senior living industry with this capability and the only company that does so at scale 
on a national basis. We believe that our multiple product offerings create marketing synergies and cross-selling opportunities.

• 

• 

The size of our business allows us to realize cost and operating efficiencies. The size of our business allows us to realize cost 
savings and economies of scale in the procurement of goods and services. Our scale also allows us to achieve increased 
efficiencies with respect to various corporate functions. We intend to utilize our expertise and size to capitalize on economies 
of  scale  resulting  from  our  national  platform.  Our  geographic  footprint  and  centralized  infrastructure  provide  us  with  a 
significant operational advantage over local and regional operators of senior living communities. In connection with our 
formation transactions and our acquisitions, we negotiated new contracts for food, insurance and other goods and services. 
In addition, we have and will continue to consolidate corporate functions such as accounting, finance, human resources, legal, 
information technology and marketing.

Significant experience in providing ancillary services. Through our ancillary services programs, we provide a range of home 
health, hospice, outpatient therapy, education, wellness and other ancillary services to residents of certain of our communities 
and to seniors outside our communities, which we believe is a distinct competitive difference. We have significant experience 
in providing these ancillary services and expect to receive additional revenues as we expand our ancillary service offerings 
to additional communities and to seniors outside of our communities.

Segments

As of December 31, 2017, we had five reportable segments: Retirement Centers; Assisted Living; CCRCs-Rental; Brookdale 
Ancillary Services and Management Services. These segments were determined based on the way that our chief operating decision 
maker organizes our business activities for making operating decisions, assessing performance, developing strategy and allocating 
capital resources.

Operating results and financial metrics from our five business segments are discussed further in "Item 7. Management's Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and Note 19 to our consolidated financial statements included in 
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Operations

Operations Overview

We have implemented intensive standards, policies and procedures and systems, including detailed staff manuals and training 
materials, which we believe have contributed to high levels of customer service. Further, we believe our centralized support 
infrastructure allows our community-based leaders and personnel to focus on resident care and family connections.  Our operating 
procedures include securing national vendor contracts to obtain lower pricing for certain services such as food, supplies and 
insurance, implementing effective budgeting and financial controls at each community, and establishing standardized training and 
operations procedures.  We have also established company-wide policies and procedures relating to, among other things: resident 
care;  community  design  and  community  operations;  billing  and  collections;  accounts  payable;  finance  and  accounting;  risk 
management;  development  of  employee  training  materials  and  programs;  marketing  activities;  the  hiring  and  training  of 
management and other community-based personnel; compliance with applicable local and state regulatory requirements; and 
implementation of our acquisition, development and leasing plans.

Consolidated Corporate Operations Support

We have developed a centralized support infrastructure and services platform, which provides us with a significant operational 
advantage over local and regional operators of senior living communities. The size of our business also allows us to achieve 
increased efficiencies with respect to various corporate functions such as human resources, finance, accounting, legal, information 
technology and marketing. We are also able to realize cost efficiencies in the purchasing of food, supplies, insurance, benefits, 
and other goods and services. In addition, we have established centralized operations groups to support all of our product lines 
and communities in areas such as training, regulatory affairs, asset management, dining and procurement.

Community Staffing and Training

Each community has an Executive Director responsible for the overall day-to-day operations of the community, including quality 
of care and service, social services and financial performance. Each Executive Director receives specialized training from us. In 
addition, a portion of each Executive Director's compensation is directly tied to the operating performance of the community and 
key care and service quality measures.  We continue to take actions intended to simplify the role of our Executive Directors to 

12

allow them to focus on our residents and their families and our associates.  We believe that the quality of our communities, coupled 
with our competitive compensation philosophy, has enabled us to attract high-quality, professional community Executive Directors.

Depending upon the size of the community, each Executive Director is supported by a community staff member (health and 
wellness director or nursing director) who is directly responsible for day-to-day care of residents and community marketing and 
sales  staff  with  regional  support  to  oversee  the  community's  sales,  marketing  and  community  outreach  programs.  Other  key 
positions  supporting  each  community  may  include  individuals  responsible  for  food  service,  healthcare  services,  activities, 
housekeeping, and maintenance.

We believe that quality of care and operating efficiency can be maximized by direct resident and staff contact. Employees involved 
in resident care, including the administrative staff, are trained in the support and care needs of the residents and emergency response 
techniques. We have adopted formal training and evaluation procedures to help ensure quality care for our residents. We have 
extensive policy and procedure manuals and hold frequent training sessions for management and staff at each site.

Quality Assurance

We maintain quality assurance programs at each of our communities through our corporate and regional staff. Our quality assurance 
programs are designed to achieve a high degree of resident and family member satisfaction with the care and services that we 
provide. Our quality control measures include, among other things, community inspections conducted by corporate staff on a 
regular basis. These inspections cover the appearance of the exterior and grounds; the appearance and cleanliness of the interior; 
the professionalism and friendliness of staff; quality of resident care (including assisted living services, nursing care, therapy and 
home health programs); the quality of activities and the dining program; observance of residents in their daily living activities; 
and compliance with government regulations. Our quality control measures also include the survey of residents and family members 
on a regular basis to monitor their perception of the quality of services provided to residents.

In order to foster a sense of community as well as to respond to residents' needs and desires, at many of our communities, we have 
established  a  resident  council  or  other  resident  advisory  committee  that  meets  monthly  with  the  Executive  Director  of  the 
community. Separate resident committees also exist at many of these communities for food service, activities, marketing and 
hospitality. These committees promote resident involvement and satisfaction and enable community management to be more 
responsive to the residents' needs and desires.

Marketing and Sales

Our marketing efforts are intended to create awareness of our Brookdale brand, our communities, our products and our services 
among potential residents and their family members and among referral sources, including hospital discharge planners, physicians, 
clergy,  area  agencies  for  the  elderly,  skilled  nursing  facilities,  home  health  agencies  and  social  workers.  Our  marketing  staff 
develops  overall  strategies  for  promoting  our  communities  and  monitors  the  success  of  our  multi-layered  marketing  efforts, 
including outreach programs. In addition to direct contacts with prospective referral sources, we also rely on internet inquiries, 
contact centers, print advertising, e-mail and digital marketing, social media, direct mail, signage and special events, health fairs 
and community receptions. Certain resident referral programs have been established and promoted within the limitations of federal 
and state laws at many communities.

We will continue to leverage our brand recognition while pursuing a multi-layered marketing approach.  We have also launched 
and embedded a new sales model, Network Selling, aimed at optimizing the customer experience as they consider the many options 
that we provide in markets and care-levels.  With this new sales model, a lead sales associate in many of our markets will be 
responsible for better coordinating our sales efforts among our communities within a given market.  Additionally, we have begun 
segmenting our communities to align their operating standards with their optimal market position.  These community segmentation 
efforts are intended to identify optimal levels of price, service offerings, amenities and programs to be offered based on local 
demand and supply so that we can adjust our operating standards to create differentiated value to meet the needs of our customers.

Competition

The senior living industry is highly competitive. We compete with numerous organizations that provide similar senior living 
alternatives, such as home health care agencies, community-based service programs, retirement communities, convalescent centers 
and other senior living providers. In addition, over the last several years there has been an increase in the construction of new 
senior housing assets as the industry has attracted increased investment.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, NIC data 
showed that industry occupancy began to decrease as a result of new openings, and based on projections of NIC, industry occupancy 
is expected to be flat through 2018.  During 2016 and 2017, we experienced an elevated rate of competitive new openings, with 
significant new competition opening in several of our markets, which adversely affected our occupancy, revenues, and results of 
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operations. We expect the elevated rate of competitive new openings and pressures on our occupancy and rate growth to continue 
through 2018. In general, regulatory and other barriers to competitive entry in the retirement center and assisted living sectors of 
the senior living industry are not substantial. Consequently, we may encounter competition that could limit our ability to attract 
residents or expand our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our occupancy, revenues, results of operations 
and cash flows. Our major publicly-traded competitors that operate senior living communities are Five Star Quality Care, Inc. and 
Capital Senior Living Corporation. Our major private competitors include Holiday Retirement, Life Care Services, LLC, and 
Sunrise Senior Living, LLC, as well as a large number of not-for-profit entities.

Although our focus in the near term will be executing on our refined strategy, we plan to continue to evaluate and, where opportunities 
arise, selectively purchase existing operating companies, senior living communities, including those that we currently lease or 
manage,  and  ancillary  services  companies.   The  market  for  acquiring  and/or  operating  senior  living  communities  is  highly 
competitive, and some of our present and potential senior living competitors have, or may obtain, greater financial resources than 
us and may have a lower cost of capital. In addition, several publicly-traded and non-traded real estate investment trusts, or REITs, 
and private equity firms have similar asset acquisition objectives as we do, along with greater financial resources and/or lower 
costs of capital than we are able to obtain. Partially as a result of tax law changes enacted through RIDEA, we now compete more 
directly with the various publicly-traded healthcare REITs for the acquisition of senior housing properties. The largest three of 
these publicly-traded healthcare REITs measured on equity market capitalization include HCP, Inc., Ventas, Inc. and Welltower, 
Inc.

Customers

Our target retirement center residents are senior citizens age 75 and older who desire or need a more supportive living environment. 
A number of our retirement center residents relocate to one of our communities in order to be in a metropolitan area that is closer 
to their adult children.

Our target assisted living residents are predominantly senior citizens age 80 and older who require daily assistance with two or 
more ADLs. Residents typically enter an assisted living community due to a relatively immediate need for services that might 
have been triggered by a medical event or need.

Our target CCRC residents are senior citizens who are seeking a community that offers a variety of services and a continuum of 
care so that they can "age-in-place." These residents generally first enter the community as a resident of an independent living 
unit and may later move into an assisted living or skilled nursing area as their needs change.

Seasonality

Our seniors housing business has typically experienced some seasonality, which we experience in certain regions more than others, 
due to weather patterns, geography and higher incidence and severity of illnesses during winter months.  Although our seasonal 
pattern varies from year to year, our average monthly occupancy generally begins to decline sequentially during the fourth quarter 
of the year, and we generally expect average monthly occupancy to begin to increase during the second quarter each year.

Employees

As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately 49,500 full-time employees and approximately 26,100 part-time employees, of 
which 566 work in our Brentwood, Tennessee (a suburb of Nashville) headquarters office, 610 work in our Milwaukee, Wisconsin 
office and 981 work in our smaller regional support offices and a variety of field-based management positions. We currently 
consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Government Regulation

Medicare and Medicaid Programs

We rely on reimbursement from government programs, including the Medicare program and, to a lesser extent, Medicaid programs, 
for a portion of our revenues.  Reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid represented 12.6% and 2.7%, respectively, of our 
total resident fee revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017.  During the period, Medicare reimbursements represented 86.3%
of our Ancillary Services segment revenue, and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements represented 23.1% of our CCRCs-Rental 
segment revenue. 

Medicare is a federal program that provides certain hospital and medical insurance benefits to persons age 65 and over and certain 
disabled persons.  We receive revenue for our home health, hospice, skilled nursing and outpatient therapy services from Medicare.  
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Medicaid is a medical assistance program administered by each state, funded with federal and state funds pursuant to which 
healthcare benefits are available to certain indigent or disabled patients. We receive reimbursements under Medicaid (including 
state Medicaid waiver programs) for many of our assisted living communities.  

These government reimbursement programs are highly regulated, involve significant administrative discretion, and are subject to 
frequent and substantial legislative, administrative and interpretive changes, which may significantly affect reimbursement rates 
and the methods and timing of payments made under these programs. Continuing efforts of government to contain healthcare costs 
could materially and adversely affect us, and reimbursement levels may not remain at levels comparable to present levels or may 
not be sufficient to cover the costs allocable to patients eligible for reimbursement.  During 2016, we significantly reduced the 
number of our outpatient therapy clinics located in our communities due, in part, to lower reimbursement rates making the business 
less attractive.

Medicare reimbursement for home health and skilled nursing services is subject to fixed payments under the Medicare prospective 
payment  systems.  In  accordance  with  Medicare  laws,  CMS  makes  annual  adjustments  to  Medicare  payment  rates  in  many 
prospective payment systems under what is commonly known as a “market basket update.” Each year, the Medicare Payment 
Advisory Commission (“MedPAC”), a commission chartered by Congress to advise it on Medicare payment issues, recommends 
payment  policies  to  Congress  for  a  variety  of  Medicare  payment  systems.  Congress  is  not  obligated  to  adopt  MedPAC 
recommendations and based on previous years, there can be no assurance that Congress will adopt MedPAC’s recommendations 
in any given year. 

Medicaid reimbursement rates for many of our assisted living communities also are based upon fixed payment systems. Generally, 
these rates are adjusted annually for inflation. However, those adjustments may not reflect actual increases of the cost of providing 
healthcare services. In addition, Medicaid reimbursement can be impacted negatively by state budgetary pressures, which may 
lead to reduced reimbursement or delays in receiving payments.

Audits and Investigations

As a result of our participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, we are subject to various government reviews, audits and 
investigations to verify our compliance with these programs and applicable laws and regulations.  CMS has engaged a number of 
third party firms, including Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC), Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPIC), and Unified Program 
Integrity Contractors (UPIC) to conduct extensive reviews of claims data to evaluate the appropriateness of billings submitted for 
payment. Audit contractors may identify overpayments based on coverage requirements, billing and coding rules or other risk 
areas. In addition to identifying overpayments, audit contractors can refer suspected violations of law to government enforcement 
authorities.  An adverse determination of government reviews, audits and investigations may result in citations, sanctions and 
other criminal or civil fines and penalties, the refund of overpayments, payment suspensions, or termination of participation in 
Medicare and Medicaid programs. Our costs to respond to and defend any such audits, reviews and investigations may be significant 
and are likely to increase in the current enforcement environment, and any resulting sanctions or criminal, civil or regulatory 
penalties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Healthcare Education and Reconciliation Act

To help fund the expansion of health care coverage to previously uninsured people, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care 
Act and the Healthcare Education and Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Affordable Care Act”), which became law 
in 2010, provides for certain reforms to the health care delivery and payment system aimed at increasing quality and reducing 
costs.  

As it relates to our business, the Affordable Care Act provides for reductions to the annual market basket payment updates for 
home health and hospice agencies and additional annual “productivity adjustment” reductions to the annual market basket payment 
update as determined by CMS for skilled nursing facilities (beginning in federal fiscal year 2012), home health agencies (beginning 
in federal fiscal year 2015), and hospice agencies (beginning in federal fiscal year 2013).  These reductions have, and could in the 
future, result in lower reimbursement than the previous year.  The Affordable Care Act also provides for new transparency, reporting, 
and certification requirements for skilled nursing facilities.  

Furthermore, the Affordable Care Act mandates changes to home health and hospice benefits under Medicare. For home health, 
the Affordable Care Act mandates creation of a value-based purchasing program, development of quality measures, a decrease in 
home health reimbursement beginning with federal fiscal year 2014 that is being phased-in over a four-year period, a reduction 
in the outlier cap, and reinstatement of a 3% add-on payment for home health services delivered to residents in rural areas on or 
after April 1, 2010 and before January 1, 2016. In addition, the Affordable Care Act requires the Secretary of HHS to test different 
models for delivery of care, some of which would involve home health services. It also requires the Secretary to establish a national 
15

pilot program for integrated care for patients with certain conditions, bundling payment for acute hospital care, physician services, 
outpatient hospital services, and post-acute care services, which would include home health. The Affordable Care Act further 
directed the Secretary of HHS to rebase payments for home health, which resulted in a decrease in home health reimbursement 
that began in 2014 and is being phased-in over a four-year period. The Secretary is also required to conduct a study to evaluate 
costs and quality of care among efficient home health agencies regarding access to care and treating Medicare beneficiaries with 
varying severity levels of illness and to provide a report to Congress.  

Potential efforts in the Congress to alter, amend, repeal or replace the Affordable Care Act, or to fail to fund various aspects of 
the Affordable Care Act, create additional uncertainty about the ultimate impact of the Affordable Care Act on us and the healthcare 
industry.  The healthcare reforms and changes resulting from the Affordable Care Act, as well as other similar healthcare reforms, 
including any potential change in the nature of services we provide, the methods or amount of payment we receive for such services, 
and the underlying regulatory environment, could adversely affect our business, revenues, results of operations and cash flows. 

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015

The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (“MACRA”) became law in 2015. The legislation, among other 
things, permanently replaced the sustainable growth rate formula previously used to determine updates to Medicare fee schedule 
payments with quality and value measurements and participation in alternate payment models; extended the Medicare Part B 
outpatient therapy cap exception process until December 31, 2017; extended the 3% add-on payment for home health services 
delivered to residents in rural areas until December 31, 2017; and set payment updates for post-acute providers at 1% after other 
adjustments required by the Affordable Care Act for 2018. As a result of changes to reimbursement due to the Affordable Care 
Act and MACRA, our home health reimbursement decreased by 3.2% for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to the 
prior year, and we expect our home health reimbursement to decrease by 0.8% for the year ended December 31, 2018.  As part of 
federal budget legislation that became law on February 9, 2018, the Medicare Part B cap on outpatient therapy services was 
permanently repealed effective January 1, 2018.

The Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014

The Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (the “IMPACT Act”), which became law in 2014, requires 
standardized assessment data for quality improvement, payment, and discharge planning purposes across the spectrum of post-
acute care, including home health, hospice and skilled nursing.  The IMPACT Act will require such agencies and facilities to begin 
reporting standardized patient assessment data, new quality measures, and resource use measures. Failure to report such data when 
required would subject an agency or facility to a two percent reduction in market basket prices then in effect. The IMPACT Act 
further requires HHS and MedPAC to study, and report to Congress by 2022 regarding, alternative post-acute care payment models, 
including payment based upon individual patient characteristics and not care setting. 

Home Health Pre-Claim Review Demonstration

In 2016, CMS announced that it would implement a 3-year Medicare pre-claim review demonstration for home health services 
in the states of Illinois, Florida, Texas, Michigan and Massachusetts. We derive a significant portion of our home health revenue 
from these states.  The pre-claim review is a process through which a request for provisional affirmation of coverage is submitted 
for review before a final claim is submitted for payment. CMS began the pre-claim review demonstration in Illinois in August 
2016.  Effective in April 2017, CMS paused for an indefinite period the demonstration in Illinois and the implementation of the 
demonstration in the other states.  The pre-claim review demonstration resulted in increased administrative costs and reimbursement 
delays  for  our  Illinois  home  health  agency.  If  CMS  were  to  restart  implementation  of  the  pre-claim  review  process,  it  could 
adversely affect our revenue, results of operations and cash flows.   

Industry Regulation

The regulatory environment surrounding the senior living industry continues to intensify in the number and type of laws and 
regulations affecting it. In addition, federal, state and local officials are increasingly focusing their efforts on enforcement of these 
laws  and  regulations. This  is  particularly  true  for  large  for-profit,  multi-community  providers  like  us.  Some  of  the  laws  and 
regulations that impact our industry include: state and local laws impacting licensure, protecting consumers against deceptive 
practices, and generally affecting the communities' management of property and equipment and how we otherwise conduct our 
operations, such as fire, health and safety laws and regulations and privacy laws; federal and state laws governing Medicare and 
Medicaid, which regulate allowable costs, pricing, quality of services, quality of care, food service, resident rights (including 
abuse and neglect) and fraud; federal and state residents' rights statutes and regulations; Anti-Kickback and physicians referral 
("Stark") laws; and safety and health standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. We are unable to predict 

16

the future course of federal, state and local legislation or regulation. Changes in the regulatory framework could have a material 
adverse effect on our business.

Many senior living communities are also subject to regulation and licensing by state and local health and social service agencies 
and other regulatory authorities. Although requirements vary from state to state, these requirements may address, among others, 
the following: personnel education, training and records; community services; staffing; physical plant specifications; furnishing 
of  resident  units;  food  and  housekeeping  services;  emergency  evacuation  plans;  emergency  power  generator  requirements; 
professional licensing and certification of staff; and resident rights and responsibilities. In several of the states there are different 
levels of care that can be provided based on the level of licensure. In addition, in several of the states in which we operate or intend 
to operate, assisted living communities, home health agencies and/or skilled nursing facilities require a certificate of need before 
the community can be opened or the services at an existing community can be expanded. Senior living communities may also be 
subject to state and/or local building, zoning, fire and food service codes and must be in compliance with these local codes before 
licensing or certification may be granted. These laws and regulatory requirements could affect our ability to expand into new 
markets and to expand our services and communities in existing markets.

Unannounced surveys or inspections may occur annually or bi-annually, or following a regulator's receipt of a complaint about 
the provider. From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we receive survey reports from state regulatory bodies resulting 
from such inspections or surveys. Most inspection deficiencies are resolved through a plan of corrective action relating to the 
community's operations, but the reviewing agency may have the authority to take further action against a licensed or certified 
community, which could result in the imposition of fines, imposition of a provisional or conditional license, suspension or revocation 
of a license, suspension or denial of admissions, loss of certification as a provider under federal reimbursement programs or 
imposition of other sanctions, including criminal penalties. Loss, suspension or modification of a license may also cause us to 
default under our debt and lease documents and/or trigger cross-defaults. Sanctions may be taken against providers or facilities 
without regard to the providers' or facilities' history of compliance. We may also expend considerable resources to respond to 
federal and state investigations or other enforcement action under applicable laws or regulations. To date, none of the deficiency 
reports received by us has resulted in a suspension, fine or other disposition that has had a material adverse effect on our revenues. 
However, any future substantial failure to comply with any applicable legal and regulatory requirements could result in a material 
adverse effect to our business as a whole. In addition, states Attorneys General vigorously enforce consumer protection laws as 
those  laws  relate  to  the  senior  living  industry.  State  Medicaid  Fraud  and Abuse  Units  may  also  investigate  assisted  living 
communities even if the community or any of its residents do not receive federal or state funds.

Regulation  of  the  senior  living  industry  is  evolving  at  least  partly  because  of  the  growing  interests  of  a  variety  of  advocacy 
organizations and political movements attempting to standardize regulations for certain segments of the industry, particularly 
assisted living. Our operations could suffer if future regulatory developments, such as federal assisted living laws and regulations, 
as well as mandatory increases in the scope and severity of deficiencies determined by survey or inspection officials or increase 
the number of citations that can result in civil or criminal penalties. Certain current state laws and regulations allow enforcement 
officials to make determinations on whether the care provided by one or more of our communities exceeds the level of care for 
which the community is licensed. Furthermore, certain states may allow citations in one community to impact other communities 
in the state. Revocation or suspension of a license, or a citation, at a given community could therefore impact our ability to obtain 
new licenses or to renew existing licenses at other communities, which may also cause us to be in default under our loan or lease 
agreements and trigger cross-defaults or may also trigger defaults under certain of our credit agreements, or adversely affect our 
ability to operate and/or obtain financing in the future. If a state were to find that one community's citation will impact another of 
our  communities,  this  will  also  increase  costs  and  result  in  increased  surveillance  by  the  state  survey  agency.  If  regulatory 
requirements increase, whether through enactment of new laws or regulations or changes in the enforcement of existing rules, 
including increased enforcement brought about by advocacy groups, in addition to federal and state regulators, our operations 
could be adversely affected. In addition, any adverse finding by survey and inspection officials may serve as the basis for false 
claims lawsuits by private plaintiffs and may lead to investigations under federal and state laws, which may result in civil and/or 
criminal penalties against the community or individual.

There are various extremely complex federal and state laws governing a wide array of referrals, relationships and arrangements 
and prohibiting fraud by health care providers, including those in the senior living industry, and governmental agencies are devoting 
increasing attention and resources to such anti-fraud initiatives. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, 
or HIPAA, and the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 expanded the penalties for health care fraud. In addition, with respect to our 
participation  in  federal  health  care  reimbursement  programs,  the  government  or  private  individuals  acting  on  behalf  of  the 
government may bring an action under the False Claims Act alleging that a health care provider has defrauded the government 
and seek treble damages for false claims and the payment of additional monetary civil penalties. The False Claims Act allows a 
private individual with knowledge of fraud to bring a claim on behalf of the federal government and earn a percentage of the 
federal government's recovery. Because of these incentives, so-called "whistleblower" suits have become more frequent. 

17

Additionally, since we operate communities that participate in federal and/or state health care reimbursement programs, we are 
subject to federal and state laws that prohibit anyone from presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for reimbursement which 
are false, fraudulent or are for items or services that were not provided as claimed. Similar state laws vary from state to state. 
Violation of any of these laws can result in loss of licensure, citations, sanctions and other criminal or civil fines and penalties, 
the refund of overpayments, payment suspensions, or termination of participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs, which 
may also cause us to default under our debt and lease documents and/or trigger cross-defaults.

We are also subject to certain federal and state laws that regulate financial arrangements by health care providers, such as the 
Federal Anti-Kickback Law, the Stark laws and certain state referral laws. The Federal Anti-Kickback Law makes it unlawful for 
any person to offer or pay (or to solicit or receive) "any remuneration ... directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in 
kind" for referring or recommending for purchase any item or service which is eligible for payment under the Medicare and/or 
Medicaid programs. Authorities have interpreted this statute very broadly to apply to many practices and relationships between 
health care providers and sources of patient referral. If we were to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Law, we may face criminal 
penalties and civil sanctions, including fines and possible exclusion from government reimbursement programs, which may also 
cause us to default under our leases and loan agreements and/or trigger cross-defaults. Adverse consequences may also result if 
we violate federal Stark laws related to certain Medicare and Medicaid physician referrals. While we endeavor to comply with all 
laws that regulate the licensure and operation of our senior living communities, it is difficult to predict how our revenues could 
be affected if we were subject to an action alleging such violations. 

We are also subject to federal and state laws designed to protect the confidentiality of patient health information. The United States 
Department of Health and Human Services has issued rules pursuant to HIPAA relating to the privacy of such information. Rules 
that became effective in 2003 govern our use and disclosure of health information at certain HIPAA covered communities. We 
established procedures to comply with HIPAA privacy requirements at these communities. We were required to be in compliance 
with the HIPAA rule establishing administrative, physical and technical security standards for health information by 2005. To the 
best of our knowledge, we are in compliance with these rules.

Environmental Matters

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property, such as us, 
may be held liable in certain circumstances for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic 
substances, including, among others, petroleum and materials containing asbestos, that could be located on, in, at or under a 
property, regardless of how such materials came to be located there. Additionally, such an owner or operator of real property may 
incur costs relating to the release of hazardous or toxic substances, including government fines and payments for personal injuries 
or damage to adjacent property. The cost of any required investigation, remediation, removal, mitigation, compliance, fines or 
personal or property damages and our liability therefore could exceed the property's value and/or our assets' value. In addition, 
the presence of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate the damage caused by such substances, may 
adversely affect our ability to sell such property, to attract additional residents and retain existing residents, to borrow using such 
property as collateral or to develop or redevelop such property. In addition, such laws impose liability for investigation, remediation, 
removal and mitigation costs on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous substances at third-party sites. 
Such laws and regulations often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible for, 
the presence, release or disposal of such substances as well as without regard to whether such release or disposal was in compliance 
with law at the time it occurred. Moreover, the imposition of such liability upon us could be joint and several, which means we 
could be required to pay for the cost of cleaning up contamination caused by others who have become insolvent or otherwise 
judgment proof.  We do not believe that we have incurred such liabilities that would have a material adverse effect on our business, 
financial condition and results of operations.

Our operations are subject to regulation under various federal, state and local environmental laws, including those relating to: the 
handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of medical waste products generated at our communities; identification 
and warning of the presence of asbestos-containing materials in buildings, as well as removal of such materials; the presence of 
other substances in the indoor environment; and protection of the environment and natural resources in connection with development 
or construction of our properties.

Some of our communities generate infectious or other hazardous medical waste due to the illness or physical condition of the 
residents, including, for example, blood-contaminated bandages, swabs and other medical waste products and incontinence products 
of those residents diagnosed with an infectious disease. The management of infectious medical waste, including its handling, 
storage, transportation, treatment and disposal, is subject to regulation under various federal, state and local environmental laws. 
These environmental laws set forth the management requirements for such waste, as well as related permit, record-keeping, notice 
and reporting obligations. Each of our communities has an agreement with a waste management company for the proper disposal 
of all infectious medical waste. The use of such waste management companies does not immunize us from alleged violations of 
18

such medical waste laws for operations for which we are responsible even if carried out by such waste management companies, 
nor does it immunize us from third-party claims for the cost to cleanup disposal sites at which such wastes have been disposed. 
Any finding that we are not in compliance with environmental laws could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results 
of operations and cash flow.

Federal regulations require building owners and those exercising control over a building's management to identify and warn, via 
signs and labels, their employees and certain other employers operating in the building of potential hazards posed by workplace 
exposure to installed asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-containing materials in their buildings. The regulations 
also set forth employee training, record-keeping requirements and sampling protocols pertaining to asbestos-containing materials 
and potential asbestos-containing materials. Significant fines can be assessed for violation of these regulations. Building owners 
and those exercising control over a building's management may be subject to an increased risk of personal injury lawsuits by 
workers and others exposed to asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-containing materials. The regulations may 
affect the value of a building containing asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-containing materials in which we 
have invested. Federal, state and local laws and regulations also govern the removal, encapsulation, disturbance, handling and/or 
disposal of asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-containing materials when such materials are in poor condition 
or in the event of construction, remodeling, renovation or demolition of a building. Such laws may impose liability for improper 
handling or a release to the environment of asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-containing materials and may 
provide for fines to, and for third parties to seek recovery from, owners or operators of real properties for personal injury or 
improper work exposure associated with asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-containing materials.

The presence of mold, lead-based paint, contaminants in drinking water, radon and/or other substances at any of the communities 
we own or may acquire may lead to the incurrence of costs for remediation, mitigation or the implementation of an operations 
and maintenance plan. Furthermore, the presence of mold, lead-based paint, contaminants in drinking water, radon and/or other 
substances at any of the communities we own or may acquire may present a risk that third parties will seek recovery from the 
owners, operators or tenants of such properties for personal injury or property damage. In some circumstances, areas affected by 
mold may be unusable for periods of time for repairs, and even after successful remediation, the known prior presence of extensive 
mold could adversely affect the ability of a community to retain or attract residents and could adversely affect a community's 
market value.

We believe that we are in material compliance with applicable environmental laws.

We are unable to predict the future course of federal, state and local environmental regulation and legislation. Changes in the 
environmental regulatory framework (including legislative or regulatory efforts designed to address climate change, such as the 
proposed "cap and trade" legislation) could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, because environmental 
laws vary from state to state, expansion of our operations to states where we do not currently operate may subject us to additional 
restrictions on the manner in which we operate our communities.

Available Information

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to these 
reports, are available free of charge through our web site as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material 
with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission, at the following address: www.brookdale.com. The information 
within, or that can be accessed through, the web site is not part of this report.

We  have  posted  our  Corporate  Governance  Guidelines,  Code  of  Business  Conduct  and  Ethics  and  the  charters  of  our Audit, 
Compensation, Investment and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees on our web site at www.brookdale.com. In 
addition, our Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers, which applies to our President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer and Controller is also available on our website. Our corporate 
governance materials are available in print free of charge to any stockholder upon request to our Corporate Secretary, Brookdale 
Senior Living Inc., 111 Westwood Place, Suite 400, Brentwood, Tennessee 37027.

Item 1A. 

Risk Factors.

Risks Related to Our Business

Due to the dependency of our revenues on private pay sources, events which adversely affect the ability of seniors to afford 
our resident fees or entrance fees (including downturns in the economy, housing market, consumer confidence or the equity 
markets and unemployment among resident family members) could cause our occupancy, revenues, results of operations and 
cash flow to decline.

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Costs  to  seniors  associated  with  independent  and  assisted  living  services  are  not  generally  reimbursable  under  government 
reimbursement programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. Only seniors with income or assets meeting or exceeding the comparable 
median in the regions where our communities are located typically can afford to pay our monthly resident fees. Economic downturns, 
softness  in  the  housing  market,  higher  levels  of  unemployment  among  resident  family  members,  lower  levels  of  consumer 
confidence, stock market volatility and/or changes in demographics could adversely affect the ability of seniors to afford our 
resident fees or entrance fees. If we are unable to retain and/or attract seniors with sufficient income, assets or other resources 
required  to  pay  the  fees  associated  with  independent  and  assisted  living  services  and  other  service  offerings,  our  occupancy, 
revenues, results of operations and cash flow could decline.

Changes in the reimbursement rates or methods or timing of payment from government reimbursement programs, including 
the Medicare and Medicaid programs, or the implementation of other measures to reduce reimbursement for our senior living 
and ancillary services could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

We rely on reimbursement from government programs, including Medicare and Medicaid, for a portion of our revenues, and we 
cannot provide assurance that reimbursement levels will not decrease in the future, which could adversely affect our revenues, 
results of operations and cash flow.  Reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid represented 12.6% and 2.7%, respectively, of 
our total resident fee revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017.  During such period, Medicare reimbursements represented 
86.3% of our Ancillary Services segment revenue, and Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements represented 23.1% of our CCRCs-
Rental segment revenue.  See “Item 1.  Business—Government Regulation” for more information regarding these programs, 
including the impact of recent legislation on such programs.

Congress continues to discuss deficit and medical spending reduction measures, leading to a high degree of uncertainty regarding 
potential reforms to government reimbursement programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. These discussions, along with other 
recent reforms and continuing efforts to reform government reimbursement programs, both as part of the Affordable Care Act and 
otherwise, could result in major changes in the healthcare delivery and reimbursement systems on both the national and state 
levels.  Weak economic conditions also could adversely affect federal and state budgets, which could result in attempts to reduce 
or eliminate payments for federal and state reimbursement programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. 

Though we cannot predict what reform proposals will be adopted or finally implemented, healthcare reform and regulations may 
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial position, results of operations, and cash flow through, among other things, 
decreasing funds available for our services or increasing our operating costs. Continuing efforts of government to contain healthcare 
costs could materially and adversely affect us, and reimbursement levels may not remain at levels comparable to present levels 
or may not be sufficient to cover the costs allocable to patients eligible for reimbursement.  During 2016, we significantly reduced 
the number of our outpatient therapy clinics located in our communities due, in part, to lower reimbursement rates making the 
business less attractive.

The impact of ongoing health care reform efforts on our business cannot accurately be predicted.

The health care industry in the United States is subject to fundamental changes due to ongoing health care reform efforts and 
related political, economic and regulatory influences. Notably, the Affordable Care Act resulted in expanded health care coverage 
to millions of previously uninsured people beginning in 2014 and has resulted in significant changes to the United States health 
care system. To help fund this expansion, the Affordable Care Act outlines certain reductions for Medicare reimbursed services, 
including skilled nursing, home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services, as well as certain other changes to Medicare 
payment methodologies. This comprehensive health care legislation has resulted and will continue to result in extensive rulemaking 
by regulatory authorities, and also may be altered, amended, repealed or replaced.  It is difficult to predict the full impact of the 
Affordable Care Act due to the complexity of the law and implementing regulations, as well our inability to foresee how CMS 
and other participants in the health care industry will respond to the choices available to them under the law.  We also cannot 
accurately predict whether any new or pending legislative proposals will be adopted or, if adopted, what effect, if any, these 
proposals would have on our business. Similarly, while we can anticipate that some of the rulemaking that will be promulgated 
by regulatory authorities will affect us and the manner in which we are reimbursed by the federal reimbursement programs, we 
cannot  accurately  predict  today  the  impact  of  those  regulations  on  our  business. The  provisions  of  the  legislation  and  other 
regulations implementing the provisions of the Affordable Care Act or any amended or replacement legislation may increase our 
costs, decrease our revenues, expose us to expanded liability or require us to revise the ways in which we conduct our business.

In addition to its impact on the delivery and payment for health care, the Affordable Care Act and the implementing regulations 
have resulted and may continue to result in increases to our costs to provide health care benefits to our employees. We also may 
be required to make additional employee-related changes to our business as a result of provisions in the Affordable Care Act or 

20

any amended or replacement legislation impacting the provision of health insurance by employers, which could result in additional 
expense and adversely affect our results of operations and cash flow.

Overbuilding and increased competition may adversely affect our occupancy, revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

The  senior  living  industry  is  highly  competitive.  We  compete  with  numerous  other  companies  that  provide  long-term  care 
alternatives such as home healthcare agencies, community-based service programs, retirement communities, convalescent centers 
and other senior living and ancillary services providers, including not-for-profit entities. In general, regulatory and other barriers 
to competitive entry in the independent living and assisted living sectors of the senior living industry are not substantial. In addition, 
over the last several years there has been an increase in the construction of new senior housing assets.  During 2016 and 2017, we 
experienced an elevated rate of competitive new openings, with significant new competition opening in several of our markets, 
which adversely affected our occupancy, revenues and results of operations. We expect this elevated rate of competitive new 
openings and pressures on our occupancy and rate growth to continue through 2018, although we cannot provide assurance that 
the elevated rate of new openings will subside according to our expectations since the senior living industry may become more 
competitive in the future. Such new competition that we have encountered or may encounter could limit our ability to attract new 
residents, raise or maintain resident fees or expand our business, which could have a material adverse effect on our occupancy, 
revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

Disruptions in the financial markets could affect our ability to obtain financing or to extend or refinance debt as it matures, 
which could negatively impact our liquidity, financial condition and the market price of our common stock.

The United States stock and credit markets have experienced significant price volatility, dislocations and liquidity disruptions, 
which have caused market prices of many stocks to fluctuate substantially and the spreads on prospective debt financings to widen 
considerably. These circumstances have materially impacted liquidity in the financial markets, making terms for certain financings 
less attractive, and in some cases resulted in the unavailability of financing. Uncertainty in the stock and credit markets may 
negatively  impact  our  ability  to  access  additional  financing  (including  any  refinancing  or  extension  of  our  existing  debt)  on 
reasonable terms, which may negatively affect our liquidity, financial condition and the market price of our common stock.

As of December 31, 2017, we had three principal corporate-level debt obligations: our $400.0 million secured credit facility, our 
$316.3 million 2.75% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2018, and our separate unsecured letter of credit facilities providing 
for up to $64.5 million of letters of credit in the aggregate. If we are unable to extend (or refinance, as applicable) any of our debt 
or credit or letter of credit facilities prior to their scheduled maturity dates, our liquidity and financial condition could be adversely 
impacted. In addition, even if we are able to extend or refinance our other maturing debt or credit or letter of credit facilities, the 
terms of the new financing may not be as favorable to us as the terms of the existing financing.

A prolonged downturn in the financial markets may cause us to seek alternative sources of potentially less attractive financing, 
and may require us to further adjust our business plan accordingly. These events also may make it more difficult or costly for us 
to raise capital, including through the issuance of common stock. Disruptions in the financial markets could have an adverse effect 
on us and our business. If we are not able to obtain additional financing on favorable terms, we also may have to forego, delay or 
abandon some or all of our planned capital expenditures or any lease restructuring, development or acquisition opportunities that 
we identify, which could adversely affect our revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

General economic factors could adversely affect our financial performance and other aspects of our business.

General  economic  conditions,  such  as  inflation,  commodity  costs,  fuel  and  other  energy  costs,  costs  of  labor,  insurance  and 
healthcare, interest rates, and tax rates, affect our facility operating, facility lease, general and administrative and other expenses, 
and we have no control or limited ability to control such factors. In addition, current global economic conditions and uncertainties, 
the potential for failures or realignments of financial institutions, and the related impact on available credit may affect us and our 
business partners, landlords, counterparties and residents or prospective residents in an adverse manner including, but not limited 
to, reducing access to liquid funds or credit, increasing the cost of credit, limiting our ability to manage interest rate risk, increasing 
the risk that certain of our business partners, landlords or counterparties would be unable to fulfill their obligations to us, and other 
impacts which we are unable to fully anticipate.

If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow to cover required interest and lease payments, this would result in defaults of 
the related debt or leases and cross-defaults under our other debt or lease documents, which would adversely affect our capital 
structure, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

We have significant indebtedness and lease obligations, and we intend to continue financing our communities through mortgage 
financing, long-term leases and other types of financing, including borrowings under our line of credit and future credit facilities 
21

we may obtain. We cannot give any assurance that we will generate sufficient cash flow from operations to cover required interest, 
principal and lease payments. Any non-payment or other default under our financing arrangements could, subject to cure provisions, 
cause the lender to foreclose upon the community or communities securing such indebtedness or, in the case of a lease, cause the 
lessor to terminate the lease, each with a consequent loss of revenue and asset value to us. Furthermore, in some cases, indebtedness 
is secured by both a mortgage on a community (or communities) and a guaranty by us and/or one or more of our subsidiaries. In 
the event of a default under one of these scenarios, the lender could avoid judicial procedures required to foreclose on real property 
by declaring all amounts outstanding under the guaranty immediately due and payable, and requiring the respective guarantor to 
fulfill its obligations to make such payments. The realization of any of these scenarios would have an adverse effect on our financial 
condition and capital structure. Additionally, a foreclosure on any of our properties could cause us to recognize taxable income, 
even if we did not receive any cash proceeds in connection with such foreclosure. Further, because many of our outstanding debt 
and lease documents contain cross-default and cross-collateralization provisions, a default by us related to one community could 
affect a significant number of our communities and their corresponding financing arrangements and leases. In the event of such 
a default, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the lender or lessor on terms acceptable or favorable to us, or at all, which 
would have a negative impact on our capital structure and financial condition.

Our indebtedness and long-term leases could adversely affect our liquidity and our ability to operate our business.

Our level of indebtedness and our long-term leases could adversely affect our future operations and/or impact our stockholders 
for several reasons, including, without limitation:

•  We may have little or no cash flow apart from cash flow that is dedicated to the payment of any interest, principal or 
amortization required with respect to outstanding indebtedness and lease payments with respect to our long-term leases;

• 

• 

Increases in our outstanding indebtedness, leverage and long-term leases will increase our vulnerability to adverse 
changes in general economic and industry conditions, as well as to competitive pressure;

Increases in our outstanding indebtedness may limit our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, 
capital expenditures, expansions, repositionings, new developments, acquisitions, general corporate and other purposes; 
and

•  Our ability to pay dividends to our stockholders may be limited.

Our ability to make payments of principal and interest on our indebtedness and to make lease payments on our leases depends 
upon our future cash flow performance, which will be subject to general economic conditions, industry cycles and financial, 
business and other factors affecting our operations, many of which are beyond our control. Our business might not continue to 
generate cash flow at or above current levels. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to 
service our debt or to make lease payments on our leases, we may be required, among other things, to seek additional financing 
in the debt or equity markets, refinance or restructure all or a portion of our indebtedness or leases, sell selected assets, reduce or 
delay planned capital expenditures or delay or abandon desirable acquisitions. These measures might not be sufficient to enable 
us to service our debt or to make lease payments on our leases. The failure to make required payments on our debt or leases could 
result in an adverse effect on our future ability to generate revenues and our results of operations and cash flow. Any contemplated 
financing, refinancing, restructuring, or sale of assets might not be available on economically favorable terms to us. In addition, 
certain of our debt agreements contain extension options. If we are not able to satisfy the conditions precedent to exercising these 
extension options our liquidity and financial condition could be negatively impacted.

Our debt and lease documents contain financial and other covenants, including covenants that limit or restrict our operations 
and activities (including our ability to borrow additional funds and engage in certain transactions without consent of the 
applicable lender or lessor), and any default under such documents could result in the acceleration of our indebtedness and 
cash lease obligations, the foreclosure of our mortgaged communities, the termination of our leasehold interests, and/or cross-
defaults under our other debt or lease documents, any of which could materially and adversely impact our capital structure, 
financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and liquidity and interfere with our ability to pursue our strategy.

Certain  of  our  debt  and  lease  documents  contain  restrictions  and  financial  covenants,  such  as  those  requiring  us  to  maintain 
prescribed minimum net worth and stockholders’ equity levels and debt service and lease coverage ratios, and requiring us not to 
exceed prescribed leverage ratios, in each case on a consolidated, portfolio-wide, multi-community, single-community and/or 
entity basis. Net worth is generally calculated as stockholders' equity as calculated in accordance with GAAP, and in certain 
circumstances, reduced by intangible assets or liabilities or increased by deferred gains from sale-leaseback transactions and 
deferred entrance fee revenue. The debt service and lease coverage ratios are generally calculated as revenues less operating 
expenses, including an implied management fee and a reserve for capital expenditures, divided by the debt (principal and interest) 

22

or lease payment. In some cases, the calculation of the applicable financial covenants (such as the calculation of our coverage 
ratio for the applicable portfolio for a particular period) requires interpretation of complex debt and lease provisions. A landlord 
has advised us that it asserts that the manner in which we have calculated compliance with a financial covenant under master 
leases scheduled to expire in stages over the next approximately two and one-half years that cover a total of nine communities is 
incorrect.  We disagree with the landlord.  In the event that it is ultimately determined that our method of calculating such compliance 
was erroneous, it is possible that the recalculation could result in our failure to be in compliance with such covenant. We have 
reviewed the applicable lease provisions with outside counsel and remain confident that we have been, and continue to be, in 
compliance with the applicable requirements of the leases.  In addition, our debt and lease documents generally contain non-
financial covenants, such as those requiring us to comply with Medicare or Medicaid provider requirements. 

Our failure to comply with applicable covenants could constitute an event of default under the applicable debt or lease documents. 
Many of our debt and lease documents contain cross-default provisions so that a default under one of these instruments could 
cause a default under other debt and lease documents (including documents with other lenders and lessors).

These restrictions and covenants may interfere with our ability to obtain financing or to engage in other business activities, which 
may inhibit our ability to pursue our strategy. In addition, certain of our outstanding indebtedness and leases limit or restrict, 
among other things, our ability and our subsidiaries' ability to borrow additional funds, engage in a change in control transaction, 
dispose of all or substantially all of our or their assets, or engage in mergers or other business combinations without consent of 
the applicable lender or lessor. In certain circumstances, the consent of the applicable lender or lessor may be based on the lender’s 
or lessor’s sole discretion. Our inability to obtain the consent of applicable lenders and landlords in connection with our pursuit 
of any such transactions may forestall our ability to consummate such transactions. Furthermore, the costs of obtaining such 
consents may reduce the value that our stockholders may realize in any such transactions.

The substantial majority of our lease arrangements are structured as master leases. Under a master lease, numerous communities 
are leased through an indivisible lease. Due to the nature of such master leases, it is difficult to restructure the composition of our 
leased portfolios or economic terms of the leases without the consent of the applicable landlord. In addition, an event of default 
related to an individual property or limited number of properties within a master lease portfolio would result in a default on the 
entire master lease portfolio.

Furthermore, our debt and leases are secured by our communities and, in certain cases, a guaranty by us and/or one or more of 
our subsidiaries. Therefore, if an event of default has occurred under any of our debt or lease documents, subject to cure provisions 
in certain instances, the respective lender or lessor would have the right to declare all the related outstanding amounts of indebtedness 
or cash lease obligations immediately due and payable, to foreclose on our mortgaged communities, to terminate our leasehold 
interests, to foreclose on other collateral securing the indebtedness and leases, to discontinue our operation of leased communities 
and/or to pursue other remedies available to such lender or lessor. Further, an event of default could trigger cross-default provisions 
in our other debt and lease documents (including documents with other lenders or lessors). We cannot provide assurance that we 
would be able to pay the debt or lease obligations if they became due upon acceleration following an event of default.

In addition, certain of our master leases and management agreements contain radius restrictions, which limit our ability to own, 
develop or acquire new communities within a specified distance from certain existing communities covered by such agreements. 
These radius restrictions could negatively affect our ability to expand or develop or acquire senior housing communities and 
operating companies.

Mortgage debt and lease obligations expose us to increased risk of loss of property, which could harm our ability to generate 
future revenues and could have an adverse tax effect.

Mortgage debt and lease obligations increase our risk of loss because defaults on indebtedness secured by properties or pursuant 
to the terms of the lease may result in foreclosure actions initiated by lenders or lessors and ultimately our loss of the property 
securing any loans for which we are in default or cause the lessor to terminate the lease. For tax purposes, a foreclosure of any of 
our properties would be treated as a sale of the property for a purchase price equal to the outstanding balance of the debt secured 
by the mortgage. If the outstanding balance of the debt secured by the mortgage exceeds our tax basis in the property, we would 
recognize taxable income on foreclosure, but would not receive any cash proceeds, which could negatively impact our results of 
operations  and  cash  flow.  Further,  our  mortgage  debt  and  leases  generally  contain  cross-default  and  cross-collateralization 
provisions and a default on one community could affect a significant number of our communities, financing arrangements and 
leases.

In addition, our leases generally provide for renewal or extension options and, in certain cases, purchase options. These options 
generally are based upon prescribed formulas but, in certain cases, may be at fair market value. We expect to renew, extend or 
exercise purchase options with respect to our leases in the normal course of business; however, there can be no assurance that 
23

these rights will be exercised in the future or that we will be able to satisfy the conditions precedent to exercising any such renewal, 
extension or purchase options. Furthermore, the terms of any such options that are based on fair market value are inherently 
uncertain and could be unacceptable or unfavorable to us depending on the circumstances at the time of exercise. If we are not 
able to renew or extend our existing leases, or purchase the communities subject to such leases, at or prior to the end of the existing 
lease terms, or if the terms of such options are unfavorable or unacceptable to us, our business, results of operations and cash flow 
could be adversely affected.

Increases in market interest rates could significantly increase the costs of our unhedged debt and lease obligations, which 
could adversely affect our results of operations and cash flow.

Our unhedged floating-rate debt and lease payment obligations and any unhedged floating-rate debt incurred in the future, exposes 
us to interest rate risk. Therefore, increases in prevailing interest rates could increase our payment obligations, which would 
negatively impact our results of operations and cash flow.

Increases in the cost and availability of labor, including increased competition for or a shortage of skilled personnel, increased 
wage pressures or increased union activity, could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flow.

Our success depends on our ability to retain and attract skilled management personnel who are responsible for the day-to-day 
operations of each of our communities. Each community has an Executive Director responsible for the overall day-to-day operations 
of the community, including quality of care and service, social services and financial performance. Depending upon the size of 
the community, each Executive Director is supported by a community staff member (health and wellness director or nursing 
director) who is directly responsible for day-to-day care of residents and community sales/marketing staff with regional support 
to oversee the community's sales, marketing and community outreach programs. Other key positions supporting each community 
may include individuals responsible for food service, healthcare services, activities, housekeeping and maintenance.

We compete with various health care service providers, including other senior living providers, in retaining and attracting qualified 
and skilled personnel. Increased competition for or a shortage of nurses, therapists or other trained personnel, or general inflationary 
pressures may require that we enhance our pay and benefits package to compete effectively for such personnel.  In addition, we 
have experienced and may continue to experience wage pressures due to minimum wage increases mandated by state and local 
laws and the increase to the salary thresholds for overtime exemptions under the Fair Labor Standards Act, which were adopted 
by the Department of Labor in May 2016.  The changes to the thresholds for overtime exemptions were to be effective December 
1, 2016, but were struck down by a United States District Court in 2017, prior to their implementation.  The Department of Labor 
appealed the District Court’s decision and then moved to stay the case pending further rule-making efforts.  It is unclear what rule 
changes adopted by the Department of Labor ultimately will become effective.  If such rule changes result in higher operating 
costs, we may not be able to offset such added costs resulting from competitive, inflationary or regulatory pressures by increasing 
the rates we charge to our residents or our service charges, which would negatively impact our results of operations and cash flow. 

Turnover rates and the magnitude of the shortage of nurses, therapists or other trained personnel varies substantially from market 
to market. If we fail to attract and retain qualified and skilled personnel, our ability to conduct our business operations effectively, 
our overall operating results and cash flow could be harmed.

In  addition,  efforts  by  labor  unions  to  unionize  any  of  our  community  personnel  could  divert  management  attention,  lead  to 
increases in our labor costs and/or reduce our flexibility with respect to certain workplace rules. New election rules promulgated 
by the National Labor Relations Board went into effect in April 2015 and substantially changed - and expedited - the union election 
process, thereby limiting the time available for us to attempt to persuade employees to vote against representation. If we experience 
an increase in organizing activity, if onerous collective bargaining agreement terms are imposed upon us, or if we otherwise 
experience an increase in our staffing and labor costs, our results of operations and cash flow would be negatively affected.

We have a history of losses and we may not be able to achieve profitability.

We have incurred net losses in every year since our formation in June 2005. Given our history of losses, there can be no assurance 
that we will be able to achieve and/or maintain profitability in the future. If we do not effectively manage our cash flow and 
business operations going forward or otherwise achieve profitability, our stock price could be adversely affected.

Pending and future disposition transactions are subject to closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, 
likely will result in reductions to our revenue and may result in reductions to our results of operations and cash flow.  

During 2018, we expect to close on the dispositions of 15 owned communities classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2017, 
the  terminations  of  our  triple-net  leases  on  33  communities  and  the  pending  terminations  of  management  agreements  on  37 
24

communities.  In addition, we plan to market in 2018 and sell approximately 30 owned communities, and we plan to continue to 
evaluate our owned and leased community portfolios for opportunities to dispose of owned communities and terminate leases, 
and to evaluate and, where opportunities arise, pursue lease restructurings (which may take the form of non-renewal of leases, 
negotiation of revised lease terms, termination of leases in favor of venture structures in which we would have an interest and, to 
a lesser degree, the purchase of the leased communities).  The closing of any such dispositions, or those we identify in the future, 
generally are subject to closing conditions, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, and we cannot provide assurance that 
any such transactions will close or, if they do, when the actual closings will occur.  The sales price for pending or future dispositions 
may not meet our expectations due to the underlying performance of such communities or conditions beyond our control, and we 
may be required to take impairment charges in connection with such sales if the carrying amounts of such assets exceed the 
proposed sales prices, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.  Further, we cannot provide 
assurance that we will be successful in identifying and pursuing disposition opportunities on terms that are acceptable to us, or at 
all. We may be required to pay significant amounts to restructure leases and we may be required to take charges in connection 
with restructuring of leases, which could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Completion of the dispositions of communities through sales or lease terminations, including pending transactions and those we 
enter into in the future, likely will result in reductions to our revenue and may result in reductions to our results of operations and 
cash flow.  Further, if we are unable to reduce our general and administrative expense with respect to completed dispositions and 
lease terminations in accordance with our expectations, we may not realize the expected benefits of such transactions, which could 
negatively impact our anticipated results of operations and cash flow.

We may need additional capital to fund our operations, to execute on our strategy and to pursue any lease restructuring, 
development or acquisition opportunities, and we may not be able to obtain it on terms acceptable to us, or at all.

Execution  on  our  strategy  may  require  additional  capital,  particularly  if  we  were  to  identify  and  pursue  lease  restructuring, 
development or acquisition opportunities. Financing may not be available to us or may be available to us only on terms that are 
not favorable. In addition, certain of our outstanding indebtedness and long-term leases restrict, among other things, our ability 
to incur additional debt. If we are unable to raise additional funds or obtain them on terms acceptable to us, we may have to delay 
or abandon some or all of our plans or opportunities. Further, if additional funds are raised through the issuance of additional 
equity securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders would be diluted. Any newly issued equity securities may have 
rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock.

We are heavily dependent on mortgage financing provided by Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal 
Home  Loan  Mortgage  Corporation  ("Freddie  Mac")  (collectively,  the  "Agency  Lenders"). The Agency  Lenders  are  currently 
operating under a conservatorship begun in 2008, conducting business under the direction of the Federal Housing Finance Agency. 
Reform efforts related to the Agency Lenders may make such financing sources less available or unavailable in the future and 
may cause us to seek alternative sources of potentially less attractive financing. There can be no assurance that such alternative 
sources will be available.

If we are unable to expand, renovate, reposition or redevelop our communities in accordance with our plans, our anticipated 
revenues, results of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected.

We are currently working on projects that will expand, renovate, reposition or redevelop a number of our existing senior living 
communities. These projects are in various stages of development and are subject to a number of factors over which we have little 
or no control. These factors include the necessity of arranging separate leases, mortgage loans or other financings to provide the 
capital required to complete these projects; difficulties or delays in obtaining zoning, land use, building, occupancy, licensing, 
certificate of need and other required governmental permits and approvals; failure to complete construction of the projects on 
budget and on schedule; failure of third-party contractors and subcontractors to perform under their contracts; shortages of labor 
or materials that could delay projects or make them more expensive; adverse weather conditions that could delay completion of 
projects; increased costs resulting from general economic conditions or increases in the cost of materials; and increased costs as 
a result of changes in laws and regulations. We cannot provide assurance that we will elect to undertake or complete all of our 
proposed expansion, renovation, repositioning and redevelopment projects, or that we will not experience delays in completing 
those projects. In addition, we may incur substantial costs prior to achieving stabilized occupancy for each such project and cannot 
assure you that these costs will not be greater than we have anticipated. We also cannot provide assurance that any of our expansion, 
renovation,  repositioning  or  redevelopment  projects  will  be  economically  successful.  Our  failure  to  achieve  our  expansion, 
renovation, repositioning and redevelopment plans could adversely impact our anticipated revenues, results of operations and cash 
flow.

We may encounter difficulties in acquiring communities at attractive prices or integrating acquisitions with our operations, 
which may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

25

We will continue to selectively target strategic acquisitions as opportunities arise. To the extent we do identify and complete any 
future acquisition opportunities, the process of identifying potential acquisition candidates, completing acquisition transactions 
and integrating acquired communities or businesses into our existing operations may result in unforeseen operating difficulties, 
divert managerial attention or require significant financial or other resources. These acquisitions and other future acquisitions may 
require us to incur additional indebtedness and contingent liabilities, and may result in unforeseen expenses or compliance issues, 
which may adversely affect our revenue growth, results of operations and cash flow. Moreover, any future acquisitions may not 
generate any additional income for us or provide any benefit to our business. In addition, we may not be able to locate and acquire 
communities or businesses at attractive prices in locations that are compatible with our strategy or that competition for the acquisition 
of communities will not increase. Finally, when we are able to locate communities and enter into definitive agreements to acquire 
or lease them, we cannot provide assurance that the transactions will be completed. Failure to complete transactions after we have 
entered into definitive agreements may result in significant expenses to us.

Unforeseen costs associated with acquisitions could negatively affect our results of operations and cash flow.

We plan to continue to selectively target strategic acquisitions of operating companies, senior living communities and ancillary 
services companies as opportunities arise. Despite our extensive underwriting and due diligence procedures, operating companies 
and communities that we have previously acquired or may acquire in the future may generate unexpectedly low or no returns or 
may not meet a risk profile that our investors find acceptable. In addition, we might encounter unanticipated difficulties and 
expenditures relating to any of the acquired operating companies and communities, including contingent liabilities, or newly 
acquired communities or operating companies might require significant management attention that would otherwise be devoted 
to our ongoing business. For example, a community may require capital expenditures in excess of budgeted amounts, or it may 
experience management turnover that is higher than we project. These costs may negatively affect our future results of operations 
and cash flow.

Competition for the acquisition of strategic assets from buyers with greater financial resources or lower costs of capital than 
us or that have lower return expectations than we do could limit our ability to compete for strategic acquisitions and therefore 
to grow our business effectively.

Several publicly-traded and non-traded real estate investment trusts, or REITs, and private equity firms have similar asset acquisition 
objectives as we do, along with greater financial resources and/or lower costs of capital than we are able to obtain. This may 
increase competition for acquisitions that would be suitable to us. There is significant competition among potential acquirers in 
the senior living industry, including publicly-traded and non-traded REITs and private equity firms, and there can be no assurance 
that we will be able to successfully complete acquisitions, which could limit our ability to grow our business. Partially as a result 
of tax law changes enacted through RIDEA, we now compete more directly with the various publicly-traded healthcare REITs 
for the acquisition of senior housing properties.

Delays  in  obtaining  regulatory  approvals  could  hinder  our  plans  to  expand  our  ancillary  services  programs,  which  could 
negatively impact our anticipated revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

We plan to expand our offering of ancillary services, including home health and hospice, to additional markets. In the current 
environment, it is difficult to obtain certain required regulatory approvals. Delays in obtaining required regulatory approvals could 
impede our ability to expand to additional markets in accordance with our plans, which could negatively impact our anticipated 
revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

Our investment in our entrance fee CCRC venture with HCP is susceptible to risks associated with the lifecare benefits offered 
to the residents of the venture's lifecare entrance fee communities, and we are also susceptible to such risks for our owned 
and/or operated entrance fee CCRCs.

As of December 31, 2017, we managed lifecare entrance fee communities as part of our entrance fee CCRC venture with HCP, 
and we owned and/or operated other lifecare communities. Residents of these communities typically receive a limited lifecare 
benefit and pay an upfront entrance fee upon occupancy, of which a portion is generally refundable, with an additional monthly 
service fee while living in the community. This limited lifecare benefit is typically a certain number of free days in the community's 
health center during the resident's lifetime and/or a discounted rate for such services. The lifecare benefit varies based upon the 
extent to which the resident's entrance fee is refundable. The pricing of entrance fees, refundability provisions, monthly service 
fees, and lifecare benefits are determined utilizing actuarial projections of the expected morbidity and mortality of the resident 
population. In the event the entrance fees and monthly service payments established for these communities are not sufficient to 
cover the cost of lifecare benefits granted to residents, our interest in the results of operations and cash flow of these communities 
and the venture could be adversely affected.

26

Residents of these entrance fee communities are guaranteed a living unit and nursing care at the community during their lifetime, 
even if the resident exhausts his or her financial resources and becomes unable to satisfy his or her obligations to the community. 
In addition, in the event a resident requires nursing care and there is insufficient capacity for the resident in the nursing facility at 
the community where the resident lives, the community must contract with a third party to provide such care. Although we screen 
potential residents to ensure that they have adequate assets, income, and reimbursements from government programs and third 
parties to pay their obligations to the entrance fee communities during their lifetime, we cannot assure you that such assets, income, 
and reimbursements will be sufficient in all cases. If insufficient, we or the entrance fee CCRC venture, as applicable, would have 
rights of set-off against the refundable portions of the residents' deposits, and would also seek available reimbursement under 
Medicaid or other available programs. To the extent that the financial resources of some of the residents are not sufficient to pay 
for the cost of facilities and services provided to them, or in the event that these communities must pay third parties to provide 
nursing care to residents of these communities, our interest in the results of operations and cash flow of these communities and 
the venture would be adversely affected.

Early termination or non-renewal of our management agreements could cause a loss in revenues and negatively impact our 
results of operations and cash flow.

We operate certain of our communities pursuant to management agreements. In some of these cases, the controlling financial 
interest in the community is held by third parties and, in other cases, the community is owned by an unconsolidated venture in 
which we have an ownership interest. As of December 31, 2017, we managed 229 communities, representing approximately 33.7%
of our capacity, for third parties or unconsolidated ventures. The majority of our management agreements are long-term agreements. 
In most cases, either party to the agreements may terminate upon the occurrence of an event of default caused by the other party. 
In addition, in some cases, subject to our rights, if any, to cure deficiencies, community owners may terminate us as manager if 
any licenses or certificates necessary for operation are revoked, if we do not satisfy certain designated performance thresholds or 
if the community is sold to an unrelated third party (in which case we may be entitled to receive a contractual termination fee). 
Also, in some instances, a community owner may terminate the management agreement relating to a particular community if we 
are in default under other management agreements relating to other communities owned by the same owner or its affiliates. Certain 
of our management agreements, both with unconsolidated ventures and with entities owned by third parties, provide that an event 
of default under the debt instruments applicable to the ventures or the entities owned by third parties that is caused by us may also 
be  considered  an  event  of  default  by  us  under  the  relevant  management  agreement,  giving  the  non-Brookdale  party  to  the 
management  agreement  the  right  to  pursue  the  remedies  provided  for  in  the  management  agreement,  potentially  including 
termination of the management agreement. Further, in the event of default on a loan, the lender may have the ability to terminate 
us as manager. With respect to communities held in unconsolidated ventures, in some cases, the management agreement can be 
terminated in connection with the sale by the venture partner of its interest in the venture or the sale of properties by the venture. 
Early termination of our management agreements or non-renewal or renewal on less-favorable terms could cause a loss in revenues 
and could negatively impact our results of operations and cash flow.

The geographic concentration of our communities could leave us vulnerable to an economic downturn, regulatory changes 
or acts of nature in those areas, which could negatively impact our revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

We have a high concentration of communities in various geographic areas, including the states of California, Florida and Texas. 
As a result of this concentration, the conditions of local economies and real estate markets, changes in governmental rules and 
regulations, particularly with respect to assisted living communities, acts of nature and other factors that may result in a decrease 
in demand for senior living services in these states could have an adverse effect on our revenues, results of operations and cash 
flow. In addition, given the location of our communities, we are particularly susceptible to revenue loss, cost increase or damage 
caused by severe weather conditions or natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes or tornados. Any significant 
loss due to a natural disaster may not be covered by insurance and may lead to an increase in the cost of insurance.

Termination of our resident agreements and vacancies in the living spaces we lease could adversely affect our occupancy, 
revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

State regulations governing assisted living communities require written resident agreements with each resident. Several of these 
regulations also require that each resident have the right to terminate the resident agreement for any reason on reasonable notice. 
Consistent with these regulations, many of our assisted living resident agreements allow residents to terminate their agreements 
upon 0 to 30 days' notice. Unlike typical apartment leasing or independent living arrangements that involve lease agreements with 
specified leasing periods of up to a year or longer, in many instances we cannot contract with our assisted living residents to stay 
in those living spaces for longer periods of time. Our retirement center resident agreements generally provide for termination of 
the lease upon death or allow a resident to terminate his or her lease upon the need for a higher level of care not provided at the 
community. If multiple residents terminate their resident agreements at or around the same time, our occupancy, revenues, results 
27

of operations and cash flow could be adversely affected. In addition, because of the demographics of our typical residents, including 
age and health, resident turnover rates in our communities are difficult to predict. As a result, the living spaces we lease may be 
unoccupied for a period of time, which could adversely affect our occupancy, revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

The inability of seniors to sell real estate may delay their moving into our communities, which could negatively impact our 
occupancy rates, revenues, results of operations and cash flow.

Downturns in the housing markets could adversely affect the ability (or perceived ability) of seniors to afford our resident fees 
and entrance fees as our customers frequently use the proceeds from the sale of their homes to cover the cost of our fees. Specifically, 
if seniors have a difficult time selling their homes or their homes' values decrease, these difficulties could impact their ability to 
relocate into our communities or finance their stays at our communities with private resources. If national or local housing markets 
experience protracted volatility, our occupancy rates, revenues, results of operations and cash flow could be negatively impacted.

The transition of management or unexpected departure of our key officers could harm our business.

We have recently undergone changes in our senior management, may in the future experience further changes in our management, 
and are dependent on the efforts of our executive officers.  The transition of management, the unforeseen loss or limited availability 
of the services of any of our executive officers, or our inability to recruit and retain qualified personnel in the future, could, at 
least temporarily, have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition and be negatively perceived 
in the capital markets.

Our execution of our redefined strategy may not be successful, and initiatives undertaken to execute on our strategic priorities 
may adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the price of our common stock.

The success of our redefined strategy depends on our ability to successfully identify and implement initiatives to execute on our 
strategic priorities, as well as factors outside of our control.  Such initiatives may not be successful in achieving our expectations 
or may require more time and resources than expected to implement.  There can be no assurance that our redefined strategy or 
initiatives undertaken to execute on our strategic priorities will be successful and, as a result, such initiatives may adversely affect 
our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the price of our common stock.

Environmental contamination at any of our communities could result in substantial liabilities to us, which may exceed the 
value of the underlying assets and which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations 
and cash flow.

Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, a current or previous owner or operator of real property, such as us, 
may be held liable in certain circumstances for the costs of investigation, removal or remediation of, or related to the release of, 
certain hazardous or toxic substances, that could be located on, in, at or under a property, regardless of how such materials came 
to be located there. The cost of any required investigation, remediation, removal, mitigation, compliance, fines or personal or 
property damages and our liability therefore could exceed the property's value and/or our assets' value. In addition, the presence 
of such substances, or the failure to properly dispose of or remediate the damage caused by such substances, may adversely affect 
our ability to sell such property, to attract additional residents and retain existing residents, to borrow using such property as 
collateral or to develop or redevelop such property. In addition, such laws impose liability, which may be joint and several, for 
investigation, remediation, removal and mitigation costs on persons who disposed of or arranged for the disposal of hazardous 
substances at third party sites. Such laws and regulations often impose liability without regard to whether the owner or operator 
knew of, or was responsible for, the presence, release or disposal of such substances as well as without regard to whether such 
release or disposal was in compliance with law at the time it occurred. Although we do not believe that we have incurred such 
liabilities as would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, we could be subject 
to substantial future liability for environmental contamination that we have no knowledge about as of the date of this report and/
or for which we may not be at fault.

Failure to comply with existing environmental laws could result in increased expenditures, litigation and potential loss to our 
business and in our asset value, which would have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash 
flow.

Our operations are subject to regulation under various federal, state and local environmental laws, including those relating to: the 
handling, storage, transportation, treatment and disposal of medical waste products generated at our communities; identification 
and warning of the presence of asbestos-containing materials in buildings, as well as removal of such materials; the presence of 
other substances in the indoor environment; and protection of the environment and natural resources in connection with development 
or construction of our properties.

28

Some of our communities generate infectious or other hazardous medical waste due to the illness or physical condition of the 
residents. Each of our communities has an agreement with a waste management company for the proper disposal of all infectious 
medical waste, but the use of such waste management companies does not immunize us from alleged violations of such laws for 
operations for which we are responsible even if carried out by such waste management companies, nor does it immunize us from 
third-party claims for the cost to cleanup disposal sites at which such wastes have been disposed.

Federal regulations require building owners and those exercising control over a building's management to identify and warn their 
employees and certain other employers operating in the building of potential hazards posed by workplace exposure to installed 
asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-containing materials in their buildings. Significant fines can be assessed for 
violation of these regulations. Building owners and those exercising control over a building's management may be subject to an 
increased risk of personal injury lawsuits. Federal, state and local laws and regulations also govern the removal, encapsulation, 
disturbance, handling and/or disposal of asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-containing materials when such 
materials are in poor condition or in the event of construction, remodeling, renovation or demolition of a building. Such laws may 
impose liability for improper handling or a release to the environment of asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-
containing materials and may provide for fines to, and for third parties to seek recovery from, owners or operators of real properties 
for personal injury or improper work exposure associated with asbestos-containing materials and potential asbestos-containing 
materials.

The presence of mold, lead-based paint, contaminants in drinking water, radon and/or other substances at any of the communities 
we own or may acquire may lead to the incurrence of costs for remediation, mitigation or the implementation of an operations 
and  maintenance  plan  and  may  result  in  third  party  litigation  for  personal  injury  or  property  damage.  Furthermore,  in  some 
circumstances, areas affected by mold may be unusable for periods of time for repairs, and even after successful remediation, the 
known prior presence of extensive mold could adversely affect the ability of a community to retain or attract residents and could 
adversely affect a community's market value.

Although we believe that we are currently in material compliance with applicable environmental laws, if we fail to comply with 
such laws in the future, we would face increased expenditures both in terms of fines and remediation of the underlying problem(s), 
potential litigation relating to exposure to such materials, and potential decrease in value to our business and in the value of our 
underlying assets. Therefore, our failure to comply with existing environmental laws would have an adverse effect on our financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flow.

We are unable to predict the future course of federal, state and local environmental regulation and legislation. Changes in the 
environmental regulatory framework (including legislative or regulatory efforts designed to address climate change, such as the 
proposed "cap and trade" legislation) could have a material adverse effect on our business. In addition, because environmental 
laws vary from state to state, expansion of our operations to states where we do not currently operate may subject us to additional 
restrictions on the manner in which we operate our communities.

Risks Related to Pending Litigation

Complaints filed against us could, if adversely determined, subject us to a material loss.

We have been and are currently involved in litigation and claims, including putative class action claims from time to time, incidental 
to the conduct of our business which are generally comparable to other companies in the senior living and healthcare industries. 
Certain claims and lawsuits allege large damage amounts and may require significant costs to defend and resolve. Similarly, the 
senior living and healthcare industries are continuously subject to scrutiny by governmental regulators, which could result in 
litigation related to regulatory compliance matters. As a result, we maintain general liability and professional liability insurance 
policies in amounts and with coverage and deductibles we believe are adequate, based on the nature and risks of our business, 
historical experience and industry standards. Our current policies are written on a claims-made basis and provide for deductibles 
for each claim. Accordingly, we are, in effect, self-insured for claims that are less than the deductible amounts and for claims or 
portions of claims that are not covered by such policies. If we experience a greater number of losses than we anticipate, or if certain 
claims are not ultimately covered by insurance, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Risks Related to Our Industry

We face periodic and routine reviews, audits and investigations under our contracts with government agencies, and these audits 
could have adverse findings that may negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.

29

As a result of our participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, we are subject to various government reviews, audits and 
investigations to verify our compliance with these programs and applicable laws and regulations. CMS has engaged a number of 
third party firms, including Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC), Zone Program Integrity Contractors (ZPIC), and Unified Program 
Integrity Contractors (UPIC), to conduct extensive reviews of claims data to evaluate the appropriateness of billings submitted 
for payment. Audit contractors may identify overpayments based on coverage requirements, billing and coding rules or other risk 
areas.  In addition to identifying overpayments, audit contractors can refer suspected violations of law to government enforcement 
authorities.  An adverse determination of government reviews, audits and investigations may result in citations, sanctions and 
other  criminal  or  civil  fines  and  penalties,  the  refund  of  overpayments,  payment  suspensions,  termination  of  participation  in 
Medicare and Medicaid programs, and/or damage to the Company's business reputation.  Our costs to respond to and defend any 
such audits, reviews and investigations may be significant and are likely to increase in the current enforcement environment, and 
any resulting sanctions or criminal, civil or regulatory penalties could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial 
condition, results of operations and cash flow.

The cost and difficulty of complying with increasing and evolving regulation and enforcement could have an adverse effect 
on our business, results of operations and cash flow.

The regulatory environment surrounding the senior living industry continues to evolve and intensify in the amount and type of 
laws and regulations affecting it, many of which vary from state to state. In addition, many senior living communities are subject 
to regulation and licensing by state and local health and social service agencies and other regulatory authorities.  In several of the 
states there are different levels of care that can be provided based on the level of licensure.  In addition, in several of the states in 
which we operate or intend to operate, assisted living communities, home health agencies and/or skilled nursing facilities require 
a certificate of need before the community can be opened or the services at an existing community can be expanded.  These 
requirements, and the increased enforcement thereof, could affect our ability to expand into new markets, to expand our services 
and communities in existing markets and, if any of our presently licensed communities were to operate outside of its licensing 
authority, may subject us to penalties including closure of the community.  See “Item 1. Business—Government Regulation” for 
more information regarding regulation and enforcement in our industry.  

Federal, state and local officials are increasingly focusing their efforts on enforcement of these laws and regulations. This is 
particularly true for large for-profit, multi-community providers like us.  Future regulatory developments as well as mandatory 
increases in the scope and severity of deficiencies determined by survey or inspection officials could cause our operations to suffer. 
We are unable to predict the future course of federal, state and local legislation or regulation. If regulatory requirements increase, 
whether through enactment of new laws or regulations or changes in the enforcement of existing rules, our business, results of 
operations and cash flow could be adversely affected.

The  intensified  regulatory  and  enforcement  environment  impacts  providers  like  us  because  of  the  increase  in  the  number  of 
inspections or surveys by governmental authorities and consequent citations for failure to comply with regulatory requirements. 
We also expend considerable resources to respond to federal and state investigations or other enforcement action. From time to 
time in the ordinary course of business, we receive deficiency reports from state and federal regulatory bodies resulting from such 
inspections or surveys. Although most inspection deficiencies are resolved through a plan of corrective action, the reviewing 
agency may have the authority to take further action against a licensed or certified facility, which could result in the imposition 
of fines, imposition of a provisional or conditional license, suspension or revocation of a license, suspension or denial of admissions, 
loss of certification as a provider under federal reimbursement programs or imposition of other sanctions, including criminal 
penalties. Furthermore, certain states may allow citations in one community to impact other communities in the state. Revocation 
of a license at a given community could therefore impact our ability to obtain new licenses or to renew existing licenses at other 
communities, which may also cause us to default under our debt and lease documents and/or trigger cross-defaults. The failure to 
comply with applicable legal and regulatory requirements could result in a material adverse effect to our business as a whole.

There are various extremely complex federal and state laws governing a wide array of referral relationships and arrangements and 
prohibiting fraud by health care providers, including those in the senior living industry, and governmental agencies are devoting 
increasing  attention  and  resources  to  such  anti-fraud  initiatives.  Some  examples  are  the  Health  Insurance  Portability  and 
Accountability Act of 1996, or HIPAA, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, and the False Claims Act, which gives private individuals 
the ability to bring an action on behalf of the federal government. The violation of any of these laws or regulations may result in 
the imposition of fines or other penalties that could increase our costs and otherwise jeopardize our business. Under the Deficit 
Reduction Act of 2005, or DRA 2005, every entity that receives at least $5.0 million annually in Medicaid payments must have 
established  written  policies  for  all  employees,  contractors  or  agents,  providing  detailed  information  about  false  claims,  false 
statements and whistleblower protections under certain federal laws, including the federal False Claims Act, and similar state laws. 
Failure to comply with this compliance requirement may potentially give rise to potential liability. DRA 2005 also creates an 
incentive for states to enact false claims laws that are comparable to the federal False Claims Act.

30

Additionally, since we provide services and operate communities that participate in federal and/or state health care reimbursement 
programs, we are subject to federal and state laws that prohibit anyone from presenting, or causing to be presented, claims for 
reimbursement which are false, fraudulent or are for items or services that were not provided as claimed. Similar state laws vary 
from state to state. Violation of any of these laws can result in loss of licensure, citations, sanctions and other criminal or civil 
fines and penalties, the refund of overpayments, payment suspensions, or termination of participation in Medicare and Medicaid 
programs, which may also cause us to default under our debt and lease documents and/or trigger cross-defaults.

We are also subject to certain federal and state laws that regulate financial arrangements by health care providers, such as the 
Federal Anti-Kickback Law, the Stark laws and certain state referral laws. Authorities have interpreted the Federal Anti-Kickback 
Law very broadly to apply to many practices and relationships between health care providers and sources of patient referral. If 
we were to violate the Federal Anti-Kickback Law, we may face criminal penalties and civil sanctions, including fines and possible 
exclusion from government reimbursement programs, which may also cause us to default under our debt and lease documents 
and/or trigger cross-defaults.  Adverse consequences may also result if we violate federal Stark laws related to certain Medicare 
and Medicaid physician referrals. While we endeavor to comply with all laws that regulate the licensure and operation of our 
business, it is difficult to predict how our revenues could be affected if we were subject to an action alleging such violations.

Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Fair Housing Act and fire, safety and other regulations may require us 
to make unanticipated expenditures, which could increase our costs and therefore adversely affect our results of operations 
and financial condition.

Certain of our communities, or portions thereof, are subject to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA. The 
ADA has separate compliance requirements for "public accommodations" and "commercial properties," but generally requires 
that buildings be made accessible to people with disabilities. Compliance with ADA requirements could require removal of access 
barriers and non-compliance could result in imposition of government fines or an award of damages to private litigants.

We must also comply with the Fair Housing Act, which prohibits us from discriminating against individuals on certain bases in 
any of our practices if it would cause such individuals to face barriers in gaining residency in any of our communities. Additionally, 
the Fair Housing Act and other state laws require that we advertise our services in such a way that we promote diversity and not 
limit it. We may be required, among other things, to change our marketing techniques to comply with these requirements.

In addition, we are required to operate our communities in compliance with applicable fire and safety regulations, building codes 
and other land use regulations and food licensing or certification requirements as they may be adopted by governmental agencies 
and bodies from time to time. Like other health care facilities, senior living communities are subject to periodic survey or inspection 
by governmental authorities to assess and assure compliance with regulatory requirements. Surveys occur on a regular (often 
annual or bi-annual) schedule, and special surveys may result from a specific complaint filed by a resident, a family member or 
one of our competitors. We may be required to make substantial capital expenditures to comply with those requirements.

Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, the State of Florida issued an emergency order requiring skilled nursing homes and assisted 
living communities to obtain generators and fuel necessary to sustain operations and maintain comfortable temperatures in the 
event of a power outage.  The emergency order has been overturned and there are legislative and regulatory rulemaking actions 
in process to address generator requirements.  We may be required to make substantial capital expenditures to comply with any 
legislative or administrative generator requirements ultimately adopted in Florida.

The increased costs and capital expenditures that we may incur in order to comply with any of the above would result in a negative 
effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Significant legal actions and liability claims against us in excess of insurance limits could subject us to increased operating 
costs and substantial uninsured liabilities, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

The senior living and healthcare services businesses entail an inherent risk of liability, particularly given the demographics of our 
residents, including age and health, and the services we provide. In recent years, we, as well as other participants in our industry, 
have been subject to an increasing number of claims and lawsuits alleging that our services have resulted in resident injury or 
other adverse effects. Many of these lawsuits involve large damage claims and significant legal costs. Many states continue to 
consider tort reform and how it will apply to the senior living industry. We may continue to be faced with the threat of large jury 
verdicts in jurisdictions that do not find favor with large senior living or healthcare providers. We maintain liability insurance 
policies in amounts and with the coverage and deductibles we believe are adequate based on the nature and risks of our business, 
historical experience and industry standards. We have formed a wholly-owned "captive" insurance company for the purpose of 
insuring certain portions of our risk retention under our general and professional liability insurance programs. There can be no 
guarantee that we will not have any claims that exceed our policy limits in the future.

31

If a successful claim is made against us and it is not covered by our insurance or exceeds the policy limits, our financial condition 
and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected. In some states, state law may prohibit or limit insurance 
coverage for the risk of punitive damages arising from professional liability and general liability claims and/or litigation. As a 
result, we may be liable for punitive damage awards in these states that either are not covered or are in excess of our insurance 
policy limits. Also, the above deductibles, or self-insured retention, are accrued based on an actuarial projection of future liabilities. 
If these projections are inaccurate and if there are an unexpectedly large number of successful claims that result in liabilities in 
excess of our self-insured retention, our operating results could be negatively affected. Claims against us, regardless of their merit 
or eventual outcome, also could have a material adverse effect on our ability to attract residents or expand our business and could 
require our management to devote time to matters unrelated to the day-to-day operation of our business. We also have to renew 
our policies every year and negotiate acceptable terms for coverage, exposing us to the volatility of the insurance markets, including 
the possibility of rate increases. There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain liability insurance in the future or, if 
available, that such coverage will be available on acceptable terms.

Risks Related to Our Organization and Structure

Anti-takeover provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws may 
discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that investors may consider favorable or prevent the removal of our current 
board of directors and management.

Certain provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated by-laws may discourage, 
delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that investors may consider favorable or prevent the removal of our current board of 
directors and management. We have a number of anti-takeover devices in place that will hinder takeover attempts, including:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

a staggered board of directors consisting of three classes of directors, each of whom serve three-year terms;

removal  of  directors  only  for  cause,  and  only  with  the  affirmative  vote  of  at  least  80%  of  the  voting  interest  of 
stockholders entitled to vote;

blank-check preferred stock;

provisions preventing stockholders from calling special meetings or acting by written consent;

advance notice requirements for stockholders with respect to director nominations and actions to be taken at annual 
meetings; and

no provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation for cumulative voting in the election of directors, 
which means that the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of our common stock can elect all the directors 
standing for election.

Additionally, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation 
Law, which restricts certain business combinations with interested stockholders in certain situations, will not apply to us.

We are a holding company with no operations and rely on our operating subsidiaries to provide us with funds necessary to 
meet our financial obligations.

We are a holding company with no material direct operations. Our principal assets are the equity interests we directly or indirectly 
hold in our operating subsidiaries. As a result, we are dependent on loans, distributions and other payments from our subsidiaries 
to generate the funds necessary to meet our financial obligations. Our subsidiaries are legally distinct from us and have no obligation 
to make funds available to us.

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

The market price and trading volume of our common stock may be volatile, which could result in rapid and substantial losses 
for our stockholders.

The market price of our common stock may be highly volatile and could be subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading 
volume in our common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. If the market price of our common 
stock declines significantly, stockholders may be unable to resell their shares at or above their purchase price. The market price 

32

of our common stock may fluctuate or decline significantly in the future. Some of the factors that could negatively affect our share 
price or result in fluctuations in the price or trading volume of our common stock include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

variations in our quarterly results of operations and cash flow;

changes in our operating performance and liquidity guidance;

the contents of published research reports about us or the senior living industry or the failure of securities analysts to 
cover our common stock;

additions or departures of key management personnel;

any increased indebtedness we may incur or lease obligations we may enter into in the future;

actions by institutional stockholders;

changes in market valuations of similar companies;

announcements by us or our competitors of significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or 
capital commitments;

speculation or reports by the press or investment community with respect to us or the senior living industry in general;

proxy contests or other shareholder activism;

increases in market interest rates that may lead purchasers of our shares to demand a higher yield;

downturns in the real estate market or changes in market valuations of senior living communities;

changes or proposed changes in laws or regulations affecting the senior living industry or enforcement of these laws 
and regulations, or announcements relating to these matters; and

• 

general market and economic conditions.

Future offerings of debt or equity securities by us may adversely affect the market price of our common stock.

In the future, we may attempt to increase our capital resources by offering additional debt or equity securities, including commercial 
paper, medium-term notes, senior or subordinated notes, convertible securities, series of preferred shares or shares of our common 
stock. Upon liquidation, holders of our debt securities and preferred stock, and lenders with respect to other borrowings, would 
receive a distribution of our available assets prior to the holders of our common stock. Additional equity offerings may dilute the 
economic and voting rights of our existing stockholders or reduce the market price of our common stock, or both. Shares of our 
preferred stock, if issued, could have a preference with respect to liquidating distributions or a preference with respect to dividend 
payments that could limit our ability to pay dividends to the holders of our common stock. Because our decision to issue securities 
in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we cannot predict or estimate the 
amount, timing or nature of our future offerings. Thus, holders of our common stock bear the risk of our future offerings reducing 
the market price of our common stock and diluting their shareholdings in us.

We may issue all of the shares of our common stock that are authorized but unissued (and not otherwise reserved for issuance 
under our stock incentive or purchase plans or pursuant to the conversion or exercise features of our convertible senior notes and 
warrants) without any action or approval by our stockholders. We may issue shares of common stock in connection with acquisitions 
of existing operating companies, senior living communities and ancillary services companies. Any shares issued in connection 
with our acquisitions or otherwise would dilute the holdings of our current stockholders.

The market price of our common stock could be negatively affected by sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in 
the public markets.

At December 31, 2017, approximately 186.5 million shares of our common stock were outstanding (excluding unvested restricted 
shares). All of the shares of our common stock are freely transferable, except for any shares held by our "affiliates," as that term 
is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, or any shares otherwise subject to the 
limitations of Rule 144.

33

In addition, as of December 31, 2017, approximately 4.8 million shares of restricted common stock were outstanding under our 
2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan and our Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, and we had availability to issue approximately 11.3 million
additional shares under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, our Associate Stock Purchase Plan, and our Director Stock Purchase 
Plan.  The shares of our common stock issued or issuable pursuant to these plans are or will be registered under the Securities Act, 
and once any restrictions imposed on the shares and options granted under these plans expire, such shares of common stock will 
be available for sale into the public markets.

Our ability to use net operating loss carryovers to reduce future tax payments will be limited.

Section 382 of the Internal Revenue code contains rules that limit the ability of a company that undergoes an ownership change, 
which is generally any change in ownership of 50% of its stock over a three-year period, to utilize its net operating loss carryforward 
and certain built-in losses recognized in years after the ownership change. These rules generally operate by focusing on ownership 
changes involving stockholders owning directly or indirectly 5% or more of the stock of a company and any change in ownership 
arising from a new issuance of stock by the company. We have determined that an ownership change occurred within the second 
quarter of 2010, and, therefore, losses carried into the change period have been subject to an annual limitation. The annual limitation 
is equal to the product of the applicable long term tax exempt rate and the value of our stock immediately before the ownership 
change, adjusted for certain items. The annual limitation may be increased by certain built-in gains existing at the time of change. 
The acquisition of Emeritus Corporation also resulted in an ownership change and created an annual limitation on Emeritus' net 
operating losses. Such annual limitations may result in our being unable to utilize all of our net operating loss carryforwards 
generated in tax years prior to 2018 before their expiration.

Item 1B. 

Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

Item 2. 

Properties.

Communities

As of December 31, 2017, we operated 1,023 communities across 46 states, with the capacity to serve approximately 101,000
residents. Of the communities we operated as of December 31, 2017, we owned 360, we leased 434 pursuant to operating, capital 
and financing leases, and 229 were managed by us for third parties or unconsolidated ventures in which we have an ownership 
interest. Substantially all of our owned communities are subject to mortgages.

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our communities as of December 31, 2017. Occupancy data includes 
the impact of managed communities. 

Ownership Status

State
Florida
Texas
California
Washington
Colorado
Ohio
Illinois
North Carolina
Arizona
Oregon
Virginia
New York
Michigan
Tennessee
Georgia
Kansas

Units

Occupancy

Owned

Leased

15,967
13,557
10,598
4,666
4,513
3,973
3,674
3,626
3,455
3,189
2,497
2,462
2,123
1,816
1,566
1,549

83%
85%
84%
89%
84%
84%
88%
86%
87%
90%
86%
82%
86%
91%
90%
86%

34

49
61
26
14
11
23
2
7
14
8
7
17
9
13
5
8

38
24
42
32
15
19
10
51
14
20
6
10
23
11
8
12

Managed
36
39
21
5
13
5
6
1
6
15
4
6
1
3
8
2

Total

123
124
89
51
39
47
18
59
34
43
17
33
33
27
21
22

 
State
South Carolina
New Jersey
Massachusetts
Oklahoma
Alabama
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
Missouri
Indiana
Connecticut
Kentucky
Minnesota
Wisconsin
New Mexico
Mississippi
Maryland
Louisiana
Idaho
Nevada
Arkansas
Nebraska
Utah
Montana
West Virginia
Delaware
Wyoming
Iowa
Vermont
New Hampshire
North Dakota
Total

Corporate Offices

Ownership Status

Units

Occupancy

Owned

Leased

1,544
1,411
1,379
1,377
1,270
1,203
1,147
1,083
1,080
977
895
836
812
792
644
614
609
605
604
494
455
368
238
220
199
113
106
101
90
85
100,582

80%
88%
80%
86%
90%
89%
83%
89%
79%
68%
80%
78%
86%
68%
83%
88%
85%
88%
87%
92%
84%
78%
94%
97%
83%
86%
65%
99%
90%
73%
85%

4
7
3
4
7
7
1
2
4
2
1
2
6
2
5
2
6
7
4
4
—
—
1
1
2
—
—
1
1
—
360

11
8
5
17
2
3
2
—
8
6
2
12
7
1
3
2
1
1
2
—
—
1
1
1
1
1
—
—
—
1
434

Managed
7
1
3
5
1
1
6
3
1
2
3
2
3
4
—
3
—
—
1
1
5
3
1
—
—
1
1
—
—
—
229

Total

22
16
11
26
10
11
9
5
13
10
6
16
16
7
8
7
7
8
7
5
5
4
3
2
3
2
1
1
1
1
1,023

Our main corporate offices are leased, including our 143,065 square foot headquarters facility in Brentwood, Tennessee (a suburb 
of Nashville) and our 184,122 square foot shared service facility in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. We also lease smaller regional support 
offices in Chicago and Tampa.

Item 3. 

Legal Proceedings.

The information contained in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Part II, Item 8 of this Annual Report 
on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 4. 

Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

35

 
PART II

Item 5. 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities.

Market Information

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or the NYSE, under the symbol "BKD". The following table sets 
forth the range of high and low sales prices of our common stock for each quarter for the last two fiscal years.

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Fiscal 2017

High

Low

16.31

15.66

14.92

11.09

$

$

$

$

11.69

12.55

10.57

8.78

Fiscal 2016

High

Low

19.71

19.42

18.62

17.70

$

$

$

$

11.28

14.43

14.75

10.65

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

The closing sale price of our common stock as reported on the NYSE on February 20, 2018 was $8.90 per share. As of that date, 
there were approximately 367 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividend Policy

On December 30, 2008, our Board of Directors voted to suspend our quarterly cash dividend indefinitely and no dividends were 
declared since that time. Although we anticipate that, in the longer-term, we may pay regular quarterly dividends to the holders 
of our common stock, over the near term we anticipate deploying capital to reduce our debt and lease leverage, to make strategic 
and cost effective capital expenditure investments and to grow our business. Accordingly, we do not expect to pay cash dividends 
on our common stock for the foreseeable future.

Our ability to pay and maintain cash dividends in the future will be based on many factors, including then-existing contractual 
restrictions or limitations, our ability to execute our strategy, our ability to negotiate favorable lease and other contractual terms, 
anticipated operating expense levels, the level of demand for our units, occupancy rates, entrance fee sales results, the rates we 
charge, our liquidity position and actual results that may vary substantially from estimates. Some of the factors are beyond our 
control and a change in any such factor could affect our ability to pay or maintain dividends. We can give no assurance as to our 
ability to pay or maintain dividends in the future. As we have done in the past, we may also pay dividends in the future that exceed 
our net income for the relevant period as calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Share Price Performance Graph

The following graph compares the five-year cumulative total return for Brookdale common stock with the comparable cumulative 
return of the S&P 500 index and the S&P Health Care Index.  The graph assumes that a person invested $100 in Brookdale stock 
and each of the indices on December 31, 2012 and that dividends are reinvested.  The comparisons in this graph are not intended 
to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of Brookdale shares or such indices.

36

 
 
 
 
Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

S&P 500

S&P Health Care

12/12

100.00

100.00

100.00

12/13

107.35

132.39

141.46

12/14

144.83

150.51

177.30

12/15

72.91

152.59

189.52

12/16

49.05

170.84

184.42

12/17

38.31

208.14

225.13

The performance graph and related information shall not be deemed to be filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and 
do not constitute soliciting material and shall not be deemed filed or incorporated by reference into any other filing by the Company 
under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the Company specifically incorporates it by reference into 
such filing.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

37

 
Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

The following table contains information regarding purchases of our common stock made during the quarter ended December 31, 
2017 by or on behalf of the Company or any ''affiliated purchaser,'' as defined by Rule 10b-18(a)(3) of the Exchange Act:

Period

10/1/2017 - 10/31/2017

11/1/2017 - 11/30/2017

12/1/2017 - 12/31/2017

Total

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased (1)

Average
Price Paid
per Share ($)

—

16,331

4,907

21,238

—

10.42

10.52

10.44

Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs (2)

Approximate Dollar 
Value of
Shares that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans or Programs ($ in 
thousands) (2)

—

—

—

—

90,360

90,360

90,360

(1)  Shares purchased include shares withheld to satisfy tax liabilities due upon the vesting of restricted stock: November 2017
—16,331 shares; and December 2017—4,907 shares.  The average price paid per share for such share withholding is based 
on the closing price per share on the vesting date of the restricted stock or, if such date is not a trading day, the trading day 
immediately prior to such vesting date.

(2)  On November 1, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a new share repurchase program 
that authorizes the Company to purchase up to $100.0 million in the aggregate of its common stock. The share repurchase 
program is intended to be implemented through purchases made from time to time using a variety of methods, which may 
include open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or block trades, or by any combination of such methods, in 
accordance  with  applicable  insider  trading  and  other  securities  laws  and  regulations. The  size,  scope  and  timing  of  any 
purchases will be based on business, market and other conditions and factors, including price, regulatory and contractual 
requirements, and capital availability. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount 
of common stock and the program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any time at the Company's discretion 
without prior notice. Shares of stock repurchased under the program will be held as treasury shares. No shares were purchased 
pursuant to the repurchase program during the quarter ended December 31, 2017, and approximately $90.4 million remained 
available under the repurchase program as of December 31, 2017.

Item 6. 

Selected Financial Data.

This selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the information contained in "Item 7. Management's Discussion 
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our historical consolidated financial statements and related 
notes included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data." Our historical statement of operations data and balance 
sheet data as of and for each of the years in the five-year period ended December 31, 2017 have been derived from our audited 
financial statements.  The results of operations for any particular period are not necessarily indicative of results for any future 
period.

Our results reflect our acquisition through merger of Emeritus Corporation subsequent to July 31, 2014, the closing date of the 
transaction.  At the closing of the transaction, the size of our consolidated portfolio increased by 493 communities (44,349 units). 
On August 29, 2014, we completed several transactions with HCP, including our entering into an unconsolidated venture (the 
"CCRC Venture") with HCP in which we obtained a 51% ownership interest and to which we contributed all but two of our legacy 
Brookdale entry fee CCRCs, our entering into an unconsolidated venture (the "HCP 49 Venture") with HCP in which we obtained 
a 20% ownership interest and to which HCP contributed 49 communities leased and historically operated by Emeritus, and our 
amending and restating the terms of certain existing triple-net leases between us and HCP (including those acquired in the Emeritus 
merger).  Our results reflect our previously existing ownership, lease and/or management interests through August 29, 2014, and 
reflect our venture and management interests and amended lease terms subsequent to such date.  

We completed dispositions, through sales and lease terminations, of 108 communities (10,325 units) and 57 communities (4,039
units) during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for 
more information regarding our disposition activity.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded $409.8 million of non-cash impairment charges. The impairment charges 
included $205.0 million of goodwill within the Assisted Living segment, $164.4 million of property, plant and equipment and 

38

leasehold intangibles for certain communities, $25.8 million related to investments in unconsolidated ventures, and $14.6 million
of intangible assets for health care licenses within the Brookdale Ancillary Services segment. During the year ended December 
31, 2016, we recorded impairment charges of $248.5 million, primarily for property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles 
for certain communities. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for more information regarding our impairment 
charges.

(dollars in thousands, except per share and
other operating data)

2017

For the Years Ended December 31,
2014
2015
2016

2013

Total revenue

$ 4,747,116

$ 4,976,980

$ 4,960,608

$ 3,831,706

$ 2,891,966

Facility operating expense

2,602,155

2,799,402

2,788,862

2,210,368

1,671,945

General and administrative expense

Transaction costs

Facility lease expense

Depreciation and amortization

Goodwill and asset impairment

Loss on facility lease termination
Costs incurred on behalf of managed

communities

Total operating expense

Income (loss) from operations

Interest income

Interest expense

Debt modification and extinguishment costs

Equity in earnings (loss) earnings of

unconsolidated ventures

Gain on sale of assets, net

Other non-operating income

Loss before income taxes

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

Net income (loss)

Net (income) loss attributable to

noncontrolling interest

Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale
Senior Living Inc. common stockholders
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share
attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc.
common stockholders

Weighted average shares of common stock
used in computing basic and diluted net
income (loss) per share
Other Operating Data:

Total number of communities (at end of

period)

Total units operated (1)

Period end

Weighted average

RevPAR (2)
Owned/leased communities occupancy rate

(weighted average)

RevPOR (3)

255,446

22,573

339,721

482,077

409,782

14,276

891,131

5,017,161

(270,045)

4,623

(326,154)

(12,409)

(14,827)

19,273

11,418

(588,121)

16,515

(571,606)

313,409

3,990

373,635

520,402

248,515

11,113

370,579

8,252

367,574

733,165

57,941

76,143

280,267

66,949

323,830

537,035

9,992

—

737,597

723,298

488,170

5,008,063
(31,083)
2,933
(385,617)
(9,170)

1,660

7,218

14,801
(399,258)
(5,378)
(404,636)

5,125,814
(165,206)
1,603
(388,764)
(7,020)

(804)
1,270

8,557
(550,364)
92,209
(458,155)

3,916,611
(84,905)
1,343
(248,188)
(6,387)

171

446

6,789
(330,731)
181,305
(149,426)

180,627

3,921

276,729

268,757

12,891

—

345,808

2,760,678

131,288

1,339
(137,399)
(1,265)

1,484

972

1,753
(1,828)
(1,756)
(3,584)

187

239

678

436

—

$ (571,419)

$ (404,397)

$ (457,477)

$ (148,990)

$

(3,584)

$

(3.07)

$

(2.18)

$

(2.48)

$

(1.01)

$

(0.03)

186,155

185,653

184,333

148,185

123,671

1,023

1,055

1,123

1,143

649

102,768

106,122

3,845

86.0%

4,468

107,786

109,342

3,742

86.8%

4,310

110,219

84,299

2,663

88.3%

4,357

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

66,832

66,173

3,372

88.7%

4,383

$

$

100,582

101,779

3,890

85.0%

4,578

39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 (in millions)

Cash and cash equivalents

Marketable securities

Total assets

Total long-term debt and line of credit

Total capital and financing lease obligations

Total equity

As of December 31,

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

$

$

$

$

$

$

222.6

291.8

7,675.4

3,870.7

1,271.6

1,530.3

$

$

$

$

$

$

216.4

$

— $

9,217.7

3,559.6

2,485.5

2,077.7

$

$

$

$

88.0

$

— $

10,048.6

3,942.8

2,489.6

2,458.7

$

$

$

$

104.1

$

— $

10,417.5

3,597.0

2,649.2

2,882.2

$

$

$

$

58.5

—

4,695.6

2,342.3

299.8

1,020.9

(1)  Weighted average units operated represents the average units operated during the period.

(2)  RevPAR, or average monthly senior housing resident fee revenues per available unit, is defined by the Company as 
resident fee revenues, excluding Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue and entrance fee amortization, for the 
corresponding portfolio for the period, divided by the weighted average number of available units in the corresponding 
portfolio for the period, divided by the number of months in the period. 

(3)  RevPOR, or average monthly senior housing resident fee revenues per occupied unit, is defined by the Company as 
resident fee revenues, excluding Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue and entrance fee amortization, for the 
corresponding portfolio for the period divided by the weighted average number of occupied units in the corresponding 
portfolio for the period, divided by the number of months in the period.

Item 7. 

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

This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the information contained in "Item 6. Selected Financial Data" 
and our historical consolidated financial statements and related notes included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary 
Data." In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements that involve 
risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which could cause actual results to differ materially from management's expectations. Please 
see additional risks and uncertainties described in "Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 
1995" for more information. Factors that could cause such differences include those described in this section and "Item 1A. Risk 
Factors" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Executive Overview and Recent Developments

As of December 31, 2017, we are the largest operator of senior living communities in the United States based on total capacity, 
with 1,023 communities in 46 states and the ability to serve approximately 101,000 residents. We offer our residents access to a 
full continuum of services across the most attractive sectors of the senior living industry.  We operate independent living, assisted 
living  and  dementia-care  communities  and  continuing  care  retirement  centers  ("CCRCs").   Through  our  ancillary  services 
programs, we also offer a range of home health, hospice and outpatient therapy services to residents of many of our communities 
and to seniors living outside of our communities.

As of December 31, 2017, we owned or leased 794 communities (66,641 units) and provided management services with respect 
to 229 communities (33,941 units) for third parties or unconsolidated ventures in which we have an ownership interest. As of 
December 31, 2017, we operated 129 retirement center communities (24,476 units), 822 assisted living communities (56,718
units) and 72 CCRCs (19,388 units).  The majority of our units are located in campus settings or communities containing multiple 
services, including CCRCs.  As of December 31, 2017, our ancillary services platform included networks in 28 states with the 
ability to provide home health services to 63.7% of our units, hospice services to 21.7% of our units, and outpatient therapy to 
17.0% of our units.  During the year ended December 31, 2017, we generated 82.1% of our resident fee revenues from private 
pay customers and 15.2% from government reimbursement programs (primarily Medicare). For the year ended December 31, 
2017,  39.5%  of  our  resident  and  management  fee  revenues  were  generated  from  owned  communities,  46.9%  from  leased 
communities, 11.6% from our ancillary services business and 2.0% from communities we operate on behalf of third parties or 
unconsolidated ventures.

We believe that we operate in the most attractive sectors of the senior living industry, and our goal is to be the first choice in senior 
living by being the nation’s most trusted and effective senior living provider and employer.  Our community and service offerings 
combine housing, health care, hospitality, and ancillary services.  Our senior living communities offer residents a supportive home-
like setting, assistance with activities of daily living (ADL) such as eating, bathing, dressing, toileting and transferring/walking 

40

 
and, in certain communities, licensed skilled nursing services. We also provide ancillary services, including home health, hospice 
and outpatient therapy services to residents of many of our communities and to seniors living outside of our communities. 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," which we believe enables them to 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.  
With our platform of a range of community and service offerings, we believe that we are positioned to take advantage of favorable 
demographic trends over time.

Leadership and Our Strategy

On February 22, 2018, we announced that Lucinda M. Baier, our Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed as our President and 
Chief Executive Officer and as a member of our Board of Directors effective February 28, 2018, at which time T. Andrew Smith 
will  step  down  from  such  roles.    We  further  announced  that  Bryan  Richardson,  our  Executive  Vice  President  and  Chief 
Administrative Officer, will leave his employment effective March 9, 2018.  Ms. Baier will continue to serve as our principal 
financial officer while we conduct a search for her replacement, and we do not currently intend to replace Mr. Richardson’s position.

For 2018, we have re-evaluated and redefined our strategic priorities, which are now focused on our three primary stakeholders: 
our stockholders, our associates, and, always at our foundation, our residents, patients and their families.  Through our redefined 
strategy, we intend to provide attractive long-term returns to our stockholders; attract, engage, develop and retain the best associates; 
and continue to earn the trust and endorsements of our residents, patients and their families.  

• 

Stockholders. Our stockholders’ continued investment in us allows us to advance our mission to our residents and their families. 
Therefore we believe we must balance our mission with an emphasis on margin.  With this strategic priority, we intend to 
take actions to provide long-term returns to our stockholders by focusing on growing RevPAR, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted 
Free Cash Flow. 

•  Associates. Brookdale’s culture is based on servant leadership, and our associates are the key to attracting and caring for 
residents and creating value for all of our stakeholders. Through this strategic priority, we intend to create a compelling value 
proposition for our associates in the areas of compensation, leadership, career growth and meaningful work.  In 2017, we 
took the first corrective steps by investing in community leaders, and in 2018 we plan to extend this plan deeper in the 
communities.

•  Residents, Patients and Their Families. Brookdale continues to be driven by its mission—to enrich the lives of those we serve 
with compassion, respect, excellence and integrity—and we believe this continued focus is essential to create value for all of 
our stakeholders. This strategic priority includes enhancing our organizational alignment to foster an environment where our 
associates can focus on providing valued, high quality care and personalized service.  We intend to win locally through our 
targeted sales and marketing efforts by differentiating our community and service offerings based on quality, a portfolio of 
choices, and personalized service delivered by caring associates.

We believe that our successful execution on these strategic priorities will allow us to achieve our goal to be the first choice in 
senior living by being the nation’s most trusted and effective senior living provider and employer.

As part of our redefined strategy, we plan to continue to evaluate and, where opportunities arise, pursue lease restructurings, 
development  and  acquisition  opportunities,  including  selectively  acquiring  existing  operating  companies,  senior  living 
communities, and ancillary services companies.  Any such restructurings or acquisitions may be pursued on our own, or through 
investments in ventures.  In addition, we intend to continue to evaluate our owned and leased community portfolios for opportunities 
to dispose of owned communities and terminate leases.  We plan to market in 2018 and sell approximately 30 owned communities 
(in addition to assets held for sale as of December 31, 2017), which we believe will generate more than $250 million of proceeds, 
net of associated debt and transaction costs.

2016 - 2017 Portfolio Optimization Update

During 2016 and 2017, we engaged in an initiative to optimize our community portfolio through disposing of owned and leased 
communities, restructuring leases, and investing in our Program Max initiative in order to simplify and streamline our business, 
to increase the quality and durability of our cash flow, to improve our liquidity, and to reduce our debt and lease leverage.  During 
the period from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 2017, we completed dispositions, through sales and lease terminations, of 
165 communities.  During 2017, we also amended and restated triple-net leases covering substantially all of the communities we 
lease from HCP, Inc. (“HCP”) into a master lease and invested $8.8 million on Program Max projects, net of $8.1 million of third 
party lessor reimbursements.

41

During 2018, we expect to close on the dispositions of 15 owned communities (1,508 units) classified as held for sale as of 
December 31, 2017, the terminations of our triple-net leases on 33 communities (3,123 units), the terminations of management 
agreements on 37 communities (5,522 units), and our acquisitions of six communities that we currently lease or manage (995
units).  In addition, we plan to market in 2018 and sell approximately 30 owned communities.

The closings of the expected sales of assets are subject (where applicable) to our successful marketing of such assets on terms 
acceptable to us.  Further, the closings of the various pending transactions and expected sales of assets are, or will be, subject to 
the satisfaction of various closing conditions, including (where applicable) the receipt of regulatory approvals.  However, there 
can be no assurance that the transactions will close or, if they do, when the actual closings will occur.  

A summary of the foregoing completed and pending transactions (other than our planned marketing and sale of approximately 30 
owned communities), and their impact on our results of operations, are below.

Summary of Impact of Dispositions

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the amounts included within our consolidated financial data for the 165
communities that we disposed through sales and lease terminations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 through the 
respective disposition dates:

(in thousands)

Resident fees

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Senior housing resident fees

Facility operating expense

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Senior housing facility operating expense

Cash lease payments

Year Ended December 31, 2017

Amounts
Attributable to
Completed
Dispositions

Actual Results
Less Amounts
Attributable to
Completed
Dispositions

Actual Results

$

654,196

$

26,519

$

2,210,688

468,994

3,333,878

382,779

1,461,630

362,832

2,207,241

97,889

48,148

172,556

17,859

76,258

40,920

135,037

$

552,903

$

39,338

$

627,677

2,112,799

420,846

3,161,322

364,920

1,385,372

321,912

2,072,204

513,565

42

(in thousands)

Resident fees

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Senior housing resident fees

Facility operating expense

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Senior housing facility operating expense

Cash lease payments

Year Ended December 31, 2016

Amounts
Attributable to
Completed
Dispositions

Actual Results
Less Amounts
Attributable to
Completed
Dispositions

Actual Results

$

679,503

$

63,761

$

2,419,459

592,826

3,691,788

384,973

1,542,642

459,417

2,387,032

310,258

169,297

543,316

40,056

231,373

141,653

413,082

$

622,886

$

131,363

$

615,742

2,109,201

423,529

3,148,472

344,917

1,311,269

317,764

1,973,950

491,523

The following table sets forth the number of communities and units disposed of during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 
2016:

Number of communities

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Total

Total units

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Total

Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

10

86

12

108

2,078

5,858

2,389

10,325

2

52

3

57

206

2,954

879

4,039

43

The results of operations of the 33 communities for which lease terminations are expected to close in 2018 and of the 15 communities 
held for sale as of December 31, 2017 are reported in the following segments within the consolidated financial statements: Assisted 
Living (39 communities; 3,229 units), Retirement Centers (five communities; 783 units), and CCRCs-Rental (four communities; 
619 units). The following table sets forth the amounts included within our consolidated financial data for these 48 communities 
for the year ended December 31, 2017:

(in thousands)

Resident fees

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs - Rental

Senior housing resident fees

Facility operating expense

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Senior housing facility operating expense

Cash lease payments

2017 HCP Agreements

Amounts
Attributable to
Planned Dispositions

$

$

28,948

136,796

27,627

193,371

17,980

92,575

27,816

138,371

48,311

On November 2, 2017, we announced that we had entered into a definitive agreement for a multi-part transaction with HCP.  As 
part of such transaction, we entered into an Amended and Restated Master Lease and Security Agreement (“Master Lease”) with 
HCP effective as of November 1, 2017.  The components of the multi-part transaction include:

•  Master Lease.  We and HCP amended and restated triple-net leases covering substantially all of the communities we 
leased from HCP as of November 1, 2017 into the Master Lease.  We will acquire two communities (208 units) for an 
aggregate purchase price of $35.4 million, upon which time the two communities will be removed from the Master Lease.  
In  addition,  33  communities  (3,123  units)  will  be  removed  from  the  Master  Lease  on  or  before  November  1,  2018.  
However, if HCP has not transitioned operations and/or management of such communities to a third party prior to such 
date, we will continue to operate the foregoing 33 communities on an interim basis and such communities will, from and 
after such time, be reported in the Management Services segment.  In addition to such 35 communities, we continue to 
lease 43 communities pursuant to the terms of the Master Lease, which have the same lease rates and expiration and 
renewal terms as the applicable prior instruments, except that effective January 1, 2018, we received a $2.5 million annual 
rent reduction for two communities.  The Master Lease also provides that we may engage in certain change in control 
and other transactions without the need to obtain HCP's consent, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

•  RIDEA Ventures Restructuring.  Pursuant to the multi-part agreement, HCP agreed to acquire our 10% ownership interest 
in two of our existing unconsolidated ventures with HCP for $94.7 million.  We provided management services to 59
communities (9,585 units) on behalf of the two unconsolidated ventures as of November 1, 2017.  We will acquire four
of such communities (787 units) for an aggregate purchase price of $239.5 million and will retain management of 18 of 
such communities (3,276 units).  The amended and restated management agreements for such 18 communities have a 
term set to expire in 2030, subject to certain early termination rights.  In addition, HCP will be entitled to sell or transition 
operations and/or management of 37 of such communities (5,522 units). 

We expect to fund our acquisition of the six communities with the proceeds from the sale of our unconsolidated venture interests, 
cash on hand, non-recourse mortgage financing on the acquired communities and refinancing of certain other communities.

During December 2017, HCP completed its acquisition of our ownership interest in one of the unconsolidated ventures.  In January 
2018, we completed the acquisition of one community from HCP.  We expect the disposition of our ownership interest in the 
second unconsolidated venture and our acquisition of the remaining five communities to occur during the next three months, and 
expect the terminations of our triple-net leases on 33 communities and management agreements on 37 communities to occur in 
stages throughout 2018.  

44

As a result of such transactions, during 2017 we recognized a $7.2 million gain on sale upon completion of our sale of our ownership 
interest in one of the unconsolidated ventures, reduced our lease liabilities by $9.7 million, recognized a $9.7 million deferred 
revenue liability, and reduced the carrying value of capital lease obligations and assets under capital leases by $145.6 million.  The 
terminations of our triple-net lease obligations for 33 communities in 2018 may result in our recording a gain in fiscal 2018, 
primarily for 20 communities which were previously subject to sale-leaseback transactions in which we were deemed to have 
continuing involvement for accounting purposes.  See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements contained in "Item 8. Financial 
Statements and Supplementary Data" for more information.

2016 HCP Agreements

On November 1, 2016, we announced that we had entered into agreements to, among other things, terminate triple-net leases with 
respect to 97 communities that we leased from HCP, four of which were contributed to an existing unconsolidated venture in which 
we hold an equity interest and 64 of which were acquired by the Blackstone Venture described below.  In addition to the formation 
of the Blackstone Venture, the transactions included the following components with respect to 33 communities:

•  We and HCP agreed to terminate triple-net leases with respect to eight communities (867 units).  HCP agreed to contribute 
immediately thereafter four of such communities, consisting of 527 units, to an existing unconsolidated venture with 
HCP in which we have a 10% equity interest.  During the three months ended December 31, 2016, the triple-net leases 
with respect to seven communities (773 units) were terminated and HCP contributed four of the communities to the 
existing unconsolidated venture.  The triple-net lease with respect to the remaining community was terminated during 
January 2017.

•  We and HCP agreed to terminate triple-net leases with respect to 25 communities (2,031 units). During the year ended 
December 31, 2017, our triple-net lease obligations with respect to such communities were terminated. Following such 
terminations we continue to operate certain of these communities on an interim basis, and such communities are reported 
in the Management Services segment from and after termination of such triple-net lease obligations. 

As a result of such transactions, during 2017 we derecognized the $145.3 million carrying value of the assets under financing 
leases and the $156.7 million carrying value of financing lease obligations for 21 communities which were previously subject to 
sale-leaseback transactions in which we were deemed to have continuing involvement for accounting purposes, and recorded an 
$11.4 million gain on sale of assets.  See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements contained in "Item 8. Financial Statements 
and Supplementary Data" for more information.

Formation of Venture with Blackstone during 2017

On March 29, 2017, we and affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors VIII L.P. (collectively, "Blackstone") formed a venture 
(the "Blackstone Venture") that acquired 64 senior housing communities for a purchase price of $1.1 billion. We had previously 
leased the 64 communities from HCP under long-term lease agreements with a remaining average lease term of approximately 12 
years. At the closing, the Blackstone Venture purchased the 64-community portfolio from HCP subject to the existing leases, and 
we contributed our leasehold interests for 62 communities and a total of $179.2 million in cash to purchase a 15% equity interest 
in the Blackstone Venture, terminate leases, and fund our share of closing costs. As of the formation date, we continued to operate 
two of the communities under lease agreements and began managing 60 of the communities on behalf of the venture under a 
management agreement with the venture.  The two remaining leases will be terminated, pending certain regulatory and other 
conditions, at which point we will manage the communities.  Two of the communities are managed by a third party for the venture. 
As a result of such transactions, during 2017 we recorded a $19.7 million charge within goodwill and asset impairment expense 
and recorded a provision for income taxes to establish an additional $85.0 million of valuation allowance against our federal and 
state net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits as we expect these carryforwards and credits will not be utilized prior to 
expiration.  See Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements contained in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary 
Data" for more information.

Dispositions of Owned Communities and Other Lease Terminations during 2017

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we completed the sale of three communities (311 units) for net cash proceeds of $8.2 
million, and we terminated leases for 17 communities (2,076 units) otherwise than in connection with the transactions with HCP 
and Blackstone described above.  As a result of such lease terminations, during 2017 we recognized $14.3 million of net loss on 
facility  lease  termination,  primarily  from  the  write-off  of  assets  subject  to  terminated  lease  agreements.    See  Note  4  to  the 
consolidated financial statements contained in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for more information.

45

 
Assets Held for Sale as of December 31, 2017

As of December 31, 2017, $106.4 million was recorded as assets held for sale and $30.1 million of mortgage debt was included 
in the current portion of long-term debt within the consolidated balance sheet with respect to the 15 communities held for sale as 
of such date. This debt will either be repaid with the proceeds from the sales or be assumed by the prospective purchasers. The 
results of operations of the 15 communities are reported in the following segments within the consolidated financial statements: 
Assisted Living (12 communities; 1,050 units) and CCRCs-Rental (three communities; 458 units).  The 15 communities had 
resident fee revenue of $49.5 million and $51.5 million and facility operating expenses of $43.8 million and $44.6 million for the 
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Program Max Initiative

During  fiscal  2017,  we  also  made  progress  on  our  Program  Max  initiative  under  which  we  expand,  renovate,  redevelop  and 
reposition certain of our existing communities where economically advantageous. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we 
invested $8.8 million on Program Max projects, net of $8.1 million of third party lessor reimbursements, which included the 
completion of six expansion or conversion projects which resulted in 103 additional units. We currently have 11 Program Max 
projects that have been approved, most of which have begun construction and are expected to generate 70 net new units.

Liquidity

During year ended December 31, 2017, we increased our liquidity position by $288.6 million to $872.6 million as of December 31, 
2017 compared to $584.0 million as of December 31, 2016.  Total liquidity of $872.6 million as of December 31, 2017 included 
$222.6 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash and escrow deposits-restricted and lease security deposits 
of $103.2 million in the aggregate), $291.8 million of marketable securities, and $358.2 million of availability on our secured 
credit facility. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we obtained $430.4 million of net proceeds from non-recourse mortgage 
financing and refinancing transactions.

Tax Reform

On December 22, 2017, the President signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) into law.  The Tax Act reformed the United 
States corporate income tax code, including a reduction to the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 
1, 2018.  The Tax Act also eliminated alternative minimum tax (AMT) and the 20-year carryforward limitation for net operating 
losses incurred after December 31, 2017, and imposes a limit on the usage of net operating losses incurred after such date equal 
to 80% of taxable income in any given year.  The 80% usage limit will not have an economic impact on the Company until its 
current net operating losses are either utilized or expired.  In addition, the Tax Act limits the annual deductibility of a corporation's 
net interest expense unless it elects to be exempt from such deductibility limitation under the real property trade or business 
exception.  The Company's consolidated statement of operations for the tax year ended December 31, 2017 reflects a benefit of 
$114.7 million related to the impact of the Tax Act.  Reasonable estimates for our state and local provision were made based on 
our analysis of tax reform. These provisional amounts may be adjusted in future periods during 2018 when additional information 
is obtained. Additional information that may affect our provisional amounts would include further clarification and guidance on 
how the Internal Revenue Service will implement tax reform and further clarification and guidance on how state taxing authorities 
will implement tax reform and the related effect on our state and local income tax returns, state and local net operating losses and 
corresponding valuation allowances.  See Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements contained in "Item 8. Financial Statements 
and Supplementary Data" for more information regarding the tax act.

Competitive Developments

During 2016 and 2017, we experienced an elevated rate of new openings, with significant new competition opening in several of 
our markets, which adversely affected our occupancy, revenues, and results of operations.  We continue to address such competition 
through pricing initiatives based on the competitive market, current in-place rents and occupancy; focusing on operations, including 
ensuring high customer satisfaction, protecting key leadership positions and actively engaging district and regional management 
in community operations; local and national marketing efforts, including leveraging our industry leading name through enhanced 
digital, direct mail and local community outreach; and community segmentation through which we evaluate current community 
position relative to competition and reposition if necessary (e.g., price, services, amenities and programming).  We expect the 
elevated rate of new openings and pressures on our occupancy and rate growth to continue through 2018.

46

Summary of Operating Results

The table below presents a summary of our operating results and certain other financial metrics for the years ended December 31, 
2017 and 2016 and the amount and percentage of increase or decrease of each applicable item.

 (in millions)

Total revenues

Facility operating expense

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living
Inc. common stockholders
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
Net cash provided by operating activities
Adjusted Free Cash Flow(1)

Years Ended 
December 31,

Increase
(Decrease)

2017

2016

Amount

Percent

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

4,747.1

$

2,602.2
$
(571.6) $

(571.4) $
$
638.6

366.7

97.6

$

$

4,977.0

$

2,799.4
$
(404.6) $

(404.4) $
$
770.8

365.7

153.8

$

$

(229.9)
(197.2)
167.0

167.0
(132.2)
1.0
(56.2)

(4.6)%

(7.0)%

41.3 %

41.3 %

(17.2)%

0.3 %

(36.5)%

(1)  Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures we use to assess our operating performance 
and liquidity. We changed our definition and calculation of Adjusted EBITDA when we reported results for the second quarter 
of 2016. Prior period amounts of Adjusted EBITDA included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K have been recast to conform 
to  the  new  definition.  See  "Non-GAAP  Financial  Measures"  below  for  important  information  regarding  both  measures, 
including a description of the changes to the definition of Adjusted EBITDA.

During 2017, total revenues were $4.7 billion, a decrease of $229.9 million, or 4.6%, over our total revenues for the prior year. 
Resident fees for 2017 decreased $388.5 million, or 9.3%, from the prior year. Management fees increased $5.1 million, or 7.2%, 
from the prior year, and reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities increased $153.5 million, or 20.8%. The 
decrease in resident fees during 2017 was primarily due to disposition activity, through sales and lease terminations, since the 
beginning of the prior year.  The decrease in resident fees was partially offset by a 2.5% increase in senior housing average monthly 
revenue per occupied unit (RevPOR) compared to the prior year.  

During 2017, facility operating expenses were $2.6 billion, a decrease of $197.2 million, or 7.0%, as compared to the prior year.  
The  decrease  in  facility  operating  expenses  was  primarily  due  to  the  impact  of  disposition  activity,  through  sales  and  lease 
terminations,  since  the  beginning  of  the  prior  year.  Facility  operating  expenses  increased  $69.1  million,  or  3.7%,  at  the  766
communities we owned or leased during both full years. The increase in facility operating expenses at the communities we operated 
during both full years was primarily due to an increase in salaries and wages arising from wage rate increases and an increase in 
insurance  expense  related  to  positive  changes  in  the  estimates  of  general  liability  and  professional  liability  and  workers 
compensation expenses in the year ended December 31, 2016.

Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders for the year ended December 31, 2017 was 
$(571.4) million, compared to net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common stockholders of $(404.4) 
million for the prior year.  Net income (loss) for the year was $(571.6) million, an increase of 41.3% compared to net income (loss) 
of $(404.6) million for the prior year.  During the year ended December 31, 2017, our Adjusted EBITDA decreased by 17.2%
when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.  Adjusted EBITDA includes transaction and strategic project costs of $25.4 
million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and integration, transaction, transaction-related and strategic project costs of $54.2 
million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities increased 0.3% to $366.7 million over our 
net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2016.  During the year ended December 31, 2017, our 
Adjusted Free Cash Flow was $97.6 million, a decrease of 36.5% when compared to the year ended December 31, 2016.

47

 
Consolidated Results of Operations

Comparison of Year Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 

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 consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which are 
included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

As of December 31, 2017 our total operations included 1,023 communities with a capacity to serve approximately 101,000 residents.

48

(dollars in thousands, except Total RevPAR, RevPAR and
RevPOR)

Years Ended
December 31,

Increase
(Decrease)

2017

2016

Amount

Percent (6)

Statement of Operations Data:

Revenue

Resident fees

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Total resident fees
Management services (1)

Total revenue

Expense

Facility operating expense

Retirement Centers
Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Total facility operating expense

General and administrative expense

Transaction costs

Facility lease expense

Depreciation and amortization

Goodwill and asset impairment

Loss on facility lease termination

Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities

Total operating expense

Income (loss) from operations

Interest income

Interest expense

Debt modification and extinguishment costs

Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated ventures

Gain on sale of assets, net

Other non-operating income

Income (loss) before income taxes

Benefit (provision) for income taxes

Net income (loss)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living
Inc. common stockholders

$

654,196

$

679,503

$

2,210,688

2,419,459

468,994

446,262

3,780,140

966,976

4,747,116

382,779
1,461,630

362,832

394,914

592,826

476,833

4,168,621

808,359

4,976,980

384,973
1,542,642

459,417

412,370

2,602,155

2,799,402

255,446

22,573

339,721

482,077

409,782

14,276

891,131

5,017,161
(270,045)
4,623
(326,154)
(12,409)
(14,827)
19,273

11,418
(588,121)
16,515
(571,606)
187

313,409

3,990

373,635

520,402

248,515

11,113

737,597

5,008,063
(31,083)
2,933
(385,617)
(9,170)
1,660

7,218

14,801
(399,258)
(5,378)
(404,636)
239

(25,307)
(208,771)
(123,832)
(30,571)
(388,481)
158,617
(229,864)

(2,194)
(81,012)
(96,585)
(17,456)
(197,247)
(57,963)
18,583
(33,914)
(38,325)
161,267

3,163

153,534

9,098
(238,962)
1,690
(59,463)
3,239
(16,487)
12,055
(3,383)
188,863

21,893

166,970
(52)

(3.7)%

(8.6)%

(20.9)%

(6.4)%

(9.3)%

19.6 %

(4.6)%

(0.6)%
(5.3)%

(21.0)%

(4.2)%

(7.0)%

(18.5)%

NM

(9.1)%

(7.4)%

64.9 %

28.5 %

20.8 %

0.2 %

NM

57.6 %

(15.4)%

35.3 %

NM

167.0 %

(22.9)%

47.3 %

NM

41.3 %

(21.8)%

$

(571,419) $

(404,397) $

167,022

41.3 %

49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Selected Operating and Other Data:
Total number of communities operated (period end)
Total units operated (2)
Period end
Weighted average

Owned/leased communities units (2)

Period end
Weighted average

Total RevPAR (3)
RevPAR (4)
Owned/leased communities occupancy rate (weighted
average)
RevPOR (5)
Selected Segment Operating and Other Data:
Retirement Centers

$
$

$

Years Ended
December 31,

Increase
(Decrease)

2017

2016

Amount

Percent (6)

1,023

1,055

(32)

100,582
101,779

66,641
71,365
4,411
3,890

85.0%

4,578

$
$

$

102,768
106,122

77,135
79,932
4,342
3,845

(2,186)
(4,343)

(10,494)
(8,567)
69
45

$

86.0%

4,468

$

(1.0)%
110

(3.0)%

(2.1)%
(4.1)%

(13.6)%
(10.7)%
1.6 %
1.2 %

(1.2)%
2.5 %

Number of communities (period end)
Total units (2)
Period end
Weighted average

RevPAR (4)
Occupancy rate (weighted average)
RevPOR (5)
Assisted Living

Number of communities (period end)
Total units (2)
Period end
Weighted average

RevPAR (4)
Occupancy rate (weighted average)
RevPOR (5)
CCRCs-Rental

Number of communities (period end)
Total units (2)
Period end
Weighted average

RevPAR (4)
Occupancy rate (weighted average)
RevPOR (5)

Management Services

Number of communities (period end)
Total units (2)
Period end
Weighted average

Occupancy rate (weighted average)

84

93

(9)

(9.7)%

15,042
16,124
3,381

17,017
17,103
3,311

87.7%

89.0%

$

3,854

$

3,720

$

(1,975)
(979)
70
(1.3)%
134

(11.6)%
(5.7)%
2.1 %
(1.5)%
3.6 %

682

768

(86)

(11.2)%

44,773
47,523
3,877

50,682
52,777
3,820

84.3%

85.5%

$

4,597

$

4,468

$

(5,909)
(5,254)
57
(1.2)%
129

(11.7)%
(10.0)%
1.5 %
(1.4)%
2.9 %

28

6,826
7,718
5,032

41

(13)

(31.7)%

9,436
10,052
4,880

(2,610)
(2,334)
152
(0.7)%
235

(27.7)%
(23.2)%
3.1 %
(0.8)%
4.0 %

83.1%

83.8%

$

6,059

$

5,824

$

229

153

76

49.7 %

33,941
30,414

25,633
26,190

8,308
4,224

85.0%

87.0%

(2.0)%

32.4 %
16.1 %
(2.3)%

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brookdale Ancillary Services

Home Health average daily census
Hospice average daily census
Outpatient Therapy treatment codes

15,092
1,096
744,924

15,067
767
1,713,733

25
329
(968,809)

0.2 %
42.9 %
(56.5)%

(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)  Weighted average units operated represents the average units operated during the period.

(3) 

Total RevPAR, or average monthly resident fee revenues per available unit, is defined by the Company as resident fee 
revenues, excluding entrance fee amortization, for the corresponding portfolio for the period, divided by the weighted 
average number of available units in the corresponding portfolio for the period, divided by the number of months in the 
period.

(4)  RevPAR, or average monthly senior housing resident fee revenues per available unit, is defined by the Company as resident 
fee revenues, excluding Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue and entrance fee amortization, for the corresponding 
portfolio for the period, divided by the weighted average number of available units in the corresponding portfolio for the 
period, divided by the number of months in the period.

(5)  RevPOR, or average monthly senior housing resident fee revenues per occupied unit, is defined by the Company as resident 
fee revenues, excluding Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue and entrance fee amortization, for the corresponding 
portfolio for the period, divided by the weighted average number of occupied units in the corresponding portfolio for the 
period, divided by the number of months in the period.

(6)  NM - Not meaningful

Resident Fees

Resident fee revenue decreased $388.5 million, or 9.3%, compared to the prior year primarily due to disposition activity, through 
sales and lease terminations, since the beginning of the prior year.  Weighted average occupancy decreased 130 basis points at the 
766 communities we owned or leased during both full periods, which reflects the impact of new competition in our markets.  
Additionally, Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue decreased $30.6 million, or 6.4%, primarily due to a decrease in 
volume for outpatient therapy services and a decrease in reimbursement rates for home health services. The 165 communities 
disposed of subsequent to the beginning of the prior year (including the 62 communities for which the financial results were 
deconsolidated from our financial statements prospectively upon formation of the Blackstone Venture on March 29, 2017) generated 
$172.6 million of revenue during the current year period compared to $543.3 million of revenue in the prior year period.  The 
decrease in resident fee revenue was partially offset by a 2.5% increase in RevPOR.  Total RevPAR for the consolidated portfolio 
also increased by 1.6% compared to the prior year. 

Retirement  Centers  segment  revenue  decreased  $25.3  million,  or  3.7%,  primarily  due  to  the  impact  of  dispositions  of  12
communities since the beginning of the prior year, which generated $26.5 million of revenue during the current year compared to 
$63.8 million of revenue in the prior year. Retirement Centers segment revenue at the communities we operated during both full 
years was $571.7 million during the current year, an increase of $2.2 million, or 0.4%, over the prior year, primarily due to a 1.8%
increase in RevPOR at these communities, partially offset by a 120 basis point decrease in weighted average occupancy at these 
communities. 

Assisted Living segment revenue decreased $208.8 million, or 8.6%, primarily due to the impact of dispositions of 138 communities 
since the beginning of the prior year, which generated $97.9 million of revenue during the current year compared to $310.3 million
of revenue in the prior year.  Assisted Living segment revenue at the communities we operated during both full years was $2,043.8 
million during the current year, a decrease of $0.9 million over the prior year, primarily due to a 140 basis point decrease in 
weighted average occupancy at these communities, partially offset by a 1.8% increase in RevPOR at these communities. 

CCRCs-Rental segment revenue decreased $123.8 million, or 20.9%, primarily due to the impact of dispositions of 15 communities 
since the beginning of the prior year, which generated $48.1 million of revenue during the current year period compared to $169.3 
million of revenue in the prior year period.  CCRCs-Rental segment revenue at the communities we operated during both full 
years was $368.2 million during the current year, an increase of $4.9 million, or 1.4%, over the prior year, primarily due to a 1.7%

51

 
 
 
 
increase in RevPOR at these communities, partially offset by a 30 basis point decrease in weighted average occupancy at these 
communities. 

Brookdale Ancillary  Services  segment  revenue  decreased  $30.6  million,  or  6.4%,  primarily  due  to  a  decrease  in  volume  for 
outpatient therapy services and a decrease in reimbursement rates for home health services.  During the three months ended 
December  31,  2016,  we  significantly  reduced  the  number  of  outpatient  therapy  clinics  located  in  our  communities  as  lower 
reimbursement rates and lower utilization made the business less attractive.  These decreases we partially offset by an increase in 
volume for hospice services.  Despite an increase over the prior year period, our home health average daily census was negatively 
impacted by interruptions to service by Hurricane Irma in Florida.  For home health in 2017, CMS implemented a net 0.7% 
reimbursement reduction, consisting of a 2.8% market basket inflation increase, less a 0.3% productivity reduction, a 2.3% rebasing 
adjustment, and a 0.9% reduction to account for industry wide case-mix growth. As a result, our home health reimbursement was 
reduced by approximately 3.2% compared to the prior year period.  For home health in 2018, CMS has implemented a net 0.4% 
reimbursement reduction, consisting of a 1.0% market basket inflation increase, less a 0.9% reduction to account for industry wide 
case-mix growth, and the sunset of the rural add-on provision. As a result, we expect our home health reimbursement to be reduced 
by approximately 0.8% in 2018 compared to 2017. 

Management Services Revenue

Management  Services  segment  revenue,  including  management  fees  and  reimbursed  costs  incurred  on  behalf  of  managed 
communities, increased $158.6 million, or 19.6%, over the prior year primarily due to our entry into management agreements with 
the Blackstone Venture.  Management fees of $75.8 million for 2017 include $5.6 million of management fees attributable to 
communities for which our management agreements were terminated in 2017 and $13.6 million of management fees attributable 
to communities for which we expect the terminations of our management agreement to occur in stages throughout 2018. 

Facility Operating Expense

Facility operating expense decreased $197.2 million, or 7.0%, over the prior year.  Facility operating expense in the current year 
includes $7.3 million of costs related to our response to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.  The decrease in facility operating expense 
is primarily due to disposition activity, through sales and lease terminations, of 165 communities since the beginning of the prior 
year period, which incurred $135.0 million of facility operating expenses during the current year compared to $413.1 million of 
facility operating expenses in the prior year.  Additionally, Brookdale Ancillary Services segment facility operating expenses 
decreased $17.5 million, or 4.2%, primarily due to a decrease in volume for outpatient therapy services.  These decreases were 
partially offset by an increase in salaries and wages arising from wage rate increases at the communities we operated during both 
full years and a $23.3 million increase in insurance expense related to positive changes in the prior year to estimates in general 
liability and professional liability and workers compensation expenses.

Retirement  Centers  segment  facility  operating  expenses  decreased  $2.2  million,  or  0.6%,  primarily  driven  by  the  impact  of 
dispositions of 12 communities since the beginning of the prior year, which incurred $17.9 million of facility operating expenses 
during the current year compared to $40.1 million of facility operating expenses in the prior year.  This decrease was partially 
offset by an increase in salaries and wages arising from wage rate increases. Retirement Centers segment facility operating expenses, 
excluding costs related to hurricanes, at the communities we operated during both full years were $327.8 million, an increase of 
$11.0 million, or 3.5%, over the prior year.

Assisted Living segment facility operating expenses decreased $81.0 million, or 5.3%, primarily driven by the impact of dispositions 
of 138 communities since the beginning of the prior year, which incurred $76.3 million of facility operating expenses in the current 
year compared to $231.4 million of facility operating expenses in the prior year.  This decrease was partially offset by an increase 
in salaries and wages arising from wage rate increases at the communities we operated during both full years and a $21.0 million 
increase in insurance expense related to positive changes in the prior year to estimates in general liability and professional liability 
and workers compensation expenses.  Assisted Living segment facility operating expenses, excluding costs related to hurricanes, 
at the communities we operated during both full years were $1,330.2 million, an increase of $54.9 million, or 4.3%, over the prior 
year.

CCRCs-Rental  segment  facility  operating  expenses  decreased  $96.6  million,  or  21.0%,  primarily  driven  by  the  impact  of 
dispositions of 15 communities since the beginning of the prior year, which incurred $40.9 million of facility operating expenses 
in the current year compared to $141.7 million of facility operating expenses in the prior year. CCRCs-Rental segment facility 
operating expenses, excluding costs related to hurricanes, at the communities we operated during both full periods were $280.2 
million, an increase of $3.2 million, or 1.2%, over the prior year.

52

Brookdale Ancillary Services segment operating expenses decreased $17.5 million, or 4.2%, primarily due to a decrease in volume 
for outpatient therapy services.  During the three months ended December 31, 2016, we significantly reduced the number of 
outpatient therapy clinics located in our communities as lower reimbursement rates and lower utilization made the business less 
attractive.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense decreased $58.0 million, or 18.5%, over the prior year primarily due to a $47.4 million decrease 
in integration, transaction-related and strategic project costs.  Strategic project costs were $2.8 million during the current year 
compared to integration, transaction-related and strategic project costs of $50.2 million in the prior year.  Integration costs for 
2016 include transition costs associated with organizational restructuring (such as severance and retention payments and recruiting 
expenses), third party consulting expenses directly related to the integration of acquired communities (in areas such as cost savings 
and synergy realization, branding and technology and systems work), and internal costs such as training, travel and labor, reflecting 
time spent by Company personnel on integration activities and projects.  Transaction-related costs for 2016 include third-party 
costs directly related to acquisition and disposition activity, community financing and leasing activity and corporate capital structure 
assessment activities (including stockholder relations advisory matters), and are primarily comprised of legal, finance, consulting, 
professional fees and other third party costs.  Strategic project costs for 2016 include costs associated with strategic projects related 
to refining our strategy, building out enterprise-wide capabilities (including EMR roll-out projects) and reducing costs and achieving 
synergies by capitalizing on scale.  Additionally, a reduction in corporate associate headcount resulted in decreased salaries and 
wage expenses in the current year.

Transaction Costs

Transaction costs increased $18.6 million.  Transaction costs in the current year were primarily direct costs related to the formation 
of the Blackstone Venture and our assessment of options and alternatives to enhance stockholder value.  Transaction costs in the 
prior year were primarily direct costs related to community disposition activity.

Facility Lease Expense

Facility lease expense decreased $33.9 million, or 9.1%, primarily due to lease termination activity since the beginning of the 
prior year.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $38.3 million, or 7.4%, primarily due to disposition activity, through sales and 
lease terminations, since the beginning of the prior year period.

Goodwill and Asset Impairment

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded $409.8 million of non-cash impairment charges. The impairment charges 
included $205.0 million of goodwill within the Assisted Living segment, $164.4 million of property, plant and equipment and 
leasehold intangibles for certain communities, primarily in the Assisted Living segment, $25.8 million related to investments in 
unconsolidated ventures, and $14.6 million of intangible assets for health care licenses within the Brookdale Ancillary Services 
segment.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we identified qualitative indicators of impairment of our goodwill, including 
a significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization for a sustained period since the last testing date, significant 
underperformance relative to historical and projected operating results, and an increased competitive environment in the senior 
living industry. As a result, we performed an interim quantitative goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2017, which 
included a comparison of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned with the reporting 
unit's carrying value. In estimating the fair value of the reporting units for purposes of the quantitative goodwill impairment test, 
we utilized an income approach, which included future cash flow projections that are developed internally. Based on the results 
of the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we determined that the carrying amount of our Assisted Living segment exceeded 
its estimated fair value by $205.0 million as of September 30, 2017. As a result, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of 
$205.0 million to goodwill within the Assisted Living segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017. 

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we evaluated property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles for impairment 
and identified properties with a carrying amount of the assets in excess of the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected 
to be generated by the assets. We compared the estimated fair value of the assets to their carrying value for these identified properties 
53

and recorded an impairment charge for the excess of carrying value over fair value. As a result, we recorded property, plant and 
equipment and leasehold intangibles non-cash impairment charges of $164.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, 
including $137.8 million within the Assisted Living segment.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, we identified indicators of impairment for our investments in unconsolidated ventures. 
We  compared  the  estimated  fair  value  of  investments  in  unconsolidated  ventures  to  their  carrying  value  for  these  identified 
investments and recorded a $25.9 million impairment charge for the excess of carrying value over fair value.

Additionally, during the three months ended September 30, 2017, we identified indicators of impairment for our home health care 
licenses in Florida, including significant underperformance relative to historical and projected operating results, decreases in 
reimbursement rates from Medicare for home health care services, an increased competitive environment in the home health care 
industry, and disruption from the impact of Hurricane Irma. We performed an interim quantitative impairment test as of September 
30, 2017 on the health care licenses. Based on the results of the quantitative impairment test, we determined that the carrying 
amount of certain of our home health care licenses in Florida exceeded their estimated fair value by $13.7 million as of September 
30, 2017. As a result, we recorded $13.7 million of impairment charges for health care licenses within the Brookdale Ancillary 
Services segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017. 

Estimating the fair values of our goodwill and other assets requires management to use significant estimates, assumptions and 
judgments regarding future circumstances and events that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain.  Future circumstances and 
events may result in outcomes that are different from these estimates, assumptions and judgments, which could result in future 
impairments to our goodwill and other assets.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded impairment charges of $248.5 million.  We recorded property, plant and 
equipment and leasehold intangibles impairment charges of $166.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily due 
to lower than expected operating performance at certain properties and to reflect the amount by which the carrying values of assets 
exceeded their estimated fair value.  We recorded $15.8 million of impairment charges related to communities identified as assets 
held for sale, primarily due to excess of carrying value, including allocated goodwill, over the estimated selling price less costs 
to dispose.  We recorded $36.8 million of impairment charges related to investments in unconsolidated ventures, primarily due to 
lower than expected operating performance at the communities owned by the unconsolidated ventures and these charges reflect 
the amount by which the carrying values of the investments exceeded their estimated fair value.  Additionally, we recorded $28.2 
million and $1.5 million of impairment charges related to community purchase options and health care licenses, respectively.  
These impairment charges are primarily due to lower than expected operating performance at the communities subject to the 
community purchase options and reflect the amount by which the carrying values of the community purchase options exceeded 
their estimated fair value.  

See "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" below and Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements contained in "Item 8. 
Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data"  for  more  information  about  our  evaluations  of  goodwill  and  other  assets  for 
impairment and the related impairment charges.

Loss on Facility Lease Termination

Loss on facility lease termination increased $3.2 million, or 28.5%, primarily due to increased lease termination activity.

Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities

Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities increased $153.5 million, or 20.8%, primarily due to our entry into management 
agreements with the Blackstone Venture.

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $59.5 million, or 15.4%, primarily due to lease termination activity since the beginning of the prior 
year.

Equity in Earnings (Loss) of Unconsolidated Ventures

Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated ventures decreased by $16.5 million over the prior year.  Equity in loss of unconsolidated 
ventures of $14.8 million in the current year includes losses for the Blackstone Venture, which was formed subsequent to the prior 
year, and the impact of additional interest expense incurred as a result of non-recourse mortgage financing obtained by the CCRC 
Venture subsequent to the prior year period.

54

Gain on Sale of Assets, Net

Gain on sale of assets, net increased $12.1 million, or 167.0%, primarily due to an $11.4 million gain on sale of assets recognized 
during the year ended December 31, 2017 for the termination of financing lease obligations for 21 communities which were 
previously subject to sale-leaseback transactions in which the Company was deemed to have continuing involvement for accounting 
purposes. 

Other Non-operating Income

Other non-operating income decreased by $3.4 million, or 22.9%, primarily due to decreased insurance recoveries for property 
losses.

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Act, a bill reforming the US corporate income tax code which, 
among other reforms, will reduce our federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The rate reduction will take effect on January 
1, 2018. The carrying value of our deferred tax assets and liabilities is determined by the enacted federal corporate income tax 
rate. Consequently, any changes in the federal corporate income tax rate will impact the carrying value of our net deferred tax 
liability position subsequent to the enactment date. Under the new federal corporate income tax rate of 21%, net deferred income 
tax assets will decrease by $108.1 million and our valuation allowance will decrease by $172.2 million. In addition to the impact 
of the federal corporate income tax rate, the change in corporate tax law reduces our valuation allowance by an additional $50.6 
million. The net effect of the tax reform enactment on our consolidated financial statements was a benefit of $114.7 million which 
has been reflected in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017. Reasonable estimates for 
our state and local provision were made based on our analysis of tax reform. These provisional amounts may be adjusted in future 
periods during 2018 when additional information is obtained. Additional information that may affect our provisional amounts 
would include further clarification and guidance on how the Internal Revenue Service will implement tax reform and further 
clarification and guidance on how state taxing authorities will implement tax reform and the related effect on our state and local 
income tax returns, state and local net operating losses and corresponding valuation allowances.  See Note 16 to the consolidated 
financial statements contained in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for more information regarding the tax 
act.

For the year ended December 31, 2017 we recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $15.3 million, 
which consists of a $148.9 million benefit as a result of the operating loss for the year, which was partially offset by a $110.4 
million expense related to revaluation of our net deferred tax assets and liabilities under the Tax Act. Further offsetting the aggregate 
deferred benefit was an increase in the valuation allowance of $246.0 million before consideration of the Tax Act.  The impact of 
the Tax Act resulted in a reduction of our valuation allowance of $222.8 million, with a $172.2 million reduction due to rate and 
$50.6 million reduction primarily as a result of the changes anticipated to the use of net operating losses generated after December 
31, 2017.  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 December 31, 
2017 and 2016 was $336.1 million and $264.3 million, respectively, as described in Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements.

We recorded interest charges related to our tax contingency reserve for cash tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2017 
and 2016 which are included in provision for income tax for the period. Tax returns for years 2013 through 2016 are subject to 
future  examination  by  tax  authorities.  In  addition,  the  net  operating  losses  from  prior  years  are  subject  to  adjustment  under 
examination.

Comparison of Year Ended December 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 consolidated financial statements and the related notes, which are 
included in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data."

As of December 31, 2016 our total operations included 1,055 communities with a capacity to serve approximately 103,000 residents.

55

(dollars in thousands, except Total RevPAR and RevPOR)

Years Ended
December 31,

Increase
(Decrease)

2016

2015

Amount

Percent (6)

Statement of Operations Data:

Revenue

Resident fees

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Total resident fees
Management services (1)

Total revenue

Expense

Facility operating expense

Retirement Centers
Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Total facility operating expense

General and administrative expense

Transaction costs

Facility lease expense

Depreciation and amortization

Asset impairment

Loss on facility lease termination

Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities

Total operating expense

Income (loss) from operations

Interest income

Interest expense

Debt modification and extinguishment costs

Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated ventures

Gain on sale of assets, net

Other non-operating income

Income (loss) before income taxes

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

Net income (loss)

Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living
Inc. common stockholders

$

679,503

$

657,940

$

2,419,459

2,445,457

592,826

476,833

4,168,621

808,359

4,976,980

384,973
1,542,642

459,417

412,370

604,572

469,158

4,177,127

783,481

4,960,608

372,683
1,568,154

454,077

393,948

2,799,402

2,788,862

313,409

3,990

373,635

520,402

248,515

11,113

737,597

5,008,063
(31,083)
2,933
(385,617)
(9,170)
1,660

7,218

14,801
(399,258)
(5,378)
(404,636)
239

370,579

8,252

367,574

733,165

57,941

76,143

723,298

5,125,814
(165,206)
1,603
(388,764)
(7,020)
(804)
1,270

8,557
(550,364)
92,209
(458,155)
678

21,563
(25,998)
(11,746)
7,675
(8,506)
24,878

16,372

12,290
(25,512)
5,340

18,422

10,540
(57,170)
(4,262)
6,061
(212,763)
190,574
(65,030)
14,299
(117,751)
(134,123)
1,330
(3,147)
2,150

2,464

5,948

6,244
(151,106)
(97,587)
(53,519)
(439)

3.3 %

(1.1)%

(1.9)%

1.6 %

(0.2)%

3.2 %

0.3 %

3.3 %
(1.6)%

1.2 %

4.7 %

0.4 %

(15.4)%

(51.6)%

1.6 %

(29.0)%

NM

(85.4)%

2.0 %

(2.3)%

(81.2)%

83.0 %

(0.8)%

30.6 %

NM

NM

73.0 %

(27.5)%

(105.8)%

(11.7)%

(64.7)%

$

(404,397) $

(457,477) $

(53,080)

(11.6)%

56

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(dollars in thousands, except Total RevPAR, RevPAR and
RevPOR)

Years Ended
December 31,

Increase
(Decrease)

2016

2015

Amount

Percent (6)

Selected Operating and Other Data:
Total number of communities operated (period end)
Total units operated (2)
Period end
Weighted average

Owned/leased communities units (2)

Period end
Weighted average

Total RevPAR (3)
RevPAR (4)
Owned/leased communities occupancy rate (weighted
average)
RevPOR (5)
Selected Segment Operating and Other Data:
Retirement Centers

$
$

$

1,055

1,123

(68)

102,768
106,122

77,135
79,932
4,342
3,845

86.0%

4,468

$
$

$

107,786
109,342

80,917
82,508
4,216
3,742

86.8%

4,310

$
$

$

(5,018)
(3,220)

(3,782)
(2,576)
126
103

(0.8)%
158

Number of communities (period end)
Total units (2)
Period end
Weighted average

RevPAR (4)
Occupancy rate (weighted average)
RevPOR (5)
Assisted Living

Number of communities (period end)
Total units (2)
Period end
Weighted average

RevPAR (4)
Occupancy rate (weighted average)
RevPOR (5)
CCRCs-Rental

Number of communities (period end)
Total units (2)
Period end
Weighted average

RevPAR (4)
Occupancy rate (weighted average)
RevPOR (5)

Management Services

Number of communities (period end)
Total units (2)
Period end
Weighted average

Occupancy rate (weighted average)

93

95

(2)

17,017
17,103
3,311

17,093
17,308
3,168

89.0%

88.8%

$

3,720

$

3,570

$

(76)
(205)
143
0.2 %
150

768

820

(52)

50,682
52,777
3,820

53,500
54,714
3,725

85.5%

86.7%

$

4,468

$

4,297

$

(2,818)
(1,937)
95
(1.2)%
171

41

44

(3)

9,436
10,052
4,880

10,324
10,486
4,779

83.8%

84.4%

$

5,824

$

5,668

$

(888)
(434)
101
(0.6)%
156

153

164

(11)

25,633
26,190

26,869
26,834

(1,236)
(644)

87.0%

86.0%

1.0 %

57

(6.1)%

(4.7)%
(2.9)%

(4.7)%
(3.1)%
3.0 %
2.7 %

(0.9)%
3.7 %

(2.1)%

(0.4)%
(1.2)%
4.5 %
0.2 %
4.2 %

(6.3)%

(5.3)%
(3.5)%
2.6 %
(1.4)%
4.0 %

(6.8)%

(8.6)%
(4.1)%
2.1 %
(0.7)%
2.8 %

(6.7)%

(4.6)%
(2.4)%
1.2 %

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brookdale Ancillary Services

Home Health average daily census
Hospice average daily census
Outpatient Therapy treatment codes

15,067
767
1,713,733

13,814
474
2,506,203

1,253
293
(792,470)

9.1 %
61.8 %
(31.6)%

(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)  Weighted average units operated represents the average units operated during the period.

(3) 

Total RevPAR, or average monthly resident fee revenues per available unit, is defined by the Company as resident fee 
revenues, excluding entrance fee amortization, for the corresponding portfolio for the period, divided by the weighted 
average number of available units in the corresponding portfolio for the period, divided by the number of months in the 
period.

(4)  RevPAR, or average monthly senior housing resident fee revenues per available unit, is defined by the Company as resident 
fee revenues, excluding Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue and entrance fee amortization, for the corresponding 
portfolio for the period, divided by the weighted average number of available units in the corresponding portfolio for the 
period, divided by the number of months in the period.

(5)  RevPOR, or average monthly senior housing resident fee revenues per occupied unit, is defined by the Company as resident 
fee revenues, excluding Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue and entrance fee amortization, for the corresponding 
portfolio for the period, divided by the weighted average number of occupied units in the corresponding portfolio for the 
period, divided by the number of months in the period.

(6)  NM - Not meaningful

Resident Fees

Resident fee revenue decreased $8.5 million, or 0.2%, compared to the prior year primarily due to disposition activity, through 
sales and lease terminations, since the beginning of the prior year and a 130 basis point decrease in occupancy at the 876 communities 
we owned or leased during both full periods.  The decrease in resident fees was partially offset by a 3.1% increase in RevPOR at 
these communities compared to the prior year. Total RevPAR for the consolidated portfolio also increased by 3.0% compared to 
the prior year. The 81 communities disposed of subsequent to the beginning of the prior year generated $126.2 million of revenue 
during 2016 compared to $202.0 million of revenue in the prior year.

Retirement  Centers  segment  revenue  increased  $21.6  million,  or  3.3%,  primarily  due  to  a  3.1%  increase  in  RevPOR  at  the 
communities we owned or leased during both full years. Subsequent to the beginning of the prior year, the Company disposed of 
six communities, which generated $7.2 million of revenue during 2016 compared to $12.5 million of revenue in the prior year.

Assisted Living segment revenue decreased $26.0 million, or 1.1%, primarily due to the impact of disposition activity since the 
beginning of the prior period as well as a 170 basis point decrease in occupancy at the communities we operated during both full 
periods. The decrease was partially offset by a 3.4% increase in RevPOR at the communities we operated during both full years. 
Subsequent to the beginning of the prior year, the Company disposed of 71 communities, which generated $90.8 million of revenue 
during 2016 compared to $148.6 million of revenue in the prior year.

CCRCs-Rental segment revenue decreased $11.7 million, or 1.9%, primarily due to the impact of disposition activity since the 
beginning of the prior year as well as a 110 basis point decrease in occupancy at the communities we operated during both full 
years. The decrease was partially offset by a 2.2% increase in RevPOR at the communities we operated during both full years. 
Subsequent to the beginning of the prior year, the Company disposed of four communities, which generated $28.2 million of 
revenue in 2016 compared to $40.9 million of revenue in the prior year.

Brookdale Ancillary Services segment revenue increased $7.7 million, or 1.6%, primarily due to an increase in home health average 
daily census and the roll-out of our home health and hospice services to additional units subsequent to the beginning of the prior 
year period, partially offset by a decrease in therapy service volume.  During the three months ended December 31, 2016, we 
significantly reduced the number of outpatient therapy clinics located in our communities as lower reimbursement rates and lower 

58

 
 
 
 
utilization made the business less attractive.  Despite an increase over the prior year period, our home health average daily census 
was negatively impacted by the loss of a number of associates to a new competitor in several of our Florida markets. 

Management Services Revenue

Management  Services  segment  revenue,  including  management  fees  and  reimbursed  costs  incurred  on  behalf  of  managed 
communities, increased $24.9 million, or 3.2%, 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 
and an increase in incentive fees earned under the terms of our management agreements.

Facility Operating Expense

Facility operating expense increased $10.5 million, or 0.4%, over the prior year primarily due to a $46.5 million increase in salaries 
and wages due to wage rate increases at the 876 communities we owned or leased during both full periods and $18.4 million of 
expense increases for our ancillary services in connection with higher home health and hospice average daily census. This increase 
was partially offset by disposition activity, through sales and lease terminations, since the beginning of the prior year and a $35.4 
million decrease in insurance expense from changes in estimates due to general liability and professional liability and workers 
compensation claims experience. The 81 communities disposed of subsequent to the beginning of the prior year, either through 
sales or lease terminations, incurred $99.6 million of facility operating expenses during 2016 compared to $164.5 million of facility 
operating expenses in the prior year. 

Retirement Centers segment facility operating expenses increased $12.3 million, or 3.3%, primarily driven by an increase in 
salaries and wages arising from wage rate increases. The communities disposed of subsequent to the beginning of the prior year 
incurred $4.2 million of facility operating expenses during 2016 compared to $8.8 million of facility operating expenses in the 
prior year.

Assisted Living segment facility operating expenses decreased $25.5 million, or 1.6%, primarily driven by the impact of disposition 
activity since the beginning of the prior year period and a decrease in insurance expense from changes in estimates due to general 
liability and professional liability and workers compensation claims experience. The 71 communities disposed of subsequent to 
the beginning of the prior year incurred $71.6 million of facility operating expenses during 2016 compared to $121.1 million of 
facility operating expenses in the prior year. The decrease was partially offset by increases in salaries and wages due to wage rate 
increases.

CCRCs-Rental segment facility operating expenses increased $5.3 million, or 1.2%, primarily driven by increases in salaries and 
wages due to wage rate increases. Disposition activity since the beginning of the prior year partially offset this increase.  The four 
communities disposed of subsequent to the beginning of the prior year incurred $23.8 million of facility operating expenses during 
2016 compared to $34.7 million of facility operating expenses in the prior year.

Brookdale Ancillary Services segment operating expenses increased $18.4 million, or 4.7%, primarily due to expense increases 
in connection with higher home health and hospice average daily census and increased salaries and wage expense due to wage 
rate increases.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense decreased $57.2 million, or 15.4%, over the prior year primarily due to a $61.5 million decrease 
in integration, transaction-related and strategic project costs. Integration costs include transition costs associated with the Emeritus 
merger and organizational restructuring (such as severance and retention payments and recruiting expenses), third party consulting 
expenses  directly  related  to  the  integration  of  Emeritus  (in  areas  such  as  cost  savings  and  synergy  realization,  branding  and 
technology and systems work), and internal costs such as training, travel and labor, reflecting time spent by Company personnel 
on integration activities and projects.  Transaction-related costs include third party costs directly related to the acquisition of 
Emeritus, other acquisition and disposition activity, community financing and leasing activity and corporate capital structure 
assessment activities (including shareholder relations advisory matters), and are primarily comprised of legal, finance, consulting, 
professional fees and other third party costs.  Strategic project costs include costs associated with strategic projects related to 
refining our strategy, building out enterprise-wide capabilities for the post-merger platform (including EMR roll-out project) and 
reducing costs and achieving synergies by capitalizing on scale. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in salaries and 
wages due to wage rate increases.

59

Transaction Costs

Transaction costs decreased $4.3 million, or 51.6%.  Transaction costs in the prior year period were primarily related to direct 
costs related to acquisition and community leasing activity. Transaction costs in 2016 were primarily related to direct costs related 
to community disposition activity, through sales and lease terminations.

Facility Lease Expense

Facility lease expense increased $6.1 million, or 1.6%, primarily due to annual rent increases, including the impact of variable 
rent increases.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $212.8 million, or 29.0%, primarily due to disposition activity subsequent to 
the beginning of the prior year and amortization of in-place lease intangibles acquired as part of our acquisition of Emeritus 
reaching full amortization subsequent to the beginning of the prior year.

Asset Impairment

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded impairment charges of $248.5 million.  We recorded property, plant and 
equipment and leasehold intangibles impairment charges of $166.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, primarily due 
to lower than expected operating performance at certain properties and to reflect the amount by which the carrying values of assets 
exceeded their estimated fair value.  We recorded $15.8 million of impairment charges related to communities identified as assets 
held for sale, primarily due to excess of carrying value, including allocated goodwill, over the estimated selling price less costs 
to dispose.  We recorded $36.8 million of impairment charges related to investments in unconsolidated ventures, primarily due to 
lower than expected operating performance at the communities owned by the unconsolidated ventures and these charges reflect 
the amount by which the carrying values of the investments exceeded their estimated fair value.  Additionally, we recorded $28.2 
million and $1.5 million of impairment charges related to community purchase options and health care licenses, respectively.  
These impairment charges are primarily due to lower than expected operating performance at the communities subject to the 
community purchase options and reflect the amount by which the carrying values of the community purchase options exceeded 
their estimated fair value.  During 2015, we sold 17 communities for an aggregate selling price of $82.9 million and recorded 
$18.4 million of impairment charges related to the communities sold, inclusive of the allocation of $8.1 million of goodwill to the 
disposed communities.  During 2015, we recorded $15.2 million of impairment charges related to 17 communities identified as 
held for sale as of December 31, 2015, inclusive of the allocation of $12.2 million of goodwill to the disposal groups.  Additionally, 
during 2015, we recorded $23.4 million of impairment charges for property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles for 
communities to be held and used.  These impairment charges are primarily due to lower than expected operating performance of 
the underlying communities.

See "Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates" below and Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements contained in "Item 8. 
Financial  Statements  and  Supplementary  Data"  for  more  information  about  our  evaluations  of  goodwill  and  other  assets  for 
impairment and the related impairment charges.

Loss on Facility Lease Termination

Loss on facility lease termination decreased $65.0 million, or 85.4%.  A loss on facility lease termination of $76.1 million was 
recognized  during  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.

Gain on Sale of Assets, Net

Gain on sale of assets, net increased $5.9 million, or 468.3%, primarily due to increased community disposition activity during 
the current year.

Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities

Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities increased $14.3 million, or 2.0%, 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 years.

60

Interest Expense

Interest expense decreased by $3.1 million, or 0.8%, primarily due to lower interest expense on capital and financing leases.

Other Non-operating Income

Other non-operating income increased by $6.2 million, or 73.0%, primarily due to increased insurance recoveries for property 
losses.

Income Taxes

The difference in our effective tax rates for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was primarily due to recording a valuation 
allowance against our deferred tax assets during the year ended December 31, 2016, the negative tax benefit on the vesting of 
restricted stock, a direct result of the Company's lower stock price in 2016, and the non-deductible write-off of goodwill in 2016.  
We recorded an aggregate deferred federal, state and local tax benefit of $139.6 million as a result of the operating loss for the 
year ended December 31, 2016, which was offset by an increase in the valuation allowance of $142.9 million. 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 December 31, 2016 and December 
31, 2015 was $264.3 million and $121.6 million, respectively. 

We recorded interest charges related to our tax contingency reserve for cash tax positions for the years ended December 31, 2016 
and 2015 which are included in provision for income tax for the period. 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The following is a summary of cash flows from operating, investing and financing activities, as reflected in the consolidated 
statements of cash flows:

Year Ended
December 31,

Increase
(Decrease)

2017

2016

Amount

Percent

(in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

366,664
(601,307)
240,893

6,250

216,397

$

365,732

$

176,825
(414,189)
128,368

88,029

932
(778,132)
655,082
(122,118)
128,368

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

222,647

$

216,397

$

6,250

0.3 %

NM

NM

(95.1)%

NM

2.9 %

The increase in net cash provided by operating activities of $0.9 million was attributable primarily to $62.1 million of integration, 
transaction, transaction-related and strategic project costs in the prior year compared to $37.1 million of transaction, strategic 
project, and debt modification and extinguishment costs in 2017. The increase was partially offset by the impact of disposition 
activity, through sales and lease terminations, since the beginning of the prior year and an increase in facility operating expenses 
at the communities operated during both full years.

The change in net cash (used in) provided by investing activities of $778.1 million was primarily attributable to purchases of 
marketable securities during the current year, our contribution of $179.2 million in connection with the formation of the Blackstone 
Venture during the current year, and a decrease in net proceeds from the sale of assets.  The increase was partially offset by reduced 
acquisition and capital expenditure activity. 

The change in net cash provided by (used in) financing activities was primarily attributable to $437.2 million of net proceeds from 
financing and refinancing activities completed during the current year and net repayments of $310.0 million on our secured credit 
facility during the prior year.

61

 
Our principal sources of liquidity have historically been from:

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 

cash balances on hand, cash equivalents and marketable securities;
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;
funds raised in the debt or equity markets; and
proceeds from the disposition of 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,  severance  costs,  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 and insurance programs;
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,  severance  costs,  general  and  administrative 
expense and supply costs;
debt service, including repayment of the $316.3 million outstanding principal amount of our 2.75% convertible senior 
notes due June 15, 2018, and lease payments;
acquisition consideration and transaction costs, including the acquisition of six communities pursuant to agreements 
with HCP;
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;
cash collateral required to be posted in connection with our financial instruments and insurance programs;
purchases of common stock under our share repurchase authorization; and
other corporate initiatives (including information systems and other strategic projects).

We  are  highly  leveraged  and  have  significant  debt  and  lease  obligations. As  of  December 31,  2017,  we  have  three  principal 
corporate-level debt obligations: our $400.0 million secured credit facility, our $316.3 million outstanding principal amount of 
2.75% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2018, and our separate 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 $3.5 billion
of non-recourse property-level mortgage financings as of December 31, 2017.

As of December 31, 2017, we had $3.9 billion of debt outstanding, 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 June 
15, 2018).  No balance was drawn on our secured credit facility as of December 31, 2017.  As of December 31, 2017, we had $1.3 
billion of capital and financing lease obligations, and $106.2 million of letters of credit had been issued under our secured credit 
facility and separate unsecured letter of credit facilities. For the year ending December 31, 2018 we will be required to make 
approximately $150.4 million and $369.2 million of cash payments in connection with our existing capital and financing leases 
and our operating leases, respectively.

During  the  year  ended  December 31,  2017,  we  increased  our  liquidity  position  by  $288.6  million  to  $872.6  million  as  of 
December 31, 2017, compared to $584.0 million as of December 31, 2016.  Total liquidity as of December 31, 2017 included 
$222.6 million of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents (excluding cash and escrow deposits-restricted and lease security deposits 
62

of $103.2 million in the aggregate), $291.8 million of marketable securities, and $358.2 million of availability on our secured 
credit facility.  We plan to market in 2018 and sell approximately 30 owned communities, which we believe will generate more 
than $250 million of proceeds, net of associated debt and transaction costs.  However, the closings of the expected sales of assets 
are subject to our successful marketing of such assets on terms acceptable to us and will be subject to the satisfaction of various 
closing conditions, including (where applicable) the receipt of regulatory approvals.  There can be no assurance that the transactions 
will close or, if they do, when the actual closings will occur.  

In  June  2017,  we  obtained  a  $54.7  million  non-recourse  addition  and  borrow-up  loan,  secured  by  first  mortgages  on  seven
communities. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.69% and matures on March 1, 2022. Proceeds from the loan added to our 
liquidity.

In July 2017, we completed the refinancing of two existing loan portfolios secured by the non-recourse first mortgage on 22
communities. The $221.3 million of proceeds from the refinancing were primarily utilized to pay off $188.1 million and $13.6 
million of mortgage debt maturing in April 2018 and January 2021, respectively. The mortgage facility has a 10 year term, and 
70% of the principal amount bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.81% and the remaining 30% of the principal amount bears interest 
at a variable rate of 30-day LIBOR plus a margin of 244 basis points. 

In August 2017, we obtained $975.0 million of loans secured by the non-recourse first mortgages on 51 communities. Sixty percent
of the principal amount bears interest at a fixed rate, with one half of such amount bearing interest at 4.43% and maturing in 2024
and the other one half bearing interest at 4.47% and maturing in 2027.  Forty percent of the principal amount bears interest at a 
variable rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR plus a margin of 241.5 basis points and matures in 2027. The $975.0 million of proceeds 
from the refinancing were primarily utilized to repay $389.9 million and $228.9 million of outstanding mortgage debt scheduled 
to mature in August 2018 and May 2023, respectively.  The net proceeds from the refinancing activity added to our liquidity.

As of December 31, 2017, we had $193.9 million of negative working capital. 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 
pay down long-term liabilities, to fund capital expenditures, in connection with our portfolio optimization initiative, and to pursue 
strategic business development opportunities.  As of December 31, 2017, the current portion of long-term debt was $495.4 million, 
which includes the carrying amount of our 2.75% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2018, the carrying amount of $43.3 million
of mortgage debt due in May 2018 and $30.1 million of mortgage debt related to 15 communities classified as held for sale as of 
December 31, 2017. We estimate that we will have sufficient liquidity to settle the outstanding principal amount of $316.3 million
of the convertible notes in cash at maturity.

Our capital expenditures are comprised of community-level, corporate and development capital expenditures.  Community-level 
capital expenditures include recurring expenditures (routine maintenance of communities over $1,500 per occurrence, including 
for unit turnovers (subject to a $500 floor)) and community renovations, apartment upgrades and other major building infrastructure 
projects.  Corporate and other capital expenditures include those for information technology systems and equipment, the expansion 
of our support platform and ancillary services programs, and the remediation or replacement of assets as a result of casualty losses.  
Development capital expenditures include community expansions and major community redevelopment and repositioning projects, 
including our Program Max initiative, and the development of new communities.

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 11 Program Max projects that have been approved, most of which have begun construction 
and are expected to generate 70 net new units.

63

The following table summarizes our actual 2017 capital expenditures for our consolidated communities:

(in millions)
   Community-level capital expenditures, net (1)
   Corporate and other (2)
Non-development capital expenditures, net (3)

 Development capital expenditures, net (4)
Total capital expenditures, net

Actual 2017

$

$

151.6

34.9

186.5

8.8

195.3

(1)  Amount shown for the year ended December 31, 2017 is the amount invested, net of lessor reimbursements of $18.1 million.

(2)  Amount shown for the year ended December 31, 2017 includes $5.5 million of remediation costs at our communities resulting 
from Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.  Amounts exclude reimbursement from our property and casualty insurance policies of 
approximately $9.6 million for 2017.

(3)  Amounts are included in Adjusted Free Cash Flow.

(4)  Amount shown for the year ended December 31, 2017 is the amount invested, net of lessor reimbursements of $8.1 million. 

During 2018, we expect our aggregate level of capital expenditures will be generally consistent with our aggregate 2017 capital 
expenditures.  Following Hurricane Irma in 2017, the State of Florida issued an emergency order requiring skilled nursing homes 
and assisted living communities to obtain generators and fuel necessary to sustain operations and maintain comfortable temperatures 
in the event of a power outage. The emergency order has been overturned and there are legislative and regulatory rulemaking 
actions in process to address generator requirements. We may be required to make substantial capital expenditures in addition to 
our expectations for 2018 to comply with any legislative or administrative generator requirements ultimately adopted in Florida.  
We anticipate that our 2018 capital expenditures will be funded from cash on hand, cash flows from operations, and, if necessary, 
amounts drawn on our secured credit facility.

Execution on our strategy and any identified lease restructuring, development or acquisition opportunities may require additional 
capital. 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 percentage ownership 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. Any newly issued equity securities may have 
rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of our common stock.  If we are unable to raise additional funds or obtain them 
on terms acceptable to us, we may have to forego, delay or abandon lease restructuring, development or acquisition opportunities 
that we identify.

We currently estimate that our existing cash flows from operations, together with cash on hand, amounts available under our 
secured credit facility and proceeds from anticipated dispositions of owned communities and 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, our actual level 
of capital expenditures, general economic conditions and the cost of capital.  Volatility in the credit and financial markets may 
have an adverse impact on our liquidity by making it more difficult for us to obtain financing or refinancing.  Shortfalls in cash 
flows from operating results or other principal sources of liquidity may have an adverse impact on our ability to maintain capital 
spending levels, to execute on our strategy or to pursue lease restructuring, development or acquisitions that we may identify.  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.

64

Company Indebtedness, Long-Term Leases and Hedging Agreements

Indebtedness

As of December 31, 2017, we have three principal corporate-level debt obligations: our $400.0 million secured credit facility, our 
$316.3 million 2.75% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2018, and our separate 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 $3.5 billion of non-recourse property-level mortgage financings as of December 31, 2017.

Credit Facilities

On  December  19,  2014,  we  entered  into  a  Fourth Amended  and  Restated  Credit Agreement  with  General  Electric  Capital 
Corporation (which has since assigned its interest to Capital One Financial Corporation), as administrative agent, lender and 
swingline lender, and the other lenders from time to time parties thereto. The agreement currently provides for a total commitment 
amount of $400.0 million, comprised of 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 credit agreement, which would result in termination of all commitments under the agreement and all 
amounts owing under the agreement becoming immediately due and payable and could trigger cross-default provisions in our 
other outstanding debt and lease agreements.

As of December 31, 2017, no borrowings were outstanding on the revolving credit facility and $41.8 million of letters of credit 
were outstanding, resulting in $358.2 million of availability on our secured credit facility. We also had separate unsecured letter 
of credit facilities of up to $64.5 million in the aggregate as of December 31, 2017. Letters of credit totaling $64.4 million had 
been issued under these separate facilities as of that date.

As of December 31, 2017, we are in compliance with the financial covenants of our outstanding credit facilities.

Convertible Debt

In June 2011, we completed a registered offering of $316.3 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% convertible senior notes 
due June 15, 2018 (the "Notes"). As of December 31, 2017, the $309.9 million carrying value of the Notes was included in the 
current portion of long-term debt within the consolidated balance sheet. It is our current intent and policy to settle the principal 
amount of the Notes (or, if less, the amount of the conversion obligation) in cash upon conversion.

The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment to all of our other senior unsecured debt, if any. 
The Notes will be senior in right of payment to any of our debt which is subordinated by its terms to the Notes (if any). The Notes 
are also structurally subordinated to all debt and other liabilities and commitments (including trade payables) of our subsidiaries. 
The Notes are also effectively subordinated to our secured debt to the extent of the assets securing such debt.

65

The Notes bear interest at 2.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash.  The Notes are convertible at an initial conversion 
rate of 34.1006 shares of Company common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price 
of approximately $29.325 per share), subject to adjustment. On and after March 15, 2018, until the close of business on the second 
scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Notes at any time. In addition, Holders 
may convert their Notes at their option under the following circumstances:  (i) during any fiscal quarter if the last reported sale 
price of the Company's common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive 
trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable 
conversion price on the last day of such preceding fiscal quarter; (ii) during the five business day period after any five consecutive 
trading day period (the "measurement period"), in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading 
day of that measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock 
and the applicable conversion rate on each such day; or (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. As of December 31, 
2017, the Notes are not convertible. Unconverted Notes mature at par on June 15, 2018.

In addition, following certain corporate transactions, we will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert in 
connection with such transaction by a number of additional shares of common stock as set forth in the supplemental indenture 
governing the Notes.

In connection with the offering of the Notes, in June 2011, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the 
"Convertible Note Hedges") with certain financial institutions (the "Hedge Counterparties"). The Convertible Note Hedges cover, 
subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, 10,784,315 shares of common stock. The Company also entered into warrant 
transactions with the Hedge Counterparties whereby the Company sold to the Hedge Counterparties warrants to acquire, subject 
to customary anti-dilution adjustments, up to 10,784,315 shares of common stock (the "Sold Warrant Transactions"). The warrants 
have a strike price of $40.25 per share, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.

The Convertible Note Hedges are expected to reduce the potential dilution with respect to common stock upon conversion of the 
Notes in the event that the price per share of common stock at the time of exercise is greater than the strike price of the Convertible 
Note Hedges, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Notes and is similarly subject to customary anti-dilution 
adjustments. If, however, the price per share of common stock exceeds the strike price of the Sold Warrant Transactions when 
they expire, there would be additional dilution from the issuance of common stock pursuant to the warrants.

The Convertible Note Hedges and Sold Warrant Transactions are separate transactions (in each case entered into by us and the 
Hedge Counterparties), are not part of the terms of the Notes and will not affect the holders' rights under the Notes. Holders of 
the Notes do not have any rights with respect to the Convertible Note Hedges or the Sold Warrant Transactions.

These hedging transactions had a net cost of approximately $31.9 million, which was paid from the proceeds of the Notes and 
recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. The Company has contractual rights, and, at execution of the related agreements, 
had the ability to settle its obligations under the conversion features of the Notes, the Convertible Note Hedges and Sold Warrant 
Transactions, with the Company's common stock. Accordingly, these transactions are accounted for as equity, with no subsequent 
adjustment for changes in the value of these obligations.

Long-Term Leases

As of December 31, 2017, we have 434 communities under long-term leases (290 operating leases and 144 capital and financing 
leases). The  substantial  majority  of  our  lease  arrangements  are  structured  as  master  leases.  Under  a  master  lease,  numerous 
communities  are  leased  through  an  indivisible  lease. The  Company  typically  guarantees  the  performance  and  lease  payment 
obligations of its subsidiary leases under master leases.  Due to the nature of such master leases, it is difficult to restructure the 
composition of our leased portfolios or economic terms of the leases without the consent of the applicable landlord.  In addition, 
an event of default related to an individual property or limited number of properties within a master lease portfolio would result 
in a default on the entire master lease portfolio.

The leases relating to these communities are generally fixed rate leases with annual escalators that are either fixed or tied to changes 
in leased property revenue or the consumer price index. We are responsible for all operating costs, including repairs, property 
taxes and insurance. The initial lease terms primarily vary from 10 to 20 years and generally include renewal options ranging from 
5 to 15 years. The remaining base lease terms vary from less than one year to 15 years and generally provide for renewal or 
extension options and in some instances, purchase options.

The  community  leases  contain  other  customary  terms,  which  may  include  assignment  and  change  of  control  restrictions, 
maintenance  and  capital  expenditure  obligations,  termination  provisions  and  financial  covenants,  such  as  those  requiring  the 
Company to maintain prescribed minimum net worth and stockholders’ equity levels and lease coverage ratios, as further described 
66

below.  In addition, our lease documents generally contain non-financial covenants, such as those requiring us to comply with 
Medicare or Medicaid provider requirements.  Certain leases contain cure provisions, which generally allow us to post an additional 
lease security deposit if the required covenant is not met.

In addition, certain of our master leases and management agreements contain radius restrictions, which limit our ability to own, 
develop or acquire new communities within a specified distance from certain existing communities covered by such agreements. 
These radius restrictions could negatively affect our ability to expand or develop or acquire senior housing communities and 
operating companies.

For the year ended December 31, 2017, our cash lease payments for our capital and financing leases and our operating leases were 
$187.8 million and $365.1 million, respectively.  For the year ending December 31, 2018, we will be required to make approximately 
$150.4 million and $369.2 million of cash lease payments in connection with our existing capital and financing leases and our 
operating leases, respectively.  

Debt and Lease Covenants

Certain  of  our  debt  and  lease  documents  contain  restrictions  and  financial  covenants,  such  as  those  requiring  us  to  maintain 
prescribed minimum net worth and stockholders’ equity levels and debt service and lease coverage ratios, and requiring us not to 
exceed prescribed leverage ratios, in each case on a consolidated, portfolio-wide, multi-community, single-community and/or 
entity basis. Net worth is generally calculated as stockholders' equity as calculated in accordance with GAAP, and in certain 
circumstances, reduced by intangible assets or liabilities or increased by deferred gains from sale-leaseback transactions and 
deferred entrance fee revenue. The debt service and lease coverage ratios are generally calculated as revenues less operating 
expenses, including an implied management fee and a reserve for capital expenditures, divided by the debt (principal and interest) 
or lease payment. In some cases, the calculation of the applicable financial covenants (such as the calculation of our coverage 
ratio for the applicable portfolio for a particular period) requires interpretation of complex debt and lease provisions. A landlord 
has advised us that it asserts that the manner in which we have calculated compliance with a financial covenant under master 
leases scheduled to expire in stages over the next approximately two and one-half years that cover a total of nine communities is 
incorrect.  We disagree with the landlord.  In the event that it is ultimately determined that our method of calculating such compliance 
was erroneous, it is possible that the recalculation could result in our failure to be in compliance with such covenant. We have 
reviewed the applicable lease provisions with outside counsel and remain confident that we have been, and continue to be, in 
compliance with the applicable requirements of the leases.  In addition, our debt and lease documents generally contain non-
financial covenants, such as those requiring us to comply with Medicare or Medicaid provider requirements. 

Our failure to comply with applicable covenants could constitute an event of default under the applicable debt or lease documents. 
Many of our debt and lease documents contain cross-default provisions so that a default under one of these instruments could 
cause a default under other debt and lease documents (including documents with other lenders and lessors).

Furthermore, our debt and leases are secured by our communities and, in certain cases, a guaranty by us and/or one or more of 
our subsidiaries. Therefore, if an event of default has occurred under any of our debt or lease documents, subject to cure provisions 
in certain instances, the respective lender or lessor would have the right to declare all the related outstanding amounts of indebtedness 
or cash lease obligations immediately due and payable, to foreclose on our mortgaged communities, to terminate our leasehold 
interests, to foreclose on other collateral securing the indebtedness and leases, to discontinue our operation of leased communities 
and/or to pursue other remedies available to such lender or lessor. Further, an event of default could trigger cross-default provisions 
in our other debt and lease documents (including documents with other lenders or lessors). We cannot provide assurance that we 
would be able to pay the debt or lease obligations if they became due upon acceleration following an event of default.

As of December 31, 2017, we are in compliance with the financial covenants of our outstanding debt agreements and long-term 
leases.

Derivative Instruments

In the normal course of business, we have entered into certain interest rate protection agreements to effectively manage the risk 
above certain interest rates for a portion of our variable rate debt. As of December 31, 2017, we have $813.4 million in aggregate 
notional amount of interest rate caps and $1.3 billion of variable rate debt, excluding our capital and financing lease obligations, 
that is not subject to any cap or swap agreements.

67

Contractual Commitments

The following table presents a summary of our material indebtedness, including the related interest payments, lease and other 
contractual commitments, as of December 31, 2017.

(in millions)

Total

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Payments Due during the Year Ending December 31,

Contractual Obligations:

Long-term debt and line of 

credit obligations (1)

Capital and financing lease 

obligations (2)

Operating lease obligations 

(2)

Refundable entrance fee 

obligations (3)
Total contractual
obligations

Total commercial
construction
commitments

$

4,799.0

$

672.1

$

481.3

$

618.5

$

448.5

$

433.3

$

2,145.3

1,975.3

2,578.2

8.9

576.4

369.2

0.4

137.0

348.0

0.4

78.3

61.8

62.6

1,059.2

307.8

266.3

247.1

1,039.8

0.4

0.4

0.4

6.9

$

9,361.4

$

1,618.1

$

966.7

$

1,005.0

$

777.0

$

743.4

$

4,251.2

$

38.5

$

34.0

$

4.5

$

— $

— $

— $

—

(1)  Includes line of credit and contractual interest for all fixed-rate obligations and assumes interest on variable rate instruments 
at the December 31, 2017 rate. Long-term debt obligation payments in 2018 include the following debt instruments: (i) our 
$316.3 million outstanding principal amount of 2.75% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2018, (ii) $30.1 million of debt 
on assets held for sale, and (iii) $34.7 million of demand notes payable to the unconsolidated CCRC Venture, which we utilize 
in certain states in lieu of cash reserves.

(2)  Reflects future cash payments after giving effect to non-contingent lease escalators and assumes payments on variable rate 
instruments at the December 31, 2017 rate. Additionally, the contractual obligation amounts include the residual value for 
financing lease obligations.  The amount for the year ending December 31, 2018 includes the $374.5 million carrying value 
of the financing lease obligations for 20 communities for which the leases have been amended to expire on or before November 
1, 2018.

(3)  Future refunds of entrance fees are estimated based on historical payment trends. These refund obligations are generally offset 
by proceeds received from resale of the vacated apartment units. Historically, proceeds from resales of entrance fee units each 
year generally offset refunds paid and generate excess cash to us.

The foregoing amounts exclude outstanding letters of credit of $106.2 million as of December 31, 2017.

In connection with the multi-part transaction with HCP entered into in 2017, we agreed to acquire six communities for an aggregate 
purchase price of $274.9 million in 2018. We expect to fund our acquisition of the six communities with the proceeds from the 
sale of our unconsolidated venture interests, cash on hand, non-recourse mortgage financing on the acquired communities and 
refinancing of certain other communities. 

Impacts of Inflation

Resident fees from the communities we own or lease and management fees from communities we manage for third parties or 
unconsolidated ventures in which we have an ownership interest are our primary sources of revenue. These revenues are affected 
by the amount of monthly resident fee rates and community occupancy rates. The rates charged are highly dependent on local 
market conditions and the competitive environment in which our communities operate. Substantially all of our retirement center, 
assisted living, and CCRC residency agreements allow for adjustments in the monthly fee payable not less frequently than every 
12 or 13 months which enables us to seek increases in monthly fees due to inflation, increased levels of care or other factors. Any 
pricing  increase  would  be  subject  to  market  and  competitive  conditions  and  could  result  in  a  decrease  in  occupancy  in  the 
communities. We believe, however, that our ability to periodically adjust the monthly fee serves to reduce the adverse effect of 
inflation. In addition, employee compensation expense is a principal element of facility operating costs and is also dependent upon 

68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
local market conditions. There can be no assurance that resident fees will increase or that costs will not increase due to inflation 
or other causes.

As of December 31, 2017, approximately $1.3 billion of our indebtedness, excluding our secured credit facility, bears interest at 
floating rates. We have mitigated our exposure to floating rates by using interest rate caps under our debt arrangements. Inflation, 
and its impact on floating interest rates, could affect the amount of interest payments due on our secured credit facility and other 
variable rate debt instruments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of December 31, 2017, 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 6 to the 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.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or 
GAAP, requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect our reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses. 
We consider an accounting estimate to be critical if it requires assumptions to be made that were uncertain at the time the estimate 
was made and changes in the estimate, or different estimates that could have been selected, could have a material impact on our 
consolidated results of operations or financial condition. We have identified the following critical accounting policies that affect 
significant estimates and judgments.

Self-Insurance Liability Accruals

We are subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Although we maintain 
general liability and professional liability insurance policies for our owned, leased and managed communities under a master 
insurance program, our current policies provide for deductibles for each and every claim.  As a result, we are effectively self-
insured for claims that are less than the deductible amounts. In addition, we maintain a high-deductible workers compensation 
program. Third-party insurers are responsible for claim costs above program deductibles and retentions.

The cost of our employee health and dental benefits, net of employee contributions, is shared by us and our communities based 
on the respective number of participants working directly either at our corporate offices or at the communities.  Cash received is 
used to pay the actual costs of administering the program which include paid claims, third-party administrative fees, network 
provider fees, communication costs, and other related administrative costs incurred by us.  Claims are paid as they are submitted 
to the plan administrator.

Outstanding losses and expenses for general liability and professional liability and workers compensation are estimated based on 
the recommendations of independent actuaries and management's estimates. We review the adequacy of our 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  adjust  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. 

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 740, Income Taxes. Under this 
method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases 
of assets and liabilities using tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation 
allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are expected to be realized. As of 
December 31, 2017 and 2016, we have a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets of approximately $336.1 million and 
$264.3 million, respectively. When we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be able to realize our deferred tax 
assets in the future in excess of our net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be made and reflected in 
income. This determination will be made by considering various factors, including the reversal and timing of existing temporary 
69

differences, tax planning strategies and estimates of future taxable income exclusive of the reversal of temporary differences, 
although we are currently precluded under GAAP from considering estimates of future taxable income in our analysis due to our 
cumulative historical operating losses.

Lease Accounting

We determine whether to account for our leases as either operating, capital, or financing leases depending on the underlying terms. 
As  of  December 31,  2017,  we  operated  434  communities  under  long-term  leases  with  operating,  capital  and  financing  lease 
obligations. The determination of this classification is complex and in certain situations requires a significant level of judgment. 
Our classification criteria is based on estimates regarding the fair value of the leased communities, minimum lease payments, 
effective cost of funds, the economic life of the community and certain other terms in the lease agreements. Communities under 
operating leases are accounted for in our consolidated statements of operations as lease expenses for actual rent paid plus or minus 
straight-line adjustments for fixed or estimated minimum lease escalators as well as amortization of above/below market rents 
and deferred gains. For communities under capital and financing lease obligation arrangements, a liability is established on our 
balance sheets and a corresponding long-term asset is recorded. Lease payments are allocated between principal and interest on 
the remaining base lease obligations. 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. In addition, we amortize leasehold improvements purchased during the term of the 
lease over the shorter of their economic life or the lease term. Sale-leaseback transactions are recorded as lease financing obligations 
when the transactions include a form of continuing involvement, such as purchase options.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Contractual Adjustments

Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, to represent our estimate of the amount that ultimately 
will be realized in cash. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $23.1 million and $27.0 million as of December 31, 2017 and 
2016, respectively. The adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed on an ongoing basis, using historical payment 
trends, write-off experience, analyses of receivable portfolios by payor source and aging of receivables, as well as a review of 
specific accounts, and adjustments are made to the allowance as necessary. Recent changes in legislation are not expected to have 
a material impact on the collectability of our accounts receivable; however, changes in economic conditions could have an impact 
on the collection of existing receivable balances or future allowance calculations.

Approximately 82.1% of our resident fee revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were derived from 
private pay customers and 17.9% of our resident fee revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 were 
derived from services covered by various third-party payor programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. Billings for services 
under third-party payor programs are recorded net of estimated retroactive adjustments, if any, under reimbursement programs. 
Revenue related to these billings is recorded on an estimated basis in the period the related services are rendered and adjusted in 
future periods or as final settlements are determined. We accrue contractual or cost related adjustments from Medicare or Medicaid 
when assessed (without regard to when the assessment is paid or withheld), even if we have not agreed to or are appealing the 
assessment. Subsequent positive or negative adjustments to these accrued amounts are recorded in net revenues when known.

Goodwill Impairment

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, we had goodwill balances of $505.8 million and $705.5 million, respectively.  Goodwill 
recorded in connection with business combinations is allocated to the respective reporting unit and included in our application of 
the provisions of ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350").

We test goodwill for impairment annually during our fourth quarter, or whenever indicators of impairment arise. Factors we 
consider important in our analysis of whether an indicator of impairment exists include a significant decline in our stock price or 
market capitalization for a sustained period since the last testing date, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected 
future  operating  results  and  significant  negative  industry  or  economic  trends. We  first  assess  qualitative  factors  to  determine 
whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test.  The quantitative goodwill impairment test is based 
upon a comparison of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned with the reporting 
unit's carrying value. We are not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless we determine, based on a qualitative 
assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value is less than its carrying amount.  The fair values used in the quantitative 
goodwill impairment test are estimated based upon discounted future cash flow projections for the reporting unit. These cash flow 
projections are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions such as revenue and expense growth rates, capitalization rates 
and discount rates. We also consider market based measures such as earnings multiples in our analysis of estimated fair values of 
our reporting units. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test results in a reporting unit's carrying amount exceeding its estimated 

70

fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded based on the difference, with the impairment charge limited to the amount of 
goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

In estimating the fair value of our reporting units for purposes of our quantitative goodwill impairment testing, we utilize the 
income approach, which includes future cash flow projections that are developed internally. Any estimates of future cash flow 
projections necessarily involve predicting unknown future circumstances and events and require significant management judgments 
and estimates. In arriving at our cash flow projections, we consider our historic operating results, approved budgets and business 
plans, future demographic factors, expected growth rates, and other factors.  In using the income approach to estimate the fair 
value of reporting units for purposes of our goodwill impairment testing, we make certain key assumptions. Those assumptions 
include future revenues, facility operating expenses, and cash flows, including sales proceeds that we would receive upon a sale 
of  the  communities  using  estimated  capitalization  rates.  We  corroborate  the  estimated  capitalization  rates  we  use  in  these 
calculations with capitalization rates observable from recent market transactions. Future cash flows are discounted at a rate that 
is consistent with a weighted average cost of capital from a market participant perspective. The weighted average cost of capital 
is an estimate of the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. We also consider 
market based measures such as earnings multiples in our analysis of estimated fair values of our reporting units.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we identified qualitative indicators of impairment of our goodwill, including 
a significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization for a sustained period since the last testing date, significant 
underperformance relative to historical and projected operating results, and an increased competitive environment in the senior 
living  industry.  Based  upon  our  qualitative  assessment,  we  performed  an  interim  quantitative  goodwill  impairment  test  as  of 
September 30, 2017, which included a comparison of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to which the goodwill has 
been  assigned  with  the  reporting  unit's  carrying  value.  Based  on  the  results  of  the  quantitative  goodwill  impairment  test,  we 
determined that the carrying amount of our Assisted Living reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value by $205.0 million as 
of September 30, 2017. As a result, we recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $205.0 million to goodwill within the Assisted 
Living operating segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017.  As of September 30, 2017, we concluded that there 
was no impairment of goodwill for the Retirement Centers and Brookdale Ancillary Services reporting units.  Based on the results 
of the quantitative goodwill impairment test, we determined that the estimated fair value of our Brookdale Ancillary Services 
reporting unit exceeded its carrying value by approximately 19%. As of December 31, 2017, our estimated fair values of our 
reporting units exceeded their carrying values and we concluded that there was no impairment of goodwill.  Goodwill allocated 
to our Assisted Living and Brookdale Ancillary Services reporting units is approximately $351.7 million and $126.8 million, 
respectively, as of December 31, 2017. 

Determining the fair value of a reporting unit involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which we believe to be 
reasonable, that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates and 
operating  margins  used  to  calculate  projected  future  cash  flows  and  risk-adjusted  discount  rates.  Future  events  may  indicate 
differences from management's current judgments and estimates which could, in turn, result in future impairments. Future events 
that may result in impairment charges include increases in interest rates, which could impact capitalization and discount rates, 
differences in the projected occupancy rates and changes in the cost structure of existing communities. Significant adverse changes 
in our future revenues and/or operating margins, significant changes in the market for senior housing or the valuation of the real 
estate of senior living communities, as well as other events and circumstances, including but not limited to increased competition 
and changing economic or market conditions, including market control premiums, could result in changes in fair value and the 
determination that additional goodwill is impaired.

Our impairment loss assessment contains uncertainties because it requires us to apply judgment to estimate whether there has been 
a decline in the fair value of our reporting units, including estimating future cash flows, and if necessary, the fair value of our 
assets and liabilities.  As we periodically perform this assessment, changes in our estimates and assumptions may cause us to 
realize material impairment charges in the future. Although we make every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of our estimate 
of the fair value of our reporting units, future changes in the assumptions used to make these estimates could result in the recording 
of an impairment loss.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles Impairment

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, our long-lived assets were comprised primarily of $5.9 billion and $7.4 billion of net property, 
plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, respectively. In accounting for our property, plant and equipment and leasehold 
intangibles, we apply the provisions of ASC 360, Property, Plant and Equipment. Acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase 
method of accounting and the purchase prices are assigned to acquired assets and liabilities based on their estimated fair values.

We test property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles for recoverability annually during our fourth quarter or whenever 
changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability of an asset is estimated by comparing 
71

its carrying value to the future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, calculated utilizing the lowest 
level of identifiable cash flows. If this comparison indicates that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, we are required 
to recognize an impairment loss. The impairment loss is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds 
its estimated fair value. When an impairment loss is recognized for assets to be held and used, the carrying amount of those assets 
is permanently adjusted and depreciated over its remaining useful life. 

In estimating the recoverability of property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles for purposes of our impairment testing, 
we utilize future cash flow projections that are developed internally. Any estimates of future cash flow projections necessarily 
involve predicting unknown future circumstances and events and require significant management judgments and estimates. In 
arriving at our cash flow projections, we consider our historic operating results, approved budgets and business plans, future 
demographic factors, expected growth rates, and other factors. In estimating the future cash flows of asset groups for purposes of 
our property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles impairment test, we make certain key assumptions. Those assumptions 
include future revenues, facility operating expenses, and cash flows, including sales proceeds that we would receive upon a sale 
of  the  communities  using  estimated  capitalization  rates.  We  corroborate  the  estimated  capitalization  rates  we  use  in  these 
calculations with capitalization rates observable from recent market transactions. 

Determining the future cash flows of an asset group involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which we believe 
to be reasonable, that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain.  These estimates and assumptions include revenue growth rates 
and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows. Future events may indicate differences from management's 
current judgments and estimates which could, in turn, result in future impairments. Future events that may result in impairment 
charges include increases in interest rates, which could impact capitalization rates, differences in the projected occupancy rates 
and changes in the cost structure of existing communities. Significant adverse changes in our future revenues and/or operating 
margins, significant changes in the market for senior housing or the valuation of the real estate of senior living communities, as 
well as other events and circumstances, including but not limited to increased competition and changing economic or market 
conditions, could result in changes in estimated future cash flows and the determination that additional assets are impaired.

During 2017, 2016 and 2015 we evaluated long-lived depreciable assets and determined in each year that the undiscounted cash 
flows  exceeded  the  carrying  value  of  these  assets  for  all  except  a  small  number  of  communities.  Estimated  fair  values  were 
determined for these certain properties and we recorded asset impairment charges of $164.4 million, $166.2 million and $23.4 
million for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, for property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles. These impairment 
charges are primarily due to our decision to dispose of assets, either through sales or lease terminations, or lower than expected 
performance of the underlying communities and equal the amount by which the carrying values of the assets exceed the estimated 
fair value.

Our impairment loss assessment contains uncertainties because it requires us to apply judgment to estimate whether there has been 
a decline in the fair value of our assets, including estimating future cash flows, and if necessary, the fair value of our assets.  As 
we periodically perform this assessment, changes in our estimates and assumptions may cause us to realize material impairment 
charges in the future. Although we make every reasonable effort to ensure the accuracy of our estimate of the future cash flows 
of assets, future changes in the assumptions used to make these estimates could result in the recording of an impairment loss.

Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures

Investments in affiliated companies that we do not control, but in which we have the ability to exercise significant influence over 
governance and operation, are accounted for by using the equity method. The initial carrying value of investments in unconsolidated 
ventures  is  based  on  the  amount  paid  to  purchase  the  investment  interest  or  the  carrying  value  of  assets  contributed  to  the 
unconsolidated ventures. The Company's reported share of earnings of an unconsolidated venture is adjusted for the impact, if 
any, of basis differences between its carrying value of the equity investment and its share of the venture's underlying assets.

Distributions received from an investee are recognized as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.  If distributions 
are received from an investee that would reduce the carrying amount of an equity method investment below zero, we evaluate the 
facts and circumstances of the dividends to determine the appropriate accounting for the excess distribution, including an evaluation 
of the source of the proceeds and implicit or explicit commitments to fund the investee.  The excess distribution is either recorded 
as a gain on investment, or in instances where the source of proceeds is from financing activities or we have a significant commitment 
to fund the investee, the excess distribution would result in an equity method liability and we would continue to record our share 
of the investee's earnings and losses.

We  evaluate  realization  of  investments  in  ventures  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method  if  circumstances  indicate  that  the 
investment is other than temporarily impaired.  A current fair value of an investment that is less than its carrying amount may 
indicate a loss in value of the investment. If we determine that an equity method investment is other than temporarily impaired, 
72

it is recorded at its fair value with an impairment charge recognized in asset impairment expense for the difference between its 
carrying amount and fair value. 

Litigation

Litigation is inherently uncertain and the outcome of individual litigation matters is not predictable with assurance. As described 
in Note 18 to the consolidated financial statements, we are involved in various legal actions and claims incidental to the conduct 
of our business which are comparable to other companies in the senior living and healthcare industries. We have established loss 
provisions for matters in which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. In other instances, we may not be able to 
make a reasonable estimate of any liability because of uncertainties related to the outcome and/or the amount or range of losses. 
Changes in our current estimates, due to unanticipated events or otherwise, could have a material impact on our financial condition 
and results of operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements contained in "Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data" for a 
discussion of new accounting pronouncements.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains financial measures utilized by management to evaluate our operating performance 
and liquidity that are not calculated in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").  Each of these 
measures, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Free Cash Flow, should not be considered in isolation from or as superior to or as a 
substitute for net income (loss), income (loss) from operations, net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, 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 Adjusted EBITDA from our net income (loss), our Adjusted Free Cash Flow 
from  our  net  cash  provided  by  (used  in)  operating  activities,  and  our  proportionate  share  of Adjusted  Free  Cash  Flow  of 
unconsolidated ventures from such ventures' net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, 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 and Adjusted Free Cash 
Flow 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 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; non-cash stock-based compensation expense; and change in future service obligation.

We changed our definition and calculation of Adjusted EBITDA when we reported results for the second quarter of 2016, including 
our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2016.  Prior period amounts of Adjusted EBITDA presented herein have 
been recast to conform to the new definition. The current definition of Adjusted EBITDA reflects the removal of the following 
adjustments to our net income (loss) that were used in the former definition: the addition of our proportionate share of CFFO of 
unconsolidated ventures and our entrance fee receipts, net of refunds, and the subtraction of our amortization of entrance fees.

Management's Use of Adjusted EBITDA

We use Adjusted EBITDA to assess our overall 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 operating goals as well as achieve optimal operating performance. It 
provides an indicator for management to determine if adjustments to current spending decisions are needed.

73

Adjusted EBITDA provides us with a measure of operating 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 operating performance based on operational 
factors that management can impact in the short-term, namely revenues and 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 operating performance 
of the business on a regular basis. We believe that 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 (or facility lease termination) and extinguishment of debt activities generally represent charges 
(gains), which may significantly affect our operating results; and

depreciation  and  amortization  and  asset  impairment  represent  the  wear  and  tear  and/or  reduction  in  value  of  our 
communities and other assets, which affects the services we provide to residents and may be indicative of future needs 
for capital expenditures.

We believe Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance 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 revenue and expense management.

The table below reconciles Adjusted EBITDA from net income (loss).

(in thousands)

Net income (loss)

(Benefit) provision for income taxes

Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated ventures

Debt modification and extinguishment costs

Gain on sale of assets

Other non-operating income

Interest expense

Interest income

Income (loss) from operations

Depreciation and amortization

Goodwill and asset impairment

Loss on facility lease termination

Straight-line lease (income) expense

Amortization of (above) below market lease, net

Amortization of deferred gain

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

Change in future service obligation
Adjusted EBITDA (1)

Years Ended December 31,

$

2017
(571,606) $
(16,515)
14,827

12,409
(19,273)
(11,418)
326,154
(4,623)
(270,045)
482,077

409,782

14,276
(14,313)
(6,677)
(4,366)
27,832

2016
(404,636) $
5,378
(1,660)
9,170
(7,218)
(14,801)
385,617
(2,933)
(31,083)
520,402

248,515

11,113

767
(6,864)
(4,372)
32,285

—
638,566

$

—
770,763

$

$

2015
(458,155)
(92,209)
804

7,020
(1,270)
(8,557)
388,764
(1,603)
(165,206)
733,165

57,941

76,143

6,956
(7,158)
(4,372)
31,651
(941)
728,179

(1)  The calculation of Adjusted EBITDA includes transaction and strategic project costs of $25.4 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2017 and integration, transaction, transaction-related and strategic project costs of $54.2 million and $116.8 
million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Integration costs include transition costs associated 
with organizational restructuring (such as severance and retention payments and recruiting expenses), third party consulting 
expenses directly related to the integration of acquired communities (in areas such as cost savings and synergy realization, 

74

 
branding and technology and systems work), and internal costs such as training, travel and labor, reflecting time spent by 
Company personnel on integration activities and projects.  Transaction and transaction-related costs include third party costs 
directly related to acquisition and disposition activity, community financing and leasing activity, our assessment of options 
and alternatives to enhance stockholder value, and corporate capital structure assessment activities (including stockholder 
relations advisory matters), and are primarily comprised of legal, finance, consulting, professional fees and other third party 
costs.  Strategic project costs include costs associated with certain strategic projects related to refining our strategy, building 
out enterprise-wide capabilities for the post-merger platform (including the EMR roll-out project) and reducing costs and 
achieving synergies by capitalizing on scale.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow

Definition of Adjusted Free Cash Flow

We define Adjusted Free Cash Flow as net cash provided by (used in) operating activities before: changes in operating assets and 
liabilities; gain (loss) on facility lease termination; and distributions from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net 
earnings; plus: proceeds from refundable entrance fees, net of refunds; and property insurance proceeds; less: lease financing debt 
amortization and Non-Development CapEx. Non-Development CapEx is comprised of corporate and community-level capital 
expenditures, including those related to maintenance, renovations, upgrades and other major building infrastructure projects for 
our  communities.   Non-Development  CapEx  does  not  include  capital  expenditures  for  community  expansions  and  major 
community  redevelopment  and  repositioning  projects,  including  our  Program  Max  initiative,  and  the  development  of  new 
communities. Amounts of Non-Development CapEx are presented net of lessor reimbursements received or anticipated to be 
received in the calculation of Adjusted Free Cash Flow.

Our proportionate share of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of unconsolidated ventures is calculated based on our equity ownership 
percentage and in a manner consistent with the definition of Adjusted Free Cash Flow for our consolidated entities.  Our investments 
in our unconsolidated ventures are accounted for under the equity method of accounting and, therefore, our proportionate share 
of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of unconsolidated ventures does not represent cash available to our consolidated business except to 
the extent it is distributed to us.

Accounting Standards Update 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments
("ASU 2016-15") is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018 and will be applied retrospectively for all periods presented.  
Among other things, ASU 2016-15 provides that debt prepayment and extinguishment costs will be classified within financing 
activities.  We have identified $11.7 million and $7.9 million of cash paid for debt modification and extinguishment costs for the 
years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, which we have determined will be retrospectively classified as cash flows 
from financing activities and will result in an increase to the amount of net cash provided by operating activities for such years.  
We do not anticipate changing our definition of Adjusted Free Cash Flow as a result of our adoption of ASU 2016-15.  As a result, 
we anticipate that in future presentations of Adjusted Free Cash Flow that accompany 2018 financial results, the amount of Adjusted 
Free Cash Flow for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 will be increased by $11.7 million and $7.9 million, respectively. 

Management's Use of Adjusted Free Cash Flow

We use Adjusted Free Cash Flow to assess our overall liquidity. This measure provides an assessment of controllable expenses 
and affords management the ability to make decisions which are expected to facilitate meeting current financial and liquidity goals 
as well as to achieve optimal financial performance. It provides an indicator for management to determine if adjustments to current 
spending decisions are needed.

Adjusted Free Cash Flow measures our liquidity based on operational factors that management can impact in the short-term, 
namely the cost structure or expenses of the organization. Adjusted Free Cash Flow is one of the metrics used by our senior 
management and board of directors (i) to review our ability to service our outstanding indebtedness, including our credit facilities, 
(ii) to review our ability to pay dividends to stockholders or engage in share repurchases, (iii) to review our ability to make capital 
expenditures, (iv) for other corporate planning purposes and/or (v) in making compensation determinations for certain of our 
associates (including our named executive officers).

Limitations of Adjusted Free Cash Flow

Adjusted Free Cash Flow has limitations as an analytical tool. Material limitations in making the adjustments to our net cash 
provided by (used in) operating activities to calculate Adjusted Free Cash Flow and using this non-GAAP financial measure as 
compared to GAAP net cash provided by (used in) operating activities, include:

75

•  Adjusted Free Cash Flow does not represent cash available for dividends or discretionary expenditures, since we have 
mandatory debt service requirements and other non-discretionary expenditures not reflected in this measure; and

• 

the cash portion of non-recurring charges related to gain (loss) on lease termination and extinguishment of debt activities 
generally represent charges (gains), which may significantly affect our financial results.

In addition, our proportionate share of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of unconsolidated ventures has limitations as an analytical tool 
because such measure does not represent cash available directly for use by our consolidated business except to the extent actually 
distributed to us, and we do not have control, or we share control in determining, the timing and amount of distributions from our 
unconsolidated ventures and, therefore, we may never receive such cash.

We believe Adjusted Free Cash Flow is useful to investors because it assists their ability to meaningfully evaluate (1) our ability 
to service our outstanding indebtedness, including our credit facilities and capital and financing leases, (2) our ability to pay 
dividends to stockholders or engage in share repurchases, (3) our ability to make capital expenditures, and (4) the underlying value 
of our assets, including our interests in real estate.

We believe presentation of our proportionate share of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of unconsolidated ventures is useful to investors 
since such measure reflects the cash generated by the operating activities of the unconsolidated ventures for the reporting period 
and, to the extent such cash is not distributed to us, it generally represents cash used or to be used by the ventures for the repayment 
of debt, investing in expansions or acquisitions, reserve requirements, or other corporate uses by such ventures, and such uses 
reduce our potential need to make capital contributions to the ventures of our proportionate share of cash needed for such items.

The table below reconciles our Adjusted Free Cash Flow from our net cash provided by (used in) operating activities. 

(in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Net cash provided by operating activities

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Proceeds from refundable entrance fees, net of refunds

Lease financing debt amortization

Loss on facility lease termination

Distributions from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net
earnings
Non-development capital expenditures, net

Property insurance proceeds
Adjusted Free Cash Flow

Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

$

$

$

$

$

$

366,664
(601,307)
240,893

6,250

366,664
(15,851)
(2,179)
(64,906)
—

(8,258)
(186,467)
8,550

365,732

$

$

$

176,825
(414,189)
128,368

365,732

76,252
(901)
(63,267)
11,113

(23,544)
(220,767)
9,137

$

97,553

$

153,755

$

292,366
(568,977)
260,557
(16,054)

292,366

11,312
(2,472)
(56,922)
76,143

(7,825)
(324,479)
3,175
(8,702)

76

 
The table below reconciles our proportionate share of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of unconsolidated ventures from net cash provided 
by (used in) operating activities of such unconsolidated ventures.  For purposes of this presentation, amounts for each line item 
represent the aggregate amounts of such line items for all of our unconsolidated ventures.

(in thousands)

Net cash provided by operating activities

Net cash used in investing activities

Net cash provided by (used by) financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

Net cash provided by operating activities

Changes in operating assets and liabilities

Proceeds from refundable entrance fees, net of refunds

Non-development capital expenditures, net

Property insurance proceeds

Years Ended December 31,

$

$

$

$

$

$

2017

269,755
(1,267,525)
1,031,064

33,294

269,755
(13,184)
(17,366)
(100,621)
2,425

2016

198,524
(118,935)
(88,262)
(8,673)

198,524
(2,508)
(7,675)
(98,305)
—

$

$

$

2015

180,266
(1,218,101)
1,028,562
(9,273)

180,266
(7,634)
(4,844)
(121,895)
—

Adjusted Free Cash Flow of unconsolidated ventures

$

141,009

$

90,036

$

45,893

Brookdale weighted average ownership percentage

25.1%

36.2%

49.0%

Brookdale's proportionate share of Adjusted Free Cash Flow of 
unconsolidated ventures

$

35,416

$

32,630

$

22,470

Item 7A. 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We had cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities of $514.4 million as of December 31, 2017, which consisted primarily 
of cash, money market funds, commercial paper and corporate bonds. Our interest income on cash equivalents and marketable 
securities is affected by changes in interest rates, market and credit risks. However, our commercial paper and corporate bond 
securities have maturities averaging six months and changes in the value of these securities would not be expected to have a 
material impact on our liquidity or results of operations.

We are subject to market risks from changes in interest rates charged on our credit facilities, other floating-rate indebtedness and 
lease payments subject to floating rates. The impact on earnings and the value of our long-term debt and lease payments are subject 
to change as a result of movements in market rates and prices. As of December 31, 2017, we had approximately $2.5 billion of 
long-term fixed rate debt, $1.3 billion of long-term variable rate debt and $1.3 billion of capital and financing lease obligations. 
As of December 31, 2017, our total fixed-rate debt and variable-rate debt outstanding had a weighted-average interest rate of 4.8%
(calculated using an imputed interest rate of 7.5% for our $316.3 million 2.75% convertible senior notes due June 15, 2018).

We enter into certain interest rate cap agreements with major financial institutions to effectively manage our risk above certain 
interest rates on variable rate debt. As of December 31, 2017, $2.5 billion, or 65.5%, of our long-term debt, excluding our capital 
and  financing  lease  obligations,  has  fixed  rates. As  of  December 31,  2017,  $534.3  million,  or  13.8%,  of  our  long-term  debt, 
excluding capital and financing lease obligations, is subject to interest rate cap agreements. The remaining $799.9 million, or 
20.7%, of our debt is variable rate debt, not subject to any interest rate cap or swap agreements. A change in interest rates would 
have impacted our annual interest expense related to all outstanding variable rate debt, excluding our capital and financing lease 
obligations, as follows (after consideration of hedging instruments currently in place): a 100 basis point increase in interest rates 
would have an impact of $13.7 million, a 500 basis point increase in interest rates would have an impact of $57.1 million and a 
1,000 basis point increase in interest rates would have an impact of $98.0 million.

77

 
Item 8. 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

PAGE

79

80

81

82

83

84

85

121

78

 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (the Company) as of December 
31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the 
period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedule included in the Index at Item 15 (collectively 
referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all 
material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its 
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting 
principles. 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in 
Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 
framework), and our report dated February 22, 2018 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion 

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on 
the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are 
required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable 
rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error 
or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether 
due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, 
evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting 
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial 
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 1993
Chicago, Illinois
February 22, 2018 

79

 
 
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

We have audited Brookdale Senior Living Inc.’s (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, 
based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of 
the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, 
effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on the COSO criteria.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements 
of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and 
financial statement schedule included in the Index at Item 15 and our report dated February 22, 2018 expressed an unqualified 
opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion 

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment 
of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management’s Assessment of Internal 
Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial 
reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with 
respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities 
and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material 
respects. 

Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness 
exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing 
such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for 
our opinion.

Definition and Limitation of Internal Control over Financial Reporting 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability 
of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted 
accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain 
to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets 
of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are 
being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable 
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that 
could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because  of  its  inherent  limitations,  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because 
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP 

Chicago, Illinois
February 22, 2018 

80

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except stock amounts) 

Assets
Current assets

Cash and cash equivalents
Marketable securities
Cash and escrow deposits – restricted
Accounts receivable, net
Assets held for sale
Prepaid expenses and other current assets, net

Total current assets

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net
Cash and escrow deposits – restricted
Investment in unconsolidated ventures
Goodwill
Other intangible assets, net
Other assets, net
Total assets

Liabilities and Equity
Current liabilities

Current portion of long-term debt
Current portion of capital and financing lease obligations
Trade accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue
Tenant security deposits

Total current liabilities

Long-term debt, less current portion
Capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion
Deferred liabilities
Deferred tax liability
Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2017 and

December 31, 2016; no shares issued and outstanding

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 400,000,000 shares authorized at December 31, 2017 and
December 31, 2016; 194,454,329 and 193,224,082 shares issued and 191,275,928 and
190,045,681 shares outstanding (including 4,770,097 and 4,608,187 unvested restricted shares),
respectively

Additional paid-in-capital
Treasury stock, at cost; 3,178,401 shares at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016
Accumulated deficit

Total Brookdale Senior Living Inc. stockholders' equity

Noncontrolling interest
Total equity
Total liabilities and equity

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

81

$

$

$

December 31,

2017

2016

$

$

$

222,647
291,796
37,189
128,961
106,435
114,844
901,872
5,852,145
22,710
129,794
505,783
67,977
195,168
7,675,449

495,413
107,088
91,825
329,966
68,358
3,126
1,095,776
3,375,324
1,164,466
224,304
70,644
214,644
6,145,158

216,397
—
32,864
141,705
97,843
130,695
619,504
7,379,305
28,061
167,826
705,476
83,007
234,508
9,217,687

145,649
69,606
77,356
328,037
106,946
3,548
731,142
3,413,998
2,415,914
267,364
80,646
230,891
7,139,955

—

—

1,913
4,126,549
(56,440)
(2,541,294)
1,530,728
(437)
1,530,291
7,675,449

$

1,900
4,102,397
(56,440)
(1,969,875)
2,077,982
(250)
2,077,732
9,217,687

$

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)

Revenue

Resident fees
Management fees
Reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities

Total revenue

Expense

Facility operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization of

$430,288, $469,388 and $684,448, respectively)

General and administrative expense (including non-cash stock-based

compensation expense of $27,832, $32,285 and $31,651, respectively)

Transaction costs
Facility lease expense
Depreciation and amortization
Goodwill and asset impairment
Loss on facility lease termination
Costs incurred on behalf of managed communities

Total operating expense
Income (loss) from operations

Interest income
Interest expense:

Debt
Capital and financing lease obligations
Amortization of deferred financing costs and debt premium (discount)
Change in fair value of derivatives

Debt modification and extinguishment costs
Equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated ventures
Gain on sale of assets, net
Other non-operating income
Income (loss) before income taxes
Benefit (provision) for income taxes
Net income (loss)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest
Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior Living Inc. common

stockholders

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Brookdale

Senior Living Inc. common stockholders

$

$

For the Years Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017

$

$

3,780,140
75,845
891,131
4,747,116

$

4,168,621
70,762
737,597
4,976,980

4,177,127
60,183
723,298
4,960,608

2,602,155

2,799,402

2,788,862

255,446
22,573
339,721
482,077
409,782
14,276
891,131
5,017,161
(270,045)

313,409
3,990
373,635
520,402
248,515
11,113
737,597
5,008,063
(31,083)

370,579
8,252
367,574
733,165
57,941
76,143
723,298
5,125,814
(165,206)

4,623

2,933

1,603

(172,635)
(140,664)
(12,681)
(174)
(12,409)
(14,827)
19,273
11,418
(588,121)
16,515
(571,606)
187

(174,027)
(202,012)
(9,400)
(178)
(9,170)
1,660
7,218
14,801
(399,258)
(5,378)
(404,636)
239

(173,484)
(211,132)
(3,351)
(797)
(7,020)
(804)
1,270
8,557
(550,364)
92,209
(458,155)
678

(571,419) $

(404,397) $

(457,477)

(3.07) $

(2.18) $

(2.48)

Weighted average shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per

share

186,155

185,653

184,333

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

82

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
For the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 
(In thousands)

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-In-
Capital

Treasury
Stock

Accumulated
Deficit

Stockholders'
Equity

Noncontrolling
Interest

Total
Equity

Balances at January 1, 2015

187,038

$

1,870

$ 4,034,655

$ (46,800) $

(1,108,001) $

2,881,724

$

517

$ 2,882,241

Compensation expense related to 

restricted stock grants

Net income (loss)

Issuance of common stock under 
Associate Stock Purchase 
Plan

Restricted stock, net

Other

—

—

122

1,179

—

—

—

1

12

—

31,651

—

2,869

(12)

120

—

—

—

—

—

—

31,651

—

31,651

(457,477)

(457,477)

(678)

(458,155)

—

—

—

2,870

—

120

—

—

—

2,870

—

120

Balances at December 31, 2015

188,339

1,883

4,069,283

(46,800)

(1,565,478)

2,458,888

(161)

2,458,727

Compensation expense related to 

restricted stock grants

Net income (loss)

Issuance of common stock under 
Associate Stock Purchase 
Plan

Restricted stock, net

Purchase of treasury stock

Shares withheld for employee 

taxes

Other

—

—

172

2,396

(750)

(111)

—

—

—

2

24

(8)

(1)

—

32,285

—

2,347

(24)

8

(1,639)

137

—

—

—

—

(9,640)

—

—

—

32,285

—

32,285

(404,397)

(404,397)

(239)

(404,636)

—

—

—

—

—

2,349

—

(9,640)

(1,640)

137

—

—

—

—

150

2,349

—

(9,640)

(1,640)

287

Balances at December 31, 2016

190,046

1,900

4,102,397

(56,440)

(1,969,875)

2,077,982

(250)

2,077,732

Compensation expense related to

restricted stock grants

Net income (loss)

Issuance of common stock under
Associate Stock Purchase
Plan

Restricted stock, net

Shares withheld for employee

taxes

Other

—

—

181

1,421

(372)

—

—

—

2

14

(3)

—

27,832

—

2,039

(14)

(5,886)

181

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

27,832

—

27,832

(571,419)

(571,419)

(187)

(571,606)

—

—

—

—

2,041

—

(5,889)

181

—

—

—

—

2,041

—

(5,889)

181

Balances at December 31, 2017

191,276

$

1,913

$ 4,126,549

$ (56,440) $

(2,541,294) $

1,530,728

$

(437) $ 1,530,291

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

For the Years Ended December 31,
2016

2017

2015

Cash Flows from Operating Activities
Net income (loss)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

Loss on extinguishment of debt, net
Depreciation and amortization, net
Goodwill and asset impairment
Equity in loss (earnings) of unconsolidated ventures
Distributions from unconsolidated ventures from cumulative share of net earnings
Amortization of deferred gain
Amortization of entrance fees
Proceeds from deferred entrance fee revenue
Deferred income tax (benefit) provision
Straight-line lease (income) expense
Change in fair value of derivatives
Gain on sale of assets, net
Loss on facility lease termination
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense
Non-cash interest expense on financing lease obligations
Amortization of (above) below market lease, net
Other

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Accounts receivable, net
Prepaid expenses and other assets, net
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Tenant refundable fees and security deposits
Deferred revenue

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Change in lease security deposits and lease acquisition deposits, net
Change in cash and escrow deposits — restricted
Purchase of marketable securities, net
Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net
Acquisition of assets, net of related payables and cash received
Investment in unconsolidated ventures
Distributions received from unconsolidated ventures
Proceeds from sale of assets, net
Property insurance proceeds
Other

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

Proceeds from debt
Repayment of debt and capital and financing lease obligations
Proceeds from line of credit
Repayment of line of credit
Purchase of treasury stock
Payment of financing costs, net of related payables
Proceeds from refundable entrance fees, net of refunds
Cash portion of loss on extinguishment of debt
Payment on lease termination
Payments of employee taxes for withheld shares
Other

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

(571,606) $

(404,636) $

(458,155)

714
494,758
409,782
14,827
8,258
(4,366)
(2,901)
5,712
(15,309)
(14,313)
174
(19,273)
14,276
27,832
17,744
(6,677)
(8,819)

12,747
21,970
(4,527)
(422)
(13,917)
366,664

(2,113)
1,026
(291,187)
(213,887)
(5,196)
(199,017)
29,035
70,507
8,550
975
(601,307)

1,251
529,802
248,515
(1,660)
23,544
(4,372)
(4,195)
13,980
3,248
767
178
(7,218)
—
32,285
26,496
(6,864)
(9,137)

1,581
2,954
(83,248)
(839)
3,300
365,732

(2,225)
5,027
—
(333,647)
(12,157)
(13,377)
218,973
297,932
9,137
7,162
176,825

1,307,205
(1,054,161)
100,000
(100,000)
—
(5,574)
(2,179)
—
(552)
(5,889)
2,043
240,893
6,250
216,397
222,647

$

387,348
(469,309)
1,276,500
(1,586,500)
(9,640)
(2,938)
(901)
—
(9,250)
(1,640)
2,141
(414,189)
128,368
88,029
216,397

$

$

121
736,516
57,941
804
7,825
(4,372)
(3,204)
11,113
(95,261)
6,956
797
(1,270)
—
31,651
23,472
(7,158)
(4,098)

5,608
51,079
(60,564)
(524)
(6,911)
292,366

10,866
29,286
—
(411,051)
(191,216)
(69,297)
9,054
49,226
3,157
998
(568,977)

585,650
(485,762)
1,175,000
(965,000)
—
(32,622)
(2,472)
(44)
(17,000)
—
2,807
260,557
(16,054)
104,083
88,029

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

84

 
BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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 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  home  health,  hospice,  and  outpatient  therapy  services  to 
residents of many of its communities and to seniors living outside its communities.

2.       Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally 
accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").  The significant accounting policies are summarized below:

Principles of Consolidation

The  consolidated  financial  statements  include  the  accounts  of  Brookdale  and  its  consolidated  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 operations, 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 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 with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment 
at risk is insufficient to finance the entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders 
of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting or similar rights, 
(ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; 
or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity's 
activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. The Company 
performs this analysis on an ongoing basis and consolidates any VIEs for which the Company is determined to be the primary 
beneficiary, as determined by the Company's power to direct the VIE's activities and the obligation to absorb its losses or the right 
to receive its benefits, which are potentially significant to the VIE. Refer to Note 6 for more information about the Company's 
VIE relationships.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP requires management 
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying 
notes.  Estimates are used for, but not limited to, revenue, goodwill and asset impairments, self-insurance reserves, performance-
based  compensation,  the  allowance  for  doubtful  accounts,  depreciation  and  amortization,  income  taxes  and  other 
contingencies.  Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that the Company 
may undertake in the future, actual results may differ from the original estimates.

Revenue Recognition

Resident Fees

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

85

Certain of the Company's communities have residency agreements which require the resident to pay an upfront entrance fee prior 
to moving into the community.  The non-refundable portion of the entrance fee is recorded as deferred revenue and amortized 
over the estimated stay of the resident based on an actuarial valuation.  The refundable portion of a resident's entrance fee is 
generally refundable within a certain number of months or days following contract termination or upon the resale of the unit.  The 
refundable portion of the fee is not amortized and is included in refundable entrance fees.  All refundable amounts due to residents 
at any time in the future are classified as current liabilities.

Management Fees

The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide periodic management fee payments to the Company.  
Management fees are generally determined by an agreed upon percentage of gross revenues (as defined) and are recorded monthly.  
Certain management contracts also provide for an annual incentive fee to be paid to the Company upon achievement of certain 
metrics identified in the contract.  Incentive fee revenue is recorded at the conclusion of the contract year at the amount due 
pursuant to the contractual arrangements.

Reimbursed Costs Incurred on Behalf of Managed Communities

The Company manages certain communities under contracts which provide periodic management fee payments to the Company 
plus reimbursements 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 
consolidated statements of operations. The related costs are included in "costs incurred on behalf of managed communities" on 
the consolidated statements of operations.

Purchase Accounting

In determining the allocation of the purchase price of companies and communities to net tangible and identified intangible assets 
acquired and liabilities assumed, the Company makes estimates of fair value using information obtained as a result of pre-acquisition 
due diligence, marketing, leasing activities and/or independent appraisals. The Company assigns the purchase prices for companies 
or communities to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their determined fair values in accordance with the provisions 
of ASC 805, Business Combinations ("ASC 805"). The determination of fair value involves the use of significant judgment and 
estimation. 

Working capital assets acquired and working capital liabilities assumed are valued on a carryover/cost basis which approximates 
fair value.

Property,  plant  and  equipment  are  valued  utilizing  either  a  discounted  cash  flow  projection  of  future  revenue  and  costs,  and 
capitalization and discount rates, using current market conditions or a direct capitalization method. The Company allocates the 
fair values of buildings acquired on an as-if-vacant basis and depreciates the building values over the estimated remaining lives 
of  the  buildings,  not  to  exceed  40  years.  The  Company  determines  the  allocated  values  of  other  fixed  assets,  such  as  site 
improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, based upon the replacement cost and depreciates such values over the assets' 
estimated remaining useful lives as determined at the applicable acquisition date. The Company determines the value of land either 
by considering the sales prices of similar properties in recent transactions or based on internal analysis of recently acquired and 
existing comparable properties within its portfolio.

In  connection  with  a  business  combination,  the  Company  may  assume  rights  and  obligations  under  certain  lease  agreements 
pursuant to which the Company becomes the lessee of a given property. The Company assumes the lease classification previously 
determined by the prior lessee absent a modification in the assumed lease agreement. The Company assesses assumed operating 
leases, including ground leases, to determine whether the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable to the Company given current 
market conditions on the acquisition date. To the extent the lease terms are favorable or unfavorable relative to market conditions 
on the acquisition date, the Company recognizes an intangible asset or liability at fair value.  The Company amortizes any acquired 
lease-related intangibles to facility lease expense over the remaining life of the associated lease plus any assumed bargain renewal 
periods.

The fair value of acquired lease-related intangibles associated with the relationship with the Company's residents, if any, reflects the 
estimated value of in-place leases as represented by the cost to obtain residents and an estimated absorption period to reflect the 
value of the rent and recovery costs foregone during a reasonable lease-up period as if the acquired space was vacant. The Company 
amortizes any acquired in-place lease intangibles to depreciation and amortization expense over the average remaining length of 
stay of the residents, which is evaluated on an acquisition by acquisition basis but is generally estimated at 12 months.

86

The Company estimates the fair value of purchase option intangible assets by discounting the difference between the applicable 
property's acquisition date fair value and the stated or anticipated future option price.

The Company estimates the fair value of trade names using a royalty rate methodology and amortizes that value over the estimated 
useful life of the trade name.

Management contracts and other acquired contracts are valued at a multiple of management fees and operating income or are 
valued utilizing discounted cash flow projections that assume estimated future revenues and costs over the remaining contract 
term. The assets are then amortized over the estimated term of the agreement.

The Company calculates the fair value of acquired long-term debt by discounting the remaining contractual cash flows of each 
instrument at the current market rate for those borrowings, which the Company approximates based on the rate at which the 
Company would expect to incur a replacement instrument on the date of acquisition, and recognizes any fair value adjustments 
related to long-term debt as effective yield adjustments over the remaining term of the instrument.

Capital lease assets are valued by the Company as a right-to-use asset. Financing lease assets are valued as if the Company owns 
the assets and thus are recorded at fair value. Capital and financing lease obligations are valued based on the present value of the 
estimated lease payments applying a discount rate equal to the Company's estimated incremental borrowing rate at the date of 
acquisition. Additionally, the valuation of financing lease obligations reflects a residual value component.

Pre-acquisition contingencies are valued when considered probable and reasonably estimable, and estimated legal fees are accrued 
for in accordance with the Company's existing policy. Self-insurance reserves including incurred but not reported liabilities are 
estimated by actuary analyses.

A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized at statutory rates for the difference between the book and tax bases of the acquired 
assets and liabilities. 

The excess of the fair value of liabilities assumed and common stock issued and cash paid over the fair value of identifiable assets 
acquired is allocated to goodwill, which is not amortized by the Company.

Deferred Financing Costs

Third-party fees and costs incurred to obtain long-term debt are recorded as a direct adjustment to the carrying value of debt and 
amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective yield method, over the term of the related debt.  Unamortized 
deferred financing fees are written-off if the associated debt is retired before the maturity date.  Upon the refinancing of mortgage 
debt or amendment of the line of credit, unamortized deferred financing fees and additional financing costs incurred are accounted 
for in accordance with ASC 470-50, Debt Modifications and Extinguishments.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company follows ASC 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”) in accounting for its share-based payments.  
This guidance requires measurement of the cost of employee services received in exchange for stock compensation based on the 
grant-date fair value of the employee stock awards.  This cost is recognized as compensation expense ratably over the employee’s 
requisite service period.  Incremental compensation costs arising from subsequent modifications of awards after the grant date are 
recognized when incurred.

Certain of the Company’s employee stock awards vest only upon the achievement of performance targets. ASC 718 requires 
recognition of compensation cost only when achievement of performance conditions is considered probable.  Consequently, the 
Company’s  determination  of  the  amount  of  stock  compensation  expense  requires  judgment  in  estimating  the  probability  of 
achievement of these performance targets.  

For all share-based awards with graded vesting other than awards with performance-based vesting conditions, the Company records 
compensation expense for the entire award on a straight-line basis (or, if applicable, on the accelerated method) over the requisite 
service period.  For graded-vesting awards with performance-based vesting conditions, total compensation expense is recognized 
over the requisite service period for each separately vesting tranche of the award as if the award is, in substance, multiple awards 
once the performance target is deemed probable of achievement.  Performance goals are evaluated quarterly.  If such goals are 
not ultimately met or it is not probable the goals will be achieved, no compensation expense is recognized and any previously 
recognized compensation expense is reversed.

87

On January 1, 2017, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation: 
Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09") and changed its policy from estimating forfeitures 
to  recording  forfeitures  when  they  occur.    The  Company’s  adoption  of ASU  2016-09  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  its 
consolidated financial statements.

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 basis 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.

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

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company defines cash and cash equivalents as cash and investments with maturities of 90 days or less when purchased.

Marketable Securities

Investments in commercial paper and corporate bond instruments with original maturities of greater than three months are classified 
as marketable securities.

Cash and Escrow Deposits – Restricted

Cash and escrow deposits – restricted consist principally of deposits required by certain lenders and lessors pursuant to the applicable 
agreement and consist of the following:

(in thousands)

Current:

December 31,

2017

2016

Real estate tax and property insurance escrows

$

21,603

$

Replacement reserve escrows

Resident deposits

Other

Subtotal

Long term:

Insurance deposits

CCRC escrows

Debt service reserve

Subtotal

Total

10,960

678

3,948

37,189

12,364

8,526

1,820

22,710

$

59,899

$

88

19,671

6,970

764

5,459

32,864

12,941

13,301

1,819

28,061

60,925

 
 
 
 
 
Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable are reported net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, to represent the Company's estimate of the amount 
that ultimately will be realized in cash. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $23.1 million and $27.0 million as of December 31, 
2017 and 2016, respectively.  The adequacy of the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is reviewed on an ongoing basis, 
using historical payment trends, write-off experience, analyses of receivable portfolios by payor source and aging of receivables, 
as well as a review of specific accounts, and adjustments are made to the allowance as necessary.

Billings  for  services  under  third-party  payor  programs  are  recorded  net  of  estimated  retroactive  adjustments,  if  any,  under 
reimbursement programs. Retroactive adjustments are accrued on an estimated basis in the period the related services are rendered 
and adjusted in future periods or as final settlements are determined. Contractual or cost related adjustments from Medicare or 
Medicaid are accrued when assessed (without regard to when the assessment is paid or withheld). Subsequent adjustments to these 
accrued amounts are recorded in net revenues when known.

Assets Held for Sale

The Company designates communities as held for sale when it is probable that the properties will be sold within one year. The 
Company records these assets on the consolidated balance sheet at the lesser of the carrying value and fair value less estimated 
selling costs.  If the carrying value is greater than the fair value less the estimated selling costs, the Company records an impairment 
charge. The Company allocates a portion of the goodwill of a reporting unit to the disposal if the disposal 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.

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include amounts recorded under capital and financing leases, are 
recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the 
assets, which are as follows:

Asset Category

Buildings and improvements

Furniture and equipment

Resident lease intangibles

Estimated
Useful Life
(in years)

40

3 – 7

1 – 3

Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Renovations and improvements, which 
improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful life or if the renovations 
or improvements are made with respect to communities subject to an operating lease, over the shorter of the estimated useful life 
of the renovations or improvements, or the term of the operating lease. Assets under capital and financing leases and leasehold 
improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the assets or the term of the lease. Facility operating 
expense excludes depreciation and amortization directly attributable to the operation of the facility.

Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of 
an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of long-lived assets held for use are assessed by a comparison of the carrying 
amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset, calculated utilizing 
the lowest level of identifiable cash flows. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of 
the asset then the fair value of the asset is estimated. The impairment expense is determined by comparing the estimated fair value 
of the asset to its carrying value, with any amount in excess of fair value recognized as an expense in the current period. Undiscounted 
cash flow projections and estimates of fair value amounts are based on a number of assumptions such as revenue and expense 
growth rates, estimated holding periods and estimated capitalization rates (Level 3).

Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures

In accordance with ASC 810, Consolidation, the general partner or managing member of a venture consolidates the venture unless 
the limited partners or other members have either (1) the substantive ability to dissolve the venture or otherwise remove the general 

89

 
partner or managing member without cause or (2) substantive participating rights in significant decisions of the venture, including 
authorizing operating and capital decisions of the venture, including budgets, in the ordinary course of business. The Company 
has reviewed all ventures where it is the general partner or managing member and has determined that in all cases the limited 
partners or other members have substantive participating rights such as those set forth above and, therefore, none of these ventures 
are consolidated.

The initial carrying value of investments in unconsolidated ventures is based on the amount paid to purchase the investment interest 
or  the  carrying  value  of  assets  contributed  to  the  unconsolidated  ventures.  The  Company's  reported  share  of  earnings  of  an 
unconsolidated venture is adjusted for the impact, if any, of basis differences between its carrying value of the equity investment 
and its share of the venture's underlying assets.

Distributions received from an investee are recognized as a reduction in the carrying amount of the investment.  If distributions 
are received from an investee that would reduce the carrying amount of an equity method investment below zero, the Company 
evaluates the facts and circumstances of the dividends to determine the appropriate accounting for the excess distribution, including 
an evaluation of the source of the proceeds and implicit or explicit commitments to fund the investee.  The excess distribution is 
either recorded as a gain on investment, or in instances where the source of proceeds is from financing activities or the Company 
has a significant commitment to fund the investee, the excess distribution would result in an equity method liability and the 
Company would continue to record its share of the investee's earnings and losses. When the Company does not have a significant 
requirement to contribute additional capital over and above the original capital commitment and the carrying value of the investment 
in unconsolidated venture is reduced to zero, the Company discontinues applying the equity method of accounting unless the 
venture has an expectation of an imminent return to profitability. If the venture subsequently reports net income, the equity method 
of accounting is resumed only after the Company's share of that net income equals the share of net losses not recognized during 
the period the equity method was suspended.

The Company evaluates realization of its investment in ventures accounted for using the equity method if circumstances indicate 
that the Company's investment is other than temporarily impaired.  A current fair value of an investment that is less than its carrying 
amount may indicate a loss in value of the investment. If the Company determines that an equity method investment is other than 
temporarily impaired, it is recorded at its fair value with an impairment charge recognized in asset impairment expense for the 
difference between its carrying amount and fair value.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company follows ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and tests goodwill for impairment annually during the 
fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment arise. Factors the Company considers important in its analysis of whether an 
indicator of impairment exists include a significant decline in the Company's stock price or market capitalization for a sustained 
period since the last testing date, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results and 
significant negative industry or economic trends. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary 
to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test.  The quantitative goodwill impairment test is based upon a comparison of the 
estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned with the reporting unit's carrying value. The 
Company is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the Company determines, based on a qualitative 
assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.  The fair values 
used in the quantitative goodwill impairment test are estimated based upon discounted future cash flow projections for the reporting 
unit. These cash flow projections are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions such as revenue and expense growth 
rates, capitalization rates and discount rates. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test results in a reporting unit's carrying 
amount exceeding its estimated fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded based on the difference in accordance with ASU 
2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other, with the impairment charge limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting 
unit.

Acquired intangible assets are initially valued at fair market value using generally accepted valuation methods appropriate for the 
type of intangible asset. Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives and all intangible assets 
are reviewed for impairment if indicators of impairment arise. The evaluation of impairment for definite-lived intangibles is based 
upon a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset to the estimated future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated 
by the asset. If estimated future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, then the fair value of 
the asset is estimated. The impairment expense is determined by comparing the estimated fair value of the intangible asset to its 
carrying value, with any shortfall from fair value recognized as an expense in the current period.

Indefinite-lived  intangible  assets  are  not  amortized  but  are  tested  for  impairment  annually  during  the  fourth  quarter  or  more 
frequently as required. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible 
asset with its carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference.
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Amortization of the Company's definite-lived intangible assets is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated 
useful lives of the assets, which are as follows:

Asset Category

Trade names

Other

Convertible Debt Instruments

Estimated
Useful Life
(in years)

2 – 5

3 – 9

Convertible debt instruments are accounted for under ASC 470-20, Debt – Debt with Conversion and Other Options.  This guidance 
requires the issuer of certain convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) on conversion, including 
partial cash settlement, to separately account for the liability (debt) and equity (conversion option) components of the instruments 
in a manner that reflects the issuer's estimated non-convertible debt borrowing rate.

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.

During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company reduced its estimate for the amount of expected losses for 
general liability and professional liability and workers compensation claims, based on recent historical claims experience.  The 
reduction in these accrued reserves decreased facility operating expense by $9.9 million and $35.4 million for the years ended 
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Lease Accounting

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 capital and financing lease obligation arrangements, a liability is established on the Company's consolidated balance sheet 
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 sheet. 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. 

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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 sheet. 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. In cases of sale leaseback transactions in which 
the Company has continuing involvement, other than normal leasing activities, the Company does not record the sale until such 
involvement terminates.

For leases in which the Company is involved with the construction of a building, the Company accounts for the leases 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 Subtopic 840-40. If the arrangement qualifies for sale-leaseback 
accounting, the Company removes the assets and related liabilities from the consolidated balance sheet. 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.

Treasury Stock

The Company accounts for treasury stock under the cost method and includes treasury stock as a component of stockholders' 
equity.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment
("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 removes Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under ASU 2017-04, if a reporting unit's 
carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded based on the difference, with the impairment charge 
limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The Company adopted ASU 2017-04 on a prospective basis on 
January 1, 2017.  The Company applied the adoption of ASU 2017-04 to its goodwill analysis performed during the year ended 
December 31, 2017.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"). 
ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business to assist companies in determining whether transactions should be accounted 
for as an asset acquisition or a business combination.  Under ASU 2017-01, if substantially all of the fair value of the assets acquired 
is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business and the transaction 
is accounted for as an asset acquisition.  Transaction costs associated with asset acquisitions are capitalized while those associated 
with business combinations are expensed as incurred. The amendments are effective on a prospective basis for the Company's 
fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018.  Upon adoption, the changes to the definition of a business may result in future acquisitions 
of real estate, communities or senior housing operating companies being accounted for as asset acquisitions with acquisition costs 
capitalized or a component of carrying value.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash, a consensus of the FASB Emerging 
Issues Task Force ("ASU 2016-18"). ASU 2016-18 intends to address the diversity in practice that exists in the classification and 
presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. The amendments require that a statement of cash flows 
explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or 
restricted cash equivalents. The changes required by ASU 2016-18 must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented.  ASU 
2016-18 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. The Company has determined that the inclusion of the change in cash 
and escrow deposits restricted within the retrospective presentation of the statements of cash flows will result in a $1.0 million
increase to the amount of net cash used in investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 and a $5.0 million decrease 
to the amount of net cash provided by investing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash 
Payments ("ASU 2016-15"). ASU 2016-15 clarifies how cash receipts and cash payments in certain transactions are presented in 
the statement of cash flows. Among other clarifications on the classification of certain transactions within the statement of cash 
flows, the amendments in ASU 2016-15 provide that debt prepayment and extinguishment costs will be classified within financing 
activities within the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 is effective for the Company on January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, the 
changes in classification within the statement of cash flows must be applied retrospectively to all periods presented. The Company 
has identified $11.7 million and $7.9 million of cash paid for debt modification and extinguishment costs for the years ended 
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company has determined that the retrospective application will result in an $11.7 
million increase to the amount of net cash provided by operating activities and an $11.7 million decrease to the amount of net cash 
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provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 and a $7.9 million increase to the amount of net cash 
provided by operating activities and a $7.9 million increase to the amount of net cash used in financing activities for the year 
ended December 31, 2016. 

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial 
Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology for credit losses with a 
methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable 
information to inform credit loss estimates. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, 
beginning  after  December  15,  2019,  with  early  adoption  permitted  for  fiscal  years  beginning  after  December  15,  2018. The 
Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements and 
disclosures. 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, which 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.   The  Company  adopted ASU  2016-09  on  January  1,  2017  and  changed  its  accounting  policy  from  estimating 
forfeitures to recording forfeitures when they occur.  The Company’s adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on 
its consolidated financial statements. There was no income tax impact on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations for 
the year ended December 31, 2017 from the adoption of ASU 2016-09 as the Company is in a net operating loss position and any 
excess tax benefits require a full valuation allowance.  See Note 16 for more information about the Company's deferred income 
taxes.  The changes have been applied using the modified retrospective approach in accordance with ASU 2016-09 and prior 
periods have not been restated. 

In  February  2016,  the  FASB  issued ASU  2016-02,  Leases  ("ASU  2016-02"). ASU  2016-02  amends  the  existing  accounting 
principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. ASU 2016-02 
requires a lessee to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for most leases. Additionally, ASU 
2016-02 makes targeted changes to lessor accounting. 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. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the 
Company made cash lease payments of $365.1 million for long-term community leases accounted for as operating leases under 
ASC 840. The Company anticipates that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in the recognition of material lease liabilities 
and right-of use assets on the consolidated balance sheet for these community operating leases. The Company continues to evaluate 
the impact that the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements and disclosures. 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 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. The five step model defined by ASU 2014-09 requires the Company to (i) identify the contracts with the 
customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations in the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction 
price to the performance obligations in the contract and (v) recognize revenue when each performance obligation is satisfied. 
Revenue is recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to the customer in an amount that reflects the consideration 
expected  in  exchange  for  those  goods  or  services.  Additionally,  ASU  2014-09  requires  enhanced  disclosure  of  revenue 
arrangements. ASU 2014-09 may be applied retrospectively to each prior period (full retrospective) or retrospectively with the 
cumulative effect recognized as of the date of initial application (modified retrospective). ASU 2014-09, as amended, is effective 
for the Company's fiscal year beginning January 1, 2018, and the Company will adopt the new standard under the modified 
retrospective approach. Under the modified retrospective approach, the guidance is applied to the most current period presented, 
recognizing the cumulative effect of the adoption change as an adjustment to beginning retained earnings. The Company has 
determined that the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will not result in an adjustment to beginning retained earnings for the Company 
and will not result in a significant change to the amount and timing of the recognition of resident fee revenue. The Company has 
determined that there will not be any significant change to the annual amount of revenue recognized for management fees under 
the Company’s management agreements, however, the Company will recognize an estimated amount of incentive fee revenue 
earlier during the annual contract period. The Company has determined that there will be a change to the amounts presented for 
revenue recognized for reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of managed communities and reimbursed costs incurred on behalf of 
managed communities with no net impact to the amount of income from operations.

Additionally, real estate sales are within the scope of ASU 2014-09, as amended by ASU 2017-05, Other Income – Gains and 
Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASU 2017-05").  ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope of subtopic 610-20, 
Other Income - Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets, and adds guidance for partial sales of nonfinancial 
assets. Under ASU 2014-09 and ASU 2017-05, the income recognition for real estate sales is largely based on the transfer of 
control versus continuing involvement under the current guidance. As a result, more transactions may qualify as sales of real estate 
and gains or losses may be recognized sooner. Upon adoption, the Company will apply the five step revenue model to all future 
sales of real estate.

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Reclassifications

Certain 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 years ended December 31, 2017, 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 year 
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 5.2 million, 4.3 million and 3.7 million for the years 
ended December 31, 2017, 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 June 15, 2018. As of December 31, 2017, 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 December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the number of shares issuable upon exercise of the 
warrants was approximately 10.8 million. See Note 9 for more information about the 2.75% convertible notes and warrants.

4.       Acquisitions, Dispositions and Other Significant Transactions

The Company completed dispositions, through sales and lease terminations, of 165 communities during the period from January 
1, 2016 through December 31, 2017. The Company's consolidated financial statements include resident fee revenue of $172.6 
million, $543.3 million, and $572.1 million, facility operating expenses of $135.0 million, $413.1 million, and $434.9 million, 
and  cash  lease  payments  of  $39.3  million,  $131.4  million  and  $129.5  million  for  the  165  communities  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 respectively.

The foregoing transactions, and the Company's assets held for sale as of December 31, 2017 are described below. The closings of 
the various pending transactions and expected sales of assets are subject to the satisfaction of various closing conditions, including 
(where applicable) the receipt of regulatory approvals. However, there can be no assurance that the transactions will close or, if 
they do, when the actual closings will occur.

2017 HCP Agreements

On November 2, 2017, the Company announced that it had entered into a definitive agreement for a multi-part transaction with 
HCP.  As part of such transaction, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Master Lease and Security Agreement 
(“Master Lease”) with HCP effective as of November 1, 2017.  The components of the multi-part transaction include:

•  Master Lease.  The Company and HCP amended and restated triple-net leases covering substantially all of the communities 
the Company leased from HCP as of November 1, 2017 into the Master Lease.  The Company will acquire two communities 
for an aggregate purchase price of $35.4 million, upon which time the two communities will be removed from the Master 
Lease.  In addition, 33 communities will be removed from the Master Lease on or before November 1, 2018.  However, 
if HCP has not transitioned operations and/or management of such communities to a third party prior to such date, the 
Company will continue to operate the foregoing 33 communities on an interim basis and such communities will, from 
and after such time, be reported in the Management Services segment.  In addition to such 35 communities, the Company 
continues  to  lease  43  communities  pursuant  to  the  terms  of  the  Master  Lease,  which  have  the  same  lease  rates  and 
expiration and renewal terms as the applicable prior instruments, except that effective January 1, 2018, the Company 

94

received a $2.5 million annual rent reduction for two communities.  The Master Lease also provides that the Company 
may engage in certain change in control and other transactions without the need to obtain HCP's consent, subject to the 
satisfaction of certain conditions.

•  RIDEA  Ventures  Restructuring.    Pursuant  to  the  multi-part  agreement,  HCP  agreed  to  acquire  the  Company's  10% 
ownership interest in two of the Company's existing unconsolidated ventures with HCP for $94.7 million. The Company 
provided management services to 59 communities on behalf of the two unconsolidated ventures as of November 1, 2017.  
The Company will acquire four of such communities for an aggregate purchase price of $239.5 million and will retain 
management of 18 of such communities.  The amended and restated management agreements for such 18 communities 
have a term set to expire in 2030, subject to certain early termination rights.  In addition, HCP will be entitled to sell or 
transition operations and/or management of 37 of such communities. 

The Company expects to fund its acquisition of the six communities with the proceeds from the sale of its unconsolidated venture 
interests, cash on hand, non-recourse mortgage financing on the acquired communities and refinancing of certain other communities.  

During December 2017, HCP completed its acquisition of the Company’s ownership interest in one of the unconsolidated ventures 
for $32.1 million and the Company recognized a $7.2 million gain on sale. The disposition of the ownership interest in the second 
unconsolidated venture in 2018 is anticipated to also result in the Company recording a gain in fiscal 2018 for accounting purposes.  
In January 2018, the Company completed its acquisition of one community from HCP.  The Company expects the disposition of 
its ownership interest in the second unconsolidated venture and its acquisition of the remaining five communities at their estimated 
fair value to occur during the next three months, and expects the terminations of its triple-net leases and management agreements 
on 70 communities to occur in stages throughout 2018.

The Company obtained future annual cash rent reductions and waived management termination fees in the multi-part transaction.  
As a result, the Company reduced its lease liabilities by $9.7 million for the future annual cash rent reductions and recognized a 
$9.7 million deferred revenue liability for the consideration received from HCP in advance of the termination of the management 
agreements for the 37 communities.

As a result of the modification of the remaining lease term for communities subject to capital leases, the Company reduced the 
carrying value of capital lease obligations and assets under capital leases by $145.6 million in 2017. The transactions related to 
the terminations of the leases for 33 communities in 2018 for accounting purposes are anticipated to result in the Company recording 
a gain in fiscal 2018 for the amount by which the carrying value of the operating and capital and financing lease obligations for 
the 33 communities exceed the carrying value of the Company's assets and liabilities under operating and capital and financing 
leases at the lease termination date. As of December 31, 2017, the $395.0 million carrying value of the lease obligations for the 
33  communities  exceed  the  $347.0  million  carrying  value  of  the  assets  under  operating  and  capital  and  financing  leases  by 
approximately $48.0 million, primarily for 20 communities which were previously subject to sale-leaseback transactions in which 
the Company was deemed to have continuing involvement for accounting purposes.

The results of operations for the 33 communities to be disposed through lease terminations are reported within the following 
segments within the consolidated financial statements:  Retirement Centers (five communities), Assisted Living (27 communities), 
and CCRCs-Rental (one community).  With respect to such 33 communities and the 37 managed communities for which the 
Company's management will be terminated, the Company's consolidated financial statements include resident fee revenue of 
$143.9 million and $151.7 million, management fees of $10.1 million and $11.8 million, facility operating expenses of $94.5 
million and $92.6 million, and cash lease payments of $48.3 million and $44.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2017
and 2016, respectively. 

2016 HCP Agreements

On November 1, 2016, the Company announced that it had entered into agreements to, among other things, terminate triple-net 
leases with respect to 97 communities that it leased from HCP, four of which were contributed to an existing unconsolidated 
venture in which the Company holds an equity interest and 64 of which were acquired by the Blackstone Venture described below.  
In addition to the formation of the Blackstone Venture, the transactions included the following components with respect to 33
communities:

•  The Company and HCP agreed to terminate triple-net leases with respect to eight communities.  HCP agreed to contribute 
immediately thereafter four of such communities to an existing unconsolidated venture with HCP in which the Company 
has a 10% equity interest.  During the three months ended December 31, 2016, the triple-net leases with respect to seven
communities were terminated and HCP contributed four of the communities to the existing unconsolidated venture.  The 
triple-net lease with respect to the remaining community was terminated during January 2017.  The results of operations 

95

of the eight communities are reported in the following segments within the consolidated financial statements through the 
respective disposition dates: Assisted Living (six communities), Retirement Centers (one community) and CCRCs-Rental 
(one community). 

•  The Company and HCP agreed to terminate triple-net leases with respect to 25 communities.  During the year ended 
December 31, 2017, the Company's triple-net lease obligations with respect to 25 communities were terminated. Following 
such  terminations  the  Company  continues  to  operate  certain  of  these  communities  on  an  interim  basis,  and  such 
communities  are  reported  in  the  Management  Services  segment  from  and  after  termination  of  such  triple-net  lease 
obligations. The results and financial position of the 25 communities for which leases were terminated were deconsolidated 
from the Company prospectively upon termination of the triple-net lease obligations. The Company derecognized the 
$145.3 million carrying value of the assets under financing leases and the $156.7 million carrying value of financing 
lease obligations for 21 communities which were previously subject to sale-leaseback transactions in which the Company 
was deemed to have continuing involvement.  For accounting purposes, the Company recognized a sale for these 21
communities and recorded an $11.4 million gain within gain on sale of assets for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Formation of Venture with Blackstone during 2017

On March 29, 2017, the Company and affiliates of Blackstone Real Estate Advisors VIII L.P. (collectively, "Blackstone") formed 
a venture (the “Blackstone Venture”) that acquired 64 senior housing communities for a purchase price of $1.1 billion. The Company 
had previously leased the 64 communities from HCP under long-term lease agreements with a remaining average lease term of 
approximately 12 years. At the closing, the Blackstone Venture purchased the 64-community portfolio from HCP subject to the 
existing leases, and the Company contributed its leasehold interests for 62 communities and a total of $179.2 million in cash to 
purchase a 15% equity interest in the Blackstone Venture, terminate leases, and fund its share of closing costs. As of the formation 
date, the Company continued to operate two of the communities under lease agreements and began managing 60 of the communities 
on behalf of the venture under a management agreement with the venture.  The two remaining leases will be terminated, pending 
certain regulatory and other conditions, at which point the Company will manage the communities.  Two of the communities are 
managed by a third party for the venture. 

The results and financial position of the 62 communities for which leases were terminated were deconsolidated from the Company 
prospectively upon formation of the Blackstone Venture. The results of operations of such 62 communities were reported in the 
following segments within the consolidated financial statements through the formation date: Assisted Living (47 communities), 
Retirement  Centers  (eight  communities)  and  CCRCs-Rental  (seven  communities).  The  Company's  interest  in  the  venture  is 
accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Under the terms of the venture agreement, the Company may be entitled to 
distributions which are less than or in excess of the Company's 15% equity interest based upon specified performance criteria.

Initially, the Company determined that the contributed carrying value of the Company's investment in the Blackstone Venture was 
$66.8 million, representing the amount by which the $179.2 million cash contribution exceeded the carrying value of the Company's 
liabilities under operating, capital and financing leases contributed by the Company net of the carrying value of the assets under 
such operating, capital and financing leases.  However, the Company estimated the fair value of its 15% equity interest in the 
Blackstone Venture  at  inception  to  be  $47.1  million. As  a  result,  the  Company  recorded  a  $19.7  million  charge  within  asset 
impairment expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 for the amount of the contributed carrying value in excess of the 
estimated fair value of the Company's investment.

Additionally, these transactions related to the Blackstone Venture required the Company to record a significant increase to the 
Company's existing tax valuation allowance, after considering the change in the Company's future reversal of estimated timing 
differences resulting from these transactions, primarily due to removing the deferred positions related to the contributed leases. 
During the three months ended March, 31, 2017, the Company recorded a provision for income taxes to establish an additional 
$85.0 million of valuation allowance against its federal and state net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits as the Company 
anticipates these carryforwards and credits will not be utilized prior to expiration.  See Note 16 for more information about the 
Company's deferred income taxes.

Dispositions of Owned Communities and Other Lease Terminations during 2017

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company completed the sale of three communities for net cash proceeds of $8.2 
million and the Company terminated leases for 17 communities otherwise than in connection with the transactions with Blackstone 
and HCP described above.  The Company recognized $14.3 million of net loss on facility lease termination for the year ended 
December 31, 2017, primarily from the write-off of assets subject to terminated lease agreements.  The results of operations of 
the 17 communities are reported in the following segments within the consolidated financial statements through the respective 
termination dates: Retirement Centers (two communities), Assisted Living (14 communities), and CCRCs-Rental (one community).
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Assets Held for Sale as of December 31, 2017

As of December 31, 2017, $106.4 million was recorded as assets held for sale and $30.1 million of mortgage debt was included 
in the current portion of long-term debt within the consolidated balance sheet with respect to the 15 communities held for sale as 
of such date. This debt will either be repaid with the proceeds from the sales or be assumed by the prospective purchasers. The 
results of operations of the 15 communities are reported in the following segments within the consolidated financial statements: 
Assisted Living (12 communities) and CCRCs-Rental (three communities). The 15 communities had resident fee revenue of $49.5 
million and $51.5 million and facility operating expenses of $43.8 million and $44.6 million for the years ended December 31, 
2017 and 2016, respectively. 

Dispositions of Owned Communities during 2016

During the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company sold seven of the 17 communities held for sale as of December 31, 
2015 for an aggregate sales price of $46.7 million. The results of operations of these communities are reported in the Assisted 
Living and CCRCs-Rental segments within the consolidated financial statements through the respective disposition dates.  The 
remaining 10 communities were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016.

During the three months ended June 30, 2016, the Company entered into an agreement with a third party to sell a 12-state portfolio 
of 44 owned communities for an aggregate sales price of $252.5 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the 
Company sold 32 of these communities for an aggregate sales price of $177.5 million.  During the three months ended December 
31, 2016, the Company sold nine of these communities for an aggregate sales price of $47.7 million.  The results of operations of 
these 41 communities are reported within the Assisted Living segment within the consolidated financial statements through the 
respective disposition dates.  During the three months ended December 31, 2016, the agreement was amended to remove one
community from the portfolio, and the aggregate sales price of the portfolio was decreased by $4.7 million.  The remaining two
communities within the portfolio were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016.

During 2016, the Company identified seven additional owned communities as held for sale.  During the three months ended 
December 31, 2016, the Company sold three of these communities for an aggregate sales price of $33.0 million.  The results of 
operations of these three communities are reported in the Assisted Living, CCRCs-Rental and Retirement Center segments through 
the respective disposition dates.  The remaining four communities were classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2016. During 
the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recognized $15.8 million of impairment expense related to communities identified 
as assets held for sale, primarily due to the excess of carrying value, including $28.6 million of allocated goodwill, over the 
estimated selling price less costs to dispose.

Community Acquisitions during 2015

On December 29, 2014, the Company agreed to purchase the fee simple interest of nine communities previously leased to the 
Company for an aggregate purchase price of $60.0 million. On December 31, 2014, the Company paid the full purchase price of 
$51.4 million of cash as a deposit for the purchase of eight of the nine communities, and the Company took title to these eight
communities at the closing on January 1, 2015. On May 1, 2015, the Company acquired the ninth community and paid the remainder 
of the purchase price of $8.6 million of cash. The results of operations of these communities are reported in the Assisted Living 
and CCRCs-Rental segments within the consolidated financial statements.

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  consolidated  financial  statements  for  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2015. The Company financed the transaction with cash on hand, amounts drawn on the secured credit facility and 
$20.0 million of seller financing. The $20.0 million note has a five year term and bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.0%. 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 consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 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 consolidated statement of cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2015.

97

In October 2015, the Company acquired the underlying real estate associated with five communities that were previously leased 
for an aggregate purchase price of $78.4 million. The results of operations of these communities are reported in the Assisted Living 
segment. The Company financed the transaction with seller-financing.

Dispositions of Owned Communities during 2015

During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company sold 17 communities for an aggregate selling price of $82.9 million. 
The results of operations of the communities are reported in the Retirement Centers, Assisted Living, and CCRCs-Rental segments 
within the consolidated financial statements through the respective disposition dates. As of December 31, 2015, the Company 
identified 17 communities as held for sale. As of December 31, 2015, $110.6 million was recorded as assets held for sale and $60.8 
million of mortgage debt related to communities held for sale was included in the current portion of long-term debt within the 
Company's consolidated balance sheet.  During the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company recognized $18.4 million of 
impairment expense related to communities sold in 2015 and $15.2 million of impairment expense related to communities identified 
as assets held for sale as of December 31, 2015, primarily due to the excess of carrying value, including $8.1 million of allocated 
goodwill, over the estimated selling price less costs to dispose.

5.       Fair Value Measurements

Marketable Securities

As of December 31, 2017, marketable securities of $291.8 million are stated at fair value based on valuations provided by third-
party pricing services and are classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.  The Company recognized gains of $0.6 million
for marketable securities within interest income on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

Interest Rate Derivatives

The Company's derivative assets include interest rate caps that effectively manage the risk above certain interest rates for a portion 
of the Company's variable rate debt.  The derivative positions are valued using models developed internally by the respective 
counterparty that use as their basis readily available observable market parameters (such as forward yield curves) and are classified 
within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.  The Company considers the credit risk of its counterparties when evaluating the fair 
value of its derivatives. The following table summarizes the Company's interest rate cap instruments as of December 31, 2017:

(in thousands)

Current notional balance

Weighted average fixed cap rate

Earliest maturity date

Latest maturity date

Estimated asset fair value (included in other assets, net at December 31, 2017)

Estimated asset fair value (included in other assets, net at December 31, 2016)

Debt

$

813,434

4.67%

2018

2022

38

127

$

$

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 (excluding capital 
and financing lease obligations) with a carrying value of approximately $3.9 billion and $3.6 billion as of December 31, 2017 and 
2016, respectively. 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. 

98

Goodwill and Asset Impairment Expense

The following is a summary of the goodwill and asset impairment expense.

(in millions)

Goodwill (Note 8)

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net (Note 7)

Investment in unconsolidated ventures (Note 6)

Other intangible assets, net (Note 8)

Assets held for sale (Note 4)

Goodwill and asset impairment

Goodwill

For the Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

205.0

$

— $

164.4

25.8

14.6

—

166.2

36.8

29.7

15.8

409.8

$

248.5

$

—

23.4

—

0.9

33.6

57.9

$

$

The Company follows ASC 350, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, and tests goodwill for impairment annually during the 
fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment arise. Factors the Company considers important in its analysis of whether an 
indicator of impairment exists include a significant decline in the Company's stock price or market capitalization for a sustained 
period since the last testing date, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results and 
significant negative industry or economic trends. The Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary 
to perform a quantitative goodwill impairment test.  The quantitative goodwill impairment test is based upon a comparison of the 
estimated fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill has been assigned with the reporting unit's carrying value. The 
Company is not required to calculate the fair value of a reporting unit unless the Company determines, based on a qualitative 
assessment, that it is more likely than not that its fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount.  The fair values 
used in the quantitative goodwill impairment test are estimated based upon discounted future cash flow projections for the reporting 
unit. These cash flow projections are based upon a number of estimates and assumptions such as revenue and expense growth 
rates, capitalization rates and discount rates. The Company also considers market based measures such as earnings multiples in 
its analysis of estimated fair values of its reporting units. If the quantitative goodwill impairment test results in a reporting unit's 
carrying amount exceeding its estimated fair value, an impairment charge will be recorded based on the difference in accordance 
with ASU 2017-04, with the impairment charge limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company identified qualitative indicators of impairment, including a 
significant decline in the Company's stock price and market capitalization for a sustained period since the last testing date, significant 
underperformance relative to historical and projected operating results, and an increased competitive environment in the senior 
living industry. Based upon the Company's qualitative assessment, the Company performed a quantitative goodwill impairment 
test as of September 30, 2017, which included a comparison of the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to which the goodwill 
has been assigned with the reporting unit's carrying value.

In estimating the fair value of the reporting units for purposes of the quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company utilized 
an income approach, which included future cash flow projections that are developed internally. Any estimates of future cash flow 
projections necessarily involve predicting unknown future circumstances and events and require significant management judgments 
and estimates. In arriving at the cash flow projections, the Company considered its historic operating results, approved budgets 
and business plans, future demographic factors, expected growth rates, and other factors. In using the income approach to estimate 
the fair value of reporting units for purposes of its goodwill impairment test, the Company made certain key assumptions. Those 
assumptions include future revenues, facility operating expenses, and cash flows, including sales proceeds that the Company 
would receive upon a sale of the communities using estimated capitalization rates, all of which are considered Level 3 inputs in 
accordance  with  ASC  820.  The  Company  corroborated  the  estimated  capitalization  rates  used  in  these  calculations  with 
capitalization rates observable from recent market transactions. Future cash flows are discounted at a rate that is consistent with 
a weighted average cost of capital from a market participant perspective. The weighted average cost of capital is an estimate of 
the overall after-tax rate of return required by equity and debt holders of a business enterprise. The Company also considered 
market based measures such as earnings multiples in its analysis of estimated fair values of its reporting units. 

Based on the results of the Company's quantitative goodwill impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying amount 
of the Company's Assisted Living reporting unit exceeded its estimated fair value by $205.0 million as of September 30, 2017.  
As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $205.0 million to goodwill within the Assisted Living operating 
segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017.  Based on the results of the Company's quantitative goodwill impairment 
test, the Company determined that the estimated fair value of both the Company's Retirement Centers and Brookdale Ancillary 

99

 
Services reporting units exceeded their respective carrying values as of September 30, 2017.  The Company concluded that goodwill 
for all reporting units was not impaired as of October 1, 2017 (the Company's annual measurement date) and as of December 31, 
2017.

Determining the fair value of the Company’s reporting units involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, which the 
Company believes to be reasonable, that are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. These estimates and assumptions include 
revenue growth rates and operating margins used to calculate projected future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates. Future 
events  may  indicate  differences  from  management's  current  judgments  and  estimates  which  could,  in  turn,  result  in  future 
impairments.  Future  events  that  may  result  in  impairment  charges  include  increases  in  interest  rates,  which  could  impact 
capitalization  and  discount  rates,  differences  in  the  projected  occupancy  rates  and  changes  in  the  cost  structure  of  existing 
communities. Significant adverse changes in the Company’s future revenues and/or operating margins, significant changes in the 
market for senior housing or the valuation of the real estate of senior living communities, as well as other events and circumstances, 
including but not limited to increased competition and changing economic or market conditions, including market control premiums, 
could result in changes in fair value and the determination that additional goodwill is impaired. 

Property, Plant and Equipment and Leasehold Intangibles

During the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company evaluated property, plant and equipment and leasehold 
intangibles  for  impairment  and  identified  properties  with  a  carrying  amount  of  the  assets  in  excess  of  the  estimated  future 
undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. The Company compared the estimated fair value of the assets 
to their carrying value for these identified properties and recorded an impairment charge for the excess of carrying value over fair 
value. The Company recorded property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles non-cash impairment charges in its operating 
results of $164.4 million, $166.2 million, and $23.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, 
primarily within the Assisted Living segment.

The fair values of the property, plant and equipment of these communities were determined utilizing a direct capitalization method 
considering stabilized facility operating income and market capitalization rates. These fair value measurements are considered 
Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. The range of capitalization rates utilized was 6.5% to 9.0%, depending upon 
the property type, geographical location, and the quality of the respective community. The Company corroborated the estimated 
fair values with a sales comparison approach with information observable from recent market transactions. These impairment 
charges are primarily due to lower than expected operating performance at these properties and reflect the amount by which the 
carrying values of the assets exceeded their estimated fair value.

Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures

The Company evaluates realization of its investment in ventures accounted for using the equity method if circumstances indicate 
that the Company's investment is other than temporarily impaired. During the years ended December 31, 2017, and 2016, the 
Company  recorded  $25.8  million  and  $36.8  million,  respectively,  of  non-cash  impairment  charges  related  to  investments  in 
unconsolidated  ventures.  These  impairment  charges  are  primarily  due  to  lower  than  expected  operating  performance  at  the 
communities  owned  by  the  unconsolidated  ventures  and  reflect  the  amount  by  which  the  carrying  values  of  the  investments 
exceeded their estimated fair value. Refer to Note 4 for more information about the impairment of the Blackstone Venture during 
2017.

Other Intangible Assets

Indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for impairment annually during the fourth quarter or whenever indicators of impairment 
arise. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the estimated fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset with its 
carrying value. If the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized for that difference. Health care 
licenses were determined to be indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not subject to amortization.

During the third quarter of 2017, the Company identified indicators of impairment for the Company’s home health care licenses 
in Florida, including significant underperformance relative to historical and projected operating results, decreases in reimbursement 
rates from Medicare for home health care services, an increased competitive environment in the home health care industry, and 
disruption from the impact of Hurricane Irma. The Company performed a quantitative impairment test as of September 30, 2017, 
which included a comparison of the estimated fair value of the Company’s home health care licenses to the carrying value. In 
estimating the fair value of the home health licenses for purposes of the quantitative impairment test, the Company utilized an 
income approach, which included future cash flow projections that are developed internally. Any estimates of future cash flow 
projections necessarily involve predicting unknown future circumstances and events and require significant management judgments 
and estimates. In arriving at the cash flow projections, the Company considered its historic operating results, approved budgets 
100

and business plans, future demographic factors, expected growth rates, and other factors, all of which are considered Level 3 inputs 
in accordance with ASC 820. 

Based on the results of the Company's quantitative impairment test, the Company determined that the carrying amount of certain 
of the Company's home health care licenses in Florida exceeded their estimated fair value by $13.7 million as of September 30, 
2017.  As a result, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $13.7 million to intangible assets within the Brookdale 
Ancillary Services segment for the three months ended September 30, 2017. 

During 2016, the Company recorded $28.2 million of non-cash impairment charges related to community purchase options. These 
impairment charges are primarily due to lower than expected operating performance at the communities subject to the community 
purchase options and reflect the amount by which the carrying values of the community purchase options exceeded their estimated 
fair value. The fair values of the community purchase options were determined utilizing a direct capitalization method considering 
stabilized facility operating income and market capitalization rates for the underlying property subject to the community purchase 
option. These fair value measurements are considered Level 3 measurements within the fair value hierarchy. These impairment 
charges are primarily due to lower than expected operating performance at these properties and reflect the amount by which the 
carrying values of the assets exceeded their estimated fair value.

Assets Held for Sale

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company did not record impairment expense related to communities identified as 
held for sale. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded $15.8 million and $33.6 million, 
respectively, of non-cash impairment charges related to communities identified as held for sale, inclusive of the allocation of 
goodwill to the disposed communities.  These impairment charges are primarily due to the excess of carrying value, including 
allocated goodwill, over the estimated selling price less costs to dispose. Refer to Note 4 for more information about the Company's 
community dispositions and assets held for sale.

6.       Variable Interest Entities and Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures

Variable Interest Entities

As of December 31, 2017, 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 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. 

The Company holds an equity ownership interest in each of the propco and opco of two ventures ("RIDEA Ventures") that operate 
senior housing communities in a RIDEA structure.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company's equity ownership interest is 10%
for each of 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 
the RIDEA Ventures own, resident fees receivable, and cash and cash equivalents. The obligations of the RIDEA Ventures primarily 
consist of notes payable, accounts payable and accrued expenses.

The Company holds a 15% equity ownership interest in the Blackstone Venture. The Blackstone Venture has been identified as a 
VIE due to the Company lacking substantive participation rights in the management of the venture and the Company lacking kick-
out  rights  over  the  managing  member. The  equity  members  of  the  Blackstone Venture  share  certain  operating  rights  and  the 
Company acts as manager to 60 communities owned by the Blackstone Venture. However, the Company does not consolidate this 
VIE because it does not have the ability to control the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the 
VIE. The assets of the Blackstone Venture primarily consist of senior housing communities, resident fees receivable and cash and 
cash equivalents. The assets of the Blackstone Venture primarily consist of senior housing communities, resident fees receivable 
101

and cash and cash equivalents.  The obligations of the Blackstone Venture primarily consist of long-term mortgage debt, accounts 
payable and accrued expenses. In addition to $636.2 million of long-term mortgage debt, the Blackstone Venture initially obtained 
$66.8 million of mortgage debt that was payable in 2017.  In the event that refinancing proceeds for the $66.8 million of mortgage 
debt were insufficient to repay the debt principal amount, the Company may have been required to lend the amount of the shortfall, 
up to $12.0 million, to the Blackstone Venture.  In June 2017, the Blackstone Venture completed the refinancing of the $66.8 
million mortgage debt payable in 2017 and the Company was not required to lend any amounts to the Blackstone Venture. As of 
December 31,  2017,  the  Company  leases  two  communities  from  the  Blackstone  Venture  with  annual  lease  payments  of 
approximately $2.6 million.  Under the terms of the lease agreements, the Company may be required to purchase the two leased 
communities for an amount equal to the greater of the fair market value of the communities or $33.8 million if there is an event 
of default under the lease agreement.  See Note 4 for more information about the Company's entry into the Blackstone Venture.

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 as of December 31, 2017 (in millions):

VIE Type

Asset Type

CCRC Venture opco

RIDEA Ventures

Blackstone Venture

Investment in unconsolidated ventures

Investment in unconsolidated ventures

Investment in unconsolidated ventures

Maximum 
Exposure
to Loss

Carrying 
Amount

$

$

$

29.6

41.3

37.1

$

$

$

29.6

41.3

37.1

As of December 31, 2017, the Company is not required to provide financial support, through a liquidity arrangement or otherwise, 
to its unconsolidated VIEs.

Investment in Unconsolidated Ventures

The Company owns interests in the following ventures that are accounted for under the equity method as of December 31, 2017:

Venture

CCRC Venture

BKD-HCN Venture opco and propco

Blackstone Venture

HCP 49 Venture

S-H Twenty-One Venture opco and propco

Ownership Percentage

51%

20%

15%

10%

10%

Combined summarized financial information of the unconsolidated ventures accounted for under the equity method.

(in millions)
Statement of Operations Information

Resident fee revenue

Facility operating expenses

Net income (loss)

(in millions)
Balance Sheet Information

Current assets

Noncurrent assets

Current liabilities

Noncurrent liabilities

For the Years Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017

$

$

$

1,354
(946)
(81) $

$

1,133
(779)

(4) $

964
(679)
(18)

As of December 31,
2016
2017

$

$

164

$

4,050

672

2,813

$

128

3,932

1,153

2,215

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the CCRC Venture obtained non-recourse mortgage financing on certain communities 
and received proceeds of $434.5 million.  The CCRC Venture distributed the net proceeds to its investors and the Company received 
proceeds of $221.6 million.  As a result of the distribution, the Company's carrying value of its equity method investment in the 

102

CCRC Venture propco was reduced below zero and the Company has recorded a $49.5 million and $60.2 million equity method 
liability within other liabilities within the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In January 2017, the Company completed the sale of a 10% ownership interest in the HCP 49 Venture for $26.8 million of net 
cash proceeds. The Company retained a 10% ownership interest in the HCP 49 Venture.

In December 2017, the Company completed the sale of certain of its ownership interests in unconsolidated ventures for $36.0 
million of net cash proceeds and recognized a $9.4 million gain within gain on sale of assets for the year ended December 31, 
2017.

Refer to Note 5 for information on impairment expense for investment in unconsolidated ventures.

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

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, net property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, which include assets under 
capital and financing leases, consisted of the following:

(in thousands)

Land

Buildings and improvements

Leasehold improvements

Furniture and equipment

Resident and leasehold operating intangibles

Construction in progress

Assets under capital and financing leases

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net

As of December 31,

2017

2016

$

449,295

$

455,307

4,923,621

124,850

1,006,889

594,748

74,678

5,053,204

126,325

974,516

705,000

69,803

1,742,384

2,879,996

8,916,465
(3,064,320)
5,852,145

$

10,264,151
(2,884,846)
7,379,305

$

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.  Refer to Note 5 for information on impairment expense for property, plant and equipment and leasehold 
intangibles.

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recognized depreciation and amortization expense on its 
property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles of $479.4 million, $514.2 million and $721.0 million, respectively. 

Future amortization expense for resident and leasehold operating intangibles is estimated to be as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

Future
Amortization

5,938

5,197

4,144

2,748

1,758

8,200

27,985

$

$

103

 
8.       Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

The following is a summary of the carrying amount of goodwill presented on an operating segment basis.

(in thousands)

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Total

(in thousands)

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living
Brookdale Ancillary Services

Total

December 31, 2017

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Dispositions 
and Other
Reductions

Accumulated
Impairment

28,141

$

605,469

126,810

760,420

$

(820) $

(48,817)
—
(49,637) $

— $

(205,000)
—

(205,000) $

December 31, 2016

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Dispositions
and Other
Reductions

Accumulated
Impairment

28,141

$

600,162
126,810

755,113

$

(820) $

(48,817)
—
(49,637) $

— $

—
—

— $

$

$

$

$

The following is a summary of other intangible assets.

(in thousands) 

December 31, 2017

December 31, 2016

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Net

Gross
Carrying
Amount

Accumulated
Amortization

Community purchase options

$

9,533

$

— $

9,533

$

4,738

$

— $

Health care licenses

Trade names

Management contracts

Total

50,927

27,800

11,360

$

99,620

$

—
(23,714)
(7,929)
(31,643) $

50,927

4,086

3,431

65,126

27,800

13,531

67,977

$

111,195

$

—
(21,135)
(7,053)
(28,188) $

Net

27,321

351,652

126,810

505,783

Net

27,321

551,345
126,810

705,476

Net

4,738

65,126

6,665

6,478

83,007

Amortization expense related to definite-lived intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $5.6 
million, $9.2 million and $12.2 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 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.  The 
Company is amortizing the trade names and management contract intangibles assets over their estimated weighted average useful 
lives of three years and nine years, respectively.  Refer to Note 5 for information on impairment expense for goodwill and other 
intangible assets.

Future amortization expense for intangible assets with definite lives is estimated to be as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

104

Future
Amortization

3,180

2,101

596

596

596

448

7,517

$

$

 
 
 
9.       Debt

Long-term Debt and Capital and Financing Lease Obligations

Long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations consist of the following:

(in thousands)

December 31,

2017

2016

Mortgage notes payable due 2018 through 2047; weighted average interest rate of 4.59% in
2017, less debt discount and deferred financing costs of $16.6 million and $4.5 million in
2017 and 2016, respectively (weighted average interest rate of 4.50% in 2016)

$

3,497,762

$

3,184,229

Capital and financing lease obligations payable through 2032; weighted average interest rate

of 6.75% in 2017 (weighted average interest rate of 8.08% in 2016)

1,271,554

2,485,520

Convertible notes payable in aggregate principal amount of $316.3 million, less debt

discount and deferred financing costs of $6.4 million and $20.9 million in 2017 and 2016,
respectively, interest at 2.75% per annum, due June 15, 2018

Construction financing (weighted average interest rate of 8.00% in 2016)

Other notes payable, weighted average interest rate of 5.98% in 2017 (weighted average

interest rate of 5.33% in 2016) and maturity dates ranging from 2020 to 2021

Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations

Less current portion

309,853

—

63,122

5,142,291

602,501

295,397

3,644

76,377

6,045,167

215,255

Total long-term debt and capital and financing lease obligations, less current portion

$

4,539,790

$

5,829,912

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the current portion of long-term debt within the Company's consolidated financial statements 
includes $30.1 million and $60.5 million, respectively, of mortgage notes payable secured by assets held for sale. This debt will 
either be assumed by the prospective purchasers or be repaid with the proceeds from the sales. Refer to Note 4 for more information 
about the Company's assets held for sale.

The  annual  aggregate  scheduled  maturities  of  long-term  debt  and  capital  and  financing  lease  obligations  outstanding  as  of 
December 31, 2017 are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,

2018

2019

2020

2021
2022

Thereafter

Total obligations

Less amount representing debt discount and deferred financing costs, net

Long-term
Debt

Capital and
Financing
Lease
Obligations

Total

$

501,622

$

576,388

$

1,078,010

328,515

488,311

338,632
343,859

1,892,752

3,893,691
(22,954)

137,047

78,288

61,841
62,590

1,059,106

1,975,260

—

465,562

566,599

400,473
406,449

2,951,858

5,868,951
(22,954)

Less amount representing interest (weighted average interest rate of 6.75%)

—

Total

$

3,870,737

$

(703,706)
1,271,554

$

(703,706)
5,142,291

The aggregate scheduled maturities of capital and financing lease obligations for the year ending December 31, 2018 include the 
$374.5 million carrying value of the financing lease obligations for 20 communities which were previously subject to sale-leaseback 
transactions in which the Company was deemed to have continuing involvement for accounting purposes. As described in Note 
4, the leases for these communities have been amended to expire on or before November 1, 2018.

Credit Facilities

On December 19, 2014, the Company entered into a Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with General Electric Capital 
Corporation (which has since assigned its interest to Capital One Financial Corporation), as administrative agent, lender and 

105

 
swingline lender, and the other lenders from time to time parties thereto. The agreement currently provides for a total commitment 
amount of $400.0 million, comprised of 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 becoming immediately due and payable and could trigger cross default provisions in our 
other outstanding debt and lease agreements.

As of December 31, 2017, no borrowings were outstanding on the revolving credit facility and $41.8 million of letters of credit 
were outstanding under this credit facility. The Company also had separate unsecured letter of credit facilities of up to $64.5 million
in the aggregate as of December 31, 2017.  Letters of credit totaling $64.4 million had been issued under these separate facilities 
as of December 31, 2017.

2017 Financings

In June 2017, the Company obtained a $54.7 million non-recourse addition and borrow-up loan, secured by first mortgages on 
seven communities. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.69% and matures on March 1, 2022. Proceeds from the loan added 
to the Company's liquidity.

In July 2017, the Company completed the refinancing of two existing loan portfolios secured by the non-recourse first mortgages 
on 22 communities. The $221.3 million of proceeds from the refinancing were primarily utilized to repay $188.1 million and $13.6 
million of mortgage debt maturing in April 2018 and January 2021, respectively. The mortgage facility has a 10 year term, and 
70% of the principal amount bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.81% and the remaining 30% of the principal amount bears interest 
at a variable rate of 30-day LIBOR plus a margin of 244 basis points. 

In August 2017, the Company obtained $975.0 million of debt secured by the non-recourse first mortgages on 51 communities.  
Sixty percent of the principal amount bears interest at a fixed rate, with one half of such amount bearing interest at 4.43% and 
maturing in 2024 and the other one half bearing interest at 4.47% and maturing in 2027.  Forty percent of the principal amount 
bears interest at a variable rate equal to the 30-day LIBOR plus a margin of 241.5 basis points and matures in 2027.  The $975.0 
million of proceeds from the refinancing were primarily utilized to repay $389.9 million and $228.9 million of outstanding mortgage 
debt scheduled to mature in August 2018 and May 2023, respectively. The net proceeds from the refinancing activity added to the 
Company's liquidity.

During the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded $12.4 million of debt modification and extinguishment costs 
on the consolidated statement of operations for that period, primarily related to third party fees directly related to debt modifications.

During 2017, the Company repaid $78.9 million of outstanding principal balance on four existing loan portfolios secured by the 
non-recourse first mortgages on 13 communities and the Nurse on Call business. The Company plans to repay debt maturing in 
the upcoming year, including the $316.3 million outstanding principal amount of convertible senior notes due June 15, 2018, 
through current liquidity, future operating cash flows, and normal-course refinancings. 

106

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 a 
portion of the outstanding balance of the secured credit facility.

In December 2016, the Company entered into a $105.0 million note, which bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.65%, and a $69.6 
million note, which bears interest at a variable rate of 1-month LIBOR plus a margin of 258 basis points.  The notes are secured 
by first mortgages on six communities and mature on January 1, 2027. Proceeds from the loan were primarily utilized to repay 
$164.4 million of mortgage debt.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company recorded $9.2 million of debt modification and extinguishment costs on 
the consolidated statement of operations for that period, primarily related to prepayment penalties for debt extinguishments.

Convertible Debt

In June 2011, the Company completed a registered offering of $316.3 million aggregate principal amount of 2.75% convertible 
senior notes due June 15, 2018 (the "Notes"). As of December 31, 2017, the $309.9 million carrying value of the Notes was 
included in the current portion of long-term debt within the consolidated balance sheet. It is the Company's current intent and 
policy to settle the principal amount of the Notes (or, if less, the amount of the conversion obligation) in cash upon conversion. 

The Company received net proceeds of approximately $308.2 million after the deduction of underwriting commissions and offering 
expenses.  The Company used a portion of the net proceeds to pay the Company's cost of the convertible note hedge transactions 
described below, taking into account the proceeds to the Company of the warrant transactions described below, and used the 
balance of the net proceeds to repay existing outstanding debt.

The Notes are senior unsecured obligations and rank equally in right of payment to all of the Company's other senior unsecured 
debt, if any. The Notes will be senior in right of payment to any of the Company's debt which is subordinated by its terms to the 
Notes (if any). The Notes are also structurally subordinated to all debt and other liabilities and commitments (including trade 
payables) of the Company's subsidiaries. The Notes are also effectively subordinated to the Company's secured debt to the extent 
of the assets securing the debt.

The Notes bear interest at 2.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in cash.  The Notes are convertible at an initial conversion 
rate of 34.1006 shares of Company common stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price 
of approximately $29.325 per share), subject to adjustment. On and after March 15, 2018, until the close of business on the second 
scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Notes at any time. In addition, Holders 
may convert their Notes at their option under the following circumstances:  (i) during any fiscal quarter if the last reported sale 
price of the Company's common stock for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during a period of 30 consecutive 
trading days ending on the last trading day of the preceding fiscal quarter is greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable 
conversion price on the last day of such preceding fiscal quarter; (ii) during the five business day period after any five consecutive 
trading day period (the "measurement period"), in which the trading price per $1,000 principal amount of notes for each trading 
day of that measurement period was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company's common stock 
and the applicable conversion rate on each such day; or (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate events. As of December 31, 
2017, the Notes are not convertible. Unconverted Notes mature at par on June 15, 2018.

In addition, following certain corporate transactions, the Company will increase the conversion rate for a holder who elects to 
convert in connection with such transaction by a number of additional shares of common stock as set forth in the supplemental 
indenture governing the Notes.

The Notes were issued in an offering registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act).

In accordance with FASB guidance regarding the accounting for convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon 
conversion (including partial settlement), the liability and equity components of the convertible debt are separated in a manner 
that will reflect the Company's non-convertible debt borrowing rate when interest expense is recognized in subsequent periods.

The Company is accreting the carrying value to the principal amount at maturity using an imputed interest rate of 7.5% (the 
estimated effective borrowing rate for nonconvertible debt at the time of issuance, Level 2) over its expected life of seven years.

107

 
 
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017, the "if converted" value of the Notes does not exceed their principal amount.

The interest expense associated with the Notes (excluding amortization of the associated deferred financing costs) was as follows:

(in thousands)

Coupon interest

Amortization of discount

Interest expense related to convertible notes

For the Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

$

$

8,697

13,586

22,283

$

$

8,697

12,625

21,322

$

$

8,697

11,732

20,429

In connection with the offering of the Notes, in June 2011, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions (the 
"Convertible Note Hedges") with certain financial institutions (the "Hedge Counterparties"). The Convertible Note Hedges cover, 
subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments, 10,784,315 shares of common stock. The Company also entered into warrant 
transactions with the Hedge Counterparties whereby the Company sold to the Hedge Counterparties warrants to acquire, subject 
to customary anti-dilution adjustments, up to 10,784,315 shares of common stock (the "Sold Warrant Transactions"). The warrants 
have a strike price of $40.25 per share, subject to customary anti-dilution adjustments.

The Convertible Note Hedges are expected to reduce the potential dilution with respect to common stock upon conversion of the 
Notes in the event that the price per share of common stock at the time of exercise is greater than the strike price of the Convertible 
Note Hedges, which corresponds to the initial conversion price of the Notes and is similarly subject to customary anti-dilution 
adjustments. If, however, the price per share of common stock exceeds the strike price of the Sold Warrant Transactions when 
they expire, there would be additional dilution from the issuance of common stock pursuant to the warrants.

The Convertible Note Hedges and Sold Warrant Transactions are separate transactions (in each case entered into by the Company 
and Hedge Counterparties), are not part of the terms of the Notes and will not affect the holders' rights under the Notes. Holders 
of the Notes do not have any rights with respect to the Convertible Note Hedges or the Sold Warrant Transactions.

These hedging transactions had a net cost of approximately $31.9 million, which was paid from the proceeds of the Notes and 
recorded as a reduction of additional paid-in capital. The Company has contractual rights, and, at execution of the related agreements, 
had the ability to settle its obligations under the conversion features of the Notes, the Convertible Note Hedges and Sold Warrant 
Transactions, with the Company's common stock. Accordingly, these transactions are accounted for as equity, with no subsequent 
adjustment for changes in the value of these obligations.

Financial Covenants

Certain of the Company’s debt documents contain restrictions and financial covenants, such as those requiring the Company to 
maintain prescribed minimum net worth and stockholders’ equity levels and debt service ratios, and requiring the Company not 
to exceed prescribed leverage ratios, in each case on a consolidated, portfolio-wide, multi-community, single-community and/or 
entity basis. In addition, the Company’s debt documents generally contain non-financial covenants, such as those requiring the 
Company to comply with Medicare or Medicaid provider requirements. 

The  Company’s  failure  to  comply  with  applicable  covenants  could  constitute  an  event  of  default  under  the  applicable  debt 
documents. Many of the Company’s debt and lease documents contain cross-default provisions so that a default under one of these 
instruments could cause a default under other debt and lease documents (including documents with other lenders or lessors).  
Furthermore, the Company’s debt is secured by its communities and, in certain cases, a guaranty by the Company and/or one or 
more of its subsidiaries. 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its outstanding debt agreements.

108

 
 
 
  
10.           Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses consist of the following:

(in thousands)

Salaries and wages

Insurance reserves

Vacation

Real estate taxes

Interest

Lease payable

Accrued utilities

Taxes payable

Other

Total

11.       Commitments and Contingencies

Facility Operating Leases

As of December 31,

2017

2016

$

91,784

$

102,025

63,309

40,281

30,743

13,745

11,942

10,807

2,636

64,719

71,123

42,411

34,002

12,948

11,211

10,582

2,818

40,917

$

329,966

$

328,037

As of December 31, 2017, the Company operated 434 communities under long-term leases (290 operating leases and 144 capital 
and financing leases). The substantial majority of the Company's lease arrangements are structured as master leases. Under a 
master lease, numerous communities are leased through an indivisible lease. The Company typically guarantees the performance 
and lease payment obligations of its subsidiary leases under the master leases.  Due to the nature of such master leases, it is difficult 
to restructure the composition of such leased portfolios or economic terms of the leases without the consent of the applicable 
landlord.  In addition, an event of default related to an individual property or limited number of properties within a master lease 
portfolio would result in a default on the entire master lease portfolio.

The leases relating to these communities are generally fixed rate leases with annual escalators that are either fixed or tied to changes 
in leased property revenue or the consumer price index. The Company is responsible for all operating costs, including repairs, 
property taxes and insurance. The initial lease terms primarily vary from 10 to 20 years and generally include renewal options 
ranging from 5 to 15 years. The remaining base lease terms vary from less than one year to 15 years and generally provide for 
renewal or extension options and in some instances, purchase options.

The  community  leases  contain  other  customary  terms,  which  may  include  assignment  and  change  of  control  restrictions, 
maintenance  and  capital  expenditure  obligations,  termination  provisions  and  financial  covenants,  such  as  those  requiring  the 
Company to maintain prescribed minimum net worth and stockholders’ equity levels and lease coverage ratios, in each case on a 
consolidated, portfolio-wide, multi-community, single-community and/or entity basis. In addition, the Company’s lease documents 
generally contain non-financial covenants, such as those requiring the Company to comply with Medicare or Medicaid provider 
requirements. 

The  Company’s  failure  to  comply  with  applicable  covenants  could  constitute  an  event  of  default  under  the  applicable  lease 
documents. Many of the Company’s debt and lease documents contain cross-default provisions so that a default under one of these 
instruments could cause a default under other debt and lease documents (including documents with other lenders and lessors). 
Certain leases contain cure provisions, which generally allow the Company to post an additional lease security deposit if the 
required covenant is not met.  Furthermore, the Company’s leases are secured by its communities and, in certain cases, a guaranty 
by the Company and/or one or more of its subsidiaries. 

As of December 31, 2017, the Company is in compliance with the financial covenants of its long-term leases.

109

A summary of facility lease expense and the impact of straight-line adjustment and amortization of (above) below market rents 
and deferred gains are as follows:

(in thousands)

Cash basis payment - operating leases

Straight-line lease (income) expense

Amortization of (above) below market lease, net

Amortization of deferred gain

Facility lease expense

For the Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

$

$

365,077
(14,313)
(6,677)
(4,366)
339,721

$

384,104

$

372,148

767
(6,864)
(4,372)
373,635

$

6,956
(7,158)
(4,372)
367,574

$

The aggregate amounts of future minimum operating lease payments, including community and office leases, as of December 31, 
2017 are as follows (in thousands):

Year Ending December 31,

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Thereafter

Total

Other

$

Operating
Leases

369,169

348,038

307,795

266,296

247,099

1,039,804

$

2,578,201

The Company has employment or letter agreements with certain officers of the Company and has adopted policies to which certain 
officers of the Company are eligible to participate, which grant these employees the right to receive a portion or multiple of their 
base salary, pro-rata bonus, bonus and/or continuation of certain benefits, for a defined period of time, in the event of certain 
terminations of the officers' employment, as described in those agreements and policies.

12.       Self-Insurance

The Company obtains various insurance coverages from commercial carriers at stated amounts as defined in the applicable policy. 
Losses related to deductible amounts are accrued based on the Company's estimate of expected losses plus incurred but not reported 
claims.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company accrued reserves of $165.0 million and $184.0 million, respectively, for these 
programs of which $101.7 million and $112.9 million is classified as long-term liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, 
respectively.  As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company accrued $17.5 million and $22.8 million, respectively, of estimated 
amounts receivable from the insurance companies under these insurance programs.  During the years ended December 31, 2017
and 2016, the Company recorded a $9.9 million and $35.4 million decrease in insurance expense from changes in estimates, 
respectively, due to general liability and professional liability and workers compensation claims experience.

The Company has secured self-insured retention risk under workers' compensation programs with cash deposits of $12.7 million
and $12.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Letters of credit securing the programs aggregated $71.8 
million and $59.5 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.  In addition, the Company also had deposits of $33.9 
million and $37.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, to fund claims paid under a high deductible, collateralized 
insurance policy.

110

13.       Retirement Plans

The Company maintains a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan for all employees that meet minimum employment criteria. The plan 
provides that the participants may defer eligible compensation subject to certain Internal Revenue Code maximum amounts. The 
Company makes matching contributions in amounts equal to 25.0% of the employee's contribution to the plan, up to a maximum 
of 4.0% of compensation. An additional matching contribution of 12.5%, subject to the same limit on compensation, may be made 
at the discretion of the Company, based upon the Company's performance. For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 
2015, the Company's expense to the plan was $10.1 million, $8.2 million and $6.6 million, respectively.

14.       Stock-Based Compensation

The following table sets forth information about the Company's restricted stock awards (excluding restricted stock units):

(share amounts in thousands, except for value per share)

Outstanding on January 1, 2015

Granted

Vested
Cancelled/forfeited

Outstanding on December 31, 2015

Granted

Vested

Cancelled/forfeited

Outstanding on December 31, 2016

Granted

Vested

Cancelled/forfeited

Outstanding on December 31, 2017

Number of 
Shares

3,552

$

1,698
(1,275)
(521)
3,454

3,141
(1,242)
(745)
4,608

2,569
(1,276)
(1,131)
4,770

$

Weighted
Average
Grant Date 
Fair Value

25.70

32.75

23.55
18.68

28.80

14.56

26.79

24.75

20.29

14.65

22.20

18.95

17.13

As of December 31, 2017, there was $47.5 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to outstanding, unvested share-
based compensation awards.  That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.4 years and is based on 
grant date fair value. 

During 2017, grants of restricted shares under the Company's 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan were as follows:

(share amounts in thousands, except for value per share)

Three months ended March 31, 2017

Three months ended June 30, 2017

Three months ended September 30, 2017

Three months ended December 31, 2017

Shares
Granted

Value Per
Share

2,392

71

67

39

$

$

$

$

14.84

13.11

13.19

9.84

$

$

$

$

Total Value

35,497

937

889

377

The Company has an employee stock purchase plan for all eligible employees. Under the plan, eligible employees of the Company 
can purchase shares of the Company's common stock on a quarterly basis at a discounted price through accumulated payroll 
deductions. Each eligible employee may elect to deduct up to 15% of his or her base pay, not to exceed 200 shares, each quarter. 
Subject to certain limitations specified in the plan, on the last trading date of each calendar quarter, the amount deducted from 
each participant's pay over the course of the quarter will be used to purchase whole shares of the Company's common stock at a 
purchase price equal to 90% of the closing market price on the New York Stock Exchange on that date. The Company reserved 
1,800,000 shares of common stock for issuance under the plan. The impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements 
is not material.

111

15.       Share Repurchase Program

On November 1, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved a share repurchase program that authorizes 
the  Company  to  purchase  up  to  $100.0  million  in  the  aggregate  of  the  Company's  common  stock,  which  replaced  the  prior 
authorization  approved  by  the  Board  in  2011  that  had  remaining  availability  of  approximately  $82.4  million  at  the  time  of 
termination.  Purchases may be made from time to time using a variety of methods, which may include open market purchases, 
privately negotiated transactions or block trades, or by any combination of these methods, in accordance with applicable insider 
trading and other securities laws and regulations.

The size, scope and timing of any purchases will be based on business, market and other conditions and factors, including price, 
regulatory  and  contractual  requirements  or  consents,  and  capital  availability.  The  repurchase  program  does  not  obligate  the 
Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock and the program may be suspended, modified or discontinued at any 
time at the Company's discretion without prior notice.  Shares of stock repurchased under the program will be held as treasury 
shares.

No  shares  were  purchased  pursuant  to  this  authorization  during  the  year  ended  December 31,  2017.    During  the  year  ended 
December 31, 2016, the Company repurchased 750,000 shares at a weighted average price paid per share of $12.83, for an aggregate 
purchase price of approximately $9.6 million.  As of December 31, 2017, approximately $90.4 million remains available under 
the share repurchase authorization.

16.       Income Taxes

The benefit (provision) for income taxes is comprised of the following:

(in thousands)

Federal:

Current

Deferred

Total Federal

State:

Current

Deferred (included in Federal above)

Total State

Total

For the Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

$

2,200

$

(12) $

15,310

17,510

(3,248)
(3,260)

(995)
—
(995)
16,515

$

(2,118)
—
(2,118)
(5,378) $

$

49

95,259

95,308

(3,099)
—
(3,099)
92,209

A reconciliation of the benefit (provision) for income taxes to the amount computed at the U.S. Federal statutory rate of 35% is 
as follows:

(in thousands)

Tax benefit at U.S. statutory rate

Impact of the Tax Act

State taxes, net of federal income tax

Tax credits

Valuation allowance

Goodwill impairment

Stock compensation

Other, net

Meals and entertainment

Return to provision

Total

For the Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

$

205,777

$

139,657

$

192,390

114,716

24,891

1,908
(246,037)
(78,515)
(4,093)
(851)
(726)
(555)
16,515

$

—

11,788

6,163
(142,862)
(10,789)
(5,716)
(1,831)
(868)
(920)
(5,378) $

—

18,323

3,937
(111,797)
(7,856)
—
(1,626)
(1,090)
(72)
92,209

$

112

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

(in thousands)

Deferred income tax assets:

Capital and financing lease obligations

Operating loss carryforwards

Accrued expenses

Deferred lease liability

Tax credits

Intangible assets

Deferred gain on sale leaseback

Prepaid revenue

Investment in unconsolidated ventures

Other

Total gross deferred income tax asset

Valuation allowance

Net deferred income tax assets

Deferred income tax liabilities:

Property, plant and equipment

Investment in unconsolidated ventures

Other

Total gross deferred income tax liability

Net deferred tax liability

As of December 31,

2017

2016

$

264,255

$

288,469

66,123

52,869

49,556

14,493

1,844

1,825

2,861

660

862,038

319,948

109,283

93,358

49,550

20,272

4,233

2,626

—

—

742,955
(336,087)
406,868

1,461,308
(264,305)
1,197,003

(477,512)
—

—
(477,512)
(70,644) $

(1,209,595)
(66,678)
(1,376)
(1,277,649)
(80,646)

$

On December 22, 2017, the President signed into law the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”), a bill reforming the US corporate 
income tax code which will reduce the Company’s federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%. The rate reduction will take effect 
on January 1, 2018.  For accounting purposes, however, the carrying value of the Company's deferred tax assets is determined by 
the enacted federal corporate income tax rate. Consequently, the changes in the federal corporate income tax rate have impacted 
the carrying value of the Company's net deferred tax liability position as of December 31, 2017 as such date is subsequent to the 
enactment date. Under the new corporate income tax rate of 21%, the Company's net deferred income tax assets and valuation 
allowance have decreased.  In addition to the impact of the federal corporate income tax rate, the change in corporate tax law 
reduces the Company's valuation allowance and reduces its deferred tax assets related to Alternative Minimum Tax ("AMT") 
credits to cash or future receivable.  Under the Tax Act, AMT is eliminated for corporations and AMT credits can be monetized 
thereafter.  The overall net effect of the Tax Act on the Company's consolidated financial statements was a benefit of $114.7 million 
for the year ended December 31, 2017. 

A summary of the effect of the Tax Act is as follows:

(in thousands)

Rate change - decrease in net deferred tax assets

Rate change - decrease in valuation allowance

Impact on net operating loss usage

Reduction of deferred tax asset - AMT credits

Total impact of the Tax Act on the Company's deferred taxes position

Realization of AMT credits

Net impact of the Tax Act on the Company's effect tax rate

For the Year Ended

December 31, 2017

$

$

108,070
(172,235)
(50,551)
2,361
(112,355)
(2,361)
(114,716)

In addition to the aforementioned impacts to the Company's consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2017, the Tax 
Act will have other impacts on the Company in the future.  The Company's federal net operating losses that have been incurred 

113

 
 
 
 
 
prior to December 31, 2017 will continue to have a 20-year carryforward limitation applied and will need to be evaluated for 
recoverability in the future as such.  For net operating losses created after December 31, 2017, the net operating losses will have 
an indefinite life, but usage will be limited to 80% of taxable income in any given year.  The Company has estimated the impact 
of the Tax Act on state income taxes reflected in its income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2017. Reasonable estimates 
for the Company’s state and local provision were made based on the Company's analysis of tax reform. These provisional amounts 
may be adjusted in future periods during 2018 when additional information is obtained. Additional information that may affect 
the Company's provisional amounts would include further clarification and guidance on how the Internal Revenue Service will 
implement tax reform and further clarification and guidance on how state taxing authorities will implement tax reform and the 
related effect on our state and local income tax returns, state and local net operating losses and corresponding valuation allowances.

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $1.2 billion and 
$1.0 billion, respectively, which are available to offset future taxable income through 2037. The Company determined that a 
valuation allowance was required after consideration of the Company's estimated future reversal of existing timing differences as 
of December 31, 2017 and 2016. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company recorded a provision of approximately 
$71.8 million (including the impact from Tax Act) to reflect the required valuation allowance of $336.1 million as of December 31, 
2017. The valuation allowance reflects that the Company's net operating losses will begin to expire in 2024. 

A summary of the change in the Company's valuation allowance is as follows:

(in thousands)

Increase in valuation allowance before consideration of the Tax Act

Increase due to the adoption of ASU 2016-09

Total increase in valuation allowance

Tax Act rate change - decrease in valuation allowance

Impact on net operating loss usage

Total decrease in valuation allowance due to Tax Act

Total increase in valuation allowance

For the Year Ended
December 31, 2017

$

$

246,037

48,531

294,568

(172,235)
(50,551)
(222,786)
71,782

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company determined that a valuation allowance was required due to the loss before 
income taxes, combined with the Company's estimated reversal of future timing differences as of December 31, 2016. As a result, 
the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $264.3 million as of December 31, 2016.

The  Company  has  recorded  valuation  allowances  of  $286.6  million  and  $218.1  million  as  of  December 31,  2017  and  2016, 
respectively, against its federal and state net operating losses, as the Company anticipates these losses will not be utilized prior to 
expiration. The Company also recorded a valuation allowance against federal and state credits of $49.5 million and $49.6 million
as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. 

As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had gross tax affected unrecognized tax benefits of $18.5 million and $29.1 
million,  respectively,  which,  if  recognized,  would  result  in  an  income  tax  benefit  recorded  in  the  consolidated  statement  of 
operations. Interest and penalties related to these tax positions are classified as tax expense in the Company's consolidated financial 
statements. Total interest and penalties reserved is $0.1 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.  As of December 31, 2017, 
the Company's tax returns for years 2013 through 2016 are subject to future examination by tax authorities. In addition, the net 
operating losses from prior years are subject to adjustment under examination. The Company does not expect that unrecognized 
tax benefits for tax positions taken with respect to 2017 and prior years will significantly change in 2018.

114

 
A reconciliation of the unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:

(in thousands)

Balance at January 1,

Additions for tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions related to prior years

Reductions for the Impact of the Tax Act

Reductions for tax positions related to prior years

Balance at December 31,

17.       Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information

For the Years Ended
December 31,

2017

2016

$

29,160

$

30,236

184

—
(10,859)
(24)
18,461

$

—

30

—
(1,106)
29,160

$

(in thousands)
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information: 

For the Years Ended December 31,
2015
2016
2017

Interest paid

Income taxes paid, net of refunds

Additions to property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net:

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net

Accounts payable

Net cash paid

Acquisition of assets, net of related payables:

Prepaid expenses and other assets

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net

Other intangible assets, net

Long-term debt

Capital and financing lease obligations

Other liabilities

Net cash paid

Proceeds from sale of assets, net:

Prepaid expenses and other assets
Assets held for sale

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net

Investments in unconsolidated ventures

Other liabilities

Long-term debt

Capital and financing lease obligations

Refundable entrance fees and deferred revenue

Gain on sale of assets, net

(Gain) loss on lease termination

Net cash received

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

294,758

1,038

221,476
(7,589)
213,887

$

$

$

$

349,535

2,047

300,113

33,534

333,647

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

—

5,196

—

—

—

19,457
(7,300)
—

—

—

5,196

$

12,157

$

(17,072) $
(20,952)
(155,723)
(52,548)
(1,058)
8,547

157,963

30,771
(19,273)
(1,162)
(70,507) $

(4,543) $

(289,452)
—

—

3,281

—

—

—
(7,218)
—

(297,932) $

360,960

2,952

448,682
(37,631)
411,051

(53,405)
198,558
(7,294)
(101,558)
155,230
(315)
191,216

25,780
—
(82,953)
—
(960)
—

8,907

—

—

—
(49,226)

115

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Formation of the Blackstone Venture:

Prepaid expenses and other assets

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net

Investments in unconsolidated ventures

Capital and financing lease obligations

Deferred liabilities

Other liabilities

Net cash paid

$

(8,173) $

— $

(768,897)
66,816

879,959

7,504

1,998

—

—

—

—

—

$

179,207

$

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Operating, Investing and Financing Activities:

Assets designated as held for sale:

Prepaid expenses and other assets

Assets held for sale

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net

Goodwill

Asset impairment

Net

Amendments to leases:

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net

Other intangible assets, net

Capital and financing lease obligations

Deferred liabilities

Other liabilities

Net

Contribution to CCRC Venture:

Property, plant and equipment and leasehold intangibles, net

Investment in unconsolidated ventures

Long-term debt

Net

18.       Litigation

$

$

$

$

$

$

199
(29,544)
29,345

—

—

$

(3,195) $

—

278,675
(262,711)
(28,568)
15,799

110,620
(113,592)
(12,200)
15,172

— $

— $

—

(145,645) $

— $

—

147,886

7,447
(9,688)

—

—

—

—

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

— $

— $

26,644
(5,202)
(23,738)
—

2,296

—

(25,717)
7,422

18,295

—

The Company has been and is currently involved in litigation and claims, including putative class action claims from time to time, 
incidental to the conduct of its business which are generally comparable to other companies in the senior living and healthcare 
industries. Certain claims and lawsuits allege large damage amounts and may require significant costs to defend and resolve. 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 and for claims or portions of claims that are not covered by such 
policies.

Similarly, the senior living and healthcare industries are continuously subject to scrutiny by governmental regulators, which could 
result in litigation related to regulatory compliance matters.  In addition, as a result of the Company's participation in the Medicare 
and Medicaid programs, the Company is subject to various governmental reviews, audits and investigations, including but not 
limited to audits under various government programs, such as the Recovery Audit Contractors (RAC), Zone Program Integrity 
Contractors (ZPIC), and Unified Program Integrity Contractors (UPIC) programs.  The costs to respond to and defend such reviews, 
audits and investigations may be significant, and an adverse determination could result in citations, sanctions and other criminal 
or  civil  fines  and  penalties,  the  refund  of  overpayments,  payment  suspensions,  termination  of  participation  in  Medicare  and 
Medicaid programs, and/or damage to the Company's business reputation. 

116

 
 
19.       Segment Information

As  of  December 31,  2017  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 and Alzheimer's units.

Brookdale Ancillary  Services. The  Company's  Brookdale Ancillary  Services  segment  includes  the  home  health,  hospice  and 
outpatient  therapy  services,  as  well  as  education  and  wellness  programs,  provided  to  residents  of  many  of  the  Company's 
communities and to seniors living outside of the Company's communities. The Brookdale Ancillary Services segment does not 
include the inpatient 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 selected segment financial and operating data:

(in thousands)

Revenue:

Retirement Centers (1)
Assisted Living (1)
CCRCs-Rental (1)
Brookdale Ancillary Services (1)
Management Services (2)

Segment Operating Income (3):

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

For the Years Ended December 31,

2017

2016

2015

$

654,196

$

679,503

$

657,940

2,210,688

2,419,459

2,445,457

468,994

446,262

966,976

4,747,116

271,417

749,058

106,162

$

$

592,826

476,833

808,359

4,976,980

294,530

876,817

133,409

$

$

604,572

469,158

783,481

4,960,608

285,257

877,303

150,495

$

$

117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Brookdale Ancillary Services

Management Services

51,348

75,845

64,463

70,762

75,210

60,183

1,253,830

1,439,981

1,448,448

General and administrative (including non-cash stock-based compensation

expense)

Transaction costs

Facility lease expense:

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Corporate and Management Services

Depreciation and amortization:

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental
Brookdale Ancillary Services

Corporate and Management Services

Goodwill and asset impairment:

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Corporate and Management Services

Loss on facility lease termination

Income (loss) from operations

Total interest expense:

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Corporate and Management Services

Total capital expenditures for property, plant and equipment, and leasehold

intangibles:

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Corporate and Management Services

118

255,446

22,573

117,131

185,971

29,464

—

7,155

95,226

290,344

44,294
3,723

48,490

2,968

342,788

18,083

14,599

31,344

313,409

3,990

120,272

193,670

51,727

—

7,966

94,049

308,639

66,431
4,075

47,208

31,384

132,389

46,329

1,596

36,817

370,579

8,252

114,738

197,452

47,937

—

7,447

104,063

489,933

87,754
7,451

43,964

209

46,179

10,654

899

—

$

$

14,276
(270,045) $

11,113
(31,083) $

76,143
(165,206)

55,436

$

56,827

$

207,861

27,665

892

34,300

249,449

39,824

1,461

38,056

58,397

250,116

39,502

1,354

39,395

$

326,154

$

385,617

$

388,764

$

47,309

$

59,978

$

119,717

24,297

755

29,398

156,732

37,800

1,576

44,027

161,986

220,893

54,864

4,061

6,878

$

221,476

$

300,113

$

448,682

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(in thousands)

Total assets:

Retirement Centers

Assisted Living

CCRCs-Rental

Brookdale Ancillary Services

Corporate and Management Services

As of December 31,

2017

2016

$

1,266,076

$

1,452,546

4,535,114

5,831,434

667,234

257,257

949,768

935,389

280,530

717,788

$

7,675,449

$

9,217,687

(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) and costs incurred on behalf of managed communities.

20.       Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)

The following is a summary of quarterly results of operations for each of the fiscal quarters in 2017 and 2016:

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues

Goodwill and asset impairment

Income (loss) from operations

Income (loss) before income taxes

Net income (loss)

March 31,
2017

For the Quarters Ended
June 30,
2017

September 30,
2017

December 31,
2017

$

1,216,766

$

1,186,472

$

1,177,988

$

1,165,890

20,706

48,126
(42,333)
(126,361)

1,559

30,174
(49,072)
(46,337)

368,551
(350,970)
(445,147)
(413,929)

18,966

2,625
(51,569)
15,021

Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior 

Living Inc. common stockholders

Weighted average basic and diluted income (loss) per 

share

(126,304)

(46,287)

(413,885)

15,057

$

(0.68) $

(0.25) $

(2.22) $

0.08

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues

Goodwill and asset impairment

Income (loss) from operations

Income (loss) before income taxes

Net income (loss)

March 31,
2016

For the Quarters Ended
June 30,
2016

September 30,
2016

December 31,
2016

$

1,263,156

$

1,258,830

$

1,246,126

$

1,208,868

3,375

41,354
(47,152)
(48,817)

4,152

58,287
(35,368)
(35,491)

19,111

47,645
(47,569)
(51,728)

221,877
(178,369)
(269,169)
(268,600)

Net income (loss) attributable to Brookdale Senior 

Living Inc. common stockholders

Weighted average basic and diluted income (loss) per 

share

(48,775)

(35,450)

(51,685)

(268,487)

$

(0.26) $

(0.19) $

(0.28) $

(1.45)

21.       Subsequent Events

In February 2018, the Company determined that it plans to market in 2018 and sell approximately 30 owned communities.  The 
closings of such sales of assets are subject to the Company’s successful marketing of such assets on terms acceptable to the 
119

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Company.  Further, the closings of the expected sales of such assets will be subject to the satisfaction of various closing conditions, 
including (where applicable) the receipt of regulatory approvals.  However, there can be no assurance that the transactions will 
close or, if they do, when the actual closings will occur.

120

SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
December 31, 2017 
(In thousands)

Description

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts:

Year ended December 31, 2015

Year ended December 31, 2016

Year ended December 31, 2017

Deferred Tax Valuation Allowance:

Year ended December 31, 2015

Year ended December 31, 2016
Year ended December 31, 2017

Additions

Balance at
beginning of
period

Charged to
costs and
expenses

Charged
to other
accounts

Deductions

Balance at
end of
period

$

$

$

$

$
$

26,501

26,470

27,044

9,213

121,602
264,305

$

$

$

$

$
$

25,132  

30,632  

25,370  

$

$

$

2,135  

2,680  

555  

$

$

$

(27,298)
(32,738)
(29,857)

111,797 (1) $
142,862 (2) $
71,782 (3) $

592 (1) $
$
—

—  

$

—
(159)  
—

$

$

$

$

$

$

26,470

27,044

23,112

121,602

264,305

336,087

(1)  Adjustment to valuation allowance for federal and state net operating losses and federal credits of $81,968 and $30,421, 

respectively.

(2)  Adjustment to valuation allowance for federal and state net operating losses and federal credits of $128,931 and $13,931, 

respectively.

(3)  Additional valuation allowance for federal and state net operating losses of $294,568 and a reduction of $222,786 resulting 

from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. 

121

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
 
Item 9. 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.

None.

Item 9A. 

Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures (as defined under Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities 
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our management, under the supervision of and with the participation of our Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on such 
evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer each concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, our disclosure 
controls and procedures were effective.

Management's Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as defined in 
Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive 
Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting 
based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the 
Treadway Commission (2013 framework). Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not 
prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can only provide reasonable assurance 
with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Based on the Company's evaluation, management concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of 
December 31, 2017. Management reviewed the results of their assessment with our Audit Committee. The effectiveness of our 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  as  of  December 31,  2017  has  been  audited  by  Ernst  & Young  LLP,  the  independent 
registered public accounting firm that audited our consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-
K, as stated in their report which is included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and incorporated herein by reference.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 
15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably 
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. 

Other Information.

None.

122

Item 10. 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

PART III

To the extent not set forth herein, the information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the discussions under 
the  headings  "Proposal  1—Election  of  Directors,"  "Executive  Officers"  and  "Section  16(a)  Beneficial  Ownership  Reporting 
Compliance" in our Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or in an amendment to this Annual 
Report on Form 10-K, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2017.

Our Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all employees, directors and officers, 
including our principal executive officer, our principal financial officer, our principal accounting officer or controller, or persons 
performing similar functions, as well as a Code of Ethics for Chief Executive and Senior Financial Officers, which applies to our 
President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Accounting Officer, Treasurer and Controller, both of which 
are available on our website at www.brookdale.com. Any amendment to, or waiver from, a provision of such codes of ethics 
granted to a principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or person performing 
similar functions, or to any executive officer or director, will be posted on our website.

Item 11. 

Executive Compensation.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the discussions under the headings "Compensation of 
Directors"  and  "Compensation  of  Executive  Officers"  in  our  Definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2018 Annual  Meeting  of 
Stockholders or in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 
2017.

Item 12. 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.

To the extent not set forth herein, the information required by this item regarding security ownership of certain beneficial owners 
and management is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the heading "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial 
Owners and Management" in our Definitive Proxy Statement for the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or in an amendment 
to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 2017.

The following table provides certain information as of December 31, 2017 with respect to our equity compensation plans (after 
giving effect to shares issued and/or vesting on such date):

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Number of securities to 
be issued upon exercise 
of outstanding options, 
warrants and rights
(a) (1)

Weighted-average 
exercise price of 
outstanding options, 
warrants and rights
(b)

Number of securities 
remaining available for 
future issuance under 
equity compensation 
plans (excluding 
securities reflected in 
column (a))
(c) (2)

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

—  

11,236,601

52,380

11,288,981

Plan category

Equity compensation plans approved by
security holders

Equity compensation plans not approved 
by security holders (3)
Total

(1)  As of December 31, 2017, an aggregate of 4,605,849 shares of unvested restricted stock and 15,547 vested restricted stock 
units were outstanding under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan, and an aggregate of 164,248 shares of unvested restricted 
stock and 6,850 vested restricted stock units were outstanding under our Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan.  Such shares of 
restricted stock and restricted stock units are not reflected in the table above. Our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan allows awards 
to be made in the form of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted stock units, unrestricted shares, 
performance awards and other stock-based awards.

123

 
 
 
 
 
 
(2)  The number of shares remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans approved by security holders 
consists of 10,394,670 shares remaining available for future issuance under our 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan and 841,931
shares remaining available for future issuance under our Associate Stock Purchase Plan.

(3)  Represents  shares  remaining  available  for  future  issuance  under  our  Director  Stock  Purchase  Plan.  Under  the  existing 
compensation program for the members of our Board of Directors, each non-employee director has the opportunity to elect 
to receive either immediately vested shares or restricted stock units in lieu of up to 50% of his or her quarterly cash compensation. 
Any immediately vested shares that are elected to be received will be issued pursuant to the Director Stock Purchase Plan. 
Under the director compensation program, all cash amounts are payable quarterly in arrears, with payments to be made on 
April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1. Any immediately vested shares that a director elects to receive under the Director 
Stock Purchase Plan will be issued at the same time that cash payments are made. The number of shares to be issued will be 
based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of issuance (i.e., April 1, July 1, October 1 and January 1), or if 
such date is not a trading date, on the previous trading day's closing price. Fractional amounts will be paid in cash. The Board 
of Directors initially reserved 100,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the Director Stock Purchase Plan.

Item 13. 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the discussions under the headings "Certain Relationships 
and  Related  Transactions"  and  "Director  Independence"  in  our  Definitive  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2018 Annual  Meeting  of 
Stockholders or in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days of December 31, 
2017.

Item 14. 

Principal Accounting Fees and Services.

The information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the discussion under the heading "Proposal 2—Ratification 
of Appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm" in our Definitive Proxy Statement for 
the 2018 Annual Meeting of Stockholders or in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, to be filed with the SEC 
within 120 days of December 31, 2017.

124

PART IV

Item 15.  

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules.

The following documents are filed as part of this report:

1) 

Our Audited Consolidated Financial Statements

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Report of the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 

Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Schedule II – Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

2) 

Exhibits:

Exhibit No.

3.1

3.2

3.3

4.1

4.2

4.3

4.4

10.1.1

10.1.2

10.2

10.3

  Description
  Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  Brookdale  Senior  Living  Inc.  (the  "Company") 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 
2010 (File No. 001-32641)).
  Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, dated July 
30, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 
5, 2014 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 6, 2017 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Form of Certificate for common stock (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Registration 
Statement on Form S-1 (Amendment No. 3) filed on November 7, 2005 (File No. 333-127372)).

  Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2011, between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, 
LLC, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
on June 14, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 14, 2011, between the Company and American Stock Transfer & Trust 
Company, LLC, as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 
8-K filed on June 14, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Form of 2.75% Convertible Senior Note due 2018 (included as part of Exhibit 4.3).

Amended and Restated Master Lease and Security Agreement dated as of November 1, 2017, by and between 
certain of the Company's affiliates named therein as lessees and HCP, Inc. and certain of its affiliates named 
therein as lessors. †

First Amendment to Amended and Restated Master Lease and Security Agreement dated as of January 10, 2018, 
by and between certain of the Company's affiliates named therein as lessees and HCP, Inc. and certain of its 
affiliates named therein as lessors.
  Master Credit Facility Agreement (Senior Housing) dated as of August 31, 2017, by and between Jones Lang 
LaSalle Multifamily, LLC and the Company's subsidiaries named as borrowers therein (incorporated by reference 
to  Exhibit  10.3  to  the  Company's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  on  November  7,  2017  (File  No. 
001-32641)).
  Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of December 19, 2014, among certain subsidiaries 
of the Company, General Electric Capital Corporation, as administrative agent, lender and swingline lender, and 
the other lenders from time to time parties thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's 
Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 23, 2014 (File No. 001-32641)).

125

 
10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

10.15

10.16.1

10.16.2

10.17

10.18

10.19

10.20

10.21

10.22

  Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction Confirmation between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., dated 
as of June 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Issuer Warrant Transaction Confirmation between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., dated as of June 
8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on 
August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction Confirmation between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National 
Association, dated as of June 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Issuer  Warrant  Transaction  Confirmation  between  the  Company  and  JPMorgan  Chase  Bank,  National 
Association, dated as of June 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction Confirmation between the Company and Royal Bank of Canada, dated as 
of June 8, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 
filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Issuer Warrant Transaction Confirmation between the Company and Royal Bank of Canada, dated as of June 8, 
2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on 
August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Additional Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction Confirmation between the Company and Bank of America, 
N.A., dated as of June 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Additional Issuer Warrant Transaction Confirmation between the Company and Bank of America, N.A., dated 
as of June 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Additional Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction Confirmation between the Company and JPMorgan Chase 
Bank, National Association, dated as of June 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Company's 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Additional Issuer Warrant Transaction Confirmation between the Company and JPMorgan Chase Bank, National 
Association, dated as of June 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Company's Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Additional Convertible Bond Hedge Transaction Confirmation between the Company and Royal Bank of Canada, 
dated as of June 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Company's Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Additional Issuer Warrant Transaction Confirmation between the Company and Royal Bank of Canada, dated 
as of June 15, 2011 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-
Q filed on August 9, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective June 23, 2009 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 23, 2009 
(File No. 001-32641)) (the "Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan").*

  First Amendment to the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan effective as of October 30, 2009 (incorporated by reference 
to  Exhibit  10.1  to  the  Company's  Quarterly  Report  on  Form  10-Q  filed  on  November  4,  2009  (File  No. 
001-32641)).*

  Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (2013 Time-Vesting Form for 
Executive Committee Members) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to the Company's Annual Report 
on Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2013 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (2013 Time-Vesting Form for 
Executive Vice Presidents) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 
10-K filed on February 19, 2013 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (2013 Performance-Vesting Form 
for Executive Committee Members) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to the Company's Annual Report 
on Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2013 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (2013 Performance-Vesting Form 
for Executive Vice Presidents) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to the Company's Annual Report on 
Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2013 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Amended and Restated Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 28, 2017 (File No. 001-32641)) 
(the "Omnibus Incentive Plan").*

  Form  of  Restricted  Share Agreement  under  the  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  (Time-Vesting  Form  for  Executive 
Committee Members) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 
10-K filed on February 25, 2015 (File No. 001-32641)).*

126

 
 
10.23

10.24

10.25

10.26

10.27

10.28

10.29

10.30

10.31

10.32

10.33

10.34

10.35

10.36

10.37

10.38

10.39

10.40.1

10.40.2

10.41.1

  Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (Time-Vesting Form for Executive Vice 
Presidents) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on 
February 25, 2015 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form  of  Restricted  Share  Agreement  under  the  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  (Performance-Vesting  Form  for 
Executive Committee Members) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Company's Annual Report 
on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2015 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form  of  Restricted  Share  Agreement  under  the  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  (Performance-Vesting  Form  for 
Executive Vice Presidents) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 
10-K filed on February 25, 2015 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form  of  Restricted  Share Agreement  under  the  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  (Time-Vesting  Form  for  Executive 
Committee Members) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q filed on May 10, 2016 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (Time-Vesting Form for Executive Vice 
Presidents) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed 
on May 10, 2016 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form  of  Restricted  Share  Agreement  under  the  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  (Performance-Vesting  Form  for 
Executive Committee Members) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2016 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form  of  Restricted  Share  Agreement  under  the  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  (Performance-Vesting  Form  for 
Executive Vice Presidents) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2016 (File No. 001-32641)).*
  Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (2017 Time-Vesting Form for Executive 
Committee Members) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q filed on May 10, 2017 (File No. 001-32641)).*

Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (2017 Time-Vesting Form for Executive 
Vice Presidents) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q 
filed on May 10, 2017 (File No. 001-32641)).*

Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (2017 Performance-Vesting Form for 
Executive Committee Members) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company's Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2017 (File No. 001-32641)).*

Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (2017 Performance-Vesting Form for 
Executive Vice Presidents) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Company's Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2017 (File No. 001-32641)).*
Form of Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (Time-Vesting Form for New Directors) 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 11, 
2015 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, dated as of October 1, 2015, by and between 
the Company and Daniel A. Decker (Time-Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Company's 
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 12, 2016 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, dated as of November 7, 2016, by and between 
the Company and Daniel A. Decker (Time-Vesting) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to the Company's 
Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 15, 2017 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Restricted Share Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, dated as of January 5, 2018, by and between the 
Company and Daniel A. Decker (Performance-Vesting).*

  Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Omnibus Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2012 (File No. 
001-32641)).*

  Form of Outside Director Restricted Stock Unit Agreement under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2016 (File No. 
001-32641)).*

  Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Associate Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the 
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 11, 2008 (File No. 001-32641)) (the "Associate Stock 
Purchase Plan").*

  First Amendment to Associate Stock Purchase Plan, effective as of December 12, 2013 (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 18, 2013 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Form  of  Severance  Letter  and  Brookdale  Senior  Living  Inc.  Severance  Pay  Policy, Tier  I  (incorporated  by 
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 6, 2010 (File No. 
001-32641)).*

127

10.41.2

10.41.3

10.41.4

10.42.1

10.42.2

10.43

10.44

10.45

10.46

21

23

31.1

31.2

32

  Amendment No. 1 to Severance Pay Policy, Tier I, adopted by the Company on April 23, 2015 (incorporated by 
reference  to  Exhibit  10.3  to  the  Company's  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  on April  27,  2015  (File  No. 
001-32641)).*

  Amendment No. 2 to Severance Pay Policy, Tier I, adopted by the Company on August 3, 2015 (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 7, 2015 (File No. 
001-32641)).*

Amendment No. 3 to Severance Pay Policy, Tier I, adopted by the Company on January 19, 2017 (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 10, 2017 (File No. 
001-32641)).* 

  Employment Agreement, dated as of February 11, 2013, by and between the Company and T. Andrew Smith 
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 12, 
2013 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement dated as of April 23, 2015 by and between the Company and T. 
Andrew Smith (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed 
on April 27, 2015 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Letter Agreement dated as of November 7, 2016 by and between the Company and Daniel A. Decker (incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.50 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 15, 2017 (File 
No. 001-32641)).*

  Form of Indemnification Agreement for Directors and Officers (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to 
the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 28, 2011 (File No. 001-32641)).*

  Summary of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. Director Stock Purchase Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 
99.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed on June 30, 2009 (File No. 333-160354)).*

Agreement dated as of July 25, 2017 by and among the Company, Land & Buildings Investment 
Management, LLC, Land & Buildings Capital Growth Fund LP and Jonathan Litt (incorporated by reference 
to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 26, 2017 (File No. 001-32641)).

  Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.

  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

  Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as 
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS

101.SCH

101.CAL

101.DEF

101.LAB

101.PRE

  XBRL Instance Document.

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document.

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

*  Management Contract or Compensatory Plan

†  Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment with the SEC.

Item 16.  

Form 10-K Summary.

None.

128

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this 
report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

BROOKDALE SENIOR LIVING INC.

By:

/s/ T. Andrew Smith

Name: T. Andrew Smith

Title:

Date:

President and Chief Executive Officer

February 22, 2018

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons 
on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/  T. Andrew Smith

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

February 22, 2018

T. Andrew Smith

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Lucinda M. Baier

Chief Financial Officer

Lucinda M. Baier

(Principal Financial Officer)

February 22, 2018

/s/ Dawn L. Kussow

Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer

February 22, 2018

Dawn L. Kussow

(Principal Accounting Officer)

/s/ Marcus E. Bromley

Director

Marcus E. Bromley

/s/ Frank M. Bumstead

Director

Frank M. Bumstead

/s/ Jackie M. Clegg

Director

Jackie M. Clegg

/s/  Daniel A. Decker

Director

Daniel A. Decker

/s/ Jeffrey R. Leeds
Jeffrey R. Leeds

Director

/s/ James R. Seward

Director

James R. Seward

/s/ Lee S. Wielansky

Director

Lee S. Wielansky

February 22, 2018

February 22, 2018

February 22, 2018

February 22, 2018

February 22, 2018

February 22, 2018

February 22, 2018

129

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, T. Andrew Smith, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading 
with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all 
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods 
presented in this report;

4.  The  registrant's  other  certifying  officer(s)  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed 
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, 
is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be 
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant's  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this 
report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial  reporting,  to  the  registrant's  auditors  and  the  audit  committee  of  the  registrant's  board  of  directors  (or  persons 
performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 
information; and

(b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: 

February 22, 2018

/s/ T. Andrew Smith
T. Andrew Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer

 
 
EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Lucinda M. Baier, certify that:

1. 

I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Brookdale Senior Living Inc.;

2.  Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading 
with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.  Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all 
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods 
presented in this report;

4.  The  registrant's  other  certifying  officer(s)  and  I  are  responsible  for  establishing  and  maintaining  disclosure  controls  and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as 
defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a)  Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed 
under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, 
is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b)  Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be 
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c)  Evaluated  the  effectiveness  of  the  registrant's  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  and  presented  in  this  report  our 
conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this 
report based on such evaluation; and

(d)  Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5.  The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over 
financial  reporting,  to  the  registrant's  auditors  and  the  audit  committee  of  the  registrant's  board  of  directors  (or  persons 
performing the equivalent functions):

(a)  All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 
information; and

(b)  Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: 

February 22, 2018

/s/ Lucinda M. Baier
Lucinda M. Baier
Chief Financial Officer

 
 
EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL
OFFICER PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED
PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Brookdale Senior Living Inc. (the "Company") for the fiscal year ended 
December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), T. Andrew Smith, 
as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Lucinda M. Baier, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each 
hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, as adopted pursuant to § 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of 

operations of the Company.

/s/ T. Andrew Smith
Name:
Title:
Date:

T. Andrew Smith
President and Chief Executive Officer
February 22, 2018

/s/ Lucinda M. Baier
Name:
Title:
Date:

Lucinda M. Baier
Chief Financial Officer
February 22, 2018

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Lee S. Wielansky, Non-Executive Chairman of the Board 2, 3
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Opportunistic Equities 

Lucinda M. Baier, Director
President and Chief Executive Officer,
Brookdale Senior Living Inc. 

Marcus E. Bromley, Director 1, 3
Former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer,
Gables Residential Trust

Frank M. Bumstead, Director 2, 4
Principal Shareholder,
Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc. 

The Honorable Jackie M. Clegg, Director 1, 2, 4
Managing Partner,
Clegg International Consultants, LLC 

Rita Johnson-Mills, Director
Former President and Chief Executive Officer,
UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Tennessee

Jeffrey R. Leeds, Director 1, 2, 4
Former Chief Financial Officer,
GreenPoint Financial Corporation

James R. Seward, Director 1, 3 
Private Investor

(1) Audit Committee (2) Compensation Committee (3) Investment Committee (4) Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS  

Lucinda M. Baier
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Cedric T. Coco
Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer 

Mary Sue Patchett
Executive Vice President — Community Operations 

George T. Hicks
Executive Vice President — Finance and Treasurer 

H. Todd Kaestner
Executive Vice President — Corporate Development 

CORPORATE DATA  

Corporate Office
111 Westwood Place
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 221-2250
www.brookdale.com 

Transfer Agent
American Stock Transfer & Trust Company
6201 15th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11219
(800) 937-5449

Stock Listing
NYSE: BKD
Investor Relations Contact
Kathy MacDonald
Brookdale Senior Living
111 Westwood Place
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 564-8104 

BROOKDALE ANNUAL REPORT — 2017

Chad C. White
Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary 

Anthony V. Mollica
Division President — Brookdale Healthcare Services

Ryan D. Wilson
Senior Vice President — Sales & Marketing and Chief Growth Officer

Teresa F. Sparks
Interim Chief Financial Officer

Independent Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
155 North Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606 

2018 Annual Meeting
October 4, 2018 | 10:00 a.m. CDT
Brookdale Senior Living
111 Westwood Place
Brentwood, TN 37027
(615) 221-2250

Governance
Brookdale’s corporate governance guidelines, code of  
business conduct and ethics, the charters of the principal  
board committees and other governance information can be 
accessed through the Investor Relations portion of its website, 
www.brookdale.com. 

365 registered record holders as of August 10, 2018

 
 
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