Community Healthcare Trust
Annual Report 2017

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Notice of 2018 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement Annual Report on Form 10-K for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2017 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS MAY 17, 2018 – 8:00 A .M. CST Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated 3326 Aspen Grove Drive Suite 150 Franklin, TN 37067 (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) HOW(cid:3)TO(cid:3)VOTE(cid:3) Please(cid:3)refer(cid:3)to(cid:3)the(cid:3)notice/proxy(cid:3)card(cid:3)or(cid:3)other(cid:3)voting(cid:3)instructions(cid:3)included(cid:3)with(cid:3)these(cid:3)proxy(cid:3)materials(cid:3)for(cid:3) information(cid:3)on(cid:3)how(cid:3)to(cid:3)vote.(cid:3)(cid:3)If(cid:3)you(cid:3)vote(cid:3)on(cid:3)the(cid:3)internet,(cid:3)you(cid:3)do(cid:3)not(cid:3)need(cid:3)to(cid:3)return(cid:3)your(cid:3)proxy(cid:3)card.(cid:3) (cid:3) ANNUAL(cid:3)REPORT(cid:3)ON(cid:3)FORM(cid:3)10(cid:882)K(cid:3) The(cid:3)Company(cid:3)has(cid:3)filed(cid:3)an(cid:3)Annual(cid:3)Report(cid:3)on(cid:3)Form(cid:3)10(cid:882)K(cid:3)for(cid:3)the(cid:3)year(cid:3)ended(cid:3)December(cid:3)31,(cid:3)2017(cid:3)with(cid:3)the(cid:3) Securities(cid:3)and(cid:3)Exchange(cid:3)Commission.(cid:3)(cid:3)Shareholders(cid:3)may(cid:3)obtain(cid:3)a(cid:3)copy(cid:3)of(cid:3)this(cid:3)report,(cid:3)without(cid:3)charge,(cid:3)by(cid:3) writing:(cid:3)(cid:3)Investor(cid:3)Relations,(cid:3)Community(cid:3)Healthcare(cid:3)Trust(cid:3)Incorporated,(cid:3)3326(cid:3)Aspen(cid:3)Grove(cid:3)Drive,(cid:3)Suite(cid:3) 150,(cid:3)Franklin,(cid:3)Tennessee(cid:3)37067;(cid:3)or(cid:3)via(cid:3)email:(cid:3)investorrelations@chct.reit.(cid:3) Proxy Form 10-K y x o r P K - 0 1 m r o F 14MAR201620023771 April 2, 2018 Dear Stockholder: On behalf of the Board of Directors, we cordially invite you to attend the 2018 annual meeting of stockholders of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated, a Maryland corporation (the ‘‘Company’’). The annual meeting will be held beginning at 8:00 a.m., Central time, on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at the principal offices of the Company, located at 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150, Franklin, Tennessee 37067. The formal notice of the annual meeting appears on the next page. At the annual meeting, you will be asked to: 1. Elect five directors, each to serve a one-year term expiring in 2019; 2. Ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accountants for 2018; and 3. Transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. The accompanying proxy statement provides detailed information concerning the matters to be acted upon at the annual meeting. We urge you to review this proxy statement and each of the proposals carefully. Your vote is very important. It is important that your views be represented at the annual meeting regardless of the number of shares of common stock you own or whether you are able to attend the annual meeting in person. On April 2, 2018, we posted on the investors relations page of our Internet website, http://investors.chct.reit, a copy of our 2018 proxy statement, proxy card and our annual report to stockholders. Also, on or around April 2, 2018, we mailed a notice (the ‘‘Notice’’) containing instructions on how to access our proxy materials and vote online to our institutional stockholders who own our stock directly in their name and in the name of other stockholders. You may vote your shares on the Internet. If you request a paper copy of the proxy card or voting instruction form, we will mail you the paper copy and you may sign, date and mail the accompanying proxy card or voting instruction form in the envelope provided with your proxy card. Instructions regarding the two methods of voting by proxy are contained on the Notice and on the proxy card. As always, if you are the record holder of our stock, you may vote in person at the annual meeting. The accompanying proxy statement explains how to obtain driving directions to the meeting. On behalf of our Board of Directors, I would like to express our appreciation for your continued interest in Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated. Sincerely, 26MAR201820461048 Timothy G. Wallace Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Stockholder Meeting to be held on May 17, 2018: Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated’s 2018 proxy statement, proxy card and annual report to stockholders are available at http://investors.chct.reit. Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150 Franklin, Tennessee 37067 NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:00 a.m., Central Time, on Thursday, May 17, 2018 PLACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated ITEMS OF BUSINESS . . . . . . . . . . . 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150 Franklin, Tennessee 37067 1. To elect five directors, each to serve a one-year term expiring in 2019. 2. To ratify the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accountants for 2018. 3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the annual meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof. RECORD DATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . You can vote if you are a stockholder of record as of the close of business on March 16, 2018. ANNUAL REPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All of these documents are accessible on our Internet website, PROXY VOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . http://investors.chct.reit. You may request a paper copy of the proxy statement, the proxy card, and our annual report to stockholders, which is not part of the proxy solicitation material. It is important that your shares be represented and voted at the annual meeting. You may vote your shares on the Internet or, if you request and receive written proxy materials, you may vote by signing, dating and mailing the accompanying proxy card or voting instruction form in the envelope provided. Instructions regarding the two methods of voting are contained on the proxy card. The Notice has instructions regarding voting on the Internet. Any proxy may be revoked at any time prior to its exercise at the annual meeting. By Order of the Board of Directors, 28MAR201715105046 W. Page Barnes Secretary of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated Franklin, Tennessee April 2, 2018 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED PROXY STATEMENT INDEX QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Who is soliciting proxies from the stockholders? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What will be voted on at the annual meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How will we solicit proxies, and who bears the cost of proxy solicitation? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Who can vote at the annual meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How many votes must be present to hold the annual meeting? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How many votes does a stockholder have per share? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . What is the required vote on each proposal? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . How will the proxy be voted, and how are votes counted? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Can a proxy be revoked? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PROPOSAL 1—ELECTION OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CORPORATE GOVERNANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Board Leadership Structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Committees of the Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Director Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PROPOSAL 2—RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO USA, LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXECUTIVE OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMPENSATION TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Summary Compensation Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION . . . . . . . . . . . CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2019 ANNUAL MEETING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . OTHER MATTERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AVAILABILITY OF ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 7 7 8 9 12 15 17 19 21 22 27 27 29 29 30 30 31 31 31 32 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED PROXY STATEMENT ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, MAY 17, 2018 We are furnishing this proxy statement to the stockholders of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated in connection with the solicitation of proxies by its Board of Directors for use at the annual meeting of stockholders of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated to be held at 8:00 a.m., Central time, on Thursday, May 17, 2018 at 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150, Franklin, Tennessee 37067, as well as in connection with any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. This solicitation is made by Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated on behalf of our Board of Directors (also referred to as the ‘‘Board’’ in this proxy statement). ‘‘We,’’ ‘‘our,’’ ‘‘us’’ and the ‘‘Company’’ refer to Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated, a Maryland corporation. We have elected to provide access to our proxy materials and annual report over the Internet through a ‘‘notice and access’’ model. Accordingly, we are sending a Notice of Internet Availability of Proxy Materials (the ‘‘Notice’’) to our stockholders of record as of March 16, 2018. All stockholders will have the ability to access the proxy materials on the website referred to in the Notice or to request a printed set of the proxy materials. Instructions on how to request a printed copy by mail or electronically may be found on the Notice and on the website referred to in the Notice, including an option to request paper copies on an ongoing basis. On April 2, 2018, we intend to make this proxy statement available on the Internet and, on or around April 2, 2018, we intend to mail the Notice to all stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting. We intend to mail this Proxy Statement, together with a proxy card, to those stockholders entitled to vote at the annual meeting who have properly requested paper copies of such materials, within three business days of such receipt. This proxy statement, proxy card and our annual report to stockholders are available at http://investors.chct.reit. This website address contains the following documents: the Notice, the proxy statement and proxy card sample, and the annual report to stockholders. You are encouraged to access and review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials before voting. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS REGARDING THE 2018 ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS Who is soliciting proxies from the stockholders? Our Board of Directors is soliciting your proxy. The proxy provides you with the opportunity to vote on the proposals presented at the annual meeting, whether or not you attend the annual meeting. What will be voted on at the annual meeting? Our stockholders will vote on two proposals at the annual meeting: 1. The election of five directors, who are each to serve a one-year term expiring in 2019 or until his successor is elected and qualified; 2. The ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accountants for 2018. Your proxy will also give the proxy holders discretionary authority to vote the shares represented by the proxy on any matter, other than the above proposals, that is properly presented for action at the annual meeting. y x o r P 1 How will we solicit proxies, and who bears the cost of proxy solicitation? Our directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies by telephone, mail, facsimile, via the Internet or by overnight delivery service. These individuals do not receive separate compensation for these services. Finally, in accordance with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the ‘‘SEC’’), we will reimburse brokerage firms and other persons representing beneficial owners of our common stock for their reasonable expenses in forwarding solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. Who can vote at the annual meeting? Our Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on Friday, March 16, 2018, as the record date for our annual meeting. Only stockholders of record on that date are entitled to receive notice of and vote at the annual meeting. As of March 16, 2018, our only outstanding class of securities was common stock, $0.01 par value per share. On that date, we had 450,000,000 shares of common stock authorized, of which 18,179,799 shares were outstanding. You (if you, rather than your broker, are the record holder of our stock) can vote either in person at the annual meeting or by proxy, whether or not you attend the annual meeting. If you would like to attend the annual meeting in person and need directions, please contact W. Page Barnes by e-mail at investorrelations@chct.reit or by telephone at 615-771-3052. You may vote your shares on the Internet or, to the extent you request written proxy materials, by signing, dating and mailing the accompanying proxy card in the envelope provided. Instructions regarding the two methods of voting by proxy are contained on the proxy card. How many votes must be present to hold the annual meeting? A quorum must be present to hold our annual meeting. The presence, in person or by proxy, of a majority of the votes entitled to be cast at the annual meeting constitutes a quorum. Your shares, once represented for any purpose at the annual meeting, are deemed present for purposes of determining a quorum for the remainder of the meeting and for any adjournment, unless a new record date is set for the adjourned meeting. This is true even if you abstain from voting with respect to any matter brought before the annual meeting. As of March 16, 2018, we had 18,179,799 shares of common stock outstanding; thus, we anticipate that the quorum for our annual meeting will be 9,089,901 shares. How many votes does a stockholder have per share? Our stockholders are entitled to one vote for each share held. What is the required vote on each proposal? Directors are elected by a plurality vote; the candidates up for election who receive the highest number of votes cast, up to the number of directors to be elected, are elected. Stockholders do not have the right to cumulate their votes. The proposal to ratify our appointment of BDO USA, LLP, or BDO, as our independent registered public accountants for 2018, is approved by our stockholders if the votes cast favoring the ratification exceed the votes cast opposing the ratification. How will the proxy be voted, and how are votes counted? If you vote by proxy (either voting on the Internet or by properly completing and returning a paper proxy card that you receive upon requesting written proxy materials), the shares represented by your proxy will be voted at the annual meeting as you instruct, including any adjournments or postponements of the meeting. If you return a signed proxy card but no voting instructions are given, 2 the proxy holders will exercise their discretionary authority to vote the shares represented by the proxy at the annual meeting and any adjournments or postponements as follows: 1. 2. ‘‘FOR’’ the election of nominees Alan Gardner, Claire Gulmi, Robert Hensley, Lawrence Van Horn, and Timothy Wallace. ‘‘FOR’’ the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accountants for 2018. If you hold your shares in broker’s name (sometimes call ‘‘street name’’ or ‘‘nominee name’’), you must provide voting instructions to your broker. If you do not provide instructions to your broker, your shares will not be voted in any matter on which your broker does not have discretionary authority to vote, which generally includes non-routine matters. A vote that is not cast for this reason is called a ‘‘broker non-vote.’’ Broker non-votes will be treated as shares present for the purpose of determining whether a quorum is present at the annual meeting, but they will not be considered present for purposes of calculating the vote on a particular matter, nor will they be counted as a vote FOR or AGAINST a matter or as an abstention on the matter. Under the rules of the New York Stock Exchange (‘‘NYSE’’), which is the stock exchange on which our common stock is listed, the ratification of our appointment of our independent registered public accountants is considered a routine matter for broker voting purposes, but the election of directors is not considered routine. It is important that you instruct your broker as to how you wish to have your shares voted, even if you wish to vote as recommended by the Board. Can a proxy be revoked? Yes. You can revoke your proxy at any time before it is voted. You revoke your proxy (1) by giving written notice to our Corporate Secretary before the annual meeting, (2) by granting a subsequent proxy on the Internet, or (3) by delivering a signed proxy card dated later than your previous proxy. If you, rather than your broker, are the record holder of your stock, a proxy can also be revoked by appearing in person and voting at the annual meeting. Written notice of the revocation of a proxy should be delivered to the following address: W. Page Barnes, Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated, 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150, Franklin, Tennessee 37067. y x o r P PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS The persons listed below have been nominated by our Board of Directors to serve as directors for a one-year term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders occurring in 2019: Alan Gardner, Claire Gulmi, Robert Hensley, Lawrence Van Horn and Timothy Wallace. Alfred Lumsdaine’s term as a director of the Company expires at the 2018 annual meeting upon the election of his successor, and Mr. Lumsdaine has decided not to stand for reelection as a director at our 2018 annual meeting. Thus, we have not included information regarding Mr. Lumsdaine below. Each nominee has consented to serve on our Board of Directors. If any nominee were to become unavailable to serve as a director, our Board of Directors may designate a substitute nominee. In that case, the persons named as proxies on the accompanying proxy card will vote for the substitute nominee designated by our Board of Directors. The following lists each director nominated for election to serve as a director for a one-year term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders occurring in 2019, which includes a brief discussion of the experience, qualifications and skills that led us to conclude that such individual should be a member of our Board. We believe that our Board of Directors consists of a diverse collection of individuals who possess the integrity, education, work ethic and ability to work with others necessary to oversee our business effectively and to represent the interests of all stockholders, including the qualities listed below. We have attempted below to highlight certain notable experience, qualifications and skills for each director nominee, rather than provide an 3 exhaustive catalog of each and every qualification and skill that a director possesses. Each of the nominees set forth below, other than Claire Gulmi, is currently serving as a director of the Company. Name Age Background, Qualifications and Skills Alan Gardner . . . . . . 64 Mr. Gardner retired from Wells Fargo in October 2015. Prior to his retirement, he was a senior relationship manager in healthcare corporate banking. He primarily covered national healthcare companies with market capitalization exceeding $5 billion, generally in the pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare services sectors. Mr. Gardner has over 26 years of corporate and investment banking experience, with 20 years covering healthcare companies. Prior to joining Wells Fargo (Wachovia) in March 2004, Mr. Gardner was head of healthcare for FleetBoston Financial from 2003 to 2004 and was a managing director for Banc of America Securities from 1996 to 2003. During his career, Mr. Gardner has led a number of significant financing transactions for leading public healthcare companies. Mr. Gardner previously served as president of the Board of Trustees for Omni Montessori School in Charlotte, North Carolina, as Charlotte Chapter chair for the Impact Angel Network (‘‘IAN’’). IAN is managed by RENEW, LLC, an investment advisory and management consulting firm based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Washington D.C. and on the board of directors at Christ Lutheran Church in Charolotte, North Carolina. Mr. Gardner earned a B.S. and M.S. from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and an M.B.A. in finance and accounting from the University of Rochester. Mr. Gardner is our lead independent director, and Mr. Gardner’s commercial banking, capital markets and healthcare industry experience makes him a valuable resource to our Board of Directors. 4 Name Age Background, Qualifications and Skills Claire Gulmi . . . . . . 64 Ms. Gulmi served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Robert Hensley . . . . y x o r P Officer of Envision Healthcare, a $7 billion public company, the largest owner/operator of ambulatory surgery centers in the United States and a leading provider of hospital based physician services, until her retirement in October 2017. Ms. Gulmi continues to serve as an advisor to Envision until September 2018. Prior to Envision’s merger with AmSurg Corp in 2016, Ms. Gulmi served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AmSurg starting in 1994. She was a member of the Board of Directors of AmSurg from 2004 until the merger in 2016. From 2015 to 2017, Ms. Gulmi served on the Board of Directors and as the audit committee chair of Air Methods Corp, a $1.5 billion public company and the largest provider of air medical emergency transport services in the U.S. From 2001 to 2015 she served on the advisory board of the Bank of Nashville. Ms. Gulmi has a BBA in Accounting and Finance from Belmont University. Ms. Gulmi is the past board chair of the YWCA of Nashville, serves on the boards of the Frist Center for the Visual Arts and Nashville Public Radio. She has served as board chair for the Bethlehem Centers of Nashville and has served on the boards of the Girl Scouts, the American Heart Association and All About Women. Ms. Gulmi has been named by the Nashville Business Journal as one of its Healthcare 100, was one of the 2007 winners of the Nashville Business Journal’s Women of Influence and in 2011 received the Nashville Business Journal’s CFO Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Gulmi’s over 30 years of experience in corporate finance, accounting and healthcare makes her a valuable resource to our Board of Directors. 60 Mr. Hensley has more than 30 years of experience serving public and privately-held companies across a range of industries, including healthcare, insurance, real estate and private equity capital funds. Mr. Hensley is also the founder of a private publishing company and the principal owner of two real estate and rental property development companies. Mr. Hensley was an audit partner with Ernst & Young from 2002 to 2003. Previously, he was with Arthur Andersen, where he served as an audit partner from 1990 to 2002, and was the managing partner of their Nashville office from 1997 to 2002. His significant experience includes mergers and acquisitions, identification of enterprise and industry risk, and forensic investigations and disputes. Since 2008, Mr. Hensley has served as a senior advisor to the healthcare and transaction advisory services groups of Alvarez and Marsal, LLC (‘‘A&M’’). Mr. Hensley serves on the board of directors for Diversicare Healthcare Services, Inc. Mr. Hensley previously served on the board of directors for Capella Healthcare from 2008 to 2015. Mr. Hensley previously served as a director of Greenway Medical Technologies from 2011 to 2013, HealthSpring, Inc. from 2006 to 2012 and Comsys IT Partners, Inc. and Spheris, Inc. from 2006 to 2010. Mr. Hensley earned a B.S. in accounting and a Master’s of Accountancy from the University of Tennessee and is a Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Hensley’s financial accounting, healthcare industry and transactional experience makes him a valuable resource to our Board of Directors. 5 Name Lawrence Van Horn . Age 50 Background, Qualifications and Skills Professor Van Horn has been an associate professor of Economics and Management and the Executive Director of Health Affairs at the Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management (‘‘Owen’’) since 2006. Professor Van Horn is a leading expert and researcher on healthcare management and economics. His current research interests include nonprofit conduct, governance and objectives in healthcare markets and the measurement of healthcare outcomes and productivity. His research on healthcare organizations, managerial incentives in nonprofit hospitals and the conduct of managed care firms has appeared in leading publications. Professor Van Horn consults for national consulting firms, providers, managed care organizations, and pharmaceutical firms. Professor Van Horn also holds faculty appointments in the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and Law School. Prior to his tenure at Owen, from 1996 to 2006, Professor Van Horn served as an associate professor of economics and management at the William E. Simon Graduate School of Business at the University of Rochester where he was responsible for their graduate programs in health administration. Professor Van Horn began serving on the board of directors of Quorum Health Corporation in January 2016. Professor Van Horn holds a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and a Master’s in Business Administration, a Master’s in Public Health and a B.A. from the University of Rochester. Professor Van Horn’s extensive knowledge and research into healthcare industry economics and governance as well as his unique experience with healthcare decision makers and business executives nationwide regarding healthcare policy make him a valuable resource to our Board of Directors. Timothy Wallace . . . . 59 Mr. Wallace has served as our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President since the formation of our Company in March 2014. Prior to founding our Company, from 2003 to 2014, Mr. Wallace was co-founder, President and majority owner of Athena Funding Partners, LLC and related entities which were established in 2002 to provide financing solutions to the higher education industry for on-campus student housing facilities mostly in rural areas. From 1993 to 2002, Mr. Wallace was a co-founder and Executive Vice President of Healthcare Realty Trust (NYSE: HR) (‘‘HR’’). Between HR’s initial public offering in 1993 and his departure from HR in 2002, Mr. Wallace was integral in helping to grow HR from $2,000 to over $2 billion in asset value. Mr. Wallace remained as a paid consultant to HR and was subject to a non-compete until 2008. Mr. Wallace was a senior manager at Ernst & Young from 1988 to 1993. Mr. Wallace began his career in 1980 with Arthur Andersen & Co. Mr. Wallace holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Masters in Business Administration, both from Western Kentucky University. Mr. Wallace was selected to serve as Chairman because of his past public company experience, his experience in real estate, including acquiring healthcare real estate, and his role as Chief Executive Officer and President of our Company. Each of the persons listed above has been nominated by our Board of Directors to serve as directors for a one-year term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders occurring in 2019. Each 6 nominee has consented to serve on our Board of Directors. If any nominee were to become unavailable to serve as a director, our Board of Directors may designate a substitute nominee. In that case, the persons named as proxies on the accompanying proxy card will vote for the substitute nominee designated by our Board of Directors. Required Vote Directors are elected by a plurality vote; the nominees who receive the highest number of votes cast, up to the number of directors to be elected in that class, are elected. Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote ‘‘FOR’’ the election of each of the five nominees for director to the Board of Directors. Board Leadership Structure CORPORATE GOVERNANCE Our Board of Directors currently consists of the following five directors: Alan Gardner, Robert Hensley, Alfred Lumsdaine, Lawrence Van Horn and Timothy Wallace. Assuming that our nominees for director are elected at the annual meeting, our Board will consist of the following five directors: Alan Gardner, Claire Gulmi, Robert Hensley, Lawrence Van Horn and Timothy Wallace, each for a one-year term. Our Board has affirmatively determined that each of Alan Gardner, Claire Gulmi, Robert Hensley, Alfred Lumsdaine and Lawrence Van Horn is an ‘‘independent director’’ as defined under the listing rules of the NYSE, Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ‘‘Exchange Act’’), and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines. The Board considered the relationships between our directors and the Company when determining each director’s status as an ‘‘independent director’’ under the listing rules of the NYSE, Rule 10A-3 of the Exchange Act and the Company’s Corporate Governance Guidelines, including the relationships listed below under ‘‘Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions’’ The Board determined that these relationships did not affect any director’s status as an ‘‘independent director.’’ Furthermore, we are not aware of any family relationships between any director, executive officer or person nominated to become a director or executive officer. Timothy Wallace, our President and Chief Executive Officer, serves as Chairman of the Board of the Company, while Alan Gardner serves as ‘‘lead independent director’’ on our Board. The members of the Board who meet the definition of ‘‘independent director’’ under the listing rules of the NYSE select our lead independent director. The lead independent director’s responsibilities are explained below. We have chosen a Board leadership structure with Mr. Wallace serving as our Chairman because we believe this structure results in a single voice speaking for the Company and presents a unified and clear chain of command to execute our strategic initiatives and business plans. Also, the Chairman of the Board is expected to manage the Board in performing its duties and lead Board discussion. As our President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wallace is ideally positioned to provide insight on the current status of our overall operations, our future plans and prospects and the risks that we face. Thus, the individual with the most knowledge about us and our operations is responsible for leading the Board’s discussions. The Board retains the authority to separate the positions of chairman and chief executive officer if it finds that the Board’s responsibilities can be better fulfilled with a different structure. y x o r P 7 We also have a lead independent director. The lead independent director serves as an independent counterbalance to the Chairman, ensuring that all of our directors’ concerns are addressed and otherwise facilitating robust discussions among the entire Board (which, as noted above, is comprised almost entirely of ‘‘independent directors’’). In terms of Board leadership, we view the lead director as essentially a co-equal with the Chairman of the Board. Mr. Gardner has been a director since 2015 and was the second director to join the Board following Mr. Wallace, which we believe adds weight to his independent voice on the Board. Also, at each meeting, if he deems it necessary, the lead independent director may call the Board into executive session (that is, a meeting of only those directors who are ‘‘independent directors’’ under the listing rules of the NYSE) to discuss matters outside the presence of the Chairman and other non-independent directors, if any. Our lead independent director is selected on an annual basis by a majority of the independent directors then serving on our Board of Directors. Our Lead Independent Director Charter sets forth a complete description of the lead director’s responsibilities. In general, the lead director is responsible for: (cid:129) serving as liaison between the Chairman and our other independent directors; (cid:129) calling and presiding at executive sessions of the independent directors; (cid:129) serving as the focal point of communication to the Board of Directors regarding management plans and initiatives; (cid:129) ensuring that the management adheres to the Board of Directors’ oversight role over management operations; (cid:129) providing the medium for informal dialogue with and between independent directors, allowing for free and open communication within that group; and (cid:129) serving as the communication conduit for third parties who wish to communicate with our Board of Directors. In addition to these specific duties, we expect the lead independent director to familiarize himself with the Company and the real estate investment trust and healthcare industries in general. He also is expected to keep abreast of developments in the principles of sound corporate governance. The Board’s Role in Risk Oversight One of the key functions of our Board of Directors is to provide oversight of our risk management process. Our Board of Directors administers this oversight function directly, with support from its three standing committees—the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee, and the Corporate Governance Committee—each of which addresses risks specific to their respective areas of oversight. In particular, our Audit Committee has the responsibility to consider and discuss our major financial risk exposures and the steps our management has taken to monitor and control these exposures, including guidelines and policies to govern the process by which risk assessment and management is undertaken. The Audit Committee also monitors compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and has oversight of the performance of our internal audit function. Our Compensation Committee assesses and monitors whether any of our compensation policies and programs has the potential to encourage excessive risk-taking. Our Corporate Governance Committee monitors the effectiveness of our corporate governance guidelines, including whether they are successful in preventing illegal or improper liability-creating conduct. Each committee meets regularly with management to assist it in identifying all of the risks within such committee’s areas of responsibility and in monitoring and, where necessary, taking appropriate action to mitigate the applicable risks. At each Board meeting, the committee chairman provides a report to the full Board on issues related to such committee’s risk oversight duties. To the extent that 8 any risks reported to the full Board need to be discussed outside the presence of management, the Board will call an executive session to discuss these issues. We believe the Board’s approach to fulfilling its risk oversight responsibilities complements its leadership structure. In his capacity as chairman of the Board, Mr. Wallace reviews whether Board committees are addressing their risk oversight duties in a comprehensive and timely manner. Since he is also our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Wallace is able to assist these committees in fulfilling their duties by (1) requiring that our management team provide these committees with all requested reports and other information as well as with access to our employees and (2) implementing recommendations of the various Board committees to mitigate risk. At the same time, Mr. Gardner, as our lead independent director, is able to lead an independent review of the risk assessments developed by management and reported to the committees. Our Board held five meetings during 2017. In 2017, our directors attended all of our Board meetings as well as all of the meetings of the committees on which they served. The members who are ‘‘independent directors’’ under NYSE Rule 303A.02 met in executive session four times during 2017. We do not have a policy requiring director attendance at our annual meeting. All of our directors attended our 2017 annual stockholder meeting, other than Mr. Van Horn. Committees of the Board of Directors Our Board of Directors has three standing committees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Corporate Governance Committee. The principal functions of each committee are described below. We currently comply, and we intend to continue to comply, with the listing requirements and other rules and regulations of the NYSE and each of these committees are comprised exclusively of independent directors. Additionally, our Board of Directors may from time to time establish certain other committees to facilitate the management of our Company. y x o r P Audit Committee Prior to our annual meeting, our Audit Committee consisted of Messrs. Gardner, Hensley, and Lumsdaine, all of whom are independent directors, with Mr. Hensley serving as chairman. Assuming that all of our nominees for director are elected at our annual meeting, there will be three members of the Audit Committee: Mr. Gardner, Ms. Gulmi, and Mr. Hensley, all of whom are independent directors, with Mr. Hensley serving as the chairman. Ms. Gulmi and Mr. Hensley each qualify as an ‘‘audit committee financial expert’’ as that term is defined by the applicable SEC regulations and NYSE corporate governance listing standards. Our Board of Directors has determined that each of the proposed Audit Committee members is ‘‘financially literate’’ as that term is defined by the NYSE corporate governance listing standards. We have adopted an Audit Committee Charter, which details the principal functions of the Audit Committee, including oversight related to: (cid:129) our accounting and financial reporting processes; (cid:129) the integrity of our consolidated financial statements and financial reporting process; (cid:129) our systems of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting; (cid:129) our compliance with financial, legal and regulatory requirements; (cid:129) the evaluation of the qualifications, independence and performance of our independent registered public accounting firm; (cid:129) reviewing the adequacy of our Audit Committee Charter on an annual basis; (cid:129) the performance of our internal audit function; and 9 (cid:129) our overall risk profile. The Audit Committee is also responsible for engaging an independent registered public accounting firm, reviewing with the independent registered public accounting firm the plans and results of the audit engagement, approving professional services provided by the independent registered accounting firm, including all audit and non-audit services, reviewing the independence of the independent registered public accounting firm, considering the range of audit and non-audit fees and reviewing the adequacy of our internal accounting controls. The Audit Committee met five times in 2017. A copy of the charter of our Audit Committee is available on the investor relations webpage of our website, http://investors.chct.reit. Compensation Committee Prior to our annual meeting, our Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Gardner, Lumsdaine, and Van Horn, all of whom are ‘‘independent directors’’ as defined in NYSE Rule 303A.02, with Mr. Lumsdaine serving as chairman. Assuming that all of our nominees for director are elected, after the annual meeting there will be three members of the Compensation Committee: Mr. Gardner, Ms. Gulmi, and Mr. Van Horn, all of whom are ‘‘independent directors’’ as defined in NYSE Rule 303A.02, with Ms. Gulmi serving as chairman. Further, each current and proposed member of the Compensation Committee is a ‘‘non-employee director’’ as defined in Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act. We have adopted a Compensation Committee Charter, which details the principal functions of the Compensation Committee, including: (cid:129) reviewing and recommending to our Board of Directors on an annual basis the corporate goals and objectives relevant to our chief executive officer’s compensation, evaluating our chief executive officer’s performance in light of such goals and objectives and determining and approving the remuneration of our chief executive officer based on such evaluation; (cid:129) reviewing and recommending to our Board of Directors the compensation, if any, of all of our other executive officers; (cid:129) evaluating our executive compensation policies and plans; (cid:129) assisting management in complying with our proxy statement and annual report disclosure requirements; (cid:129) administering our incentive plans; (cid:129) reviewing and recommending to our Board of Directors policies with respect to incentive compensation and equity compensation arrangements; (cid:129) reviewing the competitiveness of our executive compensation programs and evaluating the effectiveness of our compensation policy and strategy in achieving expected benefits to us; (cid:129) evaluating and overseeing risks associated with compensation policies and practices; (cid:129) reviewing and recommending to our Board of Directors the terms of any employment agreements, severance arrangements change in control protections and any other compensatory arrangements for our executive officers; (cid:129) reviewing the adequacy of its Compensation Committee Charter on an annual basis; (cid:129) producing a report on executive compensation to be included in our annual proxy statement as required; and (cid:129) reviewing, evaluating and recommending changes, if appropriate, to the remuneration for directors. 10 The Compensation Committee met three times in 2017. A copy of the charter of our Compensation Committee is available on the investor relations webpage of our website, http://investors.chct.reit. Corporate Governance Committee Prior to our annual meeting, our Corporate Governance Committee consists of Messrs. Gardner, Hensley, and Van Horn, all of whom are ‘‘independent directors’’ as defined in NYSE Rule 303A.02, with Mr. Van Horn serving as chairman. Assuming that all of our nominees for director are elected at our annual meeting, the members and chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee will remain the same. We have adopted a Corporate Governance Committee charter, which details the principal functions of the Corporate Governance Committee, including: (cid:129) identifying, evaluating and recommending to the full Board of Directors qualified candidates for election as directors and recommending nominees for election as directors at the annual meeting of stockholders; (cid:129) developing and recommending to the Board of Directors corporate governance guidelines and implementing and monitoring such guidelines; (cid:129) reviewing and making recommendations on matters involving the general operation of the Board of Directors, including Board size and composition, and committee composition and structure; (cid:129) evaluating and recommending to the Board of Directors nominees for each committee of the Board of Directors; (cid:129) annually facilitating the assessment of the Board of Directors’ performance as a whole and of the individual directors, as required by applicable law, regulations and the NYSE corporate governance listing standards; (cid:129) considering nominations by stockholders of candidates for election to our Board of Directors; (cid:129) considering and assessing the independence of members of our Board of Directors; (cid:129) developing, as appropriate, a set of corporate governance principles, and reviewing and recommending to our Board of Directors any changes to such principles; (cid:129) periodically reviewing our policy statements; and (cid:129) reviewing, at least annually, the adequacy of its Corporate Governance Committee Charter. When evaluating director candidates, the Corporate Governance Committee’s objective is to craft a Board composed of individuals with a broad and diverse mix of backgrounds and experiences and possessing, as a whole, all of the skills and expertise necessary to guide a company like us in the prevailing business environment. The Corporate Governance Committee uses the same criteria to assess all candidates for director, regardless of who proposed the candidate. The Corporate Governance Committee considers whether the candidate possesses the following qualifications and qualities: (cid:129) independence for purposes of the NYSE rules and SEC rules and regulations, and a record of honest and ethical conduct and personal integrity; (cid:129) experience in the healthcare, real estate and/or public real estate investment trust industry or in finance, accounting, legal or other professional disciplines; (cid:129) ability to represent the interests of all of our stockholders; and (cid:129) ability to devote time to the Board of Directors and to enhance their knowledge of our industry. 11 y x o r P The Corporate Governance Committee met one time in 2017. A copy of the charter of the Corporate Governance Committee is available on the investor relations webpage of our website, http://investors.chct.reit. Our Corporate Governance Guidelines and Code of Ethics and Business Conduct are also available on the investor relations webpage of our website, http://investors.chct.reit. If we make any substantive amendment to the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct or grant any waiver, including any implicit waiver, from a provision of the Code of Ethics and Business Conduct to certain executive officers, we are obligated to disclose the nature of such amendment or waiver, the name of the person to whom any waiver was granted, and the date of waiver on our website or in a report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC. Usually, nominees for election to the Board are proposed by the current members of the Board. The Corporate Governance Committee will also consider candidates that stockholders and others recommend. Stockholder recommendations should be addressed to: W. Page Barnes, Corporate Secretary, 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150, Franklin, Tennessee 37067. Your recommendations must be submitted to us no earlier than November 4, 2018, nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time on December 3, 2018, for consideration as a possible nominee for election to the Board at our 2019 annual meeting. The Board has not adopted a formal procedure that you must follow to send communications to it, but it does have informal procedures, described below, which it believes adequately facilitate stockholder and other interested party communications with the Board. Stockholders and other interested parties can send communications to the Board by contacting W. Page Barnes, our Corporate Secretary, in one of the following ways: (cid:129) By writing to Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated, 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150, Franklin, Tennessee, 37067, Attention: Corporate Secretary; (cid:129) By e-mail to investorrelations@chct.reit; or (cid:129) By phone at 615-771-3052. If you request information or ask questions that can be more efficiently addressed by management, Mr. Barnes will respond to your questions instead of the Board. He will forward to the Audit Committee any communication concerning employee fraud or accounting matters and will forward to the full Board any communication relating to corporate governance or those requiring action by the Board of Directors. A stockholder may communicate directly with Mr. Gardner, the lead independent director, by sending a confidential letter address to his attention at 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150, Franklin, Tennessee, 37067. Director Compensation The Compensation Committee recommends the compensation for our non-employee directors; our full Board approves or modifies the recommendation. Any modifications are implemented after the annual meeting. Directors who are also our employees receive no additional compensation for their service as directors, but they are reimbursed for any direct expenses incurred to attend our meetings. Annual compensation of non-employee directors may be a combination of cash and restricted stock at levels set by the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee retained FPL Advisory Group (‘‘FPL’’) as its independent compensation consultant in 2017 to advise it regarding market trends and practices in director compensation and with respect to specific compensation decisions. The Compensation Committee expects to meet every three years with a compensation consultant to discuss director compensation trends. The consultant may also attend Compensation Committee meetings periodically. FPL met with the chair of the Compensation Committee and provided a report to the Compensation Committee in 2017, during and in which it provided a review of recent trends and developments in director 12 compensation practices within the Company’s industry and in general. FPL received a fee of $15,000 for its compensation consulting services provided to the Compensation Committee in 2017 with respect to director compensation, as well as an $800 administrative fee. Cash compensation Each non-employee director receives an annual retainer, with chairpersons of our board committees and the lead director receiving additional annual retainers. The annual retainer is earned at the annual meeting of our stockholders. Director compensation may be adjusted by the Compensation Committee based on an evaluation of director compensation at peer companies, and, in February 2018, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in the annual cash retainer from $25,000 to $40,000 per year, beginning with the retainer earned at the 2018 annual meeting. At the 2017 annual meeting, the chairpersons of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance Committee received additional annual retainers of $10,000, $7,500 and $7,500, respectively, and the lead independent director received an additional annual retainer of $10,000. In February 2018, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in these additional retainers, beginning with the 2018 annual meeting. The chairpersons of the Audit Committee, the Compensation Committee and the Corporate Governance Committee will receive annual retainers of $15,000, $10,000 and $10,000, respectively, for their services as chairpersons, and the lead independent director will receive an annual retainer of $17,500 for his service as lead director. Each year, non-employee directors may elect to take all or a portion of each of their retainers and other cash compensation in the form of restricted stock. The number of shares of restricted stock to be acquired will be determined as of the 15th business day following the date of our annual meeting of stockholders by dividing the total of the director’s elected reduced annual retainer by the average price of the common stock for the 10 trading days immediately preceding the determination date. Payments of restricted stock in lieu of an annual retainer otherwise payable in cash will be made thereafter. Pursuant to the Company’s Amended and Restated Alignment of Interest Program (the ‘‘Restated Alignment Program’’), each director who makes this election will be awarded additional shares, at no additional cost to the director, according to the following multiples: Duration of Restriction Period Restriction Multiple 1 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.2x 0.4x 0.6x The restriction period subjects the shares obtained by the cash deferral and the restriction multiple to the risk of forfeiture in the event that a director voluntarily resigns or is removed by the stockholders for any reason during the year for which the director received compensation. During the restricted period, the restricted shares may not be sold, assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred. Accordingly, for example, if a non-employee director elects to receive stock compensation in lieu of cash compensation that is equivalent in value to 1,000 shares of common stock and the director elected a three-year restriction period for such stock compensation, the non-employee director would receive the 1,000 shares of restricted common stock in lieu of the director’s cash compensation plus an award of 600 shares of restricted common stock for electing to subject his or her stock compensation to a three-year restriction period, resulting in a total receipt of 1,600 shares of restricted common stock, all of which would be subject to a three-year cliff vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest. All unvested shares will be forfeited, however, if such non-employee director voluntarily resigns or is removed by the stockholders for any reason prior to vesting. Subject to the risk of forfeiture and 13 y x o r P transfer restrictions, non-employee directors have all rights as stockholders with respect to restricted shares, including the right to vote and receive dividends or other distributions on such shares. Stock Awards Each non-employee director is awarded an annual grant of shares of restricted stock. Our goal is to have a minimum of 60% to 75% of the aggregate total compensation for our non-employee directors paid in the form of restricted stock having a restriction period of up to three years. Directors are not entitled to receive a restriction multiple for this award. Through 2017, each non-employee director received an annual equity award of restricted stock with an aggregate market value of $50,000 at the conclusion of each annual stockholders’ meeting. These shares are subject to a three-year cliff vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest. In February 2018, the Compensation Committee approved an increase in the annual equity award, whereby, beginning with the 2018 annual meeting, each non-employee director will receive an annual equity award of restricted stock with an aggregate market value of $75,000 at the conclusion of each annual stockholders’ meeting. These shares are subject to a three-year cliff vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest. During the restricted periods described above, the restricted shares may not be sold, assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred. Additionally, such non-employee director must forfeit such equity award if the non-employee director voluntarily resigns or is removed for any reason during the year for which the non-employee director is receiving compensation. Subject to the risk of forfeiture and transfer restrictions, directors have all rights as stockholders with respect to restricted shares, including the right to vote and receive dividends or other distributions on such shares. Mr. Lumsdaine has elected not to stand for reelection at the 2018 annual meeting and, in connection with Mr. Lumsdaine not standing for reelection, the Compensation Committee and the Board approved amendments to Mr. Lumsdaine’s restricted stock agreements and award grants that deleted the immediate forfeiture provisions with respect to his restricted stock that will not have vested by May 17, 2018, the date of our annual meeting. Thus, as of May 17, 2018, 13,569 shares of common stock, which represents all of the common stock granted or awarded to Mr. Lumsdaine as a director of the Company, will remain subject to transfer restrictions that will expire according to the original vesting schedule. 2017 Director Compensation The following table sets forth compensation paid during 2017 to each of our non-employee directors: Name(1) Fees Earned or Paid Fees Paid in Cash Fees Paid in Stock(2) Stock Awards(3) All Other Compensation Alan Gardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Hensley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alfred Lumsdaine(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence Van Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ — $10,000 $ — $ — $35,000 $25,000 $32,500 $32,500 $70,966 $54,970 $69,467 $69,467 $— $— $— $— Total $105,966 $ 89,970 $101,967 $101,967 (1) Mr. Wallace is our other director and is also a full-time employee whose compensation is discussed below under the section titled ‘‘Executive Compensation’’ and ‘‘Summary Compensation Table.’’ Mr. Wallace receives no additional compensation for his service as a director. (2) This column represents non-employee director annual retainer and additional annual retainer amounts, approximately 93% of which was paid in shares of our restricted common stock in lieu of 14 cash. All of the shares are subject to a three-year cliff vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest, subject to the director’s continuing service as a director of the Company. (3) Represents the grant date fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of awards of restricted stock to the non-employee directors in 2017, or the 2017 Director Awards, under our 2014 Incentive Plan (defined on page 16). The dollar value of the 2017 Director Awards was based upon the grant date price of our common stock, which was $24.50 on May 30, 2017. This column also includes the amount of the grant date value of the shares received in accordance with restriction multiples with respect to the deferral of director retainer amounts based on the price of our common stock of $25.80 on the determination date, June 20, 2017. All of the shares are subject to a three-year cliff vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the third anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest, subject to the director’s continuing service as a director of the Company. (4) Mr. Lumsdaine’s term as a director of the Company expires at the 2018 annual meeting upon the election of his successor. Immediate forfeiture provisions contained in Mr. Lumsdaine’s restricted stock agreements and award grants have been deleted as of May 17, 2018 and his shares will remain subject to transfer restrictions that will expire according to the original vesting schedule. We also reimburse our directors for expenses they incur in connection with their service on our Board, such as director education, travel and lodging expenses. PROPOSAL 2 RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF BDO USA, LLP AS OUR INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS FOR 2018 y x o r P General We are asking our stockholders to ratify the selection of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accountants for 2018. Although current law, rules and regulations, as well as the charter of the Audit Committee, require the Audit Committee to engage, retain and supervise our independent registered public accountants, we view the selection of the independent registered public accountants as an important matter of stockholder concern and thus are submitting the selection of BDO USA, LLP for ratification by stockholders as a matter of good corporate practice. The Audit Committee appointed BDO USA, LLP to serve as our independent registered public accountants for the 2017 fiscal year and has appointed BDO USA, LLP to serve as our independent registered public accountants for the 2018 fiscal year. A representative of BDO USA, LLP is expected to attend the annual meeting. If present, the representative will have the opportunity to make a statement and will be available to respond to appropriate questions. BDO USA, LLP has served as our independent registered public accountants since 2015. 15 Audit and Non-Audit Services Fees related to services performed for us by BDO USA, LLP in fiscal years 2017 and 2016 are as follows: Audit Fees(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Audit-Related Fees(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Other Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $460,056 — — — $395,238 49,652 — — Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $460,056 $444,890 2017 2016 (1) Audit fees include fees and expenses associated with the audit of our financial statements, the reviews of the financial statements in our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and services provided in connection with registration statements and periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Audit fees for 2017 include fees associated with registration statements totaling $71,405. Audit fees for 2016 include fees associated with registration statements totaling $165,302. (2) Audit-related fees for 2016 included fees associated with Rule 3-14 audits. In accordance with the procedures set forth in its charter, the Audit Committee pre-approves all auditing services and permitted non-audit and tax services (including the fees and terms of those services) to be performed for us by our independent registered public accountants prior to their engagement with respect to such services, subject to the de minimis exceptions for non-audit services permitted by the Exchange Act, which are approved by the Audit Committee prior to the completion of the audit. Required Vote The affirmative vote by a majority of the votes cast at the annual meeting is required for the ratification of the appointment of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accountants. Abstentions will have no effect on this proposal. If our stockholders fail to ratify this appointment, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether to retain BDO USA, LLP and may retain that firm or another firm without resubmitting the matter to our stockholders. Even if the appointment is ratified, the Audit Committee may, in its discretion, direct the appointment of a different independent registered public accountant at any time during the year if it determines that such change would be in our best interests and in the best interests of our stockholders. Our Board of Directors unanimously recommends a vote ‘‘FOR’’ the ratification of BDO USA, LLP as our independent registered public accountants for 2018. 16 REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE The information provided in this section shall not be deemed to be ‘‘soliciting material’’ or to be ‘‘filed’’ with the SEC or subject to its proxy regulations or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act. The information provided in this section shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act. The Audit Committee oversees our financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for the preparation, consistency and fair presentation of the financial statements, the accounting and financial reporting process, the systems of internal control, and the procedures designed to ensure compliance with accounting standards, applicable laws and regulations. Management is also responsible for its assessment of the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting. Our independent registered public accountants are responsible for performing an audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or PCAOB, to obtain reasonable assurance that our consolidated financial statements are free from material misstatement and expressing an opinion on the conformity of the financial statements of the Company with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The internal auditors are responsible to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors for testing the integrity of the financial accounting and reporting control systems and such other matters as the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors determine. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management the audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended December 31, 2017 and management’s assessment of the design and effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. The discussion addressed the quality, and not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements. y x o r P The Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with the independent public accountants their judgments as to the quality of our accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the committee under generally accepted auditing standards including, without limitation, the matters required to be discussed by PCAOB Auditing Standard No. 1301. In addition, the Audit Committee received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent registered public accountants required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding the independent registered public accountants’ communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, discussed with the independent registered public accountants their independence from management and the Company, and considered the compatibility of non-audit services with the auditors’ independence. The Audit Committee discussed with our internal and independent registered public accountants the overall scope and plans for their respective audits. The Audit Committee met with the internal and independent registered public accountants, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their examinations, their evaluations of our internal controls, and the overall quality of our financial reporting. In reliance upon the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors (and the Board has approved) that the audited financial statements be included in our annual report to stockholders for filing with the SEC. The members of the Audit Committee are not professionally engaged in the practice of auditing or accounting and are not experts in the fields of accounting or auditing, including with respect to auditor independence. Members of the Audit Committee rely without independent verification on the information provided to them and on the representations made by management and the independent registered public accounting firm. Accordingly, the Audit Committee’s oversight does not provide an independent basis to determine that management has maintained appropriate accounting and financial 17 reporting principles or appropriate internal controls and procedures designed to assure compliance with accounting standards and applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Audit Committee’s considerations and discussions referred to above do not assure that the audit of the Company’s financial statements has been carried out in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB, that the financial statements are presented in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles or that BDO USA, LLP is in fact ‘‘independent.’’ Audit Committee: Robert Hensley (Chairman) Alfred Lumsdaine Alan Gardner 18 BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF SHARES OF COMMON STOCK Directors, Nominees for Director, Executive Officers and Other Stockholders As of March 16, 2018, we had 17 stockholders of record. Except as otherwise stated in a footnote, the following table presents certain information regarding the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of March 16, 2018 by: (i) the persons known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock; (ii) each of our directors, nominees for director and named executive officers; and (iii) all of our directors, nominees for director, and executive officers as a group. Each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the common stock shown as beneficially owned by such person, except as otherwise set forth in the notes to the table. The SEC has defined ‘‘beneficial ownership’’ of a security to mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of voting power and/or investment power over such security. A stockholder is also deemed to be, as of any date, the beneficial owner of all securities that such stockholder has the right to acquire within 60 days after that date through (1) the exercise of any option, warrant or right, (2) the conversion of a security, (3) the power to revoke a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement or (4) the automatic termination of a trust, discretionary account or similar arrangement. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, our common stock subject to options or other rights (as set forth above) held by that person that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days thereafter, are deemed outstanding, while such shares are not deemed outstanding for purposes of computing percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the business address of all the individuals and entities is c/o Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated, 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150, Franklin, Tennessee 37067. No common stock beneficially owned by any director or named executive officer has been pledged as security for a loan. y x o r P Name of Beneficial Owner 5% Stockholders Number of Shares Beneficially Owned (#) Percentage of All Shares (%)(1) BlackRock, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Vanguard Group, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prudential Financial, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,552,670(2) 1,731,561(3) 1,374,654(4) 14.0% 9.5% 7.6% Directors and Nominees for Director Alan Gardner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Claire Gulmi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Hensley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alfred Lumsdaine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lawrence Van Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Named Executive Officers Timothy Wallace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . W. Page Barnes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leigh Ann Stach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . All Directors, Nominees for Director and Executive 19,776 — 26,448 20,761 13,569 617,175 127,344 89,513 Officers as a Group (8 persons total) . . . . . . . . . . . 914,586 * * * * * 3.4% * * 5.0% * Less than 1% of the outstanding shares of common stock. (1) Based on 18,179,799 shares of common stock outstanding on March 16, 2018. 19 (2) Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on January 9, 2018, BlackRock, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 2,508,484 shares of common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 2,552,670 shares of common stock and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 0 shares of common stock. A subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc., BlackRock Fund Advisors, beneficially owns 5% or greater of the outstanding shares of common stock reported on BlackRock’s Schedule 13G. BlackRock, Inc. is located at 55 East 52nd Street, New York, New York 10055. (3) Based on a Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 8, 2018, The Vanguard Group, Inc. has sole voting power with respect to 22,810 shares of common stock, shared voting power with respect to 2,100 shares of common stock, sole dispositive power with respect to 1,709,150 shares of common stock and shared dispositive power with respect to 22,411 shares of common stock. As reported on The Vanguard Group Inc.’s Schedule 13G, Vanguard Fiduciary Trust Company, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 20,311 shares of common stock, and Vanguard Investments Australia, Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Vanguard Group, Inc., is the beneficial owner of 4,599 shares common stock outstanding of the Company. The VanGuard Group, Inc. is located at 100 Vanguard Boulevard, Malvern, PA 19355. (4) Based on a Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 26, 2018, Prudential Financial, Inc. has sole voting and dispositive power with respect to 200,076 shares of common stock and shared voting and dispositive power with respect to 1,174,578 shares of common stock. Prudential Financial, Inc. is a Parent Holding Company and the indirect parent of PGIM, Inc., who is the beneficial owner of 1,347,164 shares of common stock and of Quantitative Management Associates LLC who is the beneficial owner of 27,490 shares of common stock. Prudential Financial is located at 751 Broad Street, Newark, New Jersey 07102-3777. 20 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS The names, ages, positions and business experience of our executive officers, except for Mr. Wallace, are listed below. Because he is also a member of our Board, information about Mr. Wallace appeared previously under Proposal 1—Election of Directors. All of our executive officers serve at the discretion of the Board and are parties to employment agreements. Name Age Position W. Page Barnes . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Mr. Barnes has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since the formation of our Company in March 2014. Mr. Barnes is responsible for financing and management activities. Prior to joining our Company, from 2005 to 2013, Mr. Barnes was a co-founder, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President—Chief Development Officer for Haven Behavioral Healthcare where he was responsible for raising a $100 million private equity investment, negotiating four separate bank financings and the acquisition and/or development of 12 hospitals. From 1997 to 2005, Mr. Barnes served as Chief Financial Officer then Senior Vice President—Finance for Ardent Health Services and its predecessor Behavioral Healthcare Corporation. Prior to Ardent, Mr. Barnes began a banking career with AmSouth Bank in 1990 as a Commercial Real Estate Relationship Manager and ended it in 1997 as Senior Vice President and Manager of the Healthcare Banking Department. Mr. Barnes holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Auburn University. y x o r P Leigh Ann Stach . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Ms. Stach has served as our Vice President—Financial Reporting and Chief Accounting Officer since the formation of our Company in March 2014. Ms. Stach is responsible for our financial reporting. From 2005 to 2013, Ms. Stach served as Vice President—Financial Reporting at HR where she had responsibility for financial reporting and coordinating due diligence materials for debt and equity offerings. In addition, she brought EDGAR and XBRL filings in-house and provided oversight of HR’s compliance function and internal audit. Prior to that, from 1997 to 2005, Ms. Stach served as Vice President— Controller at HR. From 1994 to 1997, Ms. Stach served as Assistant Controller at HR. Prior to HR, from 1991 to 1994, Ms. Stach was a senior accountant—financial reporting at HCA. She began her career with Hospital Corporation of America in 1988 as an internal auditor. Ms. Stach holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Western Kentucky University. 21 Executive Compensation Objectives EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION We believe that the compensation of our executive officers aligns their interests with those of the stockholders in a way that encourages prudent decision-making, links compensation to our overall performance, provides a competitive level of total compensation necessary to attract and retain talented and experienced executive officers and motivates the executive officers and directors to contribute to our success. All of our executive officers are eligible to receive performance-based compensation under our 2014 Incentive Plan, as amended by Amendment No. 1 to the 2014 Incentive Plan, Amendment No. 2 to the 2014 Incentive Plan, and Amendment No. 3 to the 2014 Incentive Plan (as so amended, our 2014 Incentive Plan). We use restricted stock grants of our common stock as the primary means of delivering long-term compensation to our executive officers. Shares of restricted stock are forfeitable until the lapse of the applicable restrictions. We believe that restricted stock grants with long vesting periods align the interests of executive officers and stockholders and provide strong incentives to our executive officers to achieve long-term growth in our business, grow the value of our common stock and maintain or increase our dividends. The executive officers personally benefit from these efforts through their restricted stock awards, which receive dividends at the same rate as unrestricted common stock and increase in value as the value of our common stock increases. As such, the Company’s executive officers essentially have to earn this equity compensation twice: the first time through their efforts to meet the initial performance criteria necessary for a grant of restricted stock to be made; and the second time by continued service through the at-risk vesting period. Because substantially all of our executive officers’ compensation during the initial terms of their respective employment agreements will be tied to the value of our common stock, if we have superior long-term operating performance, our executive officers, through their equity compensation, will eventually receive above market compensation from dividends and capital appreciation in our common stock. Conversely, if we do not perform as well as our competitors and the value of our common stock declines, our executive officers’ compensation will ultimately be below-market over the long term. Our Compensation Committee determines the restrictions for each award granted pursuant to the 2014 Incentive Plan. Restrictions on the restricted stock may include time-based restrictions, the achievement of specific performance goals or the occurrence of a specific event. Vesting of restricted stock will generally be subject to cliff vesting periods ranging from three to eight years and will be conditioned upon the participant’s continued employment, among other restrictions that may apply. If the performance goals are not achieved or the time-based restrictions do not lapse within the time period provided in the award agreement, the participant will forfeit his or her restricted stock. The Company prohibits the hedging of Company securities by its executive officers and directors. None of the executive officers or directors has entered into any hedging arrangements with respect to the Company’s securities. In addition, restricted stock may not be sold, assigned, pledged or otherwise transferred. Determination of Executive Compensation The Board established the Compensation Committee to carry out the Board’s responsibilities to administer our compensation programs. The Compensation Committee has the final decision-making authority for the compensation of our executive officers. The Compensation Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Compensation Committee and approved by the Board. The charter is available in the investor relations section of our website (http://investors.chct.reit). Our Compensation Committee has independent authority to engage outside consultants and obtain input from external advisers as well as our management team or other employees. 22 The Compensation Committee may retain any independent counsel, experts or advisors that it believes to be desirable and appropriate. The Compensation Committee may also use the services of the Company’s regular legal counsel or other advisors to the Company. The Compensation Committee undertakes an independent assessment prior to retaining or otherwise selecting any independent counsel, compensation consultant, search firm, expert or other advisor that will provide advice to it, taking such factors into account and as otherwise may be required by the NYSE from time to time. On at least an annual basis, the Compensation Committee evaluates whether any work by any compensation consultant to it raised any conflict of interest. The Compensation Committee retained FPL as its independent compensation consultant in 2017 to advise it regarding market trends and practices in executive compensation and with respect to specific compensation decisions. The Compensation Committee expects to meet annually with a compensation consultant to discuss executive compensation trends. The consultant may also attend Compensation Committee meetings periodically. FPL met with the chair of the Compensation Committee in 2017, during and in which it provided a review of recent trends and developments in executive compensation practices within the Company’s industry and in general. FPL received a fee of $20,000 for its compensation consulting services provided to the Compensation Committee in 2017 with respect to executive compensation, as well as an $800 administrative fee. Our Chief Executive Officer typically attends Compensation Committee meetings, except for executive sessions (unless specifically requested by the Compensation Committee to be present). No executive officer attends an executive session at which his or her compensation is considered. Our Chief Executive Officer may provide recommendations with respect to compensation for the executive officers other than himself. The Compensation Committee considers these recommendations, but may approve, reject or adjust them as it deems appropriate. y x o r P Compensation Components Our compensation program consists of three elements: Base Salary Each of our named executive officers has an employment agreement that establishes his or her base salary. Adjustments to base salary are determined by the Compensation Committee and are based upon a review of a variety of factors, including the following: (cid:129) individual and Company performance, measured against quantitative and qualitative goals, such as growth, asset quality and other matters; (cid:129) duties and responsibilities as well as the named executive officer’s experience; and (cid:129) the types and amount of each element of compensation to be paid to the named executive officer. Equity Awards We have adopted the 2014 Incentive Plan under which awards may be made in the form of restricted stock or cash. The purposes of the 2014 Incentive Plan are to attract and retain qualified persons upon whom, in large measure, our sustained progress, growth and profitability depend, to motivate the participants to achieve long-term Company goals and to more closely align the participants’ interests with those of our other stockholders by providing them with a proprietary interest in our growth and performance. Our executive officers, officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors are eligible to participate in the 2014 Incentive Plan. 23 The 2014 Incentive Plan is administered by our Compensation Committee, which interprets the 2014 Incentive Plan and has broad discretion to select the eligible persons to whom awards will be granted, as well as the type, size and terms and conditions of each award, including the amount of cash or number of shares subject to awards and the expiration date of, and the vesting schedule or other restrictions (including, without limitation, restrictive covenants) applicable to, awards. However, during a calendar year, no participant may receive awards intended to comply with the performance-based compensation requirements of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the ‘‘Code’’), which exceed 150,000 shares of common stock. Unless the 2014 Incentive Plan is earlier terminated by our Board of Directors, the 2014 Incentive Plan will automatically terminate on March 31, 2024. Awards granted before the termination of the 2014 Incentive Plan may extend beyond that date in accordance with their terms. The two distinct programs applicable to executive officers under the 2014 Incentive Plan are the Restated Alignment Program and the Amended and Restated Executive Officer Incentive Program. In addition, we believe it is in the best interests of our stockholders to encourage all executive officers to increase their equity position in the Company to promote share ownership and further align employee and stockholder interests and have therefore adopted stock ownership guidelines with respect to our executive officers and directors. The Company’s Restated Alignment Program, under the 2014 Incentive Plan, is designed to provide the Company’s executive officers with an incentive to remain with the Company and to incentivize long-term growth and profitability. On November 1, 2016, each of the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee of the Company approved an amendment and restatement to the original Alignment of Interest Program, which reflected amendments to the original program to reserve 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to be issued under the Restated Alignment Program in exchange for an employee’s cash compensation. Previously, such shares were issued under the shares available under the 2014 Incentive Plan and had significantly reduced the number of shares available for issuance pursuant to awards granted under the 2014 Incentive Plan. Pursuant to the Restated Alignment Program, executive officers may elect to acquire restricted stock in lieu of up to 100% of any compensation otherwise payable in cash under their employment agreements. The executive officer must elect his or her participation level and the applicable vesting period for the upcoming year no later than December 31 of the then-current year. The number of shares of restricted stock to be acquired will be determined as of January 15 of the year following the election or, if such date is not a trading day, on the trading day immediately before January 15 by dividing the total of the named executive officer’s elected reduced salary, cash bonus or other compensation by the average price of our common stock for the 10 trading days immediately preceding the determination date. If the dollar amount of any reduced salary, cash bonus or other compensation has not been determined by January 15, then the determination date will be the 15th business day following the date on which the amount of such compensation is fixed and determined. Payments of restricted stock in lieu of compensation otherwise payable in cash will be made thereafter. Additionally, to the extent an executive officer elects to receive stock compensation in lieu of cash compensation, the executive officer is entitled to receive an additional award of restricted stock pursuant to the Restated Alignment Program, subject to a three-, five- or eight-year cliff vesting schedule, depending on the executive officer’s election. Each executive officer who makes this election will be awarded the additional stock award at no additional cost to the executive officer, according to the following multiple-based formula: Duration of Restriction Period Restriction Multiple 3 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.3x 0.5x 1.0x 24 The restriction period subjects the shares obtained by the cash deferral and the restriction multiple to the risk of forfeiture in the event an executive officer voluntarily terminates employment or is terminated for cause from employment with the Company, as those terms are described below. Accordingly, if an executive officer voluntarily leaves or is terminated for cause, that executive officer would lose all such shares that had not yet vested. By way of example, if an officer elects to receive stock compensation in lieu of cash compensation that is equivalent in value to 1,000 shares of common stock and the officer elected an eight-year restriction period for such stock compensation, the officer would receive the 1,000 shares of restricted common stock in lieu of the officer’s cash compensation plus an award of 1,000 shares of restricted common stock for electing to subject their stock compensation to an eight-year restriction period, resulting in a total receipt of 2,000 shares of restricted common stock, all of which would be subject to an eight-year cliff vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the eighth anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest. Subject to the risk of forfeiture and transfer restrictions, executive officers have all rights of stockholders with respect to the restricted shares, including the right to vote and receive dividends or other distributions on such shares. Discretionary and Incentive Awards The Compensation Committee is permitted to grant discretionary awards of cash, stock, or a combination of both under the 2014 Incentive Plan, and may determine all terms of the award, including to whom, and the time or times at which, discretionary awards may be granted, the number of shares, units or other rights subject to each discretionary award, the exercise, base or purchase price of such discretionary award (if any), the time or times at which such discretionary award will become vested, exercisable or payable, the performance criteria, goals and other conditions of the discretionary award, and the duration of the discretionary award. In 2017, the Compensation Committee approved the payment of a discretionary cash bonus to the Company’s executive officers in the aggregate of approximately $300,000. The executive officers each elected restricted shares in lieu of the cash bonuses, which based on their elections are subject to an eight-year cliff vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the eighth anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest. Based on the eight-year restriction period elected, the Company granted the executive officers an aggregate of 12,164 shares of restricted stock in lieu of their cash bonuses and granted an additional 12,163 shares based on the restriction period elected. Further, we have an Amended and Restated Executive Officer Incentive Program (the ‘‘Executive Officer Incentive Program’’) under the 2014 Incentive Plan pursuant to which our executive officers may earn incentive awards in the form of cash and/or restricted stock. Any awards under the Executive Officer Incentive Program and its interpretation and operation are subject to the discretion of the Compensation Committee. The intent of the Executive Officer Incentive Program is to provide cash and/or restricted stock awards based on individual and Company performance. The Compensation Committee judges the Company’s performance under the Executive Officer Incentive Program against targeted metrics set in advance by the Compensation Committee. Restricted stock awards are anticipated to be based on the Company’s relative total stockholder return performance over one-year and three-year periods, measured against a peer group of companies used for comparison. All of our executive officers are eligible to participate in the Executive Officer Incentive Program. The Company granted awards in the form of restricted stock under the Executive Officer Incentive Program to our executive officers in 2017 in the aggregate of 44,272 shares which will cliff vest in eight years. Pursuant to the Restated Alignment Program, executive officers may elect to convert any cash compensation awarded under the Executive Officer Incentive Program into shares of restricted common stock. In the event that an executive officer elects to receive shares of restricted common stock rather than cash compensation, the officer will be entitled to receive additional shares of restricted common stock pursuant to the Restated Alignment Program, subject to a three-, five- or eight-year cliff vesting schedule, depending on the officer’s election. Each executive officer who makes this election will be 25 y x o r P awarded the additional restricted common stock award at no additional cost to the officer, according to the multiple-based formula set forth above under ‘‘Equity Awards.’’ Stock Ownership Guidelines We believe that it is in the best interests of our stockholders to encourage all executive officers and directors to increase their equity position in the Company to promote share ownership and further align stockholder interests with executive officers and directors. Accordingly, as set forth in the table below, we have adopted stock ownership guidelines applicable to our executive officers and directors requiring each to hold common stock with a fair market value equal to a multiple of each executive officer’s then current base salary or each non-employee director’s then current annual retainer, as applicable: Position Common Stock Ownership Multiple Chief Executive Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Executive Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Non-Employee Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5x Current Base Salary 3x Current Base Salary 1x Current Base Salary 3x Annual Retainer The guidelines provide that all owned stock, both restricted and unrestricted, counts toward the ownership guidelines. All of our executive officers and directors were in compliance with these guidelines as of March 16, 2018. Employment Agreements of our Named Executive Officers We have entered into employment agreements with each named executive officer that became effective on May 28, 2015. The initial term of each employment agreement was through December 31, 2017, and the term of each respective employment agreement automatically renews for successive one-year terms on December 31 of each calendar year. As amended on January 2, 2018, the annual base salary of each of Mr. Wallace, Mr. Barnes and Ms. Stach under each of their employment agreements was increased for fiscal year 2018 from $376,333 to $458,167, from $214,333 to $271,167 and from $175,000 to $220,500, respectively. The base salaries are subject to annual increases as the Compensation Committee may approve in their discretion and other benefits generally available to other employees and our other executive officers, and each will be eligible for an annual bonus for each calendar year during his or her respective employment based on a combination of his or her respective continued employment with the Company and the achievement of certain performance goals established by our Board of Directors and our Compensation Committee. If employment is terminated for any reason other than for cause, change-in-control or death or disability, the named executive officer is entitled to receive all accrued salary, bonus compensation, if any, to the extent earned, whether or not vested without regard to such termination (other than defined contribution plan or profit sharing plan benefits which will be paid in accordance with the applicable plan), any benefits under any plans of the Company in which the named executive officer is a participant to the full extent of the named executive officer’s rights under such plans, full vesting of all awards granted to the named executive officer under the 2014 Incentive Plan, accrued vacation pay and any appropriate business expenses incurred by the named executive officer in connection with his or her duties hereunder, all to the date of termination. In addition, the named executive officer will receive as severance compensation his or her base salary (at the rate payable at the time of such termination), for a period of 36 months, with respect to Mr. Wallace, and 12 months, with respect to Mr. Barnes and Ms. Stach, from the date of such termination; provided, however, that if the named executive officer is employed by a new employer during such period, the severance compensation payable to the named executive officer during such period will be reduced by the amount of 26 compensation that the named executive officer is receiving from the new employer. However, the named executive officer is under no obligation to mitigate the amount owed the named executive officer by seeking other employment or otherwise. In addition to the severance payment, the named executive officer will be paid an amount equal to the greater of: (i) two times the average annual cash bonus, if any, earned by the named executive officer in the two years immediately preceding the date of termination, without regard to any elective income deferral or conversion of such bonus into stock or any other non-cash consideration; and (ii) two times the product of the named executive officer’s base salary and 0.67 with respect to Mr. Wallace, and 0.33 with respect to Mr. Barnes and Ms. Stach. Each named executive officer will be entitled to accelerated vesting of any accrued benefit under each deferred compensation plan. If a named executive officer is terminated for disability, the terminated named executive officer will receive the benefits described above, all to the date of termination, with the exception of medical and dental benefits, if any, which shall continue at the Company’s expense through the then current one-year term of the employment agreement. If a named executive officer’s employment terminates due to death, the terminated named executive officer’s estate will receive the benefits described above. The severance payment in the event of a change in control will consist of: (1) three times the terminated officer’s annual base salary (at the rate payable at the time of such termination), and (2) an amount equal to the greater of: (i) two times the average annual cash bonus, if any, earned by the terminated officer in the two years immediately preceding the date of termination, without regard to any elective income deferral or conversion of such bonus into stock or any other non-cash consideration; and (ii) two times the product of the terminated officer’s base salary and 0.67 with respect to Mr. Wallace, and 0.33 with respect to Mr. Barnes and Ms. Stach. Such severance compensation shall be paid in a lump sum promptly after the date of such termination, and in no event later than two and a half months after the end of the year in which such termination occurs. If the payments due to the change-in-control result in an excise tax to the terminated officer, under Section 4999 of the Code, all change-in-control payments to the terminated officer may be limited to an amount that is less than 300% of his or her average annual compensation. This limit would not apply in the event that the terminated officer’s net after-tax benefits are greater after considering the effect of the excise tax. Each employment agreement contains customary non-competition and non-solicitation covenants that apply during the term and for 12 months following a termination upon a change in control, so long as the payments to which the terminated officer is entitled as a result of his or her termination upon a change of control are made on a timely basis. Summary Compensation Table COMPENSATION TABLES Each executive officer’s employment agreement became effective on May 27, 2015, which is discussed above in the section titled ‘‘Employment Agreements of our Named Executive Officers.’’ The table below sets forth the compensation paid in fiscal years 2017 and 2016 to our principal executive officer and the two most highly compensated executive officers. The three executive officers are referred to in this proxy statement as our named executive officers. During the initial three-year term of their respective employment agreements, each of our named executive officers has agreed to take 100% of his or her salary, bonus and long-term incentive compensation, awarded pursuant to our 2014 Incentive Plan, in the form of restricted common stock. Provided that the named executive officers comply with the terms of the Restated Alignment Program described above, the election to receive stock compensation otherwise payable in cash caused the named executive officers to be eligible to receive additional stock awards based upon a multiple described below. All shares of restricted stock issued in lieu of cash compensation and any shares of restricted stock issued under the Restated Alignment Program are subject to a vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the third, fifth or eighth anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest, subject to continued employment. 27 y x o r P The following table sets forth the compensation of our principal executive officer and the two most highly compensated executive officers other than our principal executive officer for the fiscal years 2017 and 2016. As discussed above under ‘‘Employment Agreements with Named Executive Officers,’’ we provide severance benefits to each of our named executive officers. Name and Principal Position Year Paid in Cash(1) Paid in Stock(2) Paid in Cash Paid in Stock(3) Awards(4) Total Compensation Compensation Compensation Compensation Stock Salary Bonus Timothy Wallace . . . . . . . . 2017 Chief Executive Officer and 2016 President W. Page Barnes . . . . . . . . . 2017 Executive Vice President— 2016 Chief Financial Officer Leigh Ann Stach . . . . . . . . 2017 2016 Vice President—Financial Reporting and Chief Accounting Officer $— $— $— $— $— $— $376,333 $300,000 $214,333 $150,000 $175,000 $125,000 $— $— $— $— $— $— $150,533 $300,000 $ 85,723 $150,000 $ 70,000 $150,000 $1,065,151 $1,592,017 $ 561,593 $1,161,593 $ 606,640 $ 906,696 $ 280,776 $ 580,776 $ 495,272 $ 740,272 $ 258,849 $ 533,849 (1) All of our named executive officers agreed to take shares of restricted common stock in lieu of any cash compensation for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. (2) The amounts represent the annual base salary of each named executive officer set forth in the table pursuant to their employment agreements, 100% of which was paid in shares of our restricted common stock in lieu of cash. The number of shares of common stock issued in 2017 was based on $23.05, which was the average price of our common stock for the 10 days preceding January 13, 2017, the determination date. The number of shares of common stock issued in 2016 was based on $17.82, which was the average price of our common stock for the 10 days preceding January 15, 2016, the determination date. All of the shares of our restricted common stock issued in lieu of cash compensation are subject to an eight-year cliff vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the eighth anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest, subject to continued employment. (3) The bonus amounts paid in 2017 represent the annual bonus of each named executive officer set forth in the table pursuant to their employment agreements, 100% of which was paid in shares of our restricted common stock in lieu of cash. The number of shares of common stock issued in 2017 was based on $25.18, which was the average price of our common stock for the 10 days preceding August 28, 2017, the determination date. The number of shares of common stock issued in 2016 was based on $23.20, which was the average price of our common stock for the 10 days preceding August 18, 2016, the determination date. All of the shares of our restricted common stock issued in lieu of cash compensation are subject to an eight-year cliff vesting schedule whereby no shares vest until the eighth anniversary of the date of grant, at which time 100% of the shares of restricted stock will vest, subject to continued employment. (4) Represents the aggregate fair value computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 of awards of restricted common stock to the named executive officers for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 under the 2014 Incentive Plan. The dollar values of the awards related to base salaries and bonuses for 2017 and 2016 are based on the grant date value of such awards and the restriction multiples for cash compensation deferrals outlined in our Restated Alignment Program. Awards granted to our named executive officers’ in connection with the their base salaries for 2017 and 2016 were based on grant date values of such awards of $22.67 per share and $16.73 per share, respectively. Awards granted to our named executive officers’ in connection with their bonuses for 2017 and 2016, were based on grant date values of such awards of $25.96 per share and $23.14 per share, respectively. The dollar values of the awards related to the Company’s total stockholder return performance, relative to its peer group, for the year ended December 31, 2017, as outlined in the Executive Officer Incentive Program, are based on the grant date value of such awards of $24.88 per share. 28 Outstanding Equity Awards at December 31, 2017 The following table sets forth all outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers at December 31, 2017. Name Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) Timothy Wallace . . . W. Page Barnes . . . . Leigh Ann Stach . . . 83,255(2) 44,691(2) 37,896(2) Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) — — — $— $— $— Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(1) $2,339,466 $1,255,817 $1,064,878 (1) The market value of unvested restricted common stock is calculated by multiplying the number of unvested shares of restricted common stock held by the applicable named executive officer by the closing price of our common stock on December 29, 2017, which was $28.10. December 29, 2017 was the last trading day of the 2017 calendar year. (2) These shares of restricted common stock are subject to eight-year cliff vesting through 2025, subject to continued employment with the Company on the vesting date. EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION The following table gives information about shares of our common stock that may be issued under our 2014 Incentive Plan as of December 31, 2017. y x o r P Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by stockholders(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . Equity compensation plans not approved by stockholders(2) . . . . . Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Weighted Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights Warrants and Rights To be Acquired To be Awarded Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in First Column) — — — — — — — 477,658 419,420 419,420 — 477,658 (1) Our 2014 Incentive Plan automatically increases, on an annual basis, the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2014 Incentive Plan to an amount equal to 7% of the total number of shares of common stock outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding year. (2) Shares reserved under our Restated Alignment Program to be issued to employees in exchange for such employee’s cash compensation. 29 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION The members of the Compensation Committee during 2017 were Alfred Lumsdaine (Chair), Alan Gardner and Lawrence Van Horn. In 2017, no member of the Compensation Committee was an officer or employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or was formerly an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and no member had any relationship requiring disclosure as a related person transaction under applicable SEC regulations. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Policies and Procedures for Related Person Transactions Our Audit Committee has adopted a written policy governing the approval of related party transactions that complies with all applicable requirements of the SEC and the NYSE concerning related party transactions. Under our policy, a related party transaction is a transaction between the Company and a related party (including any transaction requiring disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K under the Exchange Act), other than transactions available to all employees generally or involving less than $5,000 when aggregated with similar transactions. ‘‘Related parties’’ include (i) an officer or director of the Company, (ii) a person who is an immediate family member of an officer or director; (iii) an entity which is owned or controlled by an officer or director or an immediate family member of an officer or director, or an entity in which an officer or director or an immediate family member of an officer or director is deemed to have a substantial ownership interest or control of such entity by virtue of such person owning more than 20% of such entity; and (iv) any person known to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of any class of the Company’s voting securities. Members of an officer’s or director’s immediate family include such officer’s or director’s spouse, child, stepchild, parent, stepparent, sibling, mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, brother-in-law or sister-in-law and any other person sharing the household of such officer or director. For purposes of this policy, officers will be defined as ‘‘executive officers’’ under applicable guidelines of the SEC. Additionally, a ‘‘Related Party’’ may be a person or entity that proposes to enter into a transaction with the Company if the Audit Committee finds that such transaction would require disclosure under Item 404 of Regulation S-K. Our related party transaction policy is administered by our Audit Committee. At each fiscal year’s first regularly-scheduled Audit Committee meeting, management or the Corporate Governance Committee, as applicable, will provide the Audit Committee with detailed information concerning all related party transactions then known by management to be entered into or to be continued by the Company for the fiscal year. Under the related party transactions policy, there is a general presumption that a related party transaction with the Company will not be approved by the Audit Committee. However, the Audit Committee may approve a related party transaction if: (i) the Audit Committee finds that the transaction is on terms comparable to those that could be obtained in arm’s length dealings with an unrelated third party; and (ii) the Audit Committee finds that it has been fully apprised of all significant conflicts that may exist or otherwise arise on account of the transaction, and it believes, nonetheless, that the Company is warranted entering into the related party transaction and has developed an appropriate plan to manage the potential conflicts of interest. The Audit Committee will consider each proposed related party transaction and may approve the Company’s entering into or continuing such related party transaction if the transaction satisfies the guidelines set forth above. Related Party Transactions Pursuant to its authority and based on discussions with management and BDO USA, LLP, the Audit Committee has determined that there have been no related party transactions requiring disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K. 30 Legal Proceedings We are not aware of any current legal proceedings involving any of our directors, director nominees, or executive officers and either the Company or any of its subsidiaries. SECTION 16(a) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file with the SEC and the NYSE reports of ownership of our securities and changes in their ownership on Forms 3, 4 and 5. Executive officers, directors and greater than 10% stockholders are required by SEC rules to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports that they file. Based solely upon a review of the reports on Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to us in 2017 and Forms 5 and amendments thereto furnished to us with respect to 2017, or written representations from reporting persons that no Form 5 filing was required, we believe that in 2017 our executive officers, directors and greater than 10% owners timely filed all reports they were required to file under Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act. STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS FOR THE 2019 ANNUAL MEETING At the annual meeting each year, the Board of Directors submits to stockholders its nominees for election as directors. In addition, the Board may submit other matters to the stockholders for action at the annual meeting. Stockholders may also submit proposals for action at the annual meeting. Stockholders interested in submitting a proposal for inclusion in our proxy materials for the 2019 annual meeting of stockholders may do so by following the procedures described in Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act. If the 2019 annual meeting is held within 30 days of May 17, 2019, stockholder proposals must be received by Timothy Wallace at 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150, Franklin, Tennessee, 37067, no later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time on December 3, 2018 in order for such proposals to be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating to such annual meeting. Any stockholder proposals (including recommendations of nominees for election to the Board of Directors) intended to be presented at the Company’s 2019 annual meeting of stockholders, other than a stockholder proposal submitted pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 14a-8, must be received in writing at our principal executive offices no earlier than on November 3, 2018, nor later than 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on December 3, 2018, together with all supporting documentation required by our Bylaws. For more complete information on these requirements, please refer to our Bylaws. OTHER MATTERS As of the date of this proxy statement, management does not know of any other matters to be brought before the annual meeting other than those set forth herein. However, if any other matters are properly brought before the annual meeting, the persons named in the enclosed form of proxy will have discretionary authority to vote all proxies with respect to such matters in accordance with their best judgment. REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF SHARES YOU OWN, YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT TO THE COMPANY. PLEASE SUBMIT A PROXY BY INTERNET OR, IF YOU REQUEST WRITTEN PROXY MATERIALS BY RETURNING A COMPLETED, SIGNED AND DATED PROXY CARD OR VOTING INSTRUCTION FORM. y x o r P 31 AVAILABILITY OF ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K Upon written request of any record holder or beneficial owner of shares entitled to vote at the annual meeting, we will provide, without charge, a copy of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Requests should be mailed to W. Page Barnes, Corporate Secretary, 3326 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 150, Franklin, Tennessee 37067. You may also access our Annual Report on Form 10-K on the investor relations webpage of our Internet website, http://investors.chct.reit. By Order of the Board of Directors, 26MAR201820461048 Timothy Wallace Chairman of the Board April 2, 2018 32 UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 (Mark One) FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM TO Commission file number: 001-37401 OR Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Maryland (State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization) 46-5212033 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 3326 Aspen Grove Drive Suite 150 Franklin, Tennessee 37067 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) (615) 771-3052 (Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code) 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 (Title of Class) __________________________________________________ Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes 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 Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes No Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes No K - 0 1 m r o F 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, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes No The aggregate market value of the shares of common stock (based upon the closing price of these shares on the New York Stock Exchange, Inc. on June 30, 2017) of the Registrant held by non-affiliates (for purposes of this calculation, all of the Registrant's directors and executive officers are deemed affiliates of the Registrant) on June 30, 2017 was approximately $317.1 million. The Registrant had 18,179,799 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding as of February 16, 2018. ________________________________ DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Portions of the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement relating to the Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Report. The Registrant expects to file its Definitive Proxy Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days after December 31, 2017. 2 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED FORM 10-K December 31, 2017 TABLE OF CONTENTS Part I Item 1. Business Item 1A. Risk Factors Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. Part II Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. 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. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Item 9A. Controls and Procedures Item 9B. Other Information Part III Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Executive Compensation Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services Part IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules Item 16. Form 10-K Summary Signatures 3 Page 6 14 41 41 41 41 42 44 45 58 59 91 91 92 93 93 93 93 93 94 96 97 K - 0 1 m r o F CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS We make statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (set forth in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). All statements other than statements of historical facts may be forward-looking statements. In particular, statements pertaining to our capital resources, property performance and results of operations contain forward-looking statements. Likewise, all of our statements regarding anticipated growth in our funds from operations and anticipated market conditions, demographics and results of operations are forward-looking statements. When we use the words “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “seeks,” “assumes,” “projects,” “forecast,” “goal” or similar expressions or their negatives, as well as statements in future tense, we intend to identify forward-looking statements. You can also identify forward-looking statements by discussions of strategy, plans or intentions. Forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and you should not rely on them as predictions of future events. Forward-looking statements depend on assumptions, data or methods which may be incorrect or imprecise and we may not be able to realize them. We do not guarantee that the transactions and events described will happen as described (or that they will happen at all). The following factors, among others, could cause actual results and future events to differ materially from those set forth or contemplated in the forward-looking statements: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • defaults on or non-renewal of leases by tenants; adverse economic or real estate developments, either nationally or in the markets in which our properties are located; decreased rental rates or increased vacancy rates; difficulties in identifying healthcare properties to acquire and completing acquisitions; our ability to make distributions on our shares of stock; our dependence upon key personnel whose continued service is not guaranteed; our ability to identify, hire and retain highly qualified personnel in the future; the degree and nature of our competition; general economic conditions; the availability, terms and deployment of debt and equity capital; general volatility of the market price of our common stock; changes in our business or strategy; changes in governmental regulations, tax rates and similar matters; new laws or regulations or changes in existing laws and regulations that may adversely affect the healthcare industry; • trends or developments in the healthcare industry that may adversely affect our tenants; 4 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • competition for acquisition opportunities; our failure to successfully develop, integrate and operate acquired properties and operations; our ability to operate as a public company; changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”); our failure to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding indebtedness; fluctuations in interest rates and increased operating costs; our increased vulnerability economically due to the concentration of our investments in healthcare properties; a substantial portion of our revenue is derived from our largest tenants and thus, the bankruptcy, insolvency or weakened financial position of any one of them could seriously harm our operating results and financial condition; geographic concentrations in Illinois, Ohio, and Florida causes us to be particularly exposed to downturns in these local economies or other changes in local real estate market conditions; lack of or insufficient amounts of insurance; other factors affecting the real estate industry generally; our failure to maintain our qualification as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes; limitations imposed on our business and our ability to satisfy complex rules in order for us to maintain our status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes; and changes in governmental regulations or interpretations thereof, such as real estate and zoning laws and increases in real property tax rates and taxation of REITs. While forward-looking statements reflect our good faith beliefs, they are not guarantees of future performance. You should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this report. We disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect changes in underlying assumptions or factors, of new information, data or methods, future events or other changes after the date of this prospectus, except as required by applicable law. For a further discussion of these and other factors that could impact our future results, performance or transactions, see “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors." Unless the context otherwise requires or indicates, references above or in this report to "we," "us," "our," "the Company," "our Company," and "Community Healthcare Trust" refer to Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated, a Maryland corporation organized to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, including Community Healthcare OP, LP, a Delaware limited partnership, or our "operating partnership" or our "OP," of which we are the sole general partner and own 100% of its interests. K - 0 1 m r o F 5 PART I. ITEM 1. BUSINESS We are a fully-integrated healthcare real estate company organized as a corporation in the State of Maryland on March 28, 2014. We own and acquire real estate properties that are leased to hospitals, doctors, healthcare systems or other healthcare service providers in our target submarkets. We conduct our business through an UPREIT structure in which our properties are owned by our operating partnership, either directly or through subsidiaries. We are the sole general partner of our operating partnership, owning 100% of the OP units. Real Estate Investments As of December 31, 2017, we had investments of approximately $399.1 million in 86 real estate properties, including a mortgage note, located in 26 states, totaling over 2.0 million square feet in the aggregate. The real estate properties were approximately 91.7% leased at December 31, 2017 with a weighted average remaining lease term of approximately 7.4 years. The Company's real estate investments by geographic area are detailed in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The following table details the Company's real estate investments at December 31, 2017. (Dollars in thousands) Medical office buildings Physician clinics Surgical centers and hospitals Specialty centers Behavioral facilities Corporate property Total owned properties Mortgage note receivable Total real estate investments Number of Properties Gross Investment 32 $ 143,225 17 13 17 6 85 — 85 1 86 $ 49,138 80,265 51,725 62,010 386,363 2,123 388,486 10,633 399,119 Our investments in healthcare real estate, including mortgages and other loans, are considered a single reportable segment as further discussed in Note 1 of Item 8 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K setting forth the required financial information. Customer Concentrations Our real estate portfolio is leased to a diverse tenant base. For the year ended December 31, 2017, none of our tenants individually accounted for 10% or more of our consolidated revenues. We have no control over the success or failure of our tenants' businesses and, at any time, any of our tenants may experience a downturn in its business that may weaken its financial condition. Geographic Concentrations The Company's portfolio is currently located in 26 states with approximately 36.5% of our consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 derived from properties located in Illinois (13.5%), Ohio (12.2%), and Florida (10.8%). Such geographic concentrations could expose the Company to certain downturns in the economics of those 6 states or other changes in the such states' respective real estate market conditions. Any material change in the current payment programs or regulatory, economic, environmental or competitive conditions in any of these areas could have an effect on our overall business results. In the event of negative economic or other changes in any of these markets, our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our shareholders and the trading price of our common shares may be adversely affected. See each of the discussions under Item 1A, "Risk Factors," under the captions "Adverse economic or other conditions in the geographic markets in which we conduct business could negatively affect our occupancy levels and rental rates and have a material adverse effect on our operating results," and "A large percentage of our properties are located in Illinois, Ohio, and Florida, and changes in these markets may materially adversely affect us." Competitive Strengths We believe our management team's significant healthcare, real estate and public REIT management experience distinguishes us from other REITs and real estate operators, both public and private. Specifically, our Company's competitive strengths include, among others: • Strong, Diversified Portfolio. Our focus is on investing in properties where we can develop strategic alliances with financially sound healthcare providers that offer need-based healthcare services in our target markets. Our tenant base includes many nationally recognized healthcare providers (or their affiliates) and our property portfolio has significant diversification with respect to healthcare provider, industry segment, and facility type. • Attractive and Disciplined Investment Focus. We focus on healthcare facilities in our target submarkets which are off-market or lightly marketed transactions at purchase prices generally between $2 million and $25 million. We believe there is significantly less competition from existing REITs and institutional buyers for assets in these target submarkets than for comparable urban assets, thereby increasing the potential for more attractive risk-adjusted returns. In addition, we believe that healthcare-related real estate rents and valuations are less susceptible to changes in the general economy than many other types of commercial real estate due to favorable demographic trends and the need-based rise in healthcare expenditures, even during economic downturns. • Extensive Relationships with Healthcare Providers, Intermediaries and Property Owners. We believe that our management team has a strong reputation among, and a deep understanding of the real estate needs of, healthcare providers in our target submarkets. In addition, we have strategic relationships which we believe gives us the ability to meet the needs of healthcare providers by structuring transactions that are mutually advantageous to sellers, our tenants and us. We believe this ability has, and will continue to, lead to strategic acquisition opportunities, which will, in turn, produce attractive risk-adjusted returns. None of our properties to date were acquired pursuant to "calls for offers" or other auction style bidding situations. We believe our relationships provide us with additional off-market or lightly marketed acquisition opportunities, thus providing us the opportunity to continue to purchase assets outside a competitive bidding process. • Experienced Management Team. Each of the members of our executive management team has between 25 and 35 years of healthcare, real estate and/or public REIT management experience. Led by Timothy G. Wallace, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, W. Page Barnes, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Leigh Ann Stach, our Vice President-Financial Reporting and Chief Accounting Officer, our management team has significant experience in acquiring, owning, operating and managing healthcare facilities and providing full service real estate solutions for the healthcare industry. Prior to founding our company, Mr. Wallace was a co-founder and Executive Vice President of Healthcare Realty Trust (NYSE: HR). Between the initial public offering of HR in 1993 and his departure from HR in 2002, Mr. Wallace was integral in helping to grow HR to over $2 billion in assets. Mr. Barnes has held executive positions with acute care and behavioral hospital companies and directed healthcare lending for AmSouth Bank. Ms. Stach has experience in public healthcare REIT accounting and financial reporting. K - 0 1 m r o F 7 • Growth Oriented Capital Structure. At December 31, 2017, we had $34.0 million outstanding on our revolving credit facility and had $60.0 million outstanding on our term loans under our second amended and restated Credit Agreement (collectively, our "Credit Facility") with a 24.8% debt-to-book capitalization ratio. In the future, in addition to equity and debt issuances, we may also use OP units of our operating partnership as currency to acquire additional properties from owners seeking to defer their potential taxable gain and diversify their holdings. We believe that the borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility, combined with our ability to use OP units as acquisition currency, provides us with significant financial flexibility to make opportunistic investments and fund future growth. • Significant Alignment of Interests. We have structured the compensation of our board and management team to closely align their interests with the interests of our stockholders. The Company's named executive officers have elected to take 100% of their total compensation in restricted stock since the Company's initial public offering, or IPO, in May 2015, subject to an eight-year cliff-vesting period. The Company's board of directors and non-executive management team have collectively elected to take 86%, 79% and 100%, respectively, of their total compensation in restricted stock for 2017, 2016 and 2015, subject to cliff- vesting periods of three to eight years. We believe that paying our board and management team with restricted stock that is subject to long-term cliff-vesting periods effectively aligns the interests of our board and management with those of our stockholders, creating significant incentives to maximize returns for our stockholders. In addition, concurrently with the completion of our IPO in May 2015, Mr. Wallace purchased $2,000,000 in shares of our common stock and certain of our officers and directors purchased an aggregate of $350,000 in shares of our common stock in concurrent private placements in each case at a price per share equal to the price of the shares sold in the IPO. Further, Mr. Wallace has purchased 178,213 shares of our common stock under 10b5-1 plans that he had in place since 2016, which we believe further aligns management's interests with our stockholders. Finally, we have adopted, and each officer and director has met, stock ownership guidelines that require our officers and directors to continuously own an amount of our common stock based on a multiple of such officer's annual base salary or such director's annual retainer, as applicable. Business Objective Our principal business objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns to our stockholders through a combination of (i) sustainable and increasing rental income and cash flow that generates reliable, increasing dividends and (ii) potential long-term appreciation in the value of our properties and common stock. Our primary strategies to achieve our business objective are to invest in, own and proactively manage a diversified portfolio of healthcare properties, which we believe will drive reliable, increasing rental revenue and cash flow. Growth Strategy We intend to continue to grow our portfolio of healthcare properties primarily through acquisitions of healthcare facilities in our target submarkets that provide stable revenue growth and predictable long-term cash flows. We generally focus on individual acquisition opportunities between $5 million and $25 million in off-market or lightly marketed transactions and do not intend to participate in competitive bidding or auctions of properties. We believe that there are abundant opportunities to acquire attractive healthcare properties in our target markets either from third-party owners of existing healthcare facilities or directly with healthcare providers through sale-leaseback transactions. We believe there is significantly less competition from existing REITs and institutional buyers for assets in these target submarkets than for comparable urban assets, thereby increasing the potential for attractive risk-adjusted returns. Furthermore, we may acquire healthcare properties on a non-cash basis in a tax efficient manner through the issuance of OP units as consideration for the transaction. We intend for our investment portfolio to be diversified among healthcare facility type and segments such as medical office buildings, physician clinics, ambulatory surgery centers, behavioral facilities, dialysis clinics, oncology centers, acute care hospitals, assisted living facilities, post-acute care hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and specialty hospitals, as well as being diverse both geographically and with respect to our tenant base. We seek to 8 invest in properties where we can develop strategic alliances with financially-sound healthcare providers that offer need-based healthcare services in our target markets. In connection with our review and consideration of healthcare real estate acquisition opportunities, we generally take into account a variety of considerations, including but not limited to: • whether the property will be leased to a financially-sound healthcare tenant; • • • • • • • • • the historical performance of the market and its future prospects; property location, with an emphasis on proximity to a population base; demand for healthcare related services and facilities; current and future supply of competing properties; occupancy and rental rates in the market; population density and growth potential; anticipated capital expenditures; anticipated future acquisition opportunities; and existing and potential competition from other healthcare real estate owners and tenants. We currently have no intention to invest in companies that provide healthcare services structured to comply with the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007, or RIDEA. We operate so as to maintain our status as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. As a REIT, we are not subject to corporate federal income tax with respect to taxable income distributed to our stockholders. We have also elected one subsidiary to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"), which is subject to federal and state income taxes. Tax Status We have qualified as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes since 2015, the year we began operations, and we expect that we will remain qualified as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the year ending December 31, 2018. Our qualification as a REIT depends upon our ability to meet, on a continuing basis, through actual investment and operating results, various complex requirements under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, relating to, among other things, the sources of our gross income, the composition and values of our assets, our distribution levels and the diversity of ownership of our capital stock. We believe that we are organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code and that our manner of operations will enable us to continue to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes for the year ending December 31, 2018. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income that we distribute currently to our stockholders. Under the Code, REITs are subject to numerous organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that they distribute on an annual basis at least 90% of their REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gains. If we fail to qualify for taxation as a REIT in any taxable year and do not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, our income for that year will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates, and we would be disqualified from taxation as a REIT for the four taxable years following the year during which we ceased to qualify as a REIT. Even if we qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may still be subject to state and local taxes on our income and K - 0 1 m r o F 9 assets and to U.S. federal income and excise taxes on our undistributed income. Additionally, any income earned by Community Healthcare Trust Services, Inc., our TRS, and any other TRSs that we form or acquire in the future will be fully subject to U.S. federal, state and local corporate income tax. See Government Regulation and Legislative Developments below for a discussion of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 (collectively, the “Affordable Care Act”) and Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA"), enacted on December 22, 2017, which reduced the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. Government Regulation Our healthcare tenants and their operators are subject to extensive federal, state and local government legislation and regulation. Federal laws, including but not limited to the Affordable Care Act; laws intended to combat fraud and waste such as the Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, False Claims Act; Medicare and Medicaid laws and regulations; and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 may limit our tenants operational flexibility and compensation arrangements. Many states have analogous laws which may be broader than their federal counterparts, including state licensure laws, privacy rules, and Medicaid requirements. Compliance with these regulatory requirements can increase operating costs and, thereby, adversely affect the financial viability of our tenants’ businesses. Our tenants’ failure to comply with these laws and regulations could adversely affect their ability to successfully operate our properties, which could negatively impact their ability to satisfy their contractual obligations to us. As a landlord, we intend for all of our business activities and operations to conform in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations, including healthcare laws and regulations. Our leases require the tenants and operators to comply with all applicable laws, including healthcare laws. However, we do not have any ability to audit nor do we independently verify such information. These laws subject tenant healthcare facilities and practices to requirements related to reimbursement, licensing and certification policies, ownership of facilities, addition or expansion of facilities and services, pricing and billing for services, compliance obligations (including those governing the security, use and disclosure of confidential patient information) and fraud and abuse laws. These laws and regulations are wide-ranging and complex, may vary or overlap from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, and are subject frequently to change. Healthcare facilities may also be affected by changes in accreditation standards or in the procedures of the accrediting agencies that are recognized by governments in the certification process. In addition, expansion (including the addition of new beds or services or the acquisition of medical equipment) and occasionally the discontinuation of services of healthcare facilities may be subject to state regulatory approval through certificate of need programs. This may impact the ability of our tenants to expand their businesses. Different tenants may be more or less subject to certain types of regulation, some of which are specific to the type of facility or provider. We cannot predict the degree to which these changes, or changes to the federal healthcare programs in general, may affect the economic performance of some or all of our tenants, positively or negatively. We expect healthcare providers to continue to adjust to new operating and reimbursement challenges, as they have in the past, by increasing operating efficiency and modifying their strategies to profitably grow operations. There are various state and federal laws that may apply to investors including U.S. federal and state anti-kickback and fee-splitting statutes, which limit physician referrals to entities in which the physician has a financial relationship. States vary in the types of entities, if any, that their laws cover. Investment interests in those facilities may, in certain instances, prohibit referrals to the entity by physician investors. Physician investors may also face disciplinary action from licensure boards for referrals to entities in which the physician has an investment interest. Some states require disclosure of the financial relationship before referral by any physician investors, while others prohibit referrals entirely. These state laws and regulations may be broader than their federal counterparts and are the subject of state enforcement. Many state laws contain exemptions for investments in publicly traded companies provided certain requirements are met. These exemption requirements may include listing on a national stock exchange or maintaining a minimum asset value. Meeting some of these requirements may be dependent on market forces or otherwise outside our control. Changes in laws and regulations, reimbursement enforcement activity and regulatory non-compliance by our tenants and operators can all have a significant effect on their operations and financial condition, which in turn may 10 adversely impact us, as detailed below and set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” under the caption “The healthcare industry is heavily regulated and new laws or regulations, changes to existing laws or regulations, changes to reimbursement models or structure, loss of licensure or failure to obtain licensure could adversely impact our company and result in the inability of our tenants to make rent payments to us.” We highlight below several of the more complex laws; however this is an overview, as the complexities of the laws impacting tenants are varied and extensive. The Affordable Care Act has continued to change how healthcare services are covered, delivered and reimbursed. The Affordable Care Act includes payment reform provisions intended to drive Medicare towards more value-based purchasing which, in turn, increases accountability for healthcare providers for the quality and costs of the healthcare services they provide. While more individuals now carry healthcare coverage as a result of the Affordable Care Act, the full effects of the changes to reimbursement models for both public and commercial coverage continue to evolve. Each kind of healthcare provider tenant has a different and complex set of laws related to reimbursement and reimbursement models, which may affect the tenant’s ability to collect revenues and meet the terms of their leases. Such varying reimbursement models and laws impact each kind of provider as well as the healthcare system as a whole. For example, for physicians, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services sets an annual Medicare Sustainable Growth Rate and updates a related physician fee schedule to control spending by Medicare on physician services. The implementation of this physician fee schedule can be suspended or adjusted by Congress, as has been done regularly in the past. In addition, for ambulatory service centers, the Affordable Care Act introduced provisions that reduce the annual inflation update for payment rates by a “productivity adjustment,” which may result in a decrease in Medicare payment rates for the same procedures in a given year compared to the prior year. Other changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act could negatively impact reimbursement for any one of the kind of provider tenants as outlined below. The Affordable Care Act also altered reimbursement from private insurers and managed care organizations. Networks continue to readjust, and all providers must ensure adequate market share in their respective areas to remain in the network created by many of the managed care organizations. Under the Affordable Care Act prior to the Trump Administration, individuals were required to obtain coverage or pay a penalty resulting in millions of more Americans obtaining coverage, usually through the healthcare exchanges (called the Marketplace) established to provide coverage in each state. The Trump Administration and Congress have removed this mandate beginning in 2019, and it is not known what effect the mandate's elimination will have on coverage rates. It is unclear at this time how the Marketplace coverage will impact each state and locale, or how that will differ with the elimination of the mandate. The Trump Administration has suggested that it plans to seek to repeal all or portions of the Affordable Care Act and replace the current legislation with new legislation. There is continued uncertainty with respect to the impact the Trump Administration may have, and it could impact coverage and reimbursement for healthcare items and services covered by plans that were authorized by the Affordable Care Act. However, we cannot predict the ultimate content, timing or effect of any healthcare reform legislation or the impact of potential legislation on us and/or our tenants. Section 603 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 lowered Medicare rates, effective January 1, 2017, for services provided in off-campus, provider-based outpatient departments, to the same level of rates for physician-office settings. Section 603 does not apply to facilities that billed at the lower Medicare rates on or before November 2, 2015 (the "grandfather clause") or that had a binding written agreement in place for the construction of the off- campus site before November 2, 2015 (the "mid-build exemption"). Section 603 reflects movement by the Congress and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services toward “site-neutral" reimbursement” where Medicare rates across different facility-type settings are equalized. While changes such as Section 603 are expected to lower overall Medicare spending, our medical office buildings located on hospital campuses could become more valuable as hospital tenants keep their higher Medicare rates for on-campus outpatient services. However, we cannot predict the amount of benefit from these measures or if current and future federal budget negotiations will ultimately require similar site neutral changes in Medicare reimbursement rates for services provided in other facility-type settings. K - 0 1 m r o F 11 Legislative Developments Each year, legislative proposals for health policy are introduced in Congress and state legislatures, and regulatory changes are enacted by government agencies. These proposals, individually or in the aggregate, could significantly change the delivery of healthcare services, either nationally or at the state level, if implemented. Examples of significant legislation currently under consideration, recently enacted or in the process of implementation, include: • • • • • • • • the Affordable Care Act and proposed amendments and repeal measures and related actions at the federal and state level; the repeal of a portion of the Affordable Care Act (effective in 2019) for the mandate that all individual's purchase health insurance or pay a tax penalty; quality control, cost containment, and payment system reforms for Medicaid, Medicare and other public funding, such as expansion of pay-for-performance criteria and value-based purchasing programs, bundled provider payments, accountable care organizations, increased patient cost-sharing, geographic payment variations, comparative effectiveness research, and lower payments for hospital readmissions; implementation of health insurance exchanges and regulations governing their operation, whether run by the state or by the federal government, whereby individuals and small businesses purchase health insurance, including government-funded plans, many assisted by federal subsidies that are under ongoing legal challenges; equalization of Medicare payment rates across different facility-type settings (i.e.; the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, Section 603, lowered Medicare payment rates, effective January 1, 2017, for services provided in off-campus, provider-based outpatient departments to the same level of rates for physician-office settings for those facilities not grandfathered-in under the current Medicare rates as of the law’s date of enactment, November 2, 2015); the continued adoption by providers of federal standards for, and the associated audits of, the meaningful- use of electronic health records and the transition to ICD-10 coding; a continuing trend of provider consolidation and associated anti-trust scrutiny; and tax law changes affecting non-profit providers, including the 2017 act's effect on charitable contributions. Environmental Matters As an owner of real estate, we are subject to various federal, state and local environmental laws, regulations and ordinances and also could be liable to third parties as a result of environmental contamination or noncompliance at our properties even if we no longer own such properties. See the discussion under Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” under the caption “Environmental compliance costs and liabilities associated with owning and leasing our properties may affect our results of operations.” Competition We compete with many other entities engaged in real estate investment activities for acquisitions of healthcare properties, including national, regional and local operators, acquirers and developers of healthcare-related real estate properties. The competition for healthcare-related real estate properties may significantly increase the price that we must pay for healthcare properties or other assets that we seek to acquire, and our competitors may succeed in acquiring those properties or assets themselves. In addition, our potential acquisition targets may find our competitors to be more attractive because they may have greater resources, may be willing to pay more for the properties or may have a more compatible operating philosophy. In particular, larger REITs that target healthcare properties may enjoy significant competitive advantages that result from, among other things, a lower cost of capital, 12 enhanced operating efficiencies, more personnel and market penetration and familiarity with markets. In addition, the number of entities and the amount of funds competing for suitable investment properties may increase. Increased competition would result in increased demand for the same assets and therefore increase prices paid for them. Those higher prices for healthcare properties or other assets may adversely affect our returns from our investments. Insurance We carry comprehensive liability insurance and property insurance covering our properties. In addition, tenants under long-term single-tenant net leases are required to carry property insurance covering our interest in the buildings. Employees At December 31, 2017, we employed 16 people. The employees are not members of any labor union, and we consider our relations with our employees to be excellent. Seasonality Our business has not been, and we do not expect it to become subject to, material seasonal fluctuations. Available Information The Company makes available to the public free of charge through its internet website the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement, Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as soon as reasonably practicable after the Company electronically files such reports with, or furnishes such reports to, the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). The Company’s internet website address is www.chct.reit. The public may read and copy any materials that the Company files with the SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room located at 100 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20549. The public may obtain information on the operation of the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains electronic versions of the Company’s reports on its website at www.sec.gov. Corporate Governance Guidelines The Company has adopted Corporate Governance Guidelines relating to the conduct and operations of the Board of Directors. The Corporate Governance Guidelines are posted on the Company’s website (www.chct.reit) and are available in print to any stockholder who requests a copy. Committee Charters The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Corporate Governance Committee. The Board of Directors has adopted written charters for each committee which are posted on the Company’s website (www.chct.reit) and are available in print to any stockholder who requests a copy. K - 0 1 m r o F Executive Officers Information regarding the executive officers of the Company is set forth in Part III, Item 10 of this report and is incorporated herein by reference. 13 ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS Risks Related to Our Business We are recently formed and have a very limited operating history; therefore there is no assurance that we will be able to successfully operate our business as a publicly traded company or generate sufficient cash flows to make or sustain distributions to our stockholders. We commenced operations on May 27, 2015 and have a very limited operating history. We are subject to all of the business risks and uncertainties associated with any new business, including the risk that we will not achieve our investment objectives as described in this report and that the value of your investment could decline substantially. Our financial condition and results of operations will depend on many factors, including the availability of acquisition opportunities, readily accessible short- and long-term financing, conditions in the financial markets and economic conditions generally. There can be no assurance that we will be able to generate sufficient cash flow over time to pay our operating expenses and make distributions to stockholders. If we fail to successfully operate our business, implement our investment strategy or generate sufficient revenue to make or sustain distributions to stockholders, the value of your investment could decline significantly or you could lose all or a portion of your investment. Our real estate investments are concentrated in healthcare properties, making us more vulnerable economically than if our investments were diversified in other segments of the economy. We acquire, own, manage, operate and selectively develop properties for lease primarily to physicians and healthcare delivery systems. We are subject to risks inherent in concentrating investments in real estate, and the risks resulting from a lack of diversification is even greater as a result of our business strategy to concentrate our investments in the healthcare sector. Any adverse effects that result from these risks could be more pronounced than if we diversified our investments outside of healthcare properties. Given our concentration in this sector, our tenant base is especially concentrated and dependent upon the healthcare industry generally, and any industry downturn could adversely affect the ability of our tenants to make lease payments and our ability to maintain current rental and occupancy rates. Our tenant mix could become even more concentrated if a significant portion of our tenants practice in a particular medical field or are reliant upon a particular healthcare delivery system. Accordingly, a downturn in the healthcare industry generally, or in the healthcare related facility specifically, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our shareholders and the market price of our common shares. We may be unable to source off-market or lightly marketed deal flow in the future, which may have a material adverse effect on our growth. A key component of our investment strategy is to acquire additional healthcare properties in off-market or lightly marketed transactions, relying on our officers’ relationships with healthcare providers and real estate brokers. We seek to acquire properties before they are widely marketed by real estate brokers. As we expect to compete with many national, regional and local acquirers of healthcare properties, properties that are acquired in off-market or lightly marketed transactions are typically more attractive to us as a purchaser because of the absence of a formal sales process, which could lead to higher prices. In the formal sales process, our potential acquisition targets may find our competitors to be more attractive because they may have greater resources, may be willing to pay more for the properties or may have a more compatible operating philosophy. In particular, larger REITs, including publicly traded and privately held REITs, private equity investors or institutions investment funds who are targeting healthcare properties may enjoy significant competitive advantages that result from, among other things, a lower cost of capital, enhanced operating efficiencies, more risk tolerance, more personnel and market penetration and familiarity with markets. As such, if we do not have access to off-market or lightly marketed deal flow in the future, our ability to locate and acquire additional properties in our target submarkets at attractive prices could be materially and adversely affected, which could materially impede our growth, and, as a result, adversely affect our operating results. 14 Our business could be harmed if key personnel terminate their employment with us or if we are unsuccessful in integrating new personnel into our operations. Our success depends, to a significant extent, on the continued services of Mr. Timothy G. Wallace, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, Mr. W. Page Barnes, our Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Ms. Leigh Ann Stach, our Vice President of Financial Reporting and Chief Accounting Officer. Each executive officer has significant experience in the healthcare and/or real estate industry and have all developed significant relationships with various healthcare providers and real estate brokers throughout the United States. Our ability to continue to acquire and develop healthcare properties in off market or lightly marketed transactions depends upon the significant relationships that our senior management team has developed over many years. Although we have entered into employment agreements with Messrs. Wallace and Barnes and Ms. Stach, we cannot provide any assurance that any of them will remain employed by us. Our ability to retain our executive officers, or to attract suitable replacements should any member of the senior management team leave, is dependent on the competitive nature of the employment market. The loss of services of, or the failure to successfully integrate one or more new members of, our senior management team could adversely affect our business and our prospects. We may be unable to complete any pending acquisitions, which would adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and could have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, earnings and cash flow. We cannot assure you that we will complete any pending acquisitions on the terms described in this report or other reports the Company may file or furnish in future SEC filings, because these transactions are subject to a variety of conditions, including, in the case of properties under contract, the execution of a mutually agreed-upon lease between us and the proposed tenant, our satisfactory completion of due diligence and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions. These transactions, whether or not successful, require substantial time and attention from management. Furthermore, the pending acquisitions require significant expense, including expenses for due diligence, legal and accounting fees and other costs. If we are unable to complete the acquisitions of any potential acquisitions, we would still incur the costs associated with pursuing those investments, but would not generate the revenues and net operating income that we currently anticipate, which would adversely affect our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and the market price of our common shares. We may be unable to successfully acquire properties and expand our operations into new or existing target submarkets. A component of our strategy is to pursue acquisitions of properties in new and existing target submarkets. These acquisitions could divert our officers’ attention from other pending and/or potential acquisitions, and we may be unable to retain key employees or attract highly qualified new employees in those markets. In addition, we may not possess familiarity with the dynamics and prevailing conditions of any new target submarkets, which could adversely affect our ability to successfully expand into or operate within those markets. For example, new target submarkets may have different insurance practices, reimbursement rates and local real estate zoning regulations than those with which we are familiar. We may find ourselves more dependent on third parties in new target submarkets because our physical distance could hinder our ability to directly and efficiently manage and otherwise monitor new properties in new target submarkets. In addition, our expansion into new target submarkets could result in unexpected costs or delays as well as lower occupancy rates and other adverse consequences. We may not be successful in identifying suitable properties or other assets that meet our acquisition criteria or in consummating acquisitions on satisfactory terms or at all for a number of reasons, including, among other things, significant competition from other prospective purchasers in new target submarkets, unsatisfactory results of our due diligence investigations, failure to obtain financing for the acquisition on favorable terms or at all, and our misjudgment of the value of the opportunities. We may also be unable to successfully integrate the operations of acquired properties, maintain consistent standards, controls, policies and procedures, or realize the anticipated benefits of the acquisitions within the anticipated timeframe or at all. If we are unsuccessful in expanding into new or our existing target K - 0 1 m r o F 15 submarkets, it could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. The bankruptcy, insolvency or weakened financial position of our tenants, and particularly our largest tenants, could materially and adversely affect our operating results and financial condition. We receive substantially all of our revenue from rent payments from tenants under leases of space in our healthcare properties. We have no control over the success or failure of our tenants’ businesses and, at any time, any of our tenants may experience a downturn in its business that may weaken its financial condition. Additionally, private or governmental payers may lower the reimbursement rates paid to our tenants for their healthcare services. For example, the Affordable Care Act provides for significant reductions to Medicare and Medicaid payments. As a result, our tenants may delay lease commencement or renewal, fail to make rent payments when due or declare bankruptcy. Any leasing delays, tenant failures to make rent payments when due or tenant bankruptcies could result in the termination of the tenant’s lease and, particularly in the case of a large tenant, or a significant number of tenants, may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. In addition, to the extent a tenant vacates specialized space in one of our properties (such as imaging space, ambulatory surgical space, or inpatient hospital space), re-leasing the vacated space could be more difficult than re-leasing less specialized office space, as there are fewer users for such specialized healthcare space in a typical market than for more traditional office space. Any bankruptcy filings by or relating to one of our tenants could bar all efforts by us to collect pre-bankruptcy debts from that tenant or seize its property, unless we receive an order permitting us to do so from a bankruptcy court, which we may be unable to obtain. A tenant bankruptcy could also delay our efforts to collect past due balances under the relevant leases and could ultimately preclude full collection of these sums. Furthermore, if a tenant rejects the lease while in bankruptcy, we would have only a general unsecured claim for pre-petition damages. Any unsecured claim that we hold may be paid only to the extent that funds are available and only in the same percentage as is paid to all other holders of unsecured claims. It is possible that we may recover substantially less than the full value of any unsecured claims that we hold, if any, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Furthermore, dealing with a tenant bankruptcy or other default may divert management’s attention and cause us to incur substantial legal and other costs, which could adversely affect our ability to execute our business strategies, financial condition, and results of operations, as well as our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements regarding the bankruptcy filed by one of the Company's borrowers. We may have difficulty finding suitable replacement tenants in the event of a tenant default or non-renewal of our leases, especially for our properties located in smaller markets. We cannot predict whether our tenants will renew existing leases beyond their current terms. We currently have 31 leases scheduled to expire in 2018 and 32 leases scheduled to expire in 2019, which represent 9.1% and 10.7% of our total annualized lease revenue, respectively, as of December 31, 2017. If any of our leases are not renewed, or are terminated prior to the contractual expiration date, we would attempt to lease those properties to another tenant at then-current market rates. However, following expiration of a lease term or if we exercise our right to replace a tenant in default, rental payments on the related properties could decline or cease altogether while we reposition the properties with a suitable replacement tenant. As such, we may be required to fund certain expenses and obligations (e.g., real estate taxes, debt costs and maintenance expenses) to preserve the value of, and avoid the imposition of liens on, our properties while they are being repositioned. Furthermore, our ability to reposition our properties with a suitable tenant could be significantly delayed or limited by state licensing, receivership, certificate of need, or CON, or other laws, as well as by the Medicare and Medicaid change-of-ownership rules. We could also incur substantial additional expenses in connection with any licensing, receivership or change-of-ownership proceedings. In addition, our ability to locate suitable replacement tenants could be impaired by the specialized healthcare uses or contractual restrictions on use of the properties, and we may be required to spend substantial amounts to adapt the properties to other uses. Any such delays, limitations and expenses could adversely impact our ability to collect rent, obtain 16 possession of leased properties or otherwise exercise remedies for tenant default and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. All of these risks may be greater in the target submarkets on which we focus, where there may be fewer potential replacement tenants, making it more difficult to replace tenants, especially for specialized space, like hospital or outpatient treatment facilities located in our properties, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Adverse economic or other conditions in the geographic markets in which we conduct business could negatively affect our occupancy levels and rental rates and have a material adverse effect on our operating results. Our operating results depend upon our ability to maintain and improve the anticipated occupancy levels and rental rates at our properties. Adverse economic or other conditions in the geographic markets in which we operate, including periods of economic slowdown or recession, industry slowdowns, periods of deflation, relocation of businesses, changing demographics, water pollution, earthquakes and other natural disasters, fires, terrorist acts, civil disturbances or acts of war and other man-made disasters which may result in uninsured or underinsured losses, and changes in tax, real estate, zoning and other laws and regulations, may lower our occupancy levels and limit our ability to increase rents or require us to offer rental concessions. The failure of our properties to generate revenues sufficient to meet our cash requirements, including operating and other expenses, debt service and capital expenditures, may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. A large percentage of our properties are located in Illinois, Ohio, and Florida, and changes in these markets may materially adversely affect us. Of our investments in 86 properties, the properties located in Illinois, Ohio, and Florida provide, in the aggregate, approximately 36.5% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017. As a result of this geographic concentration, we are particularly exposed to downturns in the economies of those states or other changes in such states’ respective real estate market conditions. Any material change in the current payment programs or regulatory, economic, environmental or competitive conditions in these states could have a disproportionate effect on our overall business results. In the event of negative economic or other changes in these markets, our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock may be materially and adversely affected. We will rely upon external sources of capital to fund future capital needs, and, if we encounter difficulty in obtaining such capital, we may not be able to make future acquisitions necessary to grow our business or meet maturing obligations. In order to maintain our status as a REIT under the Code, we are required, among other things, to distribute each year to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains. In addition, we are subject to income tax at regular corporate rates to the extent we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income, including any net capital gains. Because of this distribution requirement, we will not likely be able to fund all of our future capital needs from cash retained from operations, including capital needed to make investments and to satisfy or refinance maturing obligations. As a result, we expect to rely upon external sources of capital, including debt and equity financing, to fund future capital needs. If we are unable to obtain needed capital on satisfactory terms or at all, we may not be able to make the investments needed to expand our business or to meet our obligations and commitments as they mature. Our access to capital will depend upon a number of factors over which we have little or no control, including general market conditions, the market’s perception of our current and potential future earnings and cash distributions and the market price of our common stock. We may not be in a position to take advantage of attractive acquisition opportunities for growth if we are unable to access the capital markets on a timely basis on favorable terms. K - 0 1 m r o F 17 We may not be able to control our expenses or our expenses may remain constant or increase, even if our revenue does not increase, which could cause our results of operations to be adversely affected. There are factors beyond our control that may adversely affect our ability to control our expenses. Certain costs associated with real estate investments (e.g., real estate taxes, debt costs and maintenance expenses) required to preserve the value of the property may not be reduced even if a healthcare related facility is not occupied or other circumstances cause our revenues to decrease. If our expenses increase as a result of any of the foregoing factors, our results of operations may be adversely affected. Our ability to issue equity to expand our business will depend, in part, upon the market price of our common stock, and our failure to meet market expectations with respect to our business could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and thereby limit our ability to raise capital. The availability of equity capital to us will depend, in part, upon the market price of our common stock, which, in turn, will depend upon various market conditions and other factors that may change from time to time, including: • • • • • the extent of investor interest in our Company and our assets; our ability to satisfy the distribution requirements applicable to REITs; the general reputation of REITs and the attractiveness of their equity securities in comparison to other equity securities, including securities issued by other real estate-based companies; our financial performance and that of our tenants; analyst reports about us and the REIT industry; • macroeconomic conditions generally and conditions affecting the healthcare and real estate industry in particular; • • general stock and bond market conditions, including changes in interest rates on fixed income securities, which may lead prospective purchasers of our common stock to demand a higher annual yield from future distributions; a failure to maintain or increase our dividend which is dependent, in large part, upon funds from operations, or FFO, which, in turn, depends upon increased revenue from additional acquisitions and rental increases; and • other factors such as governmental regulatory action and changes in REIT tax laws. Our failure to meet the market’s expectations with regard to future earnings and cash distributions could materially and adversely affect the market price of our common stock and, as a result, the cost and availability of equity capital to us. We have now, and may have in the future, exposure to contingent rent escalators, which can hinder our growth and profitability. We receive a significant portion of our revenues by acquiring and leasing our assets under long-term net leases in which the rental rate is generally fixed with annual fixed rate rental rate escalations or rental rate escalators based upon changes in the Consumer Price Index, or CPI. Properties which we acquire in the future may contain CPI escalators or escalators that are contingent upon our tenant’s achievement of specified revenue parameters. If, as a result of weak economic conditions or other factors, the revenues generated by our net leased properties do not meet the specified parameters or CPI does not increase, our growth and profitability will be hindered by these leases. 18 Our investments in development projects may not yield anticipated returns which could directly affect our operating results and reduce the amount of funds available for distributions. A component of our growth strategy is exploring development opportunities, some of which may arise through strategic joint ventures. In deciding whether to make an investment in a particular development, we make certain assumptions regarding the expected future performance of that property. To the extent that we consummate development opportunities, our investment in these projects will be subject to the following risks: • we may be unable to obtain financing for development projects on favorable terms or at all; • we may not complete development projects on schedule or within budgeted amounts; • we may encounter delays in obtaining or fail to obtain all necessary zoning, land use, building, occupancy, environmental and other governmental permits and authorizations, or underestimate the costs necessary to develop the property to market standards; • • • development or construction delays may provide tenants the right to terminate preconstruction leases or cause us to incur additional costs; volatility in the price of construction materials or labor may increase our development costs; hospitals or health systems may maintain significant decision-making authority with respect to the development schedule; • we may incorrectly forecast risks associated with development in new geographic regions; • • • tenants may not lease space at the quantity or rental rate levels projected; demand for our development project may decrease prior to completion, including due to competition from other developments; and lease rates and rents at newly developed properties may fluctuate based on factors beyond our control, including market and economic conditions. If our investments in development projects do not yield anticipated returns for any reason, including those set forth above, our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our shareholders and the market price of our common shares may be adversely affected. Mortgage notes in which we have invested or may invest may be impacted by unfavorable real estate market conditions, which could decrease their value. If we acquire an investment in a mortgage note, such investment will involve special risks relating to the particular borrower, and we will be at risk of loss on that investment, including losses as a result of a default on the mortgage note. For example, on June 23, 2017, the borrower under our only outstanding mortgage note filed for bankruptcy in the state of Louisiana. The principal balance on this mortgage note was approximately $10.6 million as of June 30, 2017 and there can be no assurance that we will recover the full value of this mortgage note. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more detail on the bankruptcy. These losses may be caused by many conditions beyond our control, including economic conditions affecting real estate values, tenant defaults and lease expirations, interest rate levels, adverse rulings of bankruptcy courts, and the other economic and liability risks associated with real estate. We do not know whether the values of the property securing any of our real estate related investments will remain at the levels existing on the dates we initially make the related investment. If the values of the underlying properties drop, our risk will increase and the values of our interests may decrease. K - 0 1 m r o F 19 Delays in liquidating defaulted mortgage note investments could reduce our investment returns. Delays in liquidating defaulted mortgage note investments could reduce our investment returns. If there are defaults under our mortgage note investments, we may not be able to foreclose on or obtain a suitable remedy with respect to such investments. Specifically, we may not be able to repossess and sell the underlying properties quickly, which could reduce the value of our investment. For example, an action to foreclose on a property securing a mortgage note is regulated by state statutes and rules and is subject to many of the delays and expenses of lawsuits if the defendant raises defenses or counterclaims. Additionally, in the event of default by a mortgagor, these restrictions, among other things, may impede our ability to foreclose on or sell the mortgaged property or to obtain proceeds sufficient to repay all amounts due to us on the mortgage note. Cybersecurity incidents could disrupt our business and result in the compromise of confidential information. Our business is at risk from and may be impacted by information security incidents, including attempts to gain unauthorized access to our confidential data, ransomware, malware, and other electronic security events. Such incidents can range from individual attempts to gain unauthorized access to our information technology systems to more sophisticated security threats. They can also result from internal compromises, such as human error or malicious acts. While we employ a number of measures to prevent, detect and mitigate these threats, there is no guarantee such efforts will be successful in preventing a cyber event. Cybersecurity incidents could disrupt our business and compromise confidential information of ours and third parties, including our tenants. Risks Related to the Healthcare Industry The healthcare industry is heavily regulated and new laws or regulations, changes to existing laws or regulations, changes to reimbursement models or structure, loss of licensure or failure to obtain licensure could adversely impact our company and result in the inability of our tenants to make rent payments to us. The healthcare industry is heavily regulated by U.S. federal, state and local governmental authorities. Our tenants generally will be subject to laws and regulations covering, among other things, licensure, certification for participation in government programs, billing for services, breaches of privacy and security of health information and relationships with physicians and other referral sources. In addition, new laws and regulations, changes in existing laws and regulations or changes in the interpretation of such laws or regulations could negatively affect our financial condition and the financial condition of our tenants. These changes, in some cases, could apply retroactively. The enactment, timing or effect of legislative or regulatory changes cannot be predicted. The Affordable Care Act's passage changed how healthcare services are covered, delivered and reimbursed through expanded coverage of uninsured individuals and reduced Medicare program spending. The law reformed certain aspects of health insurance, expanded existing efforts to tie Medicare and Medicaid payments to performance and quality and contained provisions intended to strengthen fraud and abuse enforcement. In addition, the law now requires skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities to implement a compliance and ethics program for all employees and agents. The complexities and ramifications of the Affordable Care Act continue to unfold within our industry. Our revenues and financial condition, and those of our tenants, could be impacted by the current law’s complexity, lack of implementing regulations or interpretive guidance, gradual implementation and possible additional changes to the law. Further, we are unable to foresee how individuals and businesses will respond to the uncertain landscape or that landscape's effect on the reimbursement rates received by our tenants, the financial success of our tenants and strategic partners, and consequently the effect on us. The Trump Administration has suggested that it plans to seek to repeal all or portions of the Affordable Care Act and replace the current legislation with new legislation. While the Administration's efforts in 2017 were largely unsuccessful, there is continued uncertainty with respect to the impact the Trump Administration may have, and it could impact coverage and reimbursement for healthcare items and services covered by plans that were authorized by the Affordable Care Act. However, we cannot predict the ultimate content, timing or effect of any further healthcare reform legislation or the impact of potential legislation on us. We expect that additional state and federal healthcare reform measures will be adopted in the future, any of which could limit the amounts that federal and state 20 governments will pay for healthcare products and services, which could result in reduced demand for medical products once approved or additional pricing pressures, and may adversely affect our operating results. Many states also regulate the construction of healthcare facilities, the expansion of healthcare facilities, the construction or expansion of certain services, including by way of example specific bed types and medical equipment, as well as certain capital expenditures through CON laws. Under such laws, the applicable state regulatory body must determine a need exists for a project before the project can be undertaken. If one of our tenants seeks to undertake a CON-regulated project, but is not authorized by the applicable regulatory body to proceed with the project, the tenant would be prevented from operating in its intended manner. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could adversely affect us directly and our tenants’ ability to make rent payments to us which may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Adverse trends in healthcare provider operations may negatively affect our lease revenues and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. The healthcare industry is currently experiencing, among other things: • • • • changes in the demand for and methods of delivering healthcare services; changes in third party reimbursement methods and policies; increased attention to compliance with regulations designed to safeguard protected health information and cyber-attacks on entities; consolidation and pressure to integrate within the healthcare industry through acquisitions and joint ventures; and • increased scrutiny of billing, referral and other practices by U.S. federal and state authorities. These factors may adversely affect the economic performance of some or all of our tenants and, in turn, our lease revenues, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Reductions in reimbursement from third-party payers, including Medicare and Medicaid, could adversely affect the profitability of our tenants and hinder their ability to make rent payments to us or renew their lease. Sources of revenue for our tenants typically include Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance payers and health maintenance organizations. Healthcare providers continue to face increased government and private payer pressure to control or reduce healthcare costs and significant reductions in healthcare reimbursement, including reduced reimbursements and changes to payment methodologies under the Affordable Care Act. In some cases, private insurers rely upon all or portions of the Medicare payment systems to determine payment rates which may result in decreased reimbursement from private insurers. The Affordable Care Act will likely increase enrollment in plans offered by private insurers who choose to participate in state-run exchanges, but the Affordable Care Act also imposes new requirements for the health insurance industry, including prohibitions upon excluding individuals based upon pre-existing conditions which may increase private insurer costs and, thereby, cause private insurers to reduce their payment rates to providers. K - 0 1 m r o F Efforts by payers to reduce healthcare costs will likely continue which may result in reductions or slower growth in reimbursement for certain services provided by some of our tenants. A reduction in reimbursements to our tenants from third-party payers for any reason could adversely affect our tenants’ ability to make rent payments to us which may have a material adverse effect on our businesses, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. 21 Our tenants and our Company are subject to fraud and abuse laws, the violation of which by a tenant may jeopardize the tenant’s ability to make rent payments to us. There are various federal and state laws prohibiting fraudulent and abusive business practices by healthcare providers who participate in, receive payments from or are in a position to make referrals in connection with government-sponsored healthcare programs, including the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Our lease arrangements with certain tenants may also be subject to these fraud and abuse laws. These laws include without limitation: • • • • • the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, which prohibits, among other things, the offer, payment, solicitation or receipt of any form of remuneration in return for, or to induce, the referral of any federal or state healthcare program patients; the Stark Law, which, subject to specific exceptions, restricts physicians who have financial relationships with healthcare providers from making referrals for designated health services for which payment may be made under Medicare or Medicaid programs to an entity with which the physician, or an immediate family member, has a financial relationship; the federal False Claims Act, which prohibits any person from knowingly presenting false or fraudulent claims for payment to the federal government, including under the Medicare and Medicaid programs; the federal Civil Monetary Penalties Law, which authorizes HHS to impose monetary penalties for certain fraudulent acts; and state anti-kickback, anti-inducement, anti-referral and insurance fraud laws which may be generally similar to, and potentially more expansive than, the federal laws set forth above. Other laws that impact how our tenants conduct their operations include: state and local licensure laws; laws protecting consumers against deceptive practices; laws generally affecting our tenants’ management of property and equipment and how our tenants generally conduct their operations, such as fire, health and safety and environmental laws (including medical waste disposal); federal and state laws affecting assisted living facilities mandating quality of services and care, mandatory reporting requirements regarding the quality of care and quality of food service; resident rights (including abuse and neglect laws); and health standards set by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Violations of these laws may result in criminal and/or civil penalties that range from punitive sanctions, damage assessments, penalties, imprisonment, denial of Medicare and Medicaid payments and/or exclusion from the Medicare and Medicaid programs. In addition, the Affordable Care Act clarifies that the submission of claims for items or services generated in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute constitutes a false or fraudulent claim under the False Claims Act. The federal government has taken the position, and some courts have held that violations of other laws, such as the Stark Law, can also be a violation of the False Claims Act. Additionally, certain laws, such as the False Claims Act, allow for individuals to bring whistleblower actions on behalf of the government for violations thereof. Imposition of any of these penalties upon one of our tenants or strategic partners could jeopardize that tenant’s ability to operate or to make rent payments or affect the level of occupancy in our healthcare properties, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Further, we enter into leases and other financial relationships with healthcare delivery systems that are subject to or impacted by these laws. 22 Our tenants may be subject to compliance issues and cyber-attack associated with the protection of personal information. Breaches of personal information can result from deliberate attacks or unintentional events. More recently, there has been an increased level of attention focused on cyber-attacks focused on healthcare providers because of the vast amount of personally identifiable information they possess. Most healthcare providers, including all who accept Medicare and Medicaid, must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA, regulations regarding the privacy and security of protected health information. States also maintain laws focused in this area. The HIPAA regulations impose extensive administrative requirements on our tenants with regard to how such protected health information may be used and disclosed. Further, the regulations include extensive and complex regulations which require providers to establish reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of protected health information maintained in electronic format. Providers are obligated under HIPAA and State law to notify individuals and the government if personal information is compromised. In addition to federal regulators, state attorneys’ general are also enforcing information security breaches. Our tenants must safeguard protected health information against reasonably anticipated threats or hazards to the information. HITECH directs the Secretary of HHS to provide for periodic audits to ensure covered entities (and their business associates, as that term is defined under HIPAA) comply with the applicable HIPAA requirements, increasing the likelihood that a HIPAA violation will result in an enforcement action. Violations of these various privacy and security laws can result in significant civil monetary penalties, as well as the potential for criminal penalties. In addition to state data breach notification requirements, HIPAA authorizes state attorneys general to bring civil actions on behalf of affected state residents against entities that violate HIPAA privacy and security regulations. These penalties could be in addition to any penalties assessed by a state for a breach which would be considered reportable under the state’s data breach notification laws. Further there are significant costs associated with a breach including investigation costs, remediation and mitigation costs, notification costs, attorney fees and the potential for reputational harm and lost revenues due to a loss in confidence in the provider. Plaintiff attorneys are increasingly developing class action litigation strategies designed to obtain settlements from healthcare providers. We cannot predict the effect of additional costs on tenants to comply with these laws nor the costs associated with a potential breach of protected health information by a tenant and what effect they might have on the expenses of our tenants and their ability to meet their obligations to us, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Our healthcare-related tenants may be subject to significant legal actions that could subject them to increased operating costs and substantial uninsured liabilities, which may affect their ability to pay their rent payments to us, and we could be subject to healthcare industry violations. As is typical in the healthcare industry, our tenants may often become subject to claims that their services have resulted in patient injury or other adverse effects. Many of these tenants may have experienced an increasing trend in the frequency and severity of professional liability and general liability insurance claims and litigation asserted against them. The insurance coverage maintained by these tenants may not cover all claims made against them nor continue to be available at a reasonable cost, if at all. In some states, insurance coverage for the risk of punitive damages arising from professional liability and general liability claims and/or litigation may not, in certain cases, be available to these tenants due to state law prohibitions or limitations of availability. As a result, these types of tenants of our healthcare properties and healthcare-related facilities operating in these states may be liable for punitive damage awards that are either not covered or are in excess of their insurance policy limits. K - 0 1 m r o F We also believe that there has been, and will continue to be, an increase in governmental investigations of certain healthcare providers, particularly in the areas of Medicare/Medicaid false claims and meaningful-use of electronic health records, as well as an increase in enforcement actions resulting from these investigations. Insurance is not available to cover such losses. Any adverse determination in a legal proceeding or governmental investigation, any settlements of such proceedings or investigations in excess of insurance coverage, whether currently asserted or arising in the future, could have a material adverse effect on a tenant’s financial condition. If a tenant is unable to 23 obtain or maintain insurance coverage, if judgments are obtained or settlements reached in excess of the insurance coverage, if a tenant is required to pay uninsured punitive damages, or if a tenant is subject to an uninsurable government enforcement action or investigation, the tenant could be exposed to substantial additional liabilities, which may affect the tenant’s ability to pay rent, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to pay distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Risks Related to the Real Estate Industry Illiquidity of real estate investments could significantly impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties. Because real estate investments are relatively illiquid, our ability to promptly sell one or more of our properties in response to changing economic, financial and investment conditions is limited. The real estate market is affected by many factors, such as general economic conditions, availability of financing, interest rates and other factors, including supply and demand, that are beyond our control. In the event we decide to sell any of our properties, we cannot predict whether we will be able to sell such properties for the price or on the terms set by us or whether any price or other terms offered by a prospective purchaser would be acceptable to us. We also cannot predict the length of time needed to find a willing purchaser and to close the sale of any of our properties. The fact that we own properties in our target submarkets may lengthen the time required to sell our properties. We may be required to expend funds to correct defects or to make improvements before a property can be sold. We cannot assure you that we will have funds available to correct those defects or to make those improvements. In acquiring a property, we may agree to transfer restrictions that materially restrict us from selling that property for a period of time or impose other restrictions, such as a limitation on the amount of debt that can be placed or repaid on that property. These transfer restrictions would impede our ability to sell a property even if we deem it necessary or appropriate. These facts and any others that would impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, or ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Moreover, the Code imposes restrictions on a REIT’s ability to dispose of properties that are not applicable to other types of real estate companies. In particular, the tax laws applicable to REITs require that we hold our properties for investment, rather than primarily for sale in the ordinary course of business, which may cause us to forego or defer sales of properties that otherwise would be in our best interests. Therefore, we may not be able to vary our portfolio promptly in response to economic or other conditions or on favorable terms, which may adversely affect our cash flows, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Uncertain market conditions could cause us to sell our healthcare properties at a loss in the future. We intend to hold our various real estate investments until such time as we determine that a sale or other disposition appears to be advantageous to achieve our investment objectives. Our senior management team and our board of directors may exercise their discretion as to whether and when to sell one of our healthcare properties, and we will have no obligation to sell our buildings at any particular time. We generally intend to hold our healthcare properties for an extended period of time, and we cannot predict with any certainty the various market conditions affecting real estate investments that will exist at any particular time in the future. Because of the uncertainty of market conditions that may affect the future disposition of our healthcare properties, we may not be able to sell our buildings at a profit in the future or at all. We may incur prepayment penalties in the event that we sell a property subject to a mortgage earlier than we otherwise had planned. Additionally, we could be forced to sell healthcare properties at inopportune times which could result in us selling the affected building at a substantial loss. Accordingly, the extent to which you will receive cash distributions and realize potential appreciation on our real estate investments will, among other things, be dependent upon fluctuating market conditions. Because of the uncertainty of market conditions that may affect the future disposition of our properties, and the potential payment of prepayment penalties upon such disposition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to sell our properties at a profit in the future, which could 24 materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Uninsured losses relating to real property may adversely affect your returns. We evaluate our insurance coverage annually in light of current industry practice through an analysis prepared by outside consultants and attempt to ensure that all of our properties are adequately insured to cover casualty losses. However, there are certain losses, including losses from floods, earthquakes, wildfires, acts of war, acts of terrorism or riots, that are not generally insured against or that are not generally fully insured against because it is not deemed economically feasible or prudent to do so. In addition, changes in the cost or availability of insurance could expose us to uninsured casualty losses. In the event that any of our properties incurs a casualty loss that is not fully covered by insurance, the value of our assets will be reduced by the amount of any such uninsured loss, and we could experience a significant loss of capital invested and potential revenue in these properties and could potentially remain obligated under any recourse debt associated with the property. In addition, we may have no source of funding to repair or reconstruct the damaged property, and we cannot assure you that any such sources of funding will be available to us for such purposes in the future. Furthermore, we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, generally will be liable for all of our operating partnership’s unsatisfied recourse obligations. Any such losses could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions, and the market price of our common stock. Our property taxes could increase due to property tax rate changes or reassessments, which could materially adversely impact our cash flows. Even if we qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes, we will be required to pay some state and local taxes on our properties. The real property taxes on our properties may increase as property tax rates change or as our properties are assessed or reassessed by taxing authorities. The amount of property taxes we pay in the future may increase substantially from what we have paid in the past. If the property taxes we pay increase, our cash flow would be adversely impacted to the extent that we are not reimbursed by tenants for those taxes, and our ability to pay any expected dividends to our stockholders could be materially adversely affected. Our properties may contain or develop harmful mold or suffer from other air quality issues, which could lead to liability for adverse health effects and costs of remediation. When excessive moisture accumulates in buildings or on building materials, mold growth may occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or is not addressed over a period of time. Some molds may produce airborne toxins or irritants. Indoor air quality issues can also stem from inadequate ventilation, chemical contamination from indoor or outdoor sources, and other biological contaminants such as pollen, viruses and bacteria. Indoor exposure to airborne toxins or irritants above certain levels can be alleged to cause a variety of adverse health effects and symptoms, including allergic or other reactions. As a result, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants at any of our properties could require us to undertake a costly remediation program to contain or remove the mold or other airborne contaminants from the affected property or increase indoor ventilation. In addition, the presence of significant mold or other airborne contaminants could expose us to liability from our tenants, employees of our tenants or others if property damage or personal injury is alleged to have occurred. We may incur significant costs complying with various federal, state and local laws, regulations and covenants that are applicable to our properties. K - 0 1 m r o F The properties in our portfolio are subject to various covenants and federal, state and local laws and regulatory requirements, including permitting and licensing requirements. Local regulations, including municipal or local ordinances and zoning restrictions may restrict our use of our properties and may require us to obtain approval from local officials or restrict our use of our properties and may require us to obtain approval from local officials of community standards organizations at any time with respect to our properties, including prior to acquiring a property or when undertaking renovations of any of our properties. Among other things, these restrictions may relate to fire 25 and safety, seismic or hazardous material abatement requirements. There can be no assurance that existing laws and regulatory policies will not adversely affect us or the timing or cost of any future acquisitions or renovations, or that additional regulations will not be adopted that increase such delays or result in additional costs. Our growth strategy may be adversely affected by our ability to obtain permits, licenses and zoning relief. Our failure to obtain such permits, licenses and zoning relief or to comply with applicable laws could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and our ability to pay distributions, and the market price of our common stock. In addition, federal and state laws and regulations, including laws such as the Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, and the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988, or FHAA, impose further restrictions on our properties and operations. Under the ADA and the FHAA, all public accommodations must meet federal requirements related to access and use by disabled persons. Some of our properties may currently be in non-compliance with the ADA or the FHAA. If one or more of our properties is not in compliance with the ADA, the FHAA or any other regulatory requirements, we may be required to incur additional costs to bring the property into compliance, including the removal of access barriers, and we might incur governmental fines or the award of damages to private litigants. In addition, we do not know whether existing requirements will change or whether future requirements will require us to make significant unanticipated expenditures that will adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and our ability to pay distributions, and the market price of our common stock. Environmental compliance costs and liabilities associated with owning and leasing our properties may affect our results of operations. Under various U.S. federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, current and prior owners and tenants of real estate may be jointly and severally liable for the costs of investigating, remediating and monitoring certain hazardous substances or other regulated materials on or in such property. In addition to these costs, the past or present owner or tenant of a property from which a release emanates could be liable for any personal injury or property damage that results from such release, including for the unauthorized release of asbestos-containing materials and other hazardous substances into the air, as well as any damages to natural resources or the environment that arise from such release. These environmental laws often impose such liability without regard to whether the current or prior owner or tenant knew of, or was responsible for, the presence or release of such substances or materials. Moreover, the release of hazardous substances or materials, or the failure to properly remediate such substances or materials, may adversely affect the owner’s or tenant’s ability to lease, sell, develop or rent such property or to borrow by using such property as collateral. Persons who transport or arrange for the disposal or treatment of hazardous substances or other regulated materials may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of such substances at a disposal or treatment facility, regardless of whether or not such facility is owned or operated by such person. We perform a Phase I environmental site assessment at any property we are considering acquiring. However, Phase I environmental site assessments are limited in scope and do not involve sampling of soil, soil vapor, or groundwater, and these assessments may not include or identify all potential environmental liabilities or risks associated with the property. Even where subsurface investigation is performed, it can be very difficult to ascertain the full extent of environmental contamination or the costs that are likely to flow from such contamination. We cannot assure you that the Phase I environmental site assessment or other environmental studies identified all potential environmental liabilities, or that we will not face significant remediation costs or other environmental contamination that makes it difficult to sell any affected properties. As a result, we could potentially incur material liability for these issues, which could adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions, and the market price of our common stock. Certain environmental laws impose compliance obligations on owners and tenants of real property with respect to the management of hazardous substances and other regulated materials. For example, environmental laws govern the management and removal of asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paint. Failure to comply with these laws can result in penalties or other sanctions. If we incur substantial costs to comply with these environmental laws or we are held liable under these laws, our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected. 26 Some of the properties we acquire in the future may be subject to ground lease or other restrictions on the use of the space. If we are required to undertake significant capital expenditures to procure new tenants, then our business and results of operations may suffer. Properties we acquire in the future may be subject to ground leases that contain certain restrictions. These restrictions could include limits on our ability to re-let these properties to tenants not affiliated with the healthcare provider or other owner that owns the underlying property, rights of purchase and rights of first offer and refusal with respect to sales of the property and limits on the types of medical procedures that may be performed. If we are unable to promptly re-let our properties, if the rates upon such re-letting are significantly lower than expected or if we are required to undertake significant capital expenditures in connection with re-letting, our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock may be adversely affected. Our assets may be subject to impairment charges. We will periodically evaluate our real estate investments and other assets for impairment indicators. The judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based upon factors such as market conditions, tenant performance and legal structure. For example, the termination of a lease by a major tenant may lead to an impairment charge. If we determine that an impairment has occurred, we would be required to make an adjustment to the net carrying value of the asset which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations in the period in which the impairment charge is recorded. Risks Related to our Corporate Structure and the Acquisition of Properties Conflicts of interest could arise in the future between the interests of our stockholders and the interests of holders of OP units, which may impede business decisions that could benefit our stockholders. Conflicts of interest could arise in the future as a result of the relationships between us and our affiliates, on the one hand, and our operating partnership or any limited partner thereof, on the other. Our directors and officers have duties to our company under Maryland law in connection with the management of our company. At the same time, we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, have fiduciary duties and obligations to our operating partnership and its limited partners, if any, under Delaware law and our partnership agreement in connection with the management of our operating partnership. Our fiduciary duties and obligations as the general partner of our operating partnership may come into conflict with the duties of our directors and officers to our company. There are currently no limited partners of our operating partnership other than a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. Under Delaware law, a general partner of a Delaware limited partnership has fiduciary duties of loyalty and care to the partnership and its limited partners and must discharge its duties and exercise its rights as general partner consistent with the obligation of good faith and fair dealing. Our partnership agreement provides that, in the event of a conflict between the interests of our operating partnership or any limited partner, on the one hand, and the company or our stockholders, on the other hand, we, as the general partner of our operating partnership, may give priority to the separate interests of the company or our stockholders (including with respect to tax consequences). Further, any action or failure to act on our part or on the part of our directors that gives priority to the interests of the company or our stockholders and does not result in a violation of our partnership agreement does not violate the duty of loyalty or any other duty that we, in our capacity as the general partner of our operating partnership, owe to our operating partnership and its limited partners or violate the obligation of good faith and fair dealing. K - 0 1 m r o F Additionally, our partnership agreement provides that we generally will not be liable to our operating partnership or any limited partner for any action or omission taken in our capacity as general partner, for the debts or liabilities of our operating partnership or for the obligations of our operating partnership under the partnership agreement, except for liability for our fraud, willful misconduct or gross negligence, pursuant to any express indemnity we may give to our operating partnership or in connection with a redemption. Our operating partnership must indemnify us, our directors and officers, officers of our operating partnership and our designees from and against any and all claims 27 that relate to the operations of our operating partnership, unless (1) an act or omission of the person was material to the matter giving rise to the action and either was committed in bad faith or was the result of active and deliberate dishonesty, (2) the person actually received an improper personal benefit in violation or breach of the partnership agreement or (3) in the case of a criminal proceeding, the indemnified person had reasonable cause to believe that the act or omission was unlawful. Our operating partnership must also pay or reimburse the reasonable expenses of any such person in advance of a final disposition of the proceeding upon its receipt of a written affirmation of the person’s good faith belief that the standard of conduct necessary for indemnification has been met and a written undertaking to repay any amounts paid or advanced if it is ultimately determined that the person did not meet the standard of conduct for indemnification. We qualify as an emerging growth company under the JOBS Act and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make shares of our common stock less attractive to investors. We qualify as an emerging growth company as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. The JOBS Act contains provisions that, among other things, relax certain reporting requirements for emerging growth companies, including certain requirements relating to accounting standards and compensation disclosure. For as long as we are an emerging growth company, which may be up to five full fiscal years, we may take advantage of exemptions from various reporting and other requirements that are applicable to other public companies that are not emerging growth companies, including the requirements to: • • • • • provide an auditor’s attestation report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of our system of internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; comply with any new or revised financial accounting standards applicable to public companies until such standards are also applicable to private companies (we have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption); comply with any new audit rules or requirements adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, or the PCAOB, after April 5, 2012 unless the SEC determines otherwise, including requiring mandatory audit firm rotation or a supplement to the auditor’s report in which the auditor would be required to provide additional information about the audit and our financial statements; provide certain disclosure regarding executive compensation required of larger public companies; or hold stockholder advisory votes on executive compensation. We cannot predict if investors will find our common stock less attractive because we will not be subject to the same reporting and other requirements as other public companies. If some investors find our common stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our common stock and the per share market price of our common stock could decline and may be more volatile. As a result of becoming a public company, after we are no longer an emerging growth company, we will be subject to the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and will be obligated to obtain an audit opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. These internal controls may not be determined to be effective, which may harm investor confidence and, as a result, the trading price of our common stock. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act will require our auditors to deliver an attestation report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in conjunction with their opinion on our audited financial statements after we are no longer an emerging growth company. Substantial work on our part is required to implement appropriate processes, document the system of internal control over key processes, assess their design, remediate any deficiencies identified and test their operation. This process is expected to be both costly and challenging. We cannot give any assurances that material weaknesses will not be identified in the future in connection with our compliance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. The existence of any material weakness would preclude a conclusion by 28 management and our independent auditors that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting. Our management may be required to devote significant time and expense to remediate any material weaknesses that may be discovered and may not be able to remediate any material weakness in a timely manner. The existence of any material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting could also result in errors in our financial statements that could require us to restate our financial statements, cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations and cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, all of which could lead to a decline in the market price of our common stock. We incurred costs as a result of becoming a public company, and such costs may increase if and when we cease to be an emerging growth company. As a public company, we now incur significant legal, accounting, insurance and other expenses, including costs associated with public company reporting requirements. The expenses incurred by public companies for reporting and corporate governance purposes have generally been increasing. We expect compliance with these public reporting requirements and associated rules and regulations to increase expenses, particularly after we are no longer an emerging growth company, although we are currently unable to estimate these costs with any degree of certainty. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, although circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, which could result in our incurring additional costs applicable to public companies that are not emerging growth companies. We may have assumed unknown liabilities in connection with our acquisitions which could result in unexpected liabilities and expenses. As part of our acquisitions, we (through our operating partnership) received certain assets or interests in certain assets subject to existing liabilities, some of which may be unknown to us. Unknown liabilities might include liabilities for cleanup or remediation of undisclosed environmental conditions, claims of tenants, vendors or other persons dealing with the entities prior to this report (including those that had not been asserted or threatened prior to this report), tax liabilities, and accrued but unpaid liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business. Our recourse with respect to such liabilities may be limited. Depending upon the amount or nature of such liabilities, our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our shareholders and the market price of our shares may be adversely affected. Required payments of principal and interest on our credit facility may leave us with insufficient cash to operate our properties or to pay the distributions currently contemplated or necessary to qualify as a REIT and may expose us to the risk of default under our debt obligations. As of December 31, 2017, we had $94.0 million in debt outstanding under our Credit Facility, including our term loans. We do not anticipate that our internally generated cash flow will be adequate to repay our anticipated indebtedness upon maturity and, therefore, we expect to repay indebtedness through refinancings and future offerings of equity and debt securities, either of which we may be unable to secure on favorable terms or at all. Our level of debt and any limitations imposed upon us by our debt agreements could have adverse consequences, including the following: • our cash flow may be insufficient to meet required principal and interest payments; • we may be unable to borrow additional funds as needed or on favorable terms, including to make acquisitions; • we may be unable to refinance indebtedness at maturity or the refinancing terms may be less favorable than the terms of the original indebtedness; • because a portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates, an increase in interest rates could materially increase our interest expense; K - 0 1 m r o F 29 • we may fail to effectively hedge against interest rate volatility; • we may be forced to dispose of properties, possibly on disadvantageous terms if we are able to do so at all, in order to repay indebtedness; • after debt service, the amount available for distributions to our stockholders may be reduced; • we may default on our debt obligations, which could restrict our ability to make any distributions to our stockholders; • • our ability to make distributions to our stockholders could be restricted by our debt agreements; our leverage could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors who have less debt; • we may experience increased vulnerability to economic and industry downturns, reducing our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions; • we may default on our obligations and the lenders may foreclose on properties that secure their loans and receive an assignment of rents and leases; • we may violate financial covenants, which would cause a default on our obligations and result in the acceleration of our payment obligations; • we may inadvertently violate non-financial restrictive covenants in our loan documents, such as covenants that require us to maintain the existence of entities, maintain insurance policies and provide financial statements, which would entitle the lenders to accelerate our debt obligations; and • our default under any loan with cross-default or cross-collateralization provisions could result in default on other indebtedness or result in the foreclosures of other properties. The realization of any or all of these risks may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. We could become highly leveraged in the future because our organizational documents contain no limitations on the amount of debt that we may incur. As of December 31, 2017, our indebtedness represented approximately 24.2% of our total assets. Our current financing policy prohibits incurring debt (secured or unsecured) in excess of 40% of our total book capitalization. However, this debt limitation policy can be changed by our board of directors without stockholder approval and there are no provisions in our bylaws that limit our ability to incur indebtedness. We could alter the balance between our total outstanding indebtedness and the value of our properties at any time. If we become more highly leveraged, the resulting increase in outstanding debt could adversely affect our ability to make debt service payments, to pay our anticipated distributions and to make the distributions required to qualify as a REIT. The occurrence of any of the foregoing risks could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders and the market price of our common stock. Increases in interest rates may increase our interest expense and adversely affect our cash flows and our ability to service our indebtedness and to make distributions to our shareholders. As of December 31, 2017, we had $34 million of variable-rate indebtedness outstanding that has not been swapped for a fixed interest rate and we expect that more of our indebtedness in the future, including borrowings under our Credit Facility, some of which may be subject to variable interest rates. Increases in interest rates on any variable 30 rate indebtedness will increase our interest expense, which could adversely affect our cash flow and our ability to pay distributions. The Company may enter into swap agreements from time to time that may not effectively reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company may enter into swap agreements from time to time that may not effectively reduce its exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company entered into two swap agreements during 2017 and may enter into such agreements in the future to manage some of its exposure to interest rate volatility. These swap agreements involve risks, such as the risk that counterparties may fail to honor their obligations under these arrangements. In addition, these arrangements may not be effective in reducing the Company's exposure to changes in interest rates. In addition, we may be limited in the type and amount of hedging transactions that we may use in the future by our need to satisfy the REIT income tests under the Code. Failure to hedge effectively against interest rate changes may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, our ability to make distributions to our shareholders and the market price of our common shares. Our use of OP units in our operating partnership as currency to acquire properties could result in stockholder dilution and/or limit our ability to sell such properties, which could have a material adverse effect on us. In the future, we may acquire properties or portfolios of properties through tax deferred contribution transactions in exchange for OP units in our operating partnership, which may result in stockholder dilution. This acquisition structure may have the effect of, among other things, reducing the amount of tax depreciation we could deduct over the tax life of the acquired properties, and may require that we agree to protect the contributors’ ability to defer recognition of taxable gain through restrictions on our ability to dispose of the acquired properties or the allocation of partnership debt to the contributors to maintain their tax bases. These restrictions could limit our ability to sell properties at a time, or on terms, that would be favorable absent such restrictions. Our charter restricts the ownership and transfer of our outstanding shares which may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a transaction or change of control of our Company. In order for us to maintain our status as a REIT, no more than 50% of the value of our outstanding shares may be owned, beneficially or constructively, by five or fewer individuals at any time during the last half of each taxable year other than our initial REIT taxable year. Subject to certain exceptions, our charter prohibits any stockholder from beneficially or constructively owning more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of our capital stock, in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive. The constructive ownership rules under the Code are complex and may cause the outstanding shares owned by a group of related individuals or entities to be deemed to be constructively owned by one individual or entity. As a result, the acquisition of less than 9.8% of our outstanding shares or of our common stock by an individual or entity could cause that individual or entity to own constructively more than 9.8% of the outstanding shares of such stock and to be subject to our charter’s ownership limit. Our charter also prohibits, among other prohibitions, any person from owning our shares that would result in our being “closely held” under Section 856(h) of the Code or otherwise cause us to fail to qualify as a REIT. Any attempt to own or transfer shares in violation of these restrictions may result in the shares being automatically transferred to a charitable trust or may be void. Certain provisions of Maryland law could inhibit changes of control, which may discourage third parties from conducting a tender offer or seeking other change of control transactions that could involve a premium price for our common stock or that our stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests. Certain provisions of the Maryland General Corporation Law, or MGCL, applicable to Maryland corporations may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making a proposal to acquire us or of impeding a change of control under circumstances that otherwise could provide our common stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-prevailing market price of our shares, including: K - 0 1 m r o F 31 • • “business combination” provisions that, subject to limitations, prohibit certain business combinations between us and an “interested stockholder” (defined generally as any person who beneficially owns 10% or more of the voting power of our shares or an affiliate or associate of ours who was the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 10% or more of the voting power of our shares at any time within the two-year period immediately prior to the date in question) or an affiliate thereof for five years after the most recent date on which the stockholder becomes an interested stockholder, and thereafter imposes certain minimum price and/or supermajority stockholder voting requirements on these combinations; and “control share” provisions that provide that holders of “control shares” of our company (defined as shares that, when aggregated with all other shares controlled by the stockholder, entitle the stockholder to exercise one of three increasing ranges of voting power in electing directors) acquired in a “control share acquisition” (defined as the direct or indirect acquisition of ownership or control of issued and outstanding “control shares,” subject to certain exceptions) have no voting rights with respect to their control shares, except to the extent approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of at least two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the matter, excluding all interested shares. Our bylaws, however, contain provisions exempting us from the business combination and control share acquisition provisions of the MGCL and we will not be permitted to opt into either of these provisions in the future without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by stockholders entitled to vote. Our board of directors may not amend or eliminate either of these provisions at any time in the future without the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the matter by stockholders entitled to vote. Certain provisions of the MGCL permit our board of directors, without stockholder approval and regardless of what is currently provided in our charter or bylaws, to implement certain corporate governance provisions, some of which are not currently applicable to us. If implemented, these provisions may have the effect of limiting or precluding a third party from making an unsolicited acquisition proposal for us or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control of us under circumstances that otherwise could provide our common stockholders with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then current market price. Our charter contains a provision whereby the Company has elected to not be subject to the provisions of Title 3, Subtitle 8 of the MGCL without the affirmative consent of the shares cast on the matter by stockholders entitled to vote. We could increase the number of authorized shares, classify and reclassify unissued shares and issue shares without stockholder approval. Our board of directors, without stockholder approval, has the power under our charter to amend our charter to increase or decrease the aggregate number of shares or the number of shares of any class or series that we are authorized to issue, and to authorize us to issue authorized but unissued common stock or preferred stock. In addition, under our charter, our board of directors has the power to classify or reclassify any unissued common or preferred shares into one or more classes or series of shares and set or change the preference, conversion or other rights, voting powers, restrictions, limitations as to dividends and other distributions, qualifications or terms or conditions of redemption for such newly classified or reclassified shares. As a result, we may issue series or classes of common stock or preferred stock with preferences, dividends, powers and rights, voting or otherwise, that are senior to, or otherwise conflict with, the rights of holders of our common stock. Although our board of directors has no such intention at the present time, it could establish a class or series of preferred shares that could, depending on the terms of such class or series, delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or that our stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interests. Certain provisions in the partnership agreement of our operating partnership may delay or prevent unsolicited acquisitions of us. Provisions of the partnership agreement of our operating partnership may delay or make more difficult unsolicited acquisitions of us or changes of our control. These provisions could discourage third parties from making proposals 32 involving an unsolicited acquisition of us or change of our control, although some stockholders or limited partners might consider such proposals, if made, desirable. These provisions include, among others: • • • • redemption rights of qualifying parties; a requirement that we may not be removed as the general partner of our operating partnership without our consent; transfer restrictions on OP units; and our ability, as general partner, in some cases, to amend the partnership agreement and to cause our operating partnership to issue additional partnership interests with terms that could delay, defer or prevent a merger or other change of control of us or our operating partnership without the consent of our stockholders or the limited partners. Our charter and bylaws, the partnership agreement of our operating partnership and Maryland law also contain other provisions that may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or that our stockholders otherwise believe to be in their best interest. We may change our business, investment and financing strategies without stockholder approval. We may change our business, investment and financing strategies without a vote of, or notice to, our stockholders, which could result in our making investments and engaging in business activities that are different from, and possibly riskier than, the investments and businesses described in this report. In particular, a change in our investment strategy, including the manner in which we allocate our resources across our portfolio or the types of assets in which we seek to invest, may increase our exposure to real estate market fluctuations. In addition, we may in the future increase the use of leverage at times and in amounts that we, in our discretion, deem prudent and such decision would not be subject to stockholder approval. Furthermore, our board of directors may determine that healthcare properties do not offer the potential for attractive risk-adjusted returns for an investment strategy. Changes to our strategies with regards to the foregoing could adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and our ability to make distributions to our stockholders. Our rights and the rights of our stockholders to take action against our directors and officers are limited, which could limit your recourse in the event that we take certain actions which are not in your best interests. Our charter eliminates the liability of our directors and officers to us and our stockholders for money damages, except for liability resulting from: • • actual receipt of an improper benefit or profit in money, property or services; or active and deliberate dishonesty by the director or officer that was established by a final judgment as being material to the cause of action adjudicated. Our charter authorizes us to indemnify our present and former directors and officers for actions taken by them in those and other capacities to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland present and former law. Our bylaws obligate us to indemnify each present and former director or officer, to the maximum extent permitted by Maryland law, in the defense of any proceeding to which he or she is made, or threatened to be made, a party by reason of his or her service to us. In addition, we may be obligated to advance the defense costs incurred by our director and officers. We have entered into indemnification agreements with our officers and intend to enter into indemnification agreements with our directors, granting them express indemnification rights. As a result, we and our stockholders may have more limited rights against our directors and officers than might otherwise exist absent the current provisions in our charter, bylaws and indemnification agreements or that might exist with other companies. K - 0 1 m r o F 33 Our charter contains provisions that make removal of our directors difficult, which could make it difficult for our stockholders to effect changes to our management and may prevent a change in control of our company that is in the best interests of our stockholders. Our charter provides that a director may only be removed for cause upon the affirmative vote of holders of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast generally in the election of directors. Vacancies may be filled only by a majority of the remaining directors in office, even if less than a quorum. These requirements make it more difficult to change our management by removing and replacing directors and may prevent a change in control of our company that is in the best interests of our stockholders. We are a holding company with no direct operations and, as such, we will rely on funds received from our operating partnership to pay liabilities, and the interests of our stockholders will be structurally subordinated to all liabilities and obligations of our operating partnership and its subsidiaries. We are a holding company and conduct substantially all of our operations through our operating partnership. We do not have, apart from an interest in our operating partnership, any independent operations. As a result, we will rely on distributions from our operating partnership to pay any dividends we might declare on shares of our common stock. We will also rely on distributions from our operating partnership to meet any of our obligations, including any tax liability on taxable income allocated to us from our operating partnership. In addition, because we are a holding company, your claims as stockholders will be structurally subordinated to all existing and future liabilities and obligations (whether or not for borrowed money) of our operating partnership and its subsidiaries. Therefore, in the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization, our assets and those of our operating partnership and its subsidiaries will be available to satisfy the claims of our stockholders only after all of our and our operating partnership’s and its subsidiaries’ liabilities and obligations have been paid in full. Our operating partnership may issue additional OP units to third parties without the consent of our stockholders, which would reduce our ownership percentage in our operating partnership and would have a dilutive effect on the amount of distributions made to us by our operating partnership and, therefore, the amount of distributions we can make to our stockholders. We own 100% of the outstanding OP units and we may, in connection with our acquisition of properties or otherwise, cause our operating partnership to issue additional OP units to third parties. Such issuances would reduce our ownership percentage in our operating partnership and affect the amount of distributions made to us by our operating partnership and, therefore, the amount of distributions we can make to our stockholders. Because you will not directly own OP units, you will not have any voting rights with respect to any such issuances or other partnership level activities of our operating partnership. Risks Related to Our Qualification and Operation as a REIT Failure to remain qualified as a REIT, would cause us to be taxed as a regular corporation, which would adversely affect the value of our shares and substantially reduce funds available for distributions to our stockholders. Our organization and proposed method of operation have enabled us to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2015. However, we cannot assure you that we will remain qualified as a REIT. Qualification as a REIT involves the application of highly technical and complex Code provisions for which there are only limited judicial and administrative interpretations. The complexity of these provisions and of the applicable Treasury regulations that have been promulgated under the Code, or the Treasury Regulations, is greater in the case of a REIT that, like us, holds its assets through a partnership. The determination of various factual matters and circumstances not entirely within our control may affect our ability to qualify as a REIT. In order to qualify as a REIT, we must satisfy a number of requirements, including requirements regarding the ownership of our stock, the composition of our assets and the composition of our income. In addition, we must distribute to stockholders annually at least 90% of our REIT taxable income, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains. Legislation, new Treasury Regulations, administrative interpretations or court decisions may materially and adversely affect our ability to qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes. 34 If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will face serious tax consequences that will substantially reduce the funds available for distribution to our stockholders because: • we would not be allowed a deduction for dividends paid to stockholders in computing our taxable income and would be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates; • we could be subject to increased state and local taxes; and • unless we are entitled to relief under certain U.S. federal income tax laws, we could not re-elect REIT status until the fifth calendar year after the year in which we failed to qualify as a REIT. In addition, if we fail to qualify as a REIT, we will no longer be required to make distributions. As a result of all these factors, our failure to qualify as a REIT could impair our ability to expand our business and raise capital, and it would adversely affect the market price of our common shares. If our operating partnership failed to qualify as a “partnership” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would cease to qualify as a REIT and suffer other adverse consequences. We believe that our operating partnership should be treated either as an entity disregarded from us or, after the admission of additional partners, if any, as a “partnership” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As a disregarded entity or a partnership, our operating partnership will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its income. Instead, each of its partners will be allocated, and may be required to pay tax with respect to, its share of our operating partnership’s income. We cannot assure you that the IRS will not challenge the status of our operating partnership, or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, were successful in treating our operating partnership as an entity taxable as a corporation, it would be liable for U.S. federal and state corporate income taxes on its taxable income and we would fail to meet the gross income tests and certain of the asset tests applicable to REITs under the Code and cease to qualify as a REIT. We may face other tax liabilities that reduce our cash flows. We may be subject to certain federal, state and local taxes on our income and assets, including taxes on any undistributed income, tax on income from some activities conducted as a result of a foreclosure, taxes on income from certain “prohibited transactions” and state or local income, property and transfer taxes. In addition, any TRS that we may form or in which we may invest will be subject to regular corporate federal, state and local taxes. Any of these taxes would decrease cash available for distributions to our stockholders. To maintain our status as a REIT and avoid the payment of U.S. federal income and excise taxes, we may be forced to borrow funds, use proceeds from the issuance of securities, pay taxable dividends of our stock or debt securities or sell assets to make distributions, in each case during unfavorable market conditions and which may result in our distributing amounts that would otherwise be used for our operations. To maintain our status as a REIT, we generally must distribute to our stockholders at least 90% of our REIT taxable income each year, determined without regard to the dividends paid deduction and excluding net capital gains, and we will be subject to regular corporate income taxes to the extent that we distribute less than 100% of our REIT taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid) each year. In addition, we will be subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the amount, if any, by which distributions paid by us in any calendar year are less than the sum of 85% of our ordinary income, 95% of our capital gain net income and 100% of our undistributed income from prior years. These requirements could cause us to distribute amounts that otherwise would be spent on operations, the acquisitions of properties and the service of our debt. It is possible that we could be required to borrow funds, use proceeds from the issuance of securities, pay taxable dividends of our stock or debt securities or sell assets in order to distribute enough of our taxable income to qualify or maintain our qualification as a REIT and to avoid the payment of U.S. federal income and excise taxes. We cannot assure you that a sufficient amount of capital will be available to us on favorable terms, or at all, when needed for the foregoing purposes, K - 0 1 m r o F 35 which would materially and adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and ability to pay distributions, and the market price of our common stock. Complying with the REIT requirements may cause us to forego otherwise attractive opportunities or liquidate otherwise attractive investments. To maintain our status as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we must continually satisfy tests concerning, among other things, the sources of our income, the nature and diversification of our assets, the amounts we distribute to our stockholders and the ownership of our shares. In order to meet these tests, we may be required to forego investments we might otherwise make or liquidate otherwise attractive investments. Compliance with the REIT requirements may reduce our income and amounts available for distribution to our stockholders and otherwise hinder our performance. The “prohibited transactions” tax may limit our ability to dispose of our properties. A REIT’s net gain or income from “prohibited transactions” is subject to a 100% penalty tax. In general, prohibited transactions are sales or other dispositions of property, other than foreclosure property, held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Although a safe harbor regarding the characterization of the sale of real property by a REIT as a prohibited transaction is available, we cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with the safe harbor with respect to any sale of our properties or that we will avoid owning property that may be characterized as held primarily for sale to customers in the ordinary course of business. Consequently, we may choose not to engage in an otherwise attractive sale of property or may conduct such a sale through a TRS, which would subject such sale to federal and state income taxation. Any ownership of a TRS will be subject to limitations, and our transactions with a TRS cause us to be subject to a 100% penalty tax on certain income or deductions if those transactions are not conducted on arm’s-length terms. We have formed one TRS, and in the future, may form other TRSs for various reasons, including for the purpose of leasing “qualified healthcare properties” from us pursuant to the provisions of REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007, or RIDEA. Overall, no more than 20% of the value of a REIT’s assets may consist of stock or securities of one or more TRSs. In addition, the Code limits the deductibility of interest paid or accrued by a TRS to its parent REIT to assure that the TRS is subject to an appropriate level of corporate taxation. The Code also imposes a 100% excise tax on certain transactions between a TRS and its parent REIT that are not conducted on an arm’s-length basis. We will monitor the value of our respective investments in our TRSs for the purpose of ensuring compliance with the TRS ownership limitation and will structure any future transactions with any TRS on terms that we believe are arm’s length to avoid incurring the 100% excise tax described above. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to comply with such TRS ownership limitation or to avoid application of the 100% excise tax. TRSs will increase our overall tax liability. Our one TRS, and any TRSs that we may form in the future, including a TRS formed to lease “qualified healthcare properties” from us under the provisions of RIDEA, will be subject to federal and state income tax on its taxable income. Accordingly, although our ownership of a TRS may allow us to participate in income we otherwise could not receive directly as a REIT, such income would be fully subject to federal and state income tax. If a TRS tenant failed to qualify as a TRS, or the operator of a facility engaged by a TRS tenant did not qualify as an “eligible independent contractor,” we could fail to qualify as a REIT and could be subject to higher taxes and have less cash available for distribution to our stockholders. We may, in the future, lease certain of our properties that qualify as “qualified healthcare properties” to a TRS tenant, although we have no present intention to do so. Rent paid by a tenant that is a “related party tenant” of ours will not be qualifying income for purposes of the two gross income tests applicable to REITs. However, so long as any TRS tenant of ours qualifies as a TRS, it will not be treated as a “related party tenant” with respect to our 36 healthcare properties that are managed by “eligible independent contractors.” We would seek to structure any future arrangements with a TRS tenant such that the TRS tenant would qualify to be treated as a TRS for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but there can be no assurance that the IRS would not challenge the status of a TRS or that a court would not sustain such a challenge. If the IRS were successful in disqualifying a TRS tenant from treatment as a TRS, it is possible that we would fail to meet the asset tests applicable to REITs and a significant portion of our income would fail to qualify for the gross income tests. If we failed to meet either the asset or gross income tests, we would likely lose our REIT qualification for federal income tax purposes. Additionally, if the operator of a facility engaged by a TRS tenant does not qualify as an “eligible independent contractor,” we could fail to qualify as a REIT. Any operator of a healthcare facility leased to a TRS tenant must qualify as an “eligible independent contractor” under the REIT rules in order for the rent paid to us by such TRS tenant to be qualifying income for purposes of the REIT gross income tests. Among other requirements, in order to qualify as an eligible independent contractor a facility operator must not own, directly or indirectly, more than 35% of our outstanding shares and no person or group of persons can own more than 35% of our outstanding shares and the ownership interests of the facility operator, taking into account certain ownership attribution rules. The ownership attribution rules that apply for purposes of these 35% thresholds are complex. Although we would monitor ownership of our shares by any facility operators and their owners, there can be no assurance that these ownership levels will not be exceeded. If leases of our properties are not respected as true leases for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would fail to qualify as a REIT and would be subject to higher taxes and have less cash available for distribution to our stockholders. Rents paid to us by third-party tenants and any TRS tenant that we may form in the future pursuant to the leases of our properties will constitute substantially all of our gross income. In order for such rent to qualify as “rents from real property” for purposes of the gross income tests applicable to REITs, the leases must be respected as true leases for U.S. federal income tax purposes and not be treated as service contracts, joint ventures or some other type of arrangement. If our leases are not respected as true leases for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we would fail to qualify as a REIT. You may be restricted from acquiring or transferring certain amounts of our common stock. The share ownership restrictions of the Code for REITs and the 9.8% share ownership limit and other restrictions on ownership and transfer of our shares contained in our charter may inhibit market activity in our shares and restrict our business combination opportunities. In order to maintain our status as a REIT each taxable year, five or fewer individuals, as defined in the Code, may not own, beneficially or constructively, more than 50% in value of our issued and outstanding shares at any time during the last half of each taxable year. Attribution rules in the Code determine if any individual or entity beneficially or constructively owns our shares under this requirement. Additionally, at least 100 persons must beneficially own our shares during at least 335 days of a taxable year for each taxable year. To help insure that we meet these tests, our charter restricts the acquisition and ownership of shares. Our charter, with certain exceptions, authorizes our directors to take such actions as are necessary and desirable to preserve our qualification as a REIT. Unless exempted by our board of directors, our charter prohibits any person from beneficially or constructively owning more than 9.8% in value of the outstanding shares of our capital stock or 9.8%, in value or number of shares, whichever is more restrictive, of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Our board of directors may not grant an exemption from these restrictions to any proposed transferee whose ownership in excess of such limits would result in our failing to qualify as a REIT. This, as well as other restrictions on transferability and ownership, will not apply if our board of directors determines that it is no longer in our best interests to continue to qualify as a REIT. K - 0 1 m r o F 37 Dividends payable by REITs do not qualify for the reduced tax rates available for some dividends. The maximum tax rate applicable to “qualified dividend income” payable to U.S. stockholders that are taxed at individual rates is 20%. Dividends payable by REITs, however, generally are not eligible for the reduced rates on qualified dividend income. The more favorable rates applicable to regular corporate qualified dividends could cause investors who are taxed at individual rates to perceive investments in REITs to be relatively less attractive than investments in the stocks of non-REIT corporations that pay dividends, which could adversely affect the value of the shares of REITs, including our common stock. However, for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017, certain stockholders may be able to deduct up to 20% of "qualified REIT dividends" pursuant to Section 199A of the Code subject to certain limitations set forth in the Code. Distributions to tax-exempt stockholders may be classified as unrelated business tax income. In general, neither ordinary nor capital gain distributions with respect to our common stock, nor gain from the sale of our common stock, should constitute unrelated business tax income, or UBTI, to a tax-exempt stockholder. However, under certain limited circumstances, income and gain recognized by certain tax-exempt stockholders could be treated, in whole or in part, as UBTI. Non-U.S. stockholders may be subject to FIRPTA taxation upon the sale of their shares of our common stock. Subject to the exceptions described herein, a non-U.S. person generally is subject to U.S. federal income tax on gain recognized on a disposition of our stock under the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act, or FIRPTA. However, such FIRPTA tax will not apply if we are “domestically controlled,” meaning less than 50% of our stock, by value, has been owned directly or indirectly by non-U.S. persons during a specified look-back period. In addition, even if we were not domestically controlled, such tax would not apply to such non-U.S. stockholder if our common stock was traded on an established securities market and such stockholder did not, at any time during the five-year period prior to a sale of our common stock, directly or indirectly own more than 5% of the value of our outstanding common stock. We cannot assure you that we will qualify as a “domestically controlled” REIT, although we expect our stock will be regularly traded on an established securities market. Our capital gain distributions to non-U.S. stockholders attributable to our sales of U.S. real property interests may be subject to tax under FIRPTA. A non-U.S. stockholder generally is subject to U.S. income tax on our capital gain distributions attributable to our sales of U.S. real property interests under FIRPTA. However, if our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market, such distributions will not be subject to such tax if such stockholder did not, at any time during the one-year period preceding the distribution, directly or indirectly own more than 5% of the value of our outstanding common stock. While we expect our stock will be regularly traded on an established securities market, if it is not so traded, or if we are unable to determine the level of ownership of a particular non-U.S. stockholder, we may be required to withhold 35% of any distribution to such stockholder that we designate as a capital gain dividend. We may be subject to adverse legislative or regulatory tax changes that could reduce the market price of our common stock. At any time, the U.S. federal income tax laws governing REITs or the administrative interpretations of those laws may be amended. We cannot predict when or if any new U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, or any amendment to any existing U.S. federal income tax law, regulation or administrative interpretation, will be adopted, promulgated or become effective and any such law, regulation, or interpretation may take effect retroactively. We and our stockholders could be adversely affected by any such change in the U.S. federal income tax laws, regulations or administrative interpretations. In December 2017, Congress enacted a comprehensive tax reform bill (the “2017 Tax Reform Bill”). Among other things, the 2017 Tax Reform Bill reduces the top corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, allows a deduction of up to 38 20% of qualified business income including qualified REIT dividends, eliminates the corporate alternative minimum tax, and places certain additional limitations on the deductibility of interest expense. Additionally, the 2017 Tax Reform Bill requires that taxpayers using the accrual method for income tax accounting take into account certain items of income for income tax purposes no later than the time such items are taken into account as revenue for financial accounting purposes on certain financial statements. To the extent that we are required to recognize any item of revenue for financial accounting purposes (such as straight-lining of rent pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification Topic 840), we may be required to recognize such item for income tax purposes. The full effect of the 2017 Tax Reform Bill on the real estate industry and our business are not yet known. Risks Related to our Common Stock The market price and trading volume of our common stock may be volatile. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. As an active trading market continues to develop for our common stock, the market price of our common stock may be volatile. In addition, the trading volume in our common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur, and investors in our common stock may from time to time experience a decrease in the value of their shares, including decreases unrelated to our operating performance or prospects. If the market price of our common stock declines significantly, you may be unable to resell your shares at or above the price at which you purchased such shares. We cannot assure you that the market price of our common stock will not 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: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • actual or anticipated variations in our quarterly operating results or dividends; changes in our FFO or earnings estimates; publication of research reports about us or the real estate industry; increases in market interest rates that lead purchasers of our shares to demand a higher yield; changes in market valuations of similar companies; adverse market reaction to any additional debt we incur in the future; additions or departures of key management personnel; actions by institutional stockholders; speculation in the press or investment community; the realization of any of the other risk factors presented in this report; the extent of investor interest in our securities; the general reputation of REITs and the attractiveness of our equity securities in comparison to other equity securities, including securities issued by other real estate-based companies; K - 0 1 m r o F our underlying asset value; investor confidence in the stock and bond markets generally; changes in tax laws; 39 • • • • • future equity issuances; failure to meet earnings estimates; failure to meet and maintain REIT qualification; changes in our credit ratings; and general market and economic conditions. In the past, securities class-action litigation has often been instituted against companies following periods of volatility in the price of their common stock. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, which could have a material adverse effect on us, including our financial condition, results of operations, cash flow and the market price of our common stock. Increases in market interest rates may have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock as prospective purchasers of our common stock may expect a higher dividend yield and as an increased cost of borrowing may decrease our funds available for distribution. One of the factors that will influence the market price of our common stock will be the dividend yield on the common stock (as a percentage of the price of our common stock) relative to market interest rates. An increase in market interest rates, which are currently at low levels relative to historical rates, may lead prospective purchasers of our common stock to expect a higher dividend yield (with a resulting decline in the trading prices of our common stock) and higher interest rates would likely increase our borrowing costs and potentially decrease funds available for distribution. Thus, higher market interest rates could cause the market price of our common stock to decrease. Our issuance of equity securities or the perception that such issuances might occur could materially adversely affect us, including the per share trading price of our common stock. The vesting of any restricted shares granted to certain directors, executive officers and other employees under our 2014 Incentive Plan, the issuance of our common stock or OP Units in connection with future property, portfolio or business acquisitions and other issuances of our common stock could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock, and the existence of our common stock issuable under our 2014 Incentive Plan may adversely affect the terms upon which we may be able to obtain additional capital through the sale of equity securities. In addition, future issuances of our common stock may be dilutive to existing stockholders. If securities analysts do not publish research or reports about our industry or if they downgrade our common stock or the healthcare-related real estate sector, the price of our common stock could decline. The trading market for our common stock relies in part upon the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us or our industry. We have no control over these analysts. Furthermore, if one or more of the analysts who do cover us downgrades our shares or our industry, or the stock of any of our competitors, the market price of our common stock could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company, we could lose attention in the market which in turn could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. Future sales of shares of our common stock, particularly by our executive officers or directors, may cause the per share trading price of our common stock to decline. Any sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock, or the perception that those sales might occur, may cause the market price of the common stock to decline. After the expiration of any applicable transfer restrictions imposed by our 2014 Incentive Plan, stock purchase agreements or lockup agreements with us, our executive officers and directors will have the ability to sell all of any portion of the applicable common stock which could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. 40 ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES In addition to the information provided below, see Item 1, "Business," Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Item 8 "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data," and Schedule III of Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for more detailed information about the Company's properties as of December 31, 2017. Scheduled Lease Expirations As of December 31, 2017, the weighted average remaining years to maturity pursuant to the leases with our tenants was approximately 7.4 years, with expirations through 2033. The table below details scheduled lease expirations, as of December 31, 2017, for our properties for the periods indicated. Year 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Thereafter Month-to-Month Totals Total Leased Square Footage Annualized Lease Revenue Number of Leases Expiring Amount Percent (%) Amount (in thousands) Percent (%) 31 32 39 17 29 13 5 4 4 29 4 207 154,789 166,710 199,984 152,224 180,610 74,004 37,433 64,493 98,911 651,562 3,740 1,784,460 8.7 % 9.3 % 11.2 % 8.5 % 10.1 % 4.2 % 2.1 % 3.6 % 5.6 % 36.5 % 0.2 % 100.0% $ 3,317 3,916 3,720 3,061 3,845 1,569 1,139 2,144 2,343 11,501 39 36,594 9.1 % 10.7 % 10.2 % 8.4 % 10.5 % 4.3 % 3.1 % 5.8 % 6.4 % 31.4 % 0.1 % 100.0% ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS The Company may, from time to time, be involved in litigation arising in the ordinary course of business or which may be expected to be covered by insurance. The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation that, if resolved against the Company, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES None. K - 0 1 m r o F 41 PART II. ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Shares of the Company's common stock are traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "CHCT." At February 16, 2018, there were 17 stockholders of record. The following table sets forth the high and low sales prices per share of common stock and the dividends declared and paid per share of common stock related to the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. 2017 First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter (1) 2016 First quarter Second quarter Third quarter Fourth quarter _________ High Low Dividends Declared and Paid per Share $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 24.94 $ 26.50 $ 27.95 $ 30.64 $ 19.39 $ 21.39 $ 23.71 $ 23.69 $ 21.33 $ 23.76 $ 23.30 $ 26.06 $ 15.87 $ 17.70 $ 20.55 $ 19.61 $ 0.3900 0.3925 0.3950 0.3975 0.3800 0.3825 0.3850 0.3875 (1) Our fourth quarter dividend is payable on March 2, 2018 to shareholders of record on February 16, 2018. Future dividends will be declared and paid at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company’s ability to pay dividends is dependent upon its ability to generate funds from operations and cash flows, and to make accretive new investments. 42 Stock Performance Graph The following graph compares, over a measurement period beginning May 21, 2015 and ending on December 31, 2017, the cumulative total return on our common stock with (i) the cumulative total return on the stocks included in the Russell 3000 Index and (ii) the cumulative total return on the stocks included in the NAREIT All Equity REIT Index. The performance graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock, the Russell 3000 Index and the NAREIT All Equity REIT Index was $100 at May 21, 2015, the date our common stock began publicly trading on the New York Stock Exchange, and that all dividends were reinvested. Index 5/21/2015 12/31/2015 12/31/2016 12/31/2017 Period Ending Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated Russell 3000 Index NAREIT All Equity REIT Index $ $ $ 100.00 $ 95.98 $ 129.42 $ 167.99 100.00 $ 95.92 $ 108.14 $ 130.99 100.00 $ 103.15 $ 112.05 $ 121.77 There can be no assurance that our common stock performance will continue in the future with the same or similar trends depicted in the stock performance graph above. We will not make or endorse any predictions as to future stock performance. The information provided under the heading “Stock Performance Graph” shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or to be “filed” with the SEC or subject to its proxy regulations or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, other than as provided in Item 201 of Regulation S-K. The information provided in this section shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. K - 0 1 m r o F 43 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table sets forth financial information for the Company, which is derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company. The Company was formed on March 28, 2014, therefore, no financial data is available prior to that date. (Amounts in thousands except per share data) Statement of Operations Data: Total revenues Total expenses Other income (expense), net Net income (loss) Diluted Income (loss) per share: Income (loss) per diluted common share Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted Balance Sheet Data (as of the end of the period): Real estate properties, gross Real estate properties, net Mortgage notes receivable, net Total assets Debt, net Total stockholders' equity Other Data: Funds from operations (2) Funds from operations per common share - Diluted (2) Dividends paid Dividends declared and paid per common share Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 (1) For the Period from March 28, 2014 (inception) to December 31, 2014 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 37,343 $ 25,197 $ 8,632 $ 29,956 (3,877) 21,328 (1,148) 9,759 (329) 3,510 $ 2,721 $ (1,456) $ 0.19 $ 0.24 $ 14,815 11,320 (0.31) $ 4,727 388,486 $ 252,736 $ 132,967 $ 352,350 $ 234,332 $ 127,764 $ 10,633 $ 10,786 $ 10,897 $ 385,766 $ 251,529 $ 142,803 $ 93,353 $ 51,000 $ 17,000 $ 283,374 $ 194,007 $ 122,270 $ 21,224 $ 15,912 $ 1.41 $ 24,432 1.41 $ 17,783 $ 1.565 $ 1.525 $ 3,747 $ 0.79 $ 3,928 $ 0.517 $ — — — — — 200 — — — 2 — 2 — — — — (1) The Company completed it initial public offering and began operations on May 27, 2015. (2) See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for a discussion of funds from operations ("FFO"), including why the Company presents FFO and a reconciliation of net income to FFO. 44 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The purpose of this Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") is to provide an understanding of the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash. MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Overview We were organized in the State of Maryland on March 28, 2014. We are a self-administered, self-managed healthcare REIT that acquires and owns properties that are leased to hospitals, doctors, healthcare systems or other healthcare service providers in our target submarkets. The Company conducts its business through an UPREIT structure in which its properties are owned by its operating partnership, either directly or through subsidiaries. The Company is the sole general partner, owning 100% of the OP units. Emerging Growth Company We have elected to be an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act since 2015. An emerging growth company may take advantage of specified reduced reporting requirements and is relieved of certain other significant requirements that are otherwise generally applicable to public companies. As an emerging growth company, among other things: • we are exempt from the requirement to obtain an attestation and report from our auditors on the assessment of our internal control over financial reporting pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; • we are permitted to provide less extensive disclosure about our executive compensation arrangements; and • we are not required to give our stockholders non-binding advisory votes on executive compensation or golden parachute arrangements. The JOBS Act also permits us, as an emerging growth company, to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies and thereby allows us to delay the adoption of those standards until those standards would apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption from new or revised accounting standards, and, therefore, will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies. We may take advantage of these provisions for up to five years or such earlier time that we are no longer an emerging growth company. We will cease to be an emerging growth company upon the earliest to occur of: (i) the last day of the first fiscal year in which we have more than $1.07 billion in annual revenues; (ii) the date we qualify as a "large accelerated filer," with at least $700 million in market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates; (iii) the issuance, in any three-year period, of more than $1.0 billion of non-convertible debt securities; and (iv) the last day of the fiscal year ending after the fifth anniversary of our IPO in May 2015. Trends and Matters Impacting Operating Results Management monitors factors and trends that it believes are important to the Company and the REIT industry in order to gauge their potential impact on the operations of the Company. Certain of the factors and trends that management believes may impact the operations of the Company are discussed below. Real estate investments During 2017, the Company invested in 28 real estate properties for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $133.2 million, including cash consideration of approximately $132.6 million. Upon acquisition, the real estate 45 K - 0 1 m r o F properties were approximately 98.8% leased in the aggregate with lease expirations through 2032. The Company also acquired a property, adjacent to its corporate office, for a cash purchase price of approximately $0.9 million. The property is leased to a tenant but the Company intends to use the property for future expansion of its corporate office. In addition, we funded a $5.0 million mezzanine loan to the tenant of one of the properties acquired and purchased $11.45 million face value of certain promissory notes, secured by accounts receivable of our bankrupt borrower, for $8.75 million from a syndicate of banks, a $2.7 million discount to face value. See Notes 4 and 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion related to this note purchase and bankruptcy. Acquisition Pipeline The Company has three properties under definitive purchase agreements for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $16.8 million with expected returns ranging from approximately 9.0% to 9.6% . The Company anticipates these properties will close during the first quarter of 2018. However, the Company is currently performing due diligence procedures customary for these types of transactions and cannot provide assurance as to the timing of when, or whether, these transactions will actually close. The Company also has three properties under definitive purchase agreements, to be acquired after completion and occupancy, for an aggregate expected purchase price of approximately $40.4 million. The Company expects to close on one of these properties sometime in the first half of 2018 and expects to close on the remaining two properties sometime in the second half of 2018. The Company's expected aggregate return on these investments ranges up to approximately 11%. However, the Company cannot provide assurance as to the timing of when, or whether, these transactions will actually close. The Company anticipates funding these investments with cash from operations, through proceeds from its Credit Facility or from net proceeds from additional debt or equity offerings. Purchase Option Provisions Certain of the Company's leases provide the lessee with a purchase option or a right of first refusal to purchase the leased property. The purchase option provisions require the lessee to purchase the leased property at an amount greater than the Company's gross investment in the leased property at the time of the purchase. No purchase options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company had approximately $6.3 million in two real estate properties at December 31, 2017 with purchase options that are exercisable during 2018. Equity Offering In July 2017, the Company completed a public offering of 4,887,500 shares of its common stock, including 637,500 shares of common stock issued in connection with the exercise in full of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares, and received net proceeds of approximately $108.6 million after deducting underwriting discount and commissions and offering expenses paid by the Company. Proceeds from the offering were used to repay the outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility totaling $58.0 million and for additional investments. See Note 7 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Second Amended and Restated Credit Facility On March 29, 2017, we entered into a second amended and restated Credit Facility (as amended and restated, the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility provides for a $150.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") and $100.0 million in term loans (the "Term Loans"). The Credit Facility, through the accordion feature, allows borrowings up to a total of $450.0 million, including the ability to add and fund additional term loans. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on August 9, 2019 and includes two 12-month options to extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Term Loans include a five-year term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million (the "5-Year Term Loan") which matures on March 29, 2022 and a seven-year term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million (the "7-Year Term Loan") which matures on March 29, 2024. Upon closing of the Credit Facility on March 29, 2017, the 46 Company borrowed $30.0 million under each of the 5-Year Term Loan and the 7-Year Term Loan. Each of the 5- Year Term Loan and 7-Year Term Loan has a delayed draw feature that is available in up to three draws within 15 months from March 29, 2017, subject to a minimum draw of $10.0 million and pro forma compliance. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Lease Expirations We expect that approximately 5% to 15% of our leases will expire in each year, given that our leases are generally three to fifteen year leases with physicians or other healthcare providers. Based on annualized rent, approximately 9.1% expire in 2018. Management expects that many of the tenants will renew their leases, but in cases where they do not renew, the Company believes it will generally be able to re-lease the space to existing or new tenants without significant loss of rental income. Contractual Obligations The Company’s material contractual obligations at December 31, 2017 are included in the table below. At December 31, 2017, the Company had no long-term capital lease or purchase obligations. (Dollars in thousands) Revolving Credit Facility (1) Terms Loans (2) Tenant improvements Capital improvements Total Less Than 1 Year 1-3 Years 3-5 Years More Than 5 Years $ 36,820 $ 1,754 $ 35,066 $ — $ 74,536 3,430 123 2,747 3,279 123 5,493 34,507 151 — — — — 31,789 — — $ 114,909 $ 7,903 $ 40,710 $ 34,507 $ 31,789 The amounts shown include interest at the weighted average interest rate at December 31, 2017 and the unused fee ____________ (1) interest assuming the credit facility remains at $34.0 million through its maturity. (2) fees (or unused interest) assuming the term loans remain at $60.0 million outstanding through maturity. The amounts shown include interest at the current fixed rates through the in-place cash flow hedges, and the ticking Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that are reasonably like to have a material effect on the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Inflation We believe inflation will have a minimal impact on the operating performance of our properties. Many of our lease agreements contain provisions designed to mitigate the adverse impact of inflation. These provisions include clauses that enable us to receive payment of increased rent pursuant to escalation clauses which generally increase rental rates during the terms of the leases. These escalation clauses often provide for fixed rent increases or indexed escalations (based upon CPI or other measures). However, some of these contractual rent increases may be less than the actual rate of inflation. Generally, our lease agreements require the tenant to pay property operating expenses, including maintenance costs, real estate taxes and insurance. This requirement reduces our exposure to increases in these costs and property operating expenses resulting from inflation. K - 0 1 m r o F Seasonality We do not expect our business to be subject to material seasonal fluctuations. 47 New Accounting Pronouncements See Note 1 to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements accompanying this report for information on new accounting standards not yet adopted. Results of Operations Our results of operations are most significantly impacted each year by our acquisitions in and funding of our real estate investments, as well as expenses related to our employees, professional fees and other costs related to operating the REIT and its related subsidiaries. As of December 31, 2017, we had invested approximately $399.1 million in 86 real estate properties, including a mortgage note, which are located in 26 states and total over 2.0 million square feet. During 2017, we acquired 28 real estate properties which in the aggregate were 98.8% leased for cash consideration of approximately $133.5 million. During 2016, we acquired 17 real estate properties for cash consideration of approximately $103.2 million and funded a mortgage note receivable for approximately $12.4 million. Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to December 31, 2016 The table below shows our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 and the effect of changes in those results from period to period on our net income. REVENUES Rental income Tenant reimbursements Mortgage interest Other operating EXPENSES Property operating General and administrative Depreciation and amortization Bad debts OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Interest expense Interest and other income, net NET INCOME ___________ N/M-not meaningful. For the Year Ended December 31, Increase (Decrease) to Net Income 2017 2016 $ % $ 31,071 $ 18,999 $ 12,072 5,071 1,022 179 4,564 1,634 — 507 (612) 179 37,343 25,197 12,146 8,682 3,475 17,732 67 29,956 (3,948) 71 (3,877) 4,744 3,228 13,201 155 21,328 (1,178) 30 (1,148) $ 3,510 $ 2,721 $ (3,938) (247) (4,531) 88 (8,628) (2,770) 41 (2,729) 789 63.5 % 11.1 % (37.5)% n/a 48.2 % (83.0)% (7.7)% (34.3)% 56.8 % (40.5)% N/M N/M N/M 29.0 % 48 Revenues Revenues increased approximately $12.1 million or 48.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due mainly to the following: • Acquisitions during 2017 contributed revenues of approximately $6.7 million in 2017; • Acquisitions during 2016, including one mortgage note that was subsequently converted upon the acquisition of the real estate securing the note, contributed an increase in revenues of approximately $7.0 million in 2017; and • Revenues for 2017 decreased approximately $1.6 million related to the properties acquired during 2015 due to a reduction in tenant reimbursement revenue impacted by a reduction in operating expenses on certain properties, as well as decrease in revenues from the loss of certain tenants. Expenses Property operating expenses increased approximately $3.9 million, or 83.0%, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 mainly due to the following: • Acquisitions during 2017 accounted for an increase of approximately $0.9 million in 2017; • Acquisitions during 2016 accounted for an increase of approximately $1.7 million in 2017; • We recorded contingent consideration related to three acquisitions during 2015 and 2016 and we recorded adjustments to the fair value of these contingent considerations during 2016 which resulted in a reduction to property operating expense during 2016 of approximately $1.3 million. General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses increased approximately $0.2 million, or 7.7%, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due mainly to compensation-related expenses and occupancy costs related to our employees and corporate office, including the amortization of non-vested restricted common shares issued under the 2014 Incentive Plan and expenses related to the addition of employees. Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization expense increased approximately $4.5 million, or 34.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due mainly to the following: • Depreciation and amortization related to properties acquired during 2017 accounted for an increase of approximately $2.9 million in 2017; • Depreciation and amortization related to properties acquired during 2016 accounted for an increase of approximately $3.4 million in 2017; and • Real estate intangible assets acquired in 2015 that became fully depreciated resulted in a decrease of approximately $1.8 million in 2017. K - 0 1 m r o F 49 Interest expense Interest expense increased approximately $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the same period in 2016 due mainly to the following: • • In the first quarter of 2017, the Company amended its Credit Facility and borrowed $60.0 million in Term Loans which resulted in additional interest expense during 2017 of approximately $2.2 million; Interest related to our Revolving Credit Facility increased approximately $0.6 million due mainly to an increase in our weighted average interest rate during 2017. Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to December 31, 2015 Our results of operations for 2016 compared to 2015 were significantly impacted by acquisitions of real estate and investments in mortgage notes since the completion of our initial public offering on May 27, 2015. There were no operations prior to our initial public offering in May 2015. The table below shows our results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 and the effect of changes in those results from period to period on our net income (loss). For the Year Ended December 31, Increase (Decrease) to Net Income 2016 2015 $ % REVENUES Rental income Tenant reimbursements Mortgage interest EXPENSES Property operating General and administrative Depreciation and amortization Bad debts OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Interest expense Interest and other income, net $ 18,999 $ 6,364 $ 12,635 4,564 1,634 25,197 4,744 3,228 13,201 155 21,328 (1,178) 30 (1,148) 1,964 304 8,632 2,012 2,472 5,204 71 9,759 (364) 35 (329) 2,600 1,330 16,565 (2,732) (756) (7,997) (84) (11,569) (814) (5) (819) 4,177 198.5 % 132.4 % 437.5 % 191.9 % (135.8)% (30.6)% (153.7)% (118.3)% (118.5)% (223.6)% (14.3)% (248.9)% 286.9 % NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 2,721 $ (1,456) $ Revenues Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 increased approximately $16.6 million due to the acquisition during 2016 of 17 real estate properties and one mortgage note, which was subsequently converted upon the acquisition of the real estate securing the note, resulting in approximately $6.8 million in revenues in 2016, as well as the increase in revenue from 2015 to 2016 resulting from the acquisition of 40 real estate properties and 1 mortgage note from our initial public offering in late May 2015 through December 31, 2015, resulting in approximately $9.8 million in increased revenues. 50 Property operating expenses Property operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 increased approximately $2.7 million due to the acquisition during 2016 of 17 real estate properties, resulting in approximately $1.2 million in property operating expenses in 2016, as well as the increase in property operating expenses from 2015 to 2016 due to the acquisition of 40 real estate properties from our initial public offering in late May 2015 through December 31, 2015, resulting in approximately $2.8 million in increased property operating expenses. Also, we recorded contingent consideration related to three of our acquisitions. Adjustments to the fair value of the contingent consideration during 2016 resulted in a reduction to property operating expense of approximately $1.3 million. General and administrative expenses General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 increased approximately $0.8 million. Compensation-related expenses and occupancy costs related to our employees and corporate office increased approximately $1.4 million due mainly to the partial year reflected in the results for 2015 since our initial public offering, as well as the addition of employees during 2016. Transaction costs, related to acquisitions in 2016 and 2015 and our public offering in 2015, decreased by approximately $0.8 million in 2016 compared to 2015. Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 increased approximately $8.0 million. The 17 real estate acquisitions during 2016 resulted in approximately $2.8 million in depreciation and amortization in 2016; the 40 real estate acquisitions during 2015 resulted in an increase of approximately $5.1 million from 2015 to 2016 due mainly to the partial year reflected in the results for 2015 since our initial public offering; and capital improvements resulted in an increase of approximately $0.1 million. Interest expense Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 increased approximately $0.8 million due mainly to an increase in our weighted average outstanding balance on our revolving credit facility throughout 2016. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Company monitors its liquidity and capital resources and relies on several key indicators in its assessment of capital markets for financing acquisitions and other operating activities as needed, including the following: • Leverage ratios and financial covenants included in our Credit Facility; • Dividend payout percentage; and • Interest rates, underlying treasury rates, debt market spreads and equity markets. K - 0 1 m r o F The Company uses these indicators and others to compare its operations to its peers and to help identify areas in which the Company may need to focus its attention. Sources and Uses of Cash The Company derives most of its revenues from its real estate property and mortgage notes portfolio, collecting rental income, operating expense reimbursements and mortgage interest based on contractual arrangements with its tenants and borrowers. These sources of revenue represent our primary source of liquidity to fund our dividends, 51 general and administrative expenses, property operating expenses, interest expense on our Credit Facility and other expenses incurred related to managing our existing portfolio and investing in additional properties. To the extent additional resources are needed, the Company will fund its investment activity generally through equity or debt issuances either in the public or private markets or through proceeds from our Credit Facility. The Company expects to meet its liquidity needs through cash on hand, cash flows from operations and cash flows from sources discussed above. The Company believes that its liquidity and sources of capital are adequate to satisfy its cash requirements. The Company cannot, however, be certain that these sources of funds will be available at a time and upon terms acceptable to the Company in sufficient amounts to meet its liquidity needs. Operating Activities Cash flows provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were approximately $22.1 million, $14.9 million, and $3.0 million, respectively. Cash flows provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were generally provided by contractual rents and mortgage interest, net of property operating expenses not reimbursed by the tenants and general and administrative expenses. Investing Activities Cash flows used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were approximately $147.6 million, $117.1 million, and $140.6 million, respectively. During 2017, the Company invested in 28 real estate properties and acquired a property adjacent to its corporate office for cash consideration of approximately $133.5 million, and funded or purchased notes totaling approximately $13.8 million. During 2016, the Company invested in 17 real estate properties for cash consideration of approximately $103.2 million, excluding closing costs, and funded one mortgage note for approximately $12.4 million. During 2015, the Company invested in 40 real estate properties for cash consideration of approximately $129.0 million and funded one mortgage note for approximately $10.9 million. Financing Activities Cash flows provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were approximately $126.0 million, $101.7 million, and $139.7 million, respectively. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company paid dividends totaling $24.4 million, $17.8 million and $3.9 million, respectively. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company completed equity offerings (including its initial public equity offering and concurrent private placements in 2015) resulting in net proceeds, net of underwriters' discount and offering costs, of approximately $108.6 million, $86.1 million and $127.5 million, respectively. During 2017, the Company repaid, on a net basis, $17.0 million of its Revolving Credit Facility and borrowed approximately $34.0 million and $17.0 million, respectively, during 2016 and 2015. During 2017, the Company also borrowed $60 million in Term Loans under its Credit Facility. The net proceeds from these equity offerings and borrowings under its Credit Facility were used to invest in the Company's real estate assets. Credit Facility On March 29, 2017, we entered into a second amended and restated Credit Facility. The Credit Facility provides for a $150.0 million Revolving Credit Facility and $100.0 million in Term Loans. The Credit Facility, through the accordion feature, allows borrowings up to a total of $450.0 million, including the ability to add and fund additional term loans. At December 31, 2017, the Company had $34.0 million balance outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 3.95% and a remaining borrowing capacity of $116.0 million and had $60.0 million outstanding under its Term Loans with a fixed weighted average interest rate under the swaps of approximately 4.34% and remaining borrowing capacity of $40.0 million. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on August 9, 2019 and includes two options to extend the maturity date of the facility, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Term Loans include the 5-Year Term Loan in the aggregate principal amount 52 of $50.0 million which matures on March 29, 2022 and the 7-Year Term Loan in the aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million which matures on March 29, 2024. The Company’s ability to borrow under the Credit Facility is subject to its ongoing compliance with a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations with respect to liens, indebtedness, distributions, mergers, consolidations, investments, restricted payments and asset sales, as well as financial maintenance covenants. Also, the Company’s present financing policy prohibits incurring debt (secured or unsecured) in excess of 40% of its total book capitalization. At December 31, 2017, our debt to total book capitalization ratio was approximately 24.8%. The Company, subsequent to year end, amended its Credit Facility, effective as of November 1, 2017, to modify the formula used to calculate the amount of restricted payments the Company may make under the Credit Facility. After considering the provisions of the amendment, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants under its Credit Facility at December 31, 2017. Universal Shelf S-3 Registration Statement In September 2016, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 that will allow us to offer debt or equity securities (or a combination thereof) of up to $750.0 million from time to time. The S-3 registration statement was declared effective as of September 26, 2016. In July 2017, the Company completed an equity offering and issued approximately 4,887,500 shares of its common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $114.6 million under its Form S-3 registration statement, resulting in approximately $635.4 million remaining to be issued under the Form S-3 registration statement. Acquisition Pipeline The Company has three properties under definitive purchase agreements for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $16.8 million with expected returns ranging from approximately 9.0% to 9.6%. The Company anticipates these properties will close during the first quarter of 2018. However, the Company is currently performing due diligence procedures customary for these types of transactions and cannot provide assurance as to the timing of when, or whether, these transactions will actually close. The Company also has three properties under definitive purchase agreements, to be acquired after completion and occupancy, for an aggregate expected purchase price of approximately $40.4 million. The Company expects to close on one of these properties sometime in the first half of 2018 and expects to close on the remaining two properties sometime in the second half of 2018. The Company's expected aggregate return on these investments ranges up to approximately 11%. However, the Company cannot provide assurance as to the timing of when, or whether, these transactions will actually close. The Company anticipates funding these investments with cash from operations, through proceeds from its Credit Facility or from net proceeds from additional debt or equity offerings. Security Deposits As of December 31, 2017, the Company held approximately $2.4 million in security deposits for the benefit of the Company in the event the obligated tenant fails to perform under the terms of its respective lease. Generally, the Company may, at its discretion and upon notification to the tenant, draw upon the security deposits if there are any defaults under the leases. K - 0 1 m r o F Dividends The Company is required to pay dividends to its stockholders at least equal to 90% of its taxable income in order to maintain its qualification as a REIT. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company paid cash dividends in the amounts of $1.565 per share, $1.525 per share and $0.517 per share, respectively. 53 On February 1, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend in the amount of $0.3975 per share. The dividend is payable on March 2, 2018 to stockholders of record on February 16, 2018. The ability of the Company to pay dividends is dependent upon its ability to generate cash flows and to make accretive new investments. Funds from Operations Funds from operations (“FFO”) and FFO per share are operating performance measures adopted by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts, Inc. (“NAREIT”). NAREIT defines FFO as the most commonly accepted and reported measure of a REIT’s operating performance equal to net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of property and impairments of real estate, plus depreciation and amortization related to real estate properties, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures. Management believes that net income (loss), as defined by GAAP, is the most appropriate earnings measurement. However, management believes FFO and FFO per share to be supplemental measures of a REIT’s performance because they provide an understanding of the operating performance of the Company’s properties without giving effect to certain significant non-cash items, primarily depreciation and amortization expense. Historical cost accounting for real estate assets in accordance with GAAP assumes that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. However, real estate values instead have historically risen or fallen with market conditions. The Company believes that by excluding the effect of depreciation, amortization, gains or losses from sales of real estate, and impairment of real estate, all of which are based on historical costs and which may be of limited relevance in evaluating current performance, FFO and FFO per share can facilitate comparisons of operating performance between periods. The Company reports FFO and FFO per share because these measures are observed by management to also be the predominant measures used by the REIT industry and by industry analysts to evaluate REITs and because FFO per share is consistently reported, discussed, and compared by research analysts in their notes and publications about REITs. For these reasons, management has deemed it appropriate to disclose and discuss FFO and FFO per share. However, FFO does not represent cash generated from operating activities determined in accordance with GAAP and is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs. FFO should not be considered as an alternative to net income attributable to common stockholders as an indicator of the Company’s operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. The table below reconciles net income (loss) to FFO. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2016, included approximately $0.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted common share, respectively, of transaction costs related to the Company's acquisitions during 2016. Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2015, included approximately $1.6 million, or $0.33 per diluted common share, respectively, of transaction costs related to the Company's acquisitions and initial public offering during 2015. Transaction costs on our real estate acquisitions were capitalized beginning in 2017 due to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. 54 Year Ended December 31, (Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2015 Net income (loss) Real estate depreciation and amortization Total adjustments Funds from Operations Funds from Operations per Common Share-Basic Funds from Operations per Common Share-Diluted $ $ $ $ 3,510 $ 2,721 $ (1,456) 17,714 17,714 21,224 1.43 1.41 $ $ $ 13,191 13,191 15,912 $ 1.42 $ 1.41 $ 5,203 5,203 3,747 0.79 0.79 Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding-Basic Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding-Diluted (1) (1) Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for FFO are calculated based on the treasury method, rather than the 2-class method. 11,320 14,815 15,002 11,238 4,727 4,737 Critical Accounting Policies Our Consolidated Financial Statements are prepared in conformity with GAAP and the rules and regulations of the SEC. In preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, management is required to exercise judgment and make assumptions and estimates that may impact the carrying value of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Set forth below is a summary of our accounting policies that we believe are critical to the preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our accounting policies are more fully discussed in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Principles of Consolidation Our Consolidated Financial Statements may include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries, joint ventures, partnerships and variable interest entities, or VIEs, where the Company controls the operating activities. All material intercompany accounts, transactions, and balances have been eliminated. Management must make judgments regarding the Company's level of influence or control over an entity and whether or not the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity. Consideration of various factors include, but is not limited to, the Company's ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's governing body, the size and seniority of the Company's investment, the Company's ability and the rights of other investors to participate in policy making decisions, the Company's ability to replace the manager and/or liquidate the entity. Management's ability to correctly assess its influence or control over an entity when determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE affects the presentation of these entities in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. If it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements would include the operating results of the VIE rather than the results of the variable interest in the VIE. The Company would depend on the VIE to provide timely financial information and would rely on the interest control of the VIE to provide accurate financial information. Untimely or inaccurate financial information provided to the Company or deficiencies in the VIEs internal controls over financial reporting could impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and its internal control over financial reporting. Accounting for Acquisitions of Real Estate Properties Real estate property acquisitions are accounted for as a business combination or an asset acquisition. An acquisition accounted for as a business combination is recorded at fair value and related closing costs are expensed as incurred. An acquisition accounted for as an asset acquisition is recorded at its purchase price, inclusive of acquisition costs, which is allocated among the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon their relative fair values at the date of acquisition. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, on January 1, 2017, and Company expects that substantially all of its acquisitions will be accounted for as asset acquisitions. K - 0 1 m r o F 55 The allocation of real estate property acquisitions may include land and land improvements, building and building improvements, personal property, and identified intangible assets and liabilities (consisting of above- and below- market leases, in-place leases, and tenant relationships) based on the evaluation of information and estimates available at that date, and we allocate the purchase price based on these assessments. We make estimates of the acquisition date fair value of the tangible and intangible assets and acquired liabilities using information obtained from multiple sources as a result of pre-acquisition due diligence, tax records, and other sources. Based on these estimates, we recognize the acquired assets and liabilities at their estimated fair values. We expense transaction costs associated with business combinations in the period incurred. The fair value of tangible property assets acquired considers the value of the property as if vacant determined by comparable sales and other relevant data. The determination of fair value involves the use of significant judgment and estimation. We value land based on various inputs, which may include internal analysis of recently acquired properties, existing comparable properties within our portfolio, or third party appraisals or valuations based on comparable sales. In recognizing identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, the value of above- or below- market leases is estimated based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between contractual amounts to be received pursuant to the leases and management’s estimate of market lease rates measured over a period equal to the estimated remaining term of the lease. In the case of a below-market lease, the Company would also evaluate any renewal options associated with that lease to determine if the intangible should include those periods. The capitalized above-market or below-market lease intangibles are amortized as a reduction from or an addition to rental income over the estimated remaining term of the respective leases. In determining the value of in-place leases and tenant relationships, management considers current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases in arriving at an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up period from vacant to existing occupancy. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, other property operating expenses, estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods, and costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions. The values assigned to in-place leases and tenant relationships are amortized over the estimated remaining term of the lease. If a lease terminates prior to its scheduled expiration, all unamortized costs related to that lease are written off. Asset Impairments The Company may need to assess the potential for impairment of identifiable, definite-lived, intangible assets and long-lived assets, including real estate properties, whenever events occur or a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value might not be fully recoverable. Indicators of impairment may include significant under- performance of an asset relative to historical or expected operating results; significant changes in the Company’s use of assets or the strategy for its overall business; plans to sell an asset before its depreciable life has ended; the expiration of a significant portion of leases in a property; or significant negative economic trends or negative industry trends for the Company or its operators. In addition, the Company’s review for possible impairment may include those assets subject to purchase options and those impacted by casualties, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. If management determines that the carrying value of the Company’s assets may not be fully recoverable based on the existence of any of the factors above, or others, management would measure and record an impairment charge based on the estimated fair value of the property or the estimated fair value less costs to sell the property. Revenue Recognition The Company derives most of its revenues from its real estate property and mortgage and other notes portfolio. The Company's rental and mortgage and other notes interest income is recognized based on contractual arrangements with its tenants and borrowers. The Company recognizes rental revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned, in accordance with ASC 840, Leases, or ASC 840. There are four criteria that must all be met before a Company may recognize revenue, including persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered (i.e., the tenant has taken possession of and controls the physical use of the leased asset), the price has been fixed or is determinable, 56 and collectability is reasonably assured. ASC 840 also requires that rental revenue, less lease inducements, be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Recognizing rental revenue on a straight-line basis for leases may result in recognizing revenue in amounts more or less than amounts currently due from tenants. If management determines that the collectability of straight-line rents is not reasonably assured, the amount of future revenue recognized may be limited to amounts contractually owed and, where appropriate, establish an allowance for estimated losses. Interest income is recognized based on the interest rates, maturity dates and amortization periods in accordance with each note agreement. Fees received related to its notes are amortized to mortgage interest income or note interest income, included in other operating income on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income, on a straight-line basis which approximates amortization under the effective interest method. The Company also accrues operating expense recoveries based on the contractual terms of its leases and late fees based on the contractual terms of its leases or notes, which are included in rental income, mortgage interest income, or other operating income, as applicable. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Management monitors the aging and collectability of its accounts receivable balances on an ongoing basis. Whenever deterioration in the timeliness of payment from a tenant is noted, management investigates and determines the reason or reasons for the delay. Considering all information gathered, management’s judgment is exercised in determining whether a receivable is potentially uncollectible and, if so, how much or what percentage may be uncollectible. Among the factors management considers in determining collectability are: the type of contractual arrangement under which the receivable was recorded (e.g., triple net lease, gross lease, or other type of agreement); the tenant’s reason for slow payment; industry influences under which the tenant operates; evidence of willingness and ability of the tenant to pay the receivable; credit-worthiness of the tenant; collateral, security deposit, letters of credit or other monies held as security; tenant’s historical payment pattern; other contractual agreements between the tenant and the Company; relationship between the tenant and the Company; the state in which the tenant operates; and the existence of a guarantor and the willingness and ability of the guarantor to pay the receivable. Considering these factors and others, management concludes whether all or some of the aged receivable balance is likely uncollectible. Upon determining that some portion of the receivable is likely uncollectible, the Company will record a provision for bad debts for the amount it expects will be uncollectible. When efforts to collect a receivable are exhausted, the receivable amount is charged off against the allowance. Allowance for Credit Losses The Company evaluates collectability of its mortgage notes and notes receivable and records allowances on the notes as necessary. A loan is impaired when it is probable that a creditor will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan as scheduled, or otherwise, including both contractual interest and principal payments. This assessment also includes an evaluation of the loan collateral. If a note becomes past due, the Company will review the specific circumstances and may discontinue the accrual of interest on the loan. The note is not returned to accrual status until the debtor has demonstrated the ability to continue debt service in accordance with the contractual terms. Notes placed on non-accrual status will be accounted for on a cash basis, in which income is recognized only upon the receipt of cash, or on a cost-recovery basis, in which all cash receipts reduce the carrying value of the note, based on the Company's expectation of future collectability. Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 K - 0 1 m r o F The JOBS Act permits the Company, as an ‘‘emerging growth company,’’ to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. Management has elected to ‘‘opt out’’ of this provision and, as a result, will be required to comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted. The decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable. 57 Use of Estimates in the Consolidated Financial Statements Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may materially differ from those estimates. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK The Company is exposed to market risk in the form of changing interest rates on its debt and mortgage note receivable. Market risk refers to the risk of loss from adverse changes in market prices and interest rates. Management uses regular monitoring of market conditions and analysis techniques to manage this risk. As of December 31, 2017, the Company's Credit Facility was based on variable interest rates while its mortgage and other notes receivable bore interest at a fixed rate. The following table provides information regarding the sensitivity of certain of the Company’s financial instruments, as described above, to market conditions and changes resulting from changes in interest rates. For purposes of this analysis, sensitivity is demonstrated based on hypothetical 10% changes in the underlying market interest rates. Impact on Earnings and Cash Flows Outstanding Principal Balance at December 31, 2017 Calculated Annual Interest Expense Assuming 10% Increase in Market Interest Rates Assuming 10% Decrease in Market Interest Rates $ 34,000 $ 1,343 $ (134) $ 30,000 30,000 1,244 1,361 (124) (136) 134 124 136 (Dollars in thousands) Variable Rate Debt: Credit Facility 5-Year Term Loan (1) 7-Year Term Loan (1) ___________ (1) As of December 31, 2017, the Company had interest rate swaps that fixed the interest rate of $30.0 million each of the 5-Year and 7-Year Term Loans. Fair Value (Dollars in thousands) Fixed Rate Receivable: Mortgage Note Receivable (1) Notes Receivable (1) ___________ Principal Balance at December 31, 2017 December 31, 2017 Assuming 10% Increase in Market Interest Rates Assuming 10% Decrease in Market Interest Rates December 31, 2016 $ $ 10,633 $ 13,917 $ 10,633 $ 13,828 $ 9,570 $ 12,490 $ 11,697 $ 15,265 $ 10,908 — (1) Level 2 - Fair value based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets. 58 ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM Stockholders and Board of Directors Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated Franklin, Tennessee Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes and financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index (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 and subsidiaries at December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Basis for Opinion These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“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 consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain on understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated 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 consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. /s/ BDO USA, LLP We have served as the Company's auditor since 2015. Nashville, Tennessee February 22, 2018 59 K - 0 1 m r o F COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts) ASSETS Real estate properties Land and land improvements Buildings, improvements, and lease intangibles Personal property Total real estate properties Less accumulated depreciation Total real estate properties, net Cash and cash equivalents Mortgage note receivable, net Other assets, net Total assets LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities Debt, net Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other liabilities Total liabilities Commitments and contingencies Stockholders' Equity Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding Common stock, $0.01 par value; 450,000,000 shares authorized; 18,085,798 and 12,988,482 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively Additional paid-in capital Cumulative net income Accumulated other comprehensive income Cumulative dividends Total stockholders’ equity December 31, 2017 2016 $ 44,419 $ 343,955 112 388,486 (36,136) 352,350 2,130 10,633 20,653 29,884 222,755 97 252,736 (18,404) 234,332 1,568 10,786 4,843 $ $ 385,766 $ 251,529 93,353 $ 51,000 4,056 4,983 102,392 3,541 2,981 57,522 — — 181 324,303 4,775 258 (46,143) 283,374 130 214,323 1,265 — (21,711) 194,007 251,529 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 385,766 $ See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 60 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS) (Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts) REVENUES Rental income Tenant reimbursements Mortgage interest Other operating EXPENSES Property operating General and administrative Depreciation and amortization Bad debts OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE) Interest expense Interest and other income, net NET INCOME (LOSS) INCOME (LOSS) PER COMMON SHARE: Net income (loss) per common share – Basic Net income (loss) per common share – Diluted Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2015 $ 31,071 $ 18,999 $ 5,071 1,022 179 4,564 1,634 — 37,343 25,197 8,682 3,475 17,732 67 29,956 4,744 3,228 13,201 155 21,328 (3,948) (1,178) 71 30 (3,877) (1,148) 6,364 1,964 304 — 8,632 2,012 2,472 5,204 71 9,759 (364) 35 (329) $ $ $ 3,510 $ 2,721 $ (1,456) 0.19 0.19 $ $ 0.24 0.24 $ $ (0.31) (0.31) WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING-BASIC 14,815,258 11,238,437 4,726,925 WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON SHARE OUTSTANDING- DILUTED 14,815,258 11,319,505 4,726,925 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. K - 0 1 m r o F 61 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2015 NET INCOME (LOSS) Other comprehensive income: Unrealized losses on cash flow hedges Reclassification of loss amounts recognized as interest expense Total other comprehensive income COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) $ 3,510 $ 2,721 $ (1,456) (144) 402 258 — — — — — — $ 3,768 $ 2,721 $ (1,456) 62 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Preferred Stock Common Stock Shares Amount Shares Amount Additional Paid in Capital Cumulative Net Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Cumulative Dividends Total Stockholders' Equity Balance at December 31, 2014 Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs Stock-based compensation Net loss Dividends to common stockholders ($0.517 per share) — — — — — Balance at December 31, 2015 — $ 6 3 Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs Stock-based compensation Net income Dividends to common stockholders ($1.525 per share) — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 200,000 7,311,183 85,757 — — 7,596,940 $ 5,175,000 216,542 — — 2 73 1 — — 76 52 2 — — — 127,413 165 — — — — — (1,456) — — — — — — — — — — (3,928) 2 127,486 166 (1,456) (3,928) $ 127,578 $ (1,456) $ — $ (3,928) $ 122,270 86,073 672 — — — — 2,721 — — — — — — — — 86,125 674 2,721 (17,783) (17,783) Balance at December 31, 2016 — $ — 12,988,482 $ 130 $ 214,323 $ 1,265 $ — $ (21,711) $ 194,007 Issuance of common stock, net of offering costs Stock-based compensation Unrecognized loss on cash flow hedges Reclassification adjustment for losses included in net income (interest expense) Net income Dividends to common stockholders ($1.565 per share) — — — — — — — — — — — — 4,887,500 209,816 — — — — 49 2 — — — — 108,508 1,472 — — — — — — — — 3,510 — — — (144) 402 — — — — — — — 108,557 1,474 (144) 402 3,510 (24,432) (24,432) Balance at December 31, 2017 — $ — 18,085,798 $ 181 $ 324,303 $ 4,775 $ 258 $ (46,143) $ 283,374 See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. Form 10-K COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (In thousands) OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income (loss) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization Stock-based compensation Straight-line rent Provision for bad debts, net of recoveries Reduction in contingent purchase price Deferred income tax benefit Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Other assets Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Other liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Acquisitions of real estate Acquisition and funding of mortgage and other notes receivable Proceeds from repayments on notes receivable Capital expenditures on existing real estate properties Net cash used in investing activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net (repayments) borrowings on revolving credit facility Term loan borrowings Dividends paid Proceeds from issuance of common stock Equity issuance costs Debt issuance costs Settlement of contingent purchase price Net cash provided by financing activities Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents, end of period Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Interest paid Invoices accrued for construction, tenant improvement and other capitalized costs Reclassification between accounts and notes receivable Conversion of mortgage note upon acquisition of real estate property Increase in fair value of cash flow hedges $ $ $ $ $ $ $ For the Year Ended December 31, 2015 2016 2017 $ 3,510 $ 2,721 $ (1,456) 18,153 1,474 (1,303) 67 (5) (478) (1,090) 402 1,397 22,127 (133,505) (13,750) 833 (1,132) (147,554) (17,000) 60,000 (24,432) 109,168 (611) (743) (393) 125,989 562 1,568 2,130 3,125 $ $ $ $ 209 615 $ — $ $ 144 13,383 674 (606) 155 (1,279) — (1,956) 2,127 (290) 14,929 (103,206) (12,406) 104 (1,579) (117,087) 34,000 — (17,783) 86,805 (680) (634) — 101,708 (450) $ 2,018 1,568 $ 564 28 $ $ 12,500 — $ $ — $ 5,320 166 (133) 71 — — (1,811) 326 488 2,971 (128,950) (10,863) — (827) (140,640) 17,000 — (3,928) 129,353 (1,867) (873) — 139,685 2,016 2 2,018 178 52 — — — See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements. 64 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS December 31, 2017 Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Business Overview Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated (the ‘‘Company’’, ‘‘we’’, ‘‘our’’) was organized in the State of Maryland on March 28, 2014. The Company is a fully-integrated healthcare real estate company that owns and acquires real estate properties that are leased to hospitals, doctors, healthcare systems or other healthcare service providers in our target submarkets. The Company conducts its business through an UPREIT structure in which its properties are owned by its operating partnership (the "OP"), either directly or through subsidiaries. The Company is the sole general partner of the OP, owning 100% of the OP units. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had investments of approximately $399.1 million in 86 real estate properties, including a mortgage note, located in 26 states, totaling approximately 2.0 million square feet in the aggregate. Square footage, property count, and occupancy percentage disclosures in the consolidated financial statements are unaudited. Principles of Consolidation Our Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, and may also include joint ventures, partnerships and variable interest entities, or VIEs, where the Company controls the operating activities. Management must make judgments regarding the Company's level of influence or control over an entity and whether or not the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. Consideration of various factors include, but is not limited to, the Company's ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's governing body, the size and seniority of the Company's investment, and the Company's ability to replace the manager and/or liquidate the entity. Management's ability to correctly assess its influence or control over an entity when determining the primary beneficiary of a VIE affects the presentation of these entities in the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. If it is determined that the Company is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements would include the operating results of the VIE rather than the results of the variable interest in the VIE. Untimely or inaccurate financial information provided to the Company or deficiencies in the VIEs internal control over financial reporting could impact the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and its own internal control over financial reporting. See Notes 5 and 11 regarding VIEs identified by the Company related to its mortgage note and note receivable portfolio. All material intercompany accounts, transactions, and balances have been eliminated in the presentation of the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 The Company has elected the "emerging growth company,’’ status as permitted under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. Management has elected to ‘‘opt out’’ of the provision allowed under the JOBS Act to take advantage of an extended transition period to comply with new or revised accounting standards applicable to public companies. As a result, we will be required to comply with new or revised accounting standards as required when they are adopted. The decision to opt out of the extended transition period under the JOBS Act is irrevocable. K - 0 1 m r o F Use of Estimates in the Consolidated Financial Statements Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may materially differ from those estimates. 65 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Segment Reporting The Company acquires and owns, or finances, healthcare-related real estate properties that are leased to hospitals, doctors, healthcare systems or other healthcare service providers in our target submarkets. The Company is managed as one reporting unit, rather than multiple reporting units, for internal reporting purposes and for internal decision- making. Therefore, the Company discloses its operating results in a single segment. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents includes short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased. Real Estate Properties Real estate properties are recorded at cost or at fair value if acquired in a transaction that is a business combination under FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 805. Cost or fair value at the time of acquisition is allocated among land and land improvements, buildings and improvements, lease and other intangibles, and personal property, as applicable. Real estate property acquisitions are accounted for as a business combination or an asset acquisition. An acquisition accounted for as a business combination is recorded at fair value and related closing costs are expensed as incurred. An acquisition accounted for as an asset acquisition is recorded at its purchase price, inclusive of acquisition costs, which is allocated among the acquired assets and assumed liabilities based upon their relative fair values at the date of acquisition. The Company adopted FASB's Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, on January 1, 2017, and expects that substantially all of its acquisitions will be accounted for as asset acquisitions. The allocation of real estate property acquisitions may include land and land improvements, building and building improvements, personal property, and identified intangible assets and liabilities (consisting of above- and below- market leases, in-place leases, and tenant relationships) based on the evaluation of information and estimates available at that date, and we allocate the purchase price based on these assessments. We make estimates of the acquisition date fair value of the tangible and intangible assets and acquired liabilities using information obtained from multiple sources as a result of pre-acquisition due diligence, tax records, and other sources. Based on these estimates, we recognize the acquired assets and liabilities at their estimated fair values. We expense transaction costs associated with business combinations in the period incurred. The fair value of tangible property assets acquired considers the value of the property as if vacant determined by comparable sales and other relevant data. The determination of fair value involves the use of significant judgment and estimation. We value land based on various inputs, which may include internal analysis of recently acquired properties, existing comparable properties within our portfolio, or third party appraisals or valuations based on comparable sales. In recognizing identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, the value of above- or below- market leases is estimated based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between contractual amounts to be received pursuant to the leases and management’s estimate of market lease rates measured over the remaining term of the lease. In the case of a below- market lease, the Company would also evaluate any renewal options associated with that lease to determine if the intangible should include those periods. The capitalized above-market or below-market lease intangibles are amortized as a reduction from or an addition to rental income over the estimated remaining term of the respective leases. In determining the value of in-place leases and tenant relationships, management considers current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases in arriving at an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up period from vacant to existing occupancy. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance, other property operating expenses, estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up 66 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued periods, and costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions. The values assigned to in-place leases and tenant relationships are amortized over the estimated remaining term of the lease. If a lease terminates prior to its scheduled expiration, all unamortized costs related to that lease are written off. Asset Impairments The Company assesses the potential for impairment of identifiable, definite-lived, intangible assets and long-lived assets, including real estate properties, whenever events occur or a change in circumstances indicates that the carrying value might not be fully recoverable. Indicators of impairment may include significant under-performance of an asset relative to historical or expected operating results; significant changes in the Company’s use of assets or the strategy for its overall business; plans to sell an asset before its depreciable life has ended; the expiration of a significant portion of leases in a property; or significant negative economic trends or negative industry trends for the Company or its operators. In addition, the Company’s review for possible impairment may include those assets subject to purchase options and those impacted by casualties, such as tornadoes and hurricanes. If management determines that the carrying value of the Company’s assets may not be fully recoverable based on the existence of any of the factors above, or others, management would measure and record an impairment charge based on the estimated fair value of the property or the estimated fair value less costs to sell the property. No indicators of impairment occurred during 2017, 2016 or 2015 to warrant management to test any of its assets for impairment. Therefore, no impairments were recorded during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. Fair Value Measurements Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset, or paid to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction between market participants. In calculating fair value, a company must maximize the use of observable market inputs, minimize the use of unobservable market inputs and disclose in the form of an outlined hierarchy the details of such fair value measurements. A hierarchy of valuation techniques is defined to determine whether the inputs to a fair value measurement are considered to be observable or unobservable in a marketplace. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect the Company’s market assumptions. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. These inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy: • • • Level 1 – quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. Level 2 – quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and Level 3 – fair value measurements derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. Our interest rate swaps are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. The market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument’s term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation model for interest rate swaps are observable in active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy. K - 0 1 m r o F Executed purchase and sale agreements, that are binding agreements, are categorized as Level 1 inputs. Brokerage estimates, letters of intent, or unexecuted purchase and sale agreements are considered to be Level 3 as they are non- binding in nature. 67 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Lease Accounting We, as lessor, make a determination with respect to each of our leases whether they should be accounted for as operating leases or capital leases. The classification criteria is based on estimates regarding the fair value of the leased facilities, minimum lease payments, effective cost of funds, the economic useful life of the facilities, the existence of a bargain purchase option, and certain other terms in the lease agreements. We believe all of our leases should be accounted for as operating leases. Payments received under operating leases are accounted for in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) as rental income for actual cash rent collected plus or minus straight-line adjustments, such as lease escalators. Assets subject to operating leases are reported as real estate investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Many of our 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. Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes rental revenue when it is realized or realizable and earned. There are four criteria that must all be met before a Company may recognize revenue, including persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered (i.e., the tenant has taken possession of and controls the physical use of the leased asset), the price has been fixed or is determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. The Company derives most of its revenues from its real estate property and mortgage note and other notes portfolio. The Company's rental and mortgage and other notes interest income is recognized based on contractual arrangements with its tenants and borrowers. Rental income is recognized as earned over the life of the lease agreement on a straight-line basis. Recognizing rental revenue on a straight-line basis for leases may result in recognizing revenue in amounts more or less than amounts currently due from tenants. If management determines that the collectability of straight-line rents is not reasonably assured, the amount of future revenue recognized may be limited to amounts contractually owed and, where appropriate, establish an allowance for estimated losses. The Company also accrues operating expense recoveries based on the contractual terms of its leases and late fees based on the contractual terms of its leases or notes, as applicable. Income received but not yet earned is deferred until such time it is earned. Deferred revenue is included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Interest income is recognized based on the interest rates, maturity dates and amortization periods set forth within each note agreement. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Credit Losses Management monitors the aging and collectability of its accounts receivable balances on an ongoing basis. Whenever deterioration in the timeliness of payment from a tenant is noted, management investigates and determines the reason or reasons for the delay. Considering all information gathered, management’s judgment is exercised in determining whether a receivable is potentially uncollectible and, if so, how much or what percentage may be uncollectible. Among the factors management considers in determining collectability are: the type of contractual arrangement under which the receivable was recorded (e.g., triple net lease, gross lease, or other type of agreement); the tenant’s reason for slow payment; industry influences under which the tenant operates; evidence of willingness and ability of the tenant to pay the receivable; credit-worthiness of the tenant; collateral, security deposit, letters of credit or other monies held as security; tenant’s historical payment pattern; other contractual agreements between the tenant and the Company; relationship between the tenant and the Company; the state in which the tenant operates; and the existence of a guarantor and the willingness and ability of the guarantor to pay the receivable. Considering these factors and others, management concludes whether all or some of the aged receivable balance is likely uncollectible. Upon determining that some portion of the receivable is likely uncollectible, the Company will record a provision for bad debts for the amount it expects will be uncollectible. When efforts to 68 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued collect a receivable are exhausted, the receivable amount is charged off against the allowance. The Company does not hold any accounts receivable for sale. The Company evaluates collectability of its notes receivable and records allowances as necessary. A note is impaired when it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the loan as scheduled, including both contractual interest and principal payments. This assessment also includes an evaluation of the loan collateral. If a mortgage loan becomes past due, the Company will review the specific circumstances and may discontinue the accrual of interest on the loan. The loan is not returned to accrual status until the debtor has demonstrated the ability to continue debt service in accordance with the contractual terms. Loans placed on non-accrual status will be accounted for on a cash basis, in which income is recognized only upon the receipt of cash, or on a cost-recovery basis, in which all cash receipts reduce the carrying value of the loan, based on the Company's expectation of future collectability. There were no notes that the Company had on non-accrual status or that the Company had available for sale at December 31, 2017, 2016 or 2015. Stock-Based Compensation The Company's 2014 Incentive Plan, as amended (the "2014 Incentive Plan") is intended to attract and retain qualified persons upon whom, in large measure, our sustained progress, growth and profitability depend, to motivate the participants to achieve long-term company goals and to more closely align the participants’ interests with those of our other stockholders by providing them with a proprietary interest in our growth and performance. The three distinct programs under the 2014 Incentive Plan are the Amended and Restated Alignment of Interest Program, the Amended and Restated Executive Officer Incentive Program and the Non-Executive Officer Incentive Program. Our executive officers, officers, employees, consultants and non-employee directors are eligible to participate in the 2014 Incentive Plan. The 2014 Incentive Plan increases, on an annual basis, the number of shares of common stock available for issuance to an amount equal to 7% of the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding year. The 2014 Incentive Plan is administered by the Company’s compensation committee, which interprets the 2014 Incentive Plan and has broad discretion to select the eligible persons to whom awards will be granted, as well as the type, size and terms and conditions of each award, including the number of shares subject to awards and the expiration date of, and the vesting schedule or other restrictions (including, without limitation, restrictive covenants) applicable to, awards. The Company recognizes share-based payments to its directors and employees in its Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) on a straight- line basis over the shorter of the requisite service period or retirement eligibility date based on the fair value of the award on the measurement date. Intangible Assets Intangible assets with indefinite lives are not amortized, but are tested at least annually for impairment. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their respective lives to their estimated residual values and are reviewed for impairment only when impairment indicators are present. Identifiable intangible assets of the Company are generally comprised of in-place and above-market lease intangible assets and below-market lease intangible liabilities, as well as deferred financing costs. In-place lease intangible assets are amortized to depreciation expense on a straight-line basis over the applicable lives of the leases. Above- and below-market lease intangibles are amortized to rental income on a straight-line basis over the applicable lives of the leases. Deferred financing costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related credit facility or other debt instrument using the straight-line method, which approximates amortization under the effective interest method. K - 0 1 m r o F Contingent Liabilities From time to time, the Company may be subject to loss contingencies arising from legal proceedings and similar matters. Additionally, while the Company maintains comprehensive liability and property insurance with respect to each of its properties, the Company may be exposed to unforeseen losses related to uninsured or under-insured damages. 69 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Management will monitor any matter that may present a contingent liability, and, on a quarterly basis, will review any reserves and accruals relating to the liabilities, adjusting provisions as necessary in view of changes in available information. Liabilities for contingencies are first recorded when a loss is determined to be both probable and can be reasonably estimated. Changes in estimates regarding the exposure to a contingent loss will be reflected as adjustments to the related liability in the periods when they occur and will be disclosed in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. On occasion, the Company may also have acquisitions which include contingent consideration. Accounting for business combinations require the Company to estimate the fair value of any contingent purchase consideration at acquisition. Management will monitor these contingencies on a quarterly basis. Changes in estimates regarding contingent purchase consideration will be reflected as adjustments to the related liability in the periods when they occur and will be disclosed in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Income Taxes The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT, as defined under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Company and one subsidiary have also elected for that subsidiary to be treated as a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"), which is subject to federal and state income taxes. No provision has been made for federal income taxes for the REIT; however, the Company has recorded income tax expense or benefit for the TRS to the extent applicable. The Company intends at all times to qualify as a REIT under the Code. The Company must distribute at least 90% per annum of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders (which is computed without regard to the dividends paid deduction or net capital gain and which does not necessarily equal net income as calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) and meet other requirements to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust. See further discussion in Note 15. The Company classifies interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) as a component of general and administrative expenses. No such amounts were recognized during 2017, 2016 or 2015. The Company is subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service and by state taxing authorities for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and for the period from March 28, 2014 (date of inception) through December 31, 2014. Sales and Use Taxes The Company must pay sales and use taxes to certain state tax authorities based on rent collected from tenants in properties located in those states. The Company is generally reimbursed for those taxes by those tenants. The Company accounts for the payments to the taxing authority and subsequent reimbursement from the tenant on a net basis, included in tenant reimbursement revenue on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Concentration of Credit Risks Our credit risks primarily relate to cash and cash equivalents, our mortgage note and other notes receivable and our interest rate swaps, which are discussed below. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in bank accounts and overnight investments. We maintain our bank deposit accounts with large financial institutions in amounts that often exceed federally-insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts. Derivative Financial Instruments In the normal course of business, we are subject to risk from adverse fluctuations in interest rates. We have chosen to manage this risk through the use of derivative financial instruments, or interest rate swaps. Counterparties to these contracts are major financial institutions. We are exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance by these counterparties. We do not use derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Our objective in managing exposure to market risk is to limit the impact on cash flows. To qualify for hedge accounting, our interest rate swaps 70 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued must effectively reduce the risk exposure that they are designed to hedge. In addition, at inception of a qualifying cash flow hedging relationship, the underlying transaction or transactions must be, and be expected to remain, probable of occurring in accordance with our related assertions. All of our hedges are cash flow hedges and are recognized at their fair value in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Changes in the fair value of the derivatives are recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. Earnings per Share Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average common shares outstanding less issued and outstanding non-vested shares of common stock. Diluted earnings per common share is calculated by including the effect of dilutive securities. Our unvested restricted common stock outstanding contains non-forfeitable rights to dividends, and accordingly, these awards are deemed to be participating securities. These participating securities, under the 2-class method, are included in the earnings allocation in computing both basic and diluted earnings per common share. New Accounting Pronouncements On July 1, 2017, the Company adopted the Financial Accounting Standard Board's ("FASB") ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging Topic 815: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities, ("ASU 2017-12"). ASU 2017-12 is intended to better align an entity’s financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. Upon adoption of ASU 2017-12, the cumulative ineffectiveness that a company had previously recognized on existing cash flow and net investment hedges is adjusted and removed from beginning retained earnings and placed in accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of ASU 2017-12 did not have an impact on our financial statements as we had not previously recognized any hedge ineffectiveness related to our existing cash flow hedges. In future periods, for hedges that are deemed highly effective, we will no longer need to recognize any hedge ineffectiveness, and all gains or losses will be recognized in other comprehensive income. Between May 2014 and September 2017, the FASB issued various ASUs changing the requirements for recognizing and reporting revenue (together, herein referred to as the “Revenue ASUs”) that may impact the Company: (i) ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”), (ii) ASU No. 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) (“ASU 2016-08”), (iii) ASU No. 2016-12, Narrow- Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients (“ASU 2016-12”) and (iv) ASU No. 2017-13, Revenue Recognition (Topic 605), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Leases (Topic 840), and Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2017-13). ASU 2014-09 provides guidance for revenue recognition to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2016-08 is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. ASU 2016-12 provides practical expedients and improvements on the previously narrow scope of ASU 2014-09. ASU 2017-13 provides certain amendments to the previously issued Revenue ASUs and ASU No. 2016-02, Leases ("ASU 2016-02"). In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date (“ASU 2015-14”). ASU 2015-14 defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year to fiscal years, and interim periods within, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company adopted the Revenue ASUs on January 1, 2018. A reporting entity may apply the amendments in the Revenue ASUs using either a modified retrospective approach, by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption or full retrospective approach. The primary source of revenue for the Company is generated through leasing arrangements and financing instruments, which are excluded from the Revenue ASUs. However, we expect that the recognition of non-lease components may be impacted by items included in the Revenue ASUs that will become effective upon the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019. Also, under ASU 2014-09, revenue recognition for real estate sales is largely based on the transfer of control versus continuing involvement under current guidance. The Company adopted the Revenue ASUs on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method which will be reflected in its financial statements for the quarter ending March 31, 2018. Because the Company's revenues for are substantially all related K - 0 1 m r o F 71 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued to leasing or financing activities, under its mortgage note or notes, the adoption of the Revenue ASUs should not have a material impact to the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations or disclosures. The Company will continue to evaluate during 2018 the impact to its non-lease components upon adoption of ASU 2016-02 in 2019. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, ("ASU 2016-15"), which clarifies or provides guidance relating to eight specific cash flow classification issues. The standard should be applied retrospectively for each period presented, as appropriate. The impact of this new guidance will depend on future transactions, though the impact will only be related to the classification of those items on the statement of cash flows and will not impact the Company's total cash flows or its results of operations. There was no impact to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718), ("ASU 2017-09"), which provides guidance about which changes in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require a company to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. Under ASU No. 2017-09, a company will generally be required to apply modification accounting unless the fair value or intrinsic value of the modified award, the vesting conditions of the modified award, and the classification of the modified award as equity or a liability are the same as the original award immediately before the award is modified. There was no impact to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements upon adoption of this standard on January 1, 2018. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02. This standard requires a lessor to classify leases as either sales- type, finance or operating. A lease will be treated as a sale if it transfers all of the risks and rewards, as well as control of the underlying asset, to the lessee. If risks and rewards are conveyed without the transfer of control, the lease is treated as a financing lease. If the lessor doesn’t convey risks and rewards or control, an operating lease results. ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within, beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessors for sales-type, direct financing, and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. Leasing revenues will continue to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, while certain reimbursable costs currently reflected on a net basis in the financial statements may require presentation on a gross basis under the new standard. Additionally, certain non-lease components may be accounted for under the new revenue recognition guidance in the Revenue ASUs. The Company is still evaluating the complete impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019 to its consolidated financial position, results of operations and disclosures. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses, ("ASU 2016-13"), which changes the impairment model for most financial assets and certain other instruments. For trade and other receivables, held-to-maturity debt securities, loans and other instruments, companies will be required to use a new forward-looking “expected loss” model that generally will result in the earlier recognition of allowances for losses. For available-for-sale debt securities with unrealized losses, companies will measure credit losses in a manner similar to what they do today, except that the losses will be recognized as allowances rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the securities. Companies will have to disclose significantly more information, including information they use to track credit quality by year of origination for most financing receivables. Companies will apply the standard’s provisions as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is adopted. This standard is effective for the Company on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is in the initial stage of evaluating the impact of this new standard on its notes and trade receivables. 72 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Note 2—Real Estate Investments As of December 31, 2017, the Company had investments of approximately $399.1 million in 86 real estate properties, including one mortgage note receivable. The following table summarizes the Company's investments. Number of Facilities Land and Land Improvements Buildings, Improvements, and Lease Intangibles Personal Property Total Accumulated Depreciation $ 4,608 $ 29,235 $ — $ 33,843 $ (Dollars in thousands) Medical office buildings: Florida Ohio Texas Illinois Kansas Iowa Virginia Other states Physician clinics: Kansas Illinois Florida Other states Surgical centers and hospitals Louisiana Indiana Michigan Illinois Florida Arizona Other states Specialty centers Illinois Alabama Nevada Other states Behavioral facilities: West Virginia Illinois Indiana Other states Corporate property Total owned properties Mortgage note receivable Total real estate investments 26,693 15,585 12,957 11,924 11,232 5,018 25,973 2,493 3,431 3,284 1,589 2,429 1,148 233 2,279 143,225 16,886 12,537 8,969 5,950 21,682 49,138 23,036 14,928 8,900 7,593 7,288 5,965 12,555 80,265 21,632 4,832 4,678 20,583 51,725 25,035 20,103 7,166 9,706 62,010 2,123 388,486 10,633 399,119 $ $ 1,981 87 512 3,025 5,605 577 360 1,960 740 233 1,000 2,861 7,731 215 1,295 273 2,854 4,637 152 745 156 100 1,153 124 36,136 — 36,136 K - 0 1 m r o F 5 5 3 2 2 1 1 13 32 3 2 3 9 17 1 1 2 1 1 2 5 13 2 3 1 11 17 1 1 2 2 6 — 85 1 86 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — 112 112 — 112 $ $ 3,167 3,096 1,134 1,427 2,241 369 3,276 19,318 1,638 2,615 — 3,221 7,474 1,683 523 628 2,183 271 576 1,555 7,419 2,057 415 276 1,919 4,667 2,138 1,300 1,126 977 5,541 — 23,526 12,489 11,823 10,497 8,991 4,649 22,697 123,907 10,899 6,354 5,950 18,461 41,664 21,353 14,405 8,272 5,410 7,017 5,389 11,000 72,846 19,575 4,417 4,402 18,664 47,058 22,897 18,803 6,040 8,729 56,469 2,011 $ $ 44,419 — 44,419 $ $ 343,955 — 343,955 $ $ 73 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Depreciation expense was $7.6 million, $4.5 million and $1.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, which is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Depreciation and amortization of real estate assets and liabilities in place as of December 31, 2017, is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives at December 31, 2017 are as follows: Land improvements Buildings Building improvements Tenant improvements Lease intangibles Personal property Note 3—Real Estate Leases 2 - 15 years 15 - 40 years 3.0 - 39.8 years 2.3 - 15.7 years 0.7 - 13.7 years 3 -10 years The Company’s properties are generally leased pursuant to non-cancelable, fixed-term operating leases with expiration dates through 2033. The Company’s leases generally require the lessee to pay minimum rent, with fixed rent renewal terms or increases based on a Consumer Price Index and may also include additional rent, which may include taxes (including property taxes), insurance, maintenance and other operating costs associated with the leased property. Future Minimum Lease Payments Future minimum lease payments under the non-cancelable operating leases due the Company for the years ending December 31, as of December 31, 2017, are as follows (in thousands): 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 and thereafter Revenue Concentrations $ $ 35,372 31,648 28,839 25,617 22,415 133,617 277,508 The Company's real estate portfolio is leased to a diverse tenant base. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had no customers that accounted for more than 10% of its consolidated revenues. The Company's portfolio is currently located in 26 states with approximately 36.5% of its consolidated revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017 derived from properties located in Illinois (13.5%), Ohio (12.2%), and Florida (10.8%). Purchase Option Provisions Certain of the Company's leases provide the lessee with a purchase option or a right of first refusal to purchase the leased property. The purchase option provisions generally require the lessee to purchase the leased property at fair value or at an amount greater than the Company's gross investment in the leased property at the time of the purchase. No purchase options were exercised during the year ended December 31, 2017. The Company had approximately $6.3 million in two real estate properties at December 31, 2017 with purchase options that are exercisable during 2018. 74 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Straight-line rental income Rental income is recognized as earned over the life of the lease agreement on a straight-line basis. Straight-line rent included in rental income was approximately $1.3 million, $0.6 million, and $0.1 million, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Operating expense recoveries The Company accrues operating expense recoveries, or tenant reimbursements, based on the contractual terms of its leases and late fees based on the contractual terms of its leases or notes, as applicable. Operating expense recoveries were approximately $5.1 million, $4.6 million, and $2.0 million respectively, and late fees, included in rental income, were approximately $149,000, $228,000, and $40,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. Deferred revenue Income received but not yet earned is deferred until such time it is earned. Deferred revenue, included in other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, was approximately $1.1 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. Note 4—Real Estate Acquisitions 2017 Real Estate Acquisitions The Company's acquisitions for 2017 included the following, all of which we accounted for as asset acquisitions: During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company acquired six real estate properties totaling approximately 153,000 square feet for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $40.2 million, including cash consideration of approximately $40.1 million. Upon acquisition, the properties were 100.0% leased in the aggregate with lease expirations ranging from 2021 through 2032. In addition, we purchased $11.45 million face value of certain promissory notes, secured by accounts receivable of our bankrupt borrower, for $8.75 million from a syndicate of banks, a $2.7 million discount to face value. See Note 5 for further discussion related to this note purchase and bankruptcy. During the third quarter of 2017, the Company acquired two real estate properties totaling approximately 147,000 square feet for an aggregate purchase price and cash consideration of approximately $28.3 million. Upon acquisition, the properties were 100% leased in the aggregate with lease expirations ranging from 2022 through 2032. In addition, we funded a $5.0 million mezzanine loan to the tenant of one of the properties. During the second quarter of 2017, the Company acquired 10 real estate properties totaling approximately 203,000 square feet for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $36.2 million, including cash consideration of approximately $35.9 million. Upon acquisition, the properties were 100% leased in the aggregate with lease expirations ranging from 2019 through 2032. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company acquired 10 real estate properties totaling approximately 145,000 square feet for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $28.5 million, including cash consideration of approximately $28.4 million. Upon acquisition, the properties were 95.2% leased in the aggregate with lease expirations ranging from 2018 through 2032. The Company also acquired a property, adjacent to its corporate office, for a cash purchase price of approximately $0.9 million. The property is leased to a tenant but the Company intends to use the property for future expansion of its corporate office. K - 0 1 m r o F Amounts reflected in revenues and net income for the year ended December 31, 2017 for the properties acquired during 2017 were approximately $5.9 million and $2.4 million, respectively. Transaction costs totaling 75 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued approximately $1.0 million related to these acquisitions were capitalized in the period as part of the real estate assets and approximately $36,000 was expensed related to the mezzanine note and note purchased. The following table summarizes the estimated relative fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the property acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2017. Land and land improvements Building and building improvements Intangibles: At-market lease intangibles Total intangibles Accounts receivable and other assets assumed Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities assumed (1) Prorated rent, interest and operating expense reimbursement amounts collected Total cash consideration (1) Includes security deposits received. 2016 Real Estate Acquisitions Estimated Fair Value (In thousands) Estimated Useful Life (In years) 2 - 15 20 - 40 4.1 - 9.3 $ $ 14,285 103,831 16,502 16,502 32 (675) (470) 133,505 During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company acquired six real estate properties totaling approximately 187,098 square feet for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $45.6 million, including cash consideration of approximately $45.2 million. Upon acquisition, the properties were 98.1% leased with lease expirations ranging from 2017 through 2031. During the third quarter of 2016, the Company acquired four real estate properties totaling approximately 57,983 square feet for an aggregate purchase price and cash consideration of approximately $12.1 million. Upon acquisition, the properties were 100.0% leased with lease expirations ranging from 2018 through 2031. During the second quarter of 2016, the Company acquired three real estate properties totaling approximately 153,446 square feet for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $33.5 million, including cash consideration of approximately $21.1 million and the conversion of a $12.5 million mortgage note receivable. Upon acquisition, the properties were approximately 93.7% leased in the aggregate with lease expirations ranging from 2016 through 2031. In addition, one of the properties included contingent consideration of up to $0.5 million of which the Company paid $0.4 million in settlement of the contingency during the second quarter of 2017. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company acquired four real estate properties totaling approximately 146,443 square feet for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $25.4 million, including cash consideration of approximately $25.6 million. Upon acquisition, the properties were approximately 95.6% leased in the aggregate with lease expirations ranging from 2017 through 2026. The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $0.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 related to its acquisitions accounted for as business combinations which are included in general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). Transaction costs related to its acquisition accounted for as an asset purchase were capitalized in the period as part of the real estate asset. 76 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the property acquisitions during 2016. Land Buildings Intangibles: At-market lease intangibles Above-market lease intangibles Below-market lease intangibles Total intangibles Accounts receivable and other assets assumed Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities assumed (1) Contingent liabilities Mortgage note conversion Prorated rent, interest and operating expense reimbursement amounts collected Expenses paid, including closing costs Total cash consideration Estimated Fair Value (In thousands) Estimated Useful Life (In years) 20 - 40 2.3 - 13.7 0.7 8.8 $ $ 16,476 87,753 13,961 26 (923) 13,064 51 (661) (487) (12,500) (490) 773 103,979 (1) Includes security deposits received and property taxes payable prior to the acquisition. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company funded a $12.5 million mortgage note secured by an 85,000 square foot behavioral facility in Illinois which was scheduled to mature on January 31, 2027. The Company received a loan fee from the transaction totaling $93,750 which was deferred and was being recognized into income on a straight-line basis, which approximated the effective interest method, through the maturity of the mortgage note. The mortgage loan required interest only payments to us through January 2017 and had a stated fixed interest rate of 11%. The Company exercised its option to acquire the behavioral facility secured by this mortgage and acquired the facility in May 2016 as discussed in more detail above in 2016 Real Estate Acquisitions. Upon acquisition, the Company recognized into income the unamortized portion of the loan fee totaling approximately $90,000. Note 5—Mortgage Note Receivable The Company had one mortgage note receivable outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 with a principal balance of $10.6 million and $10.9 million, respectively, which bears interest at 9.5%. Principal and interest are due monthly based on a 20-year amortization schedule, with a balloon payment due at maturity on September 30, 2026. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, approximately $0.6 million and $87,000, respectively, in interest was due from the borrower and is included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, of which approximately $0.5 million and $0, respectively, was past due in accordance the terms of the underlying note. The borrower and several related entities (the "Borrower") filed for voluntary bankruptcy on June 23, 2017. At the time of filing for bankruptcy, the Borrower was current on all obligations to the Company, but no payments have been received during the bankruptcy. On February 21, 2018, the Borrower filed an amended bankruptcy exit plan (the "Amended Plan"), agreed upon by the secured lenders and the unsecured creditor's committee of the Borrower, whereby the Company will provide financing for the Borrower to exit bankruptcy (the "Exit Financing"). Based on information currently available, the Company believes that the Amended Plan will be confirmed by the court substantially in the form as filed. Assuming the Amended Plan is confirmed by the bankruptcy court, the Company will enter into a new note and fund the Exit Financing, with a newly established entity ("Newco"), that will be secured by the ownership interests, cash, accounts receivable, other assets and cash flows of nine long-term acute care or rehabilitation hospitals, which includes two specialty hospitals that were not part of the bankruptcy but will be owned and operated by Newco. K - 0 1 m r o F 77 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued On December 28, 2017, in anticipation of the Exit Financing, the Company purchased $11.45 million face value of certain promissory notes, secured by accounts receivable of the Borrower, for $8.75 million from a syndicate of banks, a $2.7 million discount to face value. Additionally, subsequent to December 31, 2017, the Company acquired $2.2 million of certain promissory notes, secured by the operations of two facilities of the Borrower, which were not included in the bankruptcy but will be owned and operated by Newco. Under the terms of the Exit Financing, the existing mortgage note and other promissory notes of the Borrower held by the Company will be satisfied with proceeds from the Exit Financing, which will include approximately $5.35 million of additional cash to be funded by the Company. Also, as part of the Amended Plan, the Company, through a deed in lieu of foreclosure, will receive the real estate property currently secured by the mortgage note receivable. The Company evaluated the collectability of the mortgage note and other promissory notes that it acquired, including the underlying loan collateral. Based on information currently available, the present value of the expected future cash flows to be received was not materially different from the recorded investment balance of the mortgage note and promissory notes as of December 31, 2017, and therefore, no impairment was recognized. During 2015, the Company identified the borrower of the mortgage note discussed above as a VIE. The underlying $11.0 million mortgage note included a purchase option in which the Company could acquire the underlying property securing the mortgage through September 30, 2016. The Company elected not to acquire the property and the purchase option expired. Management concluded that the Company was not the primary beneficiary of the VIE as we did not have the ability to make decisions or direct the activities of the VIE that would impact its economic performance. Note 6— Debt, net The table below details the Company's debt as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. (Dollars in thousands) Revolving Credit Facility 5-Year Term Loan, net 7-Year Term Loan, net Balance as of December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Maturity Dates $ $ 34,000 $ 51,000 29,685 29,668 — — 93,353 $ 51,000 8/19 3/22 3/24 On March 29, 2017, we entered into a second amended and restated Credit Facility (as amended and restated, the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility is by and among Community Healthcare OP, LP, the Company, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, and SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent. The Company’s material subsidiaries are guarantors of the obligations under the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility provides for a $150.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") and $100.0 million in term loans (the "Term Loans"). The Credit Facility, through the accordion feature, allows borrowings up to a total of $450.0 million, including the ability to add and fund additional term loans. The Revolving Credit Facility matures on August 9, 2019 and includes two 12-month options to extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions. The Term Loans include a five-year term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million (the "5-Year Term Loan") which matures on March 29, 2022 and a seven-year term loan facility in the aggregate principal amount of $50.0 million (the "7-Year Term Loan") which matures on March 29, 2024. Upon closing of the Credit Facility on March 29, 2017, the Company borrowed $30.0 million under each of the 5-Year Term Loan and the 7-Year Term Loan. Each of the 5-Year Term Loan and 7-Year Term Loan has a delayed draw feature that is available in up to three draws within 15 months from March 29, 2017, subject to a minimum draw of $10.0 million and pro forma compliance. The Company incurred approximately $0.8 million in fees and other costs upon closing 78 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued of the Credit Facility which are netted against the term loans and are being amortized to interest expense on a straight-line basis which approximates the effective interest method. Amounts outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility bear annual interest at a floating rate that is based, at the Company’s option, on either: (i) LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.75% or (ii) a base rate plus 0.75% to 1.75%, in each case, depending upon the Company’s leverage ratio. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay an annual fee equal to 0.25% of the amount of the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility if amounts borrowed are greater than 33.3% of the borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility and 0.35% of the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility if amounts borrowed are less than or equal to 33.3% of the borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility. At December 31, 2017, the Company had $34.0 million balance outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of approximately 3.95% and a remaining borrowing capacity of $116.0 million. Amounts outstanding under the Term Loans bear annual interest at a floating rate that is based, at the Company’s option, on either: (i) LIBOR plus 2.2% to 2.9% or (ii) a base rate plus 1.25% to 1.9%, in each case, depending upon the Company’s leverage ratio. In addition, the Company is obligated to pay an annual fee equal to 0.35% of the amount of the unused portion of the Term Loans. The Company entered into interest rate swaps to fix the interest rates on the term loans as discussed in Note 7. At December 31, 2017, the Company had $60.0 million outstanding under the Term Loans with a fixed weighted average interest rate under the swaps of approximately 4.34% and remaining borrowing capacity of $40.0 million. The Company’s ability to borrow under the Credit Facility is subject to its ongoing compliance with a number of customary affirmative and negative covenants, including limitations with respect to liens, indebtedness, distributions, mergers, consolidations, investments, restricted payments and asset sales, as well as financial maintenance covenants. The Company, subsequent to year end, amended its Credit Facility, effective as of November 1, 2017, to modify the formula used to calculate the amount of restricted payments the Company may make under the Credit Facility. After considering the provisions of the amendment, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants under its Credit Facility at December 31, 2017. Note 7—Derivative Financial Instruments Risk Management Objective of Using Derivatives The Company may use derivative financial instruments, including interest rate swaps, caps, options, floors and other interest rate derivative contracts, to hedge all or a portion of the interest rate risk associated with its borrowings. The principal objective of such arrangements is to minimize the risks and/or costs associated with the Company’s operating and financial structure as well as to hedge specific anticipated transactions. The Company does not intend to utilize derivatives for speculative or other purposes other than interest rate risk management. The use of derivative financial instruments carries certain risks, including the risk that the counterparties to these contractual arrangements are not able to perform under the agreements. To mitigate this risk, the Company only enters into derivative financial instruments with counterparties with high credit ratings and with major financial institutions with which the Company and its affiliates may also have other financial relationships. The Company does not anticipate that any of the counterparties will fail to meet their obligations. Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk K - 0 1 m r o F The Company’s objectives in using interest rate derivatives are to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, the Company primarily uses interest rate swaps and/or caps as part of its interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for the Company making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Interest rate caps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable-rate amounts if interest rates rise above the cap strike rate on the contract. 79 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued As of December 31, 2017, the Company had two outstanding interest rate derivatives that were designated as cash flow hedges of interest rate risk for notional amounts totaling $60.0 million. The Company had recorded the fair value of its interest rate derivatives totaling approximately $0.3 million in other assets in its Consolidated Balance Sheets. The changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income and is subsequently reclassified to interest expense in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s Term Loans. During the next twelve months, the Company estimates that an additional $0.2 million will be reclassified from other comprehensive income ("OCI") as an increase to interest expense. The table below details the location in the financial statements of the gain or loss recognized on interest rate derivatives designated as cash flow hedges for the for the year ended December 31, 2017. (Dollars in thousands) Amount of unrealized loss recognized in OCI on derivative Amount of loss reclassified from accumulated OCI into interest expense Total Interest Expense presented in the Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) in which the effects of the cash flow hedges are recorded Credit-risk-related Contingent Features For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 $ $ $ (144) 402 3,948 As of December 31, 2017, the fair value of derivatives in a net asset position including accrued interest but excluding any adjustment for nonperformance risk related to these agreements was $0.3 million. As of December 31, 2017, the Company has not posted any collateral related to these agreements and was not in breach of any agreement provisions. If the Company terminated these interest rate swaps, it would pay or receive the approximate aggregate termination value of the swaps at the time of the termination, which was approximately $0.2 million at December 31, 2017. Note 8—Stockholders’ Equity Common Stock The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending common stock balances for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015: Balance, beginning of period Issuance of common stock Restricted stock issued Balance, end of period For the Year Ended December 31, 2017 12,988,482 4,887,500 209,816 18,085,798 2016 7,596,940 5,175,000 216,542 12,988,482 2015 200,000 7,311,183 85,757 7,596,940 80 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Equity Offerings In July 2017, the Company completed a public offering of 4,887,500 shares of its common stock, including 637,500 shares of common stock issued in connection with the exercise in full of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares, and received net proceeds of approximately $108.6 million after deducting underwriting discount and commissions and offering expenses paid by the Company. Proceeds from the offering were used to repay the outstanding balance on the revolving credit facility totaling $58.0 million and for additional investments. In April 2016, the Company completed a follow-on public offering of 5,175,000 shares of its common stock, including 675,000 shares of common stock issued in connection with the exercise in full of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares, and received net proceeds of approximately $86.1 million. In May 2015, the Company completed its initial public offering of 7,187,500 shares of its common stock, including 937,500 shares of common stock issued in connection with the exercise in full of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares, and received net proceeds, after underwriters' discount and other expenses of approximately $125.2 million. Concurrently, the Company issued 123,683 shares of common stock in concurrent private placements to certain directors and officers of the Company and received approximately $2.3 million in net proceeds. Universal Shelf S-3 Registration Statement In September 2016, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-3 that will allow us to offer debt or equity securities (or a combination thereof) of up to $750.0 million from time to time. The S-3 registration statement was declared effective as of September 26, 2016. In July 2017, the Company completed an equity offering and issued approximately 4,887,500 shares of its common stock for gross proceeds of approximately $114.6 million under its Form S-3 registration statement, resulting in approximately $635.4 million remaining to be issued under the Form S-3 registration statement. Dividends Declared During 2017, the Company declared and paid dividends totaling $1.565 per common share as shown in the table below. Declaration Date February 2, 2017 May 4, 2017 August 7, 2017 Record Date February 17, 2017 May 19, 2017 August 28, 2017 November 2, 2017 November 17, 2017 Date Paid March 3, 2017 June 2, 2017 September 1, 2017 December 1, 2017 Amount Per Share $0.3875 $0.3900 $0.3925 $0.3950 During 2016, the Company declared and paid dividends totaling $1.525 per common share. K - 0 1 m r o F 81 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Note 9—Income (Loss) Per Common Share The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted income (loss) per common share. Year Ended December 31, 2016 2017 2015 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) Net income (loss) Participating securities' share in earnings Net income (loss), less participating securities' share in earnings $ $ 3,510 $ (731) $ $ 2,779 2,721 $ — $ $ 2,721 Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding Weighted average Common Shares outstanding Unvested restricted shares Weighted average Common Shares outstanding–Basic Weighted average Common Shares–Basic Dilutive potential common shares Weighted average Common Shares outstanding –Diluted 15,268,612 (453,354) 14,815,258 14,815,258 — 14,815,258 11,478,883 (240,446) 11,238,437 11,238,437 81,068 11,319,505 Basic Income (Loss) per Common Share Diluted Income (Loss) per Common Share $ $ 0.19 0.19 $ $ 0.24 0.24 $ $ (1,456) — (1,456) 4,778,144 (51,219) 4,726,925 4,726,925 — 4,726,925 (0.31) (0.31) The dilutive effect of 9,927 shares of restricted common stock were excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per common share for the year ended December 31, 2015, because the effect was anti-dilutive due to the net loss incurred during the period. Note 10—Incentive Plan 2014 Incentive Plan The 2014 Incentive Plan authorizes the Company to award shares equal to 7% of the total number of shares of the Company’s common stock outstanding on December 31 of the immediately preceding year, or 909,193 shares of common stock (the "Plan Pool"), for 2017, to its employees and directors. The 2014 Incentive Plan will continue until terminated by the Company's Board of Directors or March 31, 2024. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had issued a total of 431,535 restricted shares under the Incentive Pool for compensation-related awards to its employees and directors, with 477,658 authorized shares remaining which had not been issued. Shares issued under the 2014 Incentive Plan are generally subject to long-term, fixed vesting periods of three to eight years. If an employee or director voluntarily terminates his or her relationship with the Company or is terminated for cause before the end of the vesting period, the shares are forfeited, at no cost to the Company. Once the shares have been granted, the recipient of the shares has the right to receive dividends and the right to vote the shares. Alignment of Interest Program The Amended and Restated Alignment of Interest Program (the “Alignment of Interest Program”), amended in late 2016 by the Company's Board of Directors, authorized the Company to issue 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to its employees and directors in lieu of the employee's or director's cash compensation (the "Program Pool"), at their election. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had issued a total of 80,580 restricted shares under the Program Pool in lieu of cash compensation to its employees and directors, with 419,420 authorized shares remaining which had not been issued. The Company's Alignment of Interest Program is designed to provide the Company's employees and directors with an incentive to remain with the Company and to incentivize long-term growth and profitability. Under the Alignment 82 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued of Interest Program, employees may elect to defer up to 100% of their base salary and other compensation and directors may elect to defer up to 100% of their director fees, subject to the 2014 Incentive Plan's long-term, fixed vesting periods. The number of shares granted will be increased through a Company match depending on the length of the vesting period selected by the employee or director. Employees may select vesting periods of three years, five years, or eight years, with a 30%, 50%, and 100% Company match, respectively. Directors may select vesting periods of one year, two years, or three years, with a 20%, 40%, or 60% Company match, respectively. Officer Incentive Programs The Company has an Amended and Restated Executive Officer Incentive Program and a Non-Executive Officer Incentive Program (the "Officer Incentive Programs") under the Incentive Plan which are designed to provide incentives to the Company's officers that are designed to reward its officers for individual, as well as Company performance in the form of cash or restricted stock. Company performance will be based on performance targets, which may include targets such as funds from operations ("FFO"), dividend payout percentages, as well as the Company's relative total stockholder return performance over one-year and three-year periods, measured against the Company's peer group, as determined by the Company's Board of Directors each year. The officers may elect, in the year prior to an award, to receive awards under the Officer Incentive Programs in cash or restricted stock, as allowed within the applicable Officer Incentive Programs, as well as a vesting period as discussed under the Alignment of Interest Program above. Shares of common stock issued under the Officer Incentive Programs are issued under either the Plan Pool or Program Pool. Summary A summary of the activity under the Incentive Plan and related information for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 is included in the table below. (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 2017 2016 2015 Year Ended December 31, Stock-based awards, beginning of year Stock in lieu of compensation Stock awards Total Granted Stock-based awards, end of year Weighted average grant date fair value, per share, of: Stock-based awards, beginning of year Stock-based awards granted during the year Stock-based awards, end of year Grant date fair value of shares granted during the year 302,299 80,580 129,236 209,816 512,115 85,757 104,112 112,430 216,542 302,299 $ $ $ $ 19.36 $ 23.84 $ 21.20 $ 5,002 $ 19.65 $ 19.25 $ 19.36 $ 4,168 $ — 41,669 44,088 85,757 85,757 — 19.65 19.65 1,685 The Company had nonvested stock-based compensation that had not yet been recognized of approximately $8.5 million and $5.0 million, respectively, at December 31, 2017 and 2016. The vesting periods for the non-vested shares granted during 2017 ranged from three to eight years with a weighted-average amortization period remaining as of December 31, 2017 of approximately 6.8 years. Compensation expense recognized during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015 from the amortization of the value of shares over the vesting period was approximately $1.5 million, $0.7 million and $0.2 million, respectively. K - 0 1 m r o F 83 Note 11—Other Assets Other assets consists primarily of notes and accounts receivable, straight-line rent receivables, prepaid assets, deferred financing costs, leasing commissions, and the fair value of our interest rate swaps. Items included in "Other assets, net" on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are detailed in the table below. (Dollars in thousands) Notes receivable Accounts and interest receivable Straight-line rent receivables Allowance for doubtful accounts Prepaid assets Deferred financing costs, net Leasing commissions, net Deferred tax asset Fair value of interest rate swaps Above-market lease intangible assets, net Other December 31, 2017 2016 $ 13,917 $ 2,417 2,179 (293) 341 618 483 478 258 — 255 $ 20,653 $ — 2,472 744 (154) 260 1,010 129 — — 25 357 4,843 The Company has several notes receivable with its tenants. During 2017, concurrent with the acquisition of a property, the Company entered into a $5.0 million note receivable with the tenant in the building. The $5.0 million note receivable, which matures on September 27, 2022, bears interest from 12% to 16%, increasing through the maturity date and payments aggregating approximately $1.9 million are due each year until maturity with the remaining amount due at maturity. The Company also purchased, at a $2.7 million discount to face value, certain promissory notes for $8.75 million which were held by a syndicate of banks that were also creditors of our bankrupt borrower. See Note 5. The Company identified the borrowers of both of these notes as VIEs, but management determined that the Company was not the primary beneficiary of the VIEs because we lack either directly or through related parties any material impact in the activities that impact the borrowers' economic performance. We are not obligated to provide support beyond our stated commitment to the borrowers, and accordingly our maximum exposure to loss as a result of this relationship is limited to the amount of our outstanding notes receivable as noted above. The two VIEs that we have identified at December 31, 2017 are summarized in the table below and are discussed in more detail above. Classification Notes receivable Notes receivable Carrying Amount (in millions) Maximum Exposure to Loss (in millions) $ $ 5.0 $ 8.8 $ 5.0 8.8 84 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Note 12—Intangible Assets and Liabilities The Company has deferred financings costs and various real estate acquisition lease intangibles included in its Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 as detailed in the table below. The Company did not have any indefinite lived intangible assets or liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. Gross Balance at December 31, Accumulated Amortization at December 31, Weighted Average (Dollars in thousands) Deferred financing costs (1) Deferred financing costs (2) Above-market lease intangibles Below-market lease intangibles At-market lease intangibles 2017 2016 2017 2016 Remaining Life (Years) Balance Sheet Classification $ 1,508 $ 1,508 $ 890 $ 743 91 (1,280) 51,870 — 91 (1,280) 35,368 96 91 (329) 22,517 $ 52,932 $ 35,687 $ 23,265 $ 498 — 66 (167) 12,394 12,791 1.6 5.3 0 6.3 5.2 5.1 Other assets Debt, net Other assets Other liabilities Real estate properties ________________ (1) Deferred financing costs related to the Revolving Credit Facility. (2) Deferred financing costs related to the Term Loans. Expected future amortization, net, for the next five years of the Company's intangible assets and liabilities, in place as of December 31, 2017 are included in the table below. (in thousands) 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 Note 13—Commitments and Contingencies Tenant Improvements $ Amortization, net 9,235 6,724 4,757 3,376 2,215 The Company may provide tenant improvement allowances in new or renewal leases for the purpose of refurbishing or renovating tenant space. The Company may also assume tenant improvement obligations included in leases acquired in its real estate acquisitions. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company had $0.3 million in tenant improvement allowances included in Other liabilities relating to two tenants whose leases expire in 2018 and 2020. Also, at December 31, 2017, the Company had commitments for tenant improvements of approximately $3.4 million. Capital Improvements The Company has entered into contracts with various vendors for various capital improvement projects related to its portfolio. Some of these expenditures will be subsequently billed and reimbursed by tenants as provided for in their leases with the Company. As of December 31, 2017, the Company had commitments of approximately $0.1 million that are expected to be spent on these capital improvement projects. K - 0 1 m r o F 85 Legal Proceedings The Company is not aware of any pending or threatened litigation that, if resolved against the Company, would have a material adverse effect on the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements. Contingent Purchase Price Settlement During 2017, the Company paid approximately $0.4 million in settlement of a contingent purchase price liability relating to the acquisition of a medical office building acquired during 2016. The Company has no contingent purchase price liabilities remaining at December 31, 2017. Note 14—Fair Value of Financial Instruments The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practical to estimate the fair value. Cash and cash equivalents - The carrying amount approximates the fair value. Mortgage note receivable - The fair value is estimated using cash flow analyses which are based on an assumed market rate of interest or at a rate consistent with the rates on mortgage notes acquired by the Company and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Notes receivable - The fair value is estimated using cash flow analyses which are based on an assumed market rate of interest or at a rate consistent with the rates on notes carried by the Company and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy. Borrowings under our Credit Facility - The carrying amount approximates the fair value because the borrowings are based on variable market interest rates. Derivative financial instruments - The fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate primarily Level 2 inputs. The market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument’s term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation model for interest rate swaps are observable in active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy. The table below details the fair values and carrying values for our mortgage note and notes receivable and interest rate swaps at December 31, 2017 and 2016 using Level 2 inputs. (Dollars in thousands) Mortgage note receivable Notes receivable Interest rate swap asset December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value $ $ $ 10,633 $ 13,917 $ 258 $ 10,633 13,828 258 $ $ $ 10,786 $ 10,786 — $ — $ — — 86 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued Note 15—Other Data Taxable Income The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT, as defined under the Code. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it currently distribute at least 90% of its taxable income to its stockholders. The Company and one subsidiary have also elected for that subsidiary to be treated as a TRS, which is subject to federal and state income taxes. All entities other than the TRS are collectively referred to as "the REIT" within this Note 15. The REIT generally will not be subject to federal income tax on taxable income it distributes currently to its stockholders. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes for the REIT has been made in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements. If the REIT fails to qualify as a REIT for any taxable year, then it will be subject to federal income taxes at regular corporate rates, including any applicable alternative minimum tax, and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. Even if the REIT continues to qualify as a REIT, it may be subject to certain state and local taxes on its income and property and to federal income and excise tax on its undistributed taxable income. Income tax expense (benefit) and state income tax payments, net of refunds, are as follows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, and 2015. (Dollars in thousands) Current Deferred Total State income tax payments, net of refunds Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ $ $ 171 $ (478) (307) $ 37 $ 21 $ (10) 11 $ — $ — 10 10 — Income tax expense (benefit) primarily relates to permanent differences between federal, state and local taxable income resulting from certain state and local jurisdictions wholly or partially disallowing the deduction for dividends paid allowed at the federal level and temporary differences resulting from the bases of assets of the Company's TRS for financial reporting purposes and the bases of those assets for income tax purposes. The expense (benefit) is included in general and administrative expense on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss). The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") was enacted on December 22, 2017. The TCJA reduced the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, we revalued our net deferred tax assets using the 21% US federal income tax rate. The impact of other provisions of the TCJA are still being evaluated by the Company. On a tax-basis, the Company’s gross real estate assets totaled approximately $385.6 million and $249.5 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited). K - 0 1 m r o F 87 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued The following table reconciles the Company’s net income (loss) to taxable income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. (Dollars in thousands) Net income (loss) Reconciling items to taxable income: Depreciation and amortization Straight-line rent Receivable allowance Stock-based compensation Deferred rent Contingent liability fair value adjustments Deferred income taxes Other Taxable income (1) Dividends paid (2) __________ (1) Before REIT dividends paid deduction. (2) Net of dividends paid on restricted stock included as a reconciling item. $ $ Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 3,510 $ 2,721 $ (1,456) 10,722 (1,303) 138 749 332 (5) (478) (176) 8,863 (606) 83 285 249 (1,278) — 94 9,979 13,489 23,703 $ $ 7,690 10,411 17,393 $ $ 3,806 (133) 71 121 529 — — (86) 4,308 2,852 3,883 Characterization of Distributions (unaudited) Earnings and profits (as defined under the Code), the current and accumulated amounts of which determine the taxability of distributions to stockholders, vary from net income attributable to common stockholders and taxable income because of different depreciation recovery periods, depreciation methods, and other items. Distributions in excess of earnings and profits generally constitute a return of capital. The following table shows the characterization of the distributions on the Company's common stock for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015. No preferred shares have been issued by the Company and no dividends have been paid to date relating to preferred shares. 2017 2016 2015 Per Share % Per Share % Per Share % $ $ 0.914 0.651 1.565 58.4% $ 41.6% 100.0% $ 1.036 0.489 1.525 68.0% $ 32.0% 100.0% $ 0.396 0.121 0.517 76.6% 23.4% 100.0% Common stock: Ordinary income Return of capital Common stock distributions Note 16—Related Party Transactions 2015 Concurrent Private Placements Concurrently with the completion of the Company’s initial public offering in May 2015, Timothy G. Wallace, our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, and certain of our officers and directors acquired common stock through concurrent private placements at a price per share equal to the initial public offering price. See Note 8 for further details. 88 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued 2015 Reimbursement of Costs to Athena Funding Partners AFP, which is substantially owned and controlled by Timothy G. Wallace, the Company’s Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, advanced or incurred on the Company’s behalf costs related to the activities prior to the Company's initial public offering in 2015, including the Company’s organization, negotiating the property acquisitions, performing due diligence related to the initial properties, performing corporate work in contemplation of the offering and preparing the prospectus. Costs incurred included expenses such as legal and accounting fees, certain costs related to performing property due diligence, certain property related costs, travel, overhead, office supplies and office rent. In 2014, the Company entered into a formation services agreement with AFP pursuant to which the Company agreed to reimburse the actual costs incurred by AFP only upon the successful completion of the initial public offering. The Company reimbursed AFP approximately $0.4 million during 2015 upon completion of the initial public offering. Note 17—Subsequent Events Dividend Declared On February 1, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly common stock dividend in the amount of $0.3975 per share. The dividend is payable on March 2, 2018 to stockholders of record on February 16, 2018. Restricted Stock Issuances On January 16, 2018, pursuant to the 2014 Incentive Plan and the Alignment of Interest Program, the Company granted 94,001 shares of restricted common stock to its employees, in lieu of salary, that will cliff vest in three to eight years. Of the shares granted, 47,027 shares of restricted stock were granted in lieu of compensation from the Program Pool and 46,974 shares of restricted stock were awards granted from the Plan Pool. Note 18—Selected Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited) Quarterly financial information for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 is summarized below. (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Quarter Ended 2017 Revenues Expenses Other income (expense) Net income Net income per basic common share Net income per diluted common share $ $ $ $ 8,007 $ 8,930 $ 9,444 $ 6,499 (595) 913 $ 0.07 $ 0.07 $ 7,256 (1,208) 466 $ 0.04 $ 0.04 $ 7,838 (1,027) 579 $ 0.02 $ 0.02 $ 10,962 8,363 (1,047) 1,552 0.08 0.08 K - 0 1 m r o F 89 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - Continued (Dollars in thousands, except per share data) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 Quarter Ended 2016 Revenues Expenses (1) Other income (expense) Net income Net income per basic common share Net income per diluted common share $ $ $ $ 5,166 $ 6,196 $ 6,443 $ 4,670 (380) 116 $ 0.02 $ 0.02 $ 5,485 (203) 508 $ 0.04 $ 0.04 $ 5,203 (176) 1,064 $ 0.08 $ 0.08 $ 7,392 5,970 (389) 1,033 0.08 0.08 __________ (1) Expenses include approximately $0.8 million related to the acquisition of 14 properties accounted for as business combinations. 90 ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms. These disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that the information required to be disclosed is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on such evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act. Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives. In addition, the design of disclosure controls and procedures must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints and that management is required to apply judgment in evaluating the benefits of possible controls and procedures relative to their costs. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There have been no changes in our system of 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 quarter ended December 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. Management's Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting The management of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15 (f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) 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 K - 0 1 m r o F 91 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. Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017 using the principles and other criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013). Based on that assessment, management concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017. Attestation Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Not applicable. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. 92 PART III. ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE The information required by this item will be contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Stockholders Meeting, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this item will be contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Stockholders Meeting, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS The information required by this item will be contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Stockholders Meeting, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE The information required by this items will be contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Stockholders Meeting, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES The information required by this items will be contained in the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement for its 2018 Annual Stockholders Meeting, to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after December 31, 2017, and is incorporated herein by reference. K - 0 1 m r o F 93 ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES PART IV. The following documents of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated are included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. (a) Financial Statements: Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' 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 the Consolidated Financial Statements (b) Financial Statement Schedules: Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation as of December 31, 2017 Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate as of December 31, 2017 99 100 101 All other schedules are omitted because they are either not applicable, not required or because the information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements or notes included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. c) Exhibits Exhibit Number Description Underwriting Agreement, dated as of July 20, 2017, among the Company, Community Healthcare OP, LP, Sandler O'Neill & Partners, L.P., Evercore Group L.L.C., SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. and each of the Underwriters party thereto (1) Corporate Charter of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated, as amended (2) Bylaws of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated, as amended (3) Form of Certificate of Common Stock of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated (4) Agreement of Limited Partnership of Community Healthcare OP, LP(5) Form of Indemnification Agreement(6) Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated 2014 Incentive Plan, as amended(7) Amended and Restated Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated Alignment of Interest Program(8) Amended and Restated Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated Executive Officer Incentive Program(9) Employment Agreement between Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated and Timothy G. Wallace(10) First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated and Timothy G. Wallace(11) Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated and Timothy G. Wallace(12) Employment Agreement between Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated and W. Page Barnes(13) First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated and W. Page Barnes(14) Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated and W. Page Barnes(15) 1.1 3.1 3.2 4.1 10.1 10.2 10.3 † 10.4 † 10.5 † 10.6 † 10.7 † 10.8 † 10.9 † 10.10 † 10.11 † 94 10.12 † Employment Agreement between Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated and Leigh Ann Stach(16) 10.13 † 10.14 † 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 21 * 23 * 31.1 * 31.2 * 32.1 ** First Amendment to Employment Agreement between Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated and Leigh Ann Stach(17) Second Amendment to Employment Agreement between Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated and Leigh Ann Stach(18) Form of Restricted Stock Agreement(19) Form of Officer Compensation Reduction Election Form(20) Form of Director Compensation Reduction Election Form(21) Second Amended and Restated Credit agreement dated as of March 29, 2017, by and among Community Healthcare OP, LP, the Company, the Lenders from time to time party hereto, and SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent(22) Subsidiaries of the Registrant Consent of BDO USA, LLP, independent registered public accounting firm Certification of the Chief Executive Officer of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Rule 302 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002 Certification of the Chief Financial Officer of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated pursuant to Rule 13a-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as adopted pursuant to Rule 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 101.INS * XBRL Instance Document 101.SCH * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document 101.CAL * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document 101.LAB * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document 101.DEF * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document 101.PRE * XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document (1) Filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 26, 2017 (File No. 001-37401) and incorporated herein by reference. (2) Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 6, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (3) Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (4) Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (5) Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (6) Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (7) The 2014 Incentive Plan filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210), and, as to Amendment No. 1 to the 2014 Incentive Plan, as Exhibit 10.12 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 6, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210), and, as to Amendment No. 2 to the 2014 Incentive Plan, as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2017, and, as to the Amendment No. 3 to the 2014 Incentive Plan, as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 17, 2017, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. (8) Filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Registration Statement on Form S-8 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 7, 2016 (Registration Statement No. 333-214951) and incorporated herein by reference. (9) Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 4, 2016 (File No. 001-37401) and incorporated herein by reference. K - 0 1 m r o F 95 (10) Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (11) Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 18, 2017 (File No. 001-37401) and incorporated herein by reference. (12) Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 2, 2018 (File No. 001-37401) and incorporated herein by reference. (13) Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (14) Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 18, 2017 (File No. 001-37401) and incorporated herein by reference. (15) Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 2, 2018 (File No. 001-37401) and incorporated herein by reference. (16) Filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (17) Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 18, 2017 (File No. 001-37401) and incorporated herein by reference. (18) Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Form 8-K of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 2, 2018 (File No. 001-37401) and incorporated herein by reference. (19) Filed as Exhibit 10.9 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (20) Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (21) Filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-11 of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 28, 2015 (Registration No. 333-203210) and incorporated herein by reference. (22) Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 9, 2017 (File No. 001-37401) and incorporated herein by reference. _________ * Filed herewith. ** Furnished herewith. † Denotes executive compensation plan or arrangement. ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY None. 96 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Company has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Franklin, State of Tennessee, on February 22, 2018. Date: February 22, 2018 COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE TRUST INCORPORATED By: /s/ Timothy G. Wallace Timothy G. Wallace Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer and President Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the Company and in the capacities and on the date indicated. Signature Title Date /s/ Timothy G. Wallace Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive February 22, 2018 Timothy G. Wallace Officer and President (Principal Executive Officer) /s/ W. Page Barnes W. Page Barnes Executive Vice President and Chief Financial February 22, 2018 Officer (Principal Financial Officer) /s/ Leigh Ann Stach Vice President of Financial Reporting and Chief Accounting February 22, 2018 Leigh Ann Stach Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) February 22, 2018 February 22, 2018 February 22, 2018 February 22, 2018 K - 0 1 m r o F /s/ Alan Gardner Alan Gardner /s/ Robert Hensley Robert Hensley /s/ Alfred Lumsdaine Alfred Lumsdaine /s/ R. Lawrence Van Horn Lawrence Van Horn Director Director Director Director 97 Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Additions Description Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Charged to Other Accounts Uncollectible Accounts Written-off Balance at End of Period 2017 Accounts receivable allowance 2016 Accounts receivable allowance 2015 Accounts receivable allowance $ $ $ 154 $ 71 $ — $ 67 $ 155 $ 71 $ 151 $ — $ — $ (79) $ (72) $ — $ 293 154 71 98 Schedule III - Real Estate and Accumulated Depreciation at December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Land and Land Improvements Buildings, Improvements, and Lease Intangibles Property Type Number of Properties State Initial Investment Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition Total Initial Investment Costs Capitalized Subsequent to Acquisition Total Personal Property Total Property (1) Accumulated Depreciation (2) Encumbrances Date Acquired Original Date Constructed AL, FL, GA, IL, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MS, NJ, NY, OH, TN, TX, VA $ AL, AZ, FL, IL, KS, NV, OH, PA, TN, TX, VA, WI AZ, CO, FL, IL, IN, LA, MI, OH, PA, SC, TX AL, CO, GA, IL, KY, NC, NV, OH, OK, TN, TX, VA IL, IN, MS, OH, WV Medical office buildings Physician clinics Surgical centers and hospitals Specialty centers Behavioral facilities 9 9 Total Real Estate Corporate property Total Properties 32 17 13 17 6 85 — 85 19,082 $ 236 $ 19,318 $ 122,034 $ 1,873 $ 123,907 $ — $ 143,225 $ 16,886 $ — 2015 - 2017 1950 - 2009 7,367 107 7,474 41,101 563 41,664 7,329 90 7,419 72,680 166 72,846 4,658 5,541 43,977 — 9 — 442 — 4,667 46,913 5,541 56,366 145 103 47,058 56,469 44,419 339,094 2,850 341,944 — 1,579 432 2,011 112 2,123 — — — — — 49,138 5,605 — 2015 - 2017 1950 - 2013 80,265 7,731 — 2015 - 2017 1973 - 2004 51,725 4,637 — 2015 - 2017 1945 - 2015 62,010 386,363 1,153 36,012 124 — 2015 - 2017 1920 - 2001 — — — $ 43,977 $ 442 $ 44,419 $ 340,673 $ 3,282 $ 343,955 $ 112 $ 388,486 $ 36,136 $ (1) Total properties as of December 31, 2017 have an estimated aggregate total cost of $385.6 million (unaudited) for federal income tax purposes. (2) Depreciation is provided for on a straight-line basis on land improvements over 2 years to 15 years, buildings and improvements over 2.3 years to 40.0 years, lease intangibles over 0.7 years to 13.7 years, and personal property over 3.0 years to 10.0 years. (3) A reconciliation of Total Property and Accumulated Depreciation for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is provided below. (Dollars in thousands) Beginning Balance Additions during the period: Acquisitions Other improvements Retirements/dispositions: Real estate Ending Balance Form 10-K Year Ended December 31, 2017 Year Ended December 31, 2016 Year Ended December 31, 2015 Total Property Accumulated Depreciation Total Property Accumulated Depreciation Total Property Accumulated Depreciation $ $ 252,736 $ 18,404 $ 132,967 $ 5,203 $ — $ 134,618 1,132 17,467 265 118,190 1,579 13,091 110 132,140 827 — — — — — — 5,203 — — 388,486 $ 36,136 $ 252,736 $ 18,404 $ 132,967 $ 5,203 Schedule IV - Mortgage Loans on Real Estate as of December 31, 2017 (Dollars in thousands) Description of Collateral Interest Rate Maturity Date Periodic Payment Terms Original Face Amount Carrying Amount (3) Principal amount of loans subject to delinquent principal or interest (2) Long-term care acute care facility in Louisiana Total Mortgage Loans 9.5% 9/30/2026 (1) $ 11,000 $ 10,633 $ 10,633 $ 10,633 ___________ (1) Was interest only until September 30, 2016. Thereafter, principal and interest payments are due monthly through the maturity date with a balloon payment due at maturity. (2) The borrower filed for bankruptcy in June 2017. See Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more details on the bankruptcy. (3) A rollforward of Mortgage loans on real estate for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 is provided below. Balance at beginning of period Additions during the period: New or acquired mortgages, net Amortization/write-off of loan and commitment fees Deductions during the period: Conversion upon acquisition (a) Scheduled principal payments Year Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 $ 10,786 $ 10,897 $ — — 122 122 — (275) (275) 12,406 75 12,481 (12,500) (92) (12,592) 10,863 34 10,897 — — — Balance at end of period (b) $ 10,633 $ 10,786 $ 10,897 ___________ (a) Conversion of a $12.5 million mortgage note upon the acquisition of the property that secured the note on May 23, 2016. (b) Total mortgage loans as of December 31, 2017 had an aggregate total cost of $10.6 million (unaudited) for federal income tax purposes. 100 Subsidiaries of the Registrant Subsidiary Community Healthcare OP, LP Community Healthcare Trust, LLC Community Healthcare Trust Services, Inc. CHCT Alabama, LLC CHCT Arizona, LLC CHCT California, LLC CHCT Colorado, LLC CHCT Florida, LLC CHCT Georgia, LLC CHCT Idaho, LLC CHCT Illinois, LLC CHCT Indiana, LLC CHCT Iowa, LLC CHCT Kansas, LLC CHCT Kentucky, LLC CHCT Lending, LLC CHCT Louisiana, LLC CHCT Maryland, LLC CHCT Michigan, LLC CHCT Mississippi, LLC CHCT Nevada, LLC CHCT New Jersey, LLC CHCT New York, LLC CHCT North Carolina, LLC CHCT Ohio, LLC CHCT Oklahoma, LLC CHCT Pennsylvania, LLC CHCT South Carolina, LLC CHCT Tennessee, LLC CHCT Texas, LLC CHCT Virginia, LLC CHCT West Virginia, LLC CHCT Wisconsin, LLC Exhibit 21 State of Incorporation Delaware Delaware Tennessee Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware Delaware K - 0 1 m r o F Exhibit 23 Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated Franklin, Tennessee We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (No. 333-213614) and Form S-8 (No. 333-222399, 333-218366, 333-214951 and 333-206286) of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated of our report dated February 22, 2018, relating to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules, which appears in this Form 10-K. /s/ BDO USA, LLP Nashville, Tennessee February 22, 2018 Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated Annual Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Exhibit 31.1 I, Timothy G. Wallace, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated; 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. K - 0 1 m r o F Date: February 22, 2018 /s/ Timothy G. Wallace Timothy G. Wallace Chief Executive Officer and President Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated Annual Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Exhibit 31.2 I, W. Page Barnes, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated; 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/ W. Page Barnes W. Page Barnes Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Exhibit 32.1 Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated Certification 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 Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated (the "Company") for the period ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Timothy G. Wallace, Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, and I, W. Page Barnes, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, each certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that: (1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 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. Date: February 22, 2018 /s/ Timothy G. Wallace Timothy G. Wallace Chief Executive Officer and President /s/ W. Page Barnes W. Page Barnes Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer K - 0 1 m r o F (This page has been left blank intentionally.) TRANSFER(cid:3)AGENT American(cid:3)Stock(cid:3)Transfer(cid:3)&(cid:3)Trust(cid:3)Company,(cid:3)LLC(cid:3) Operations(cid:3)Center(cid:3) 6201(cid:3)15th(cid:3)Avenue(cid:3) Brooklyn,(cid:3)NY(cid:3)(cid:3)11219(cid:3) 1(cid:882)800(cid:882)937(cid:882)5449(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) ANNUAL(cid:3)SHAREHOLDERS(cid:3)MEETING(cid:3) The(cid:3)Annual(cid:3)Meeting(cid:3)of(cid:3)the(cid:3)Shareholders(cid:3)will(cid:3)be(cid:3)held(cid:3)at(cid:3)8:00(cid:3) a.m.,(cid:3)May(cid:3)17,(cid:3)2018,(cid:3)at(cid:3)the(cid:3)Company’s(cid:3)corporate(cid:3)offices(cid:3)in(cid:3) Franklin,(cid:3)Tennessee.(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) EXECUTIVE OFFICERS Timothy(cid:3)G.(cid:3)Wallace(cid:3) Chief(cid:3)Executive(cid:3)Officer(cid:3)and(cid:3)President(cid:3) (cid:3) W.(cid:3)Page(cid:3)Barnes(cid:3) Executive(cid:3)Vice(cid:3)President(cid:3)and(cid:3)Chief(cid:3)Financial(cid:3)Officer(cid:3) (cid:3) Leigh(cid:3)Ann(cid:3)Stach(cid:3) Vice(cid:3)President,(cid:3)Financial(cid:3)Reporting(cid:3)and(cid:3)Chief(cid:3)Accounting(cid:3) Officer(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) SHAREHOLDER(cid:3)INFORMATION(cid:3) CORPORATE(cid:3)ADDRESS(cid:3) Community(cid:3)Healthcare(cid:3)Trust(cid:3)Incorporated(cid:3) 3326(cid:3)Aspen(cid:3)Grove(cid:3)Drive,(cid:3)Suite(cid:3)150(cid:3) Franklin,(cid:3)Tennessee(cid:3)(cid:3)37067(cid:3) (615)(cid:3)771(cid:882)3052(cid:3) Email:(cid:3)Investorrelations@chct.reit(cid:3) Website:(cid:3)www.chct.reit(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) STOCK(cid:3)EXCHANGE(cid:3)INFORMATION(cid:3) The(cid:3)Common(cid:3)Stock(cid:3)of(cid:3)the(cid:3)Company(cid:3)is(cid:3)listed(cid:3)on(cid:3)the(cid:3)New(cid:3)York(cid:3) Stock(cid:3)Exchange(cid:3)under(cid:3)the(cid:3)symbol(cid:3)“CHCT”.(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) INDEPENDENT(cid:3)REGISTERED(cid:3)PUBLIC(cid:3)ACCOUNTING(cid:3)FIRM(cid:3) BDO(cid:3)USA,(cid:3)LLP(cid:3) 414(cid:3)Union(cid:3)Street,(cid:3)Suite(cid:3)1800(cid:3) Nashville,(cid:3)Tennessee(cid:3)(cid:3)37219(cid:3) (cid:3) (cid:3) BOARD(cid:3)OF(cid:3)DIRECTORS(cid:3) Timothy(cid:3)G.(cid:3)Wallace(cid:3) Chairman of the Board Chief(cid:3)Executive(cid:3)Officer(cid:3)and President of Community Healthcare Trust Incorporated (cid:3) Alan(cid:3)Gardner(cid:3) Lead Independent Director Retired Former Senior Relationship Manager in healthcare corporate banking at Wells Fargo (cid:3) Robert(cid:3)Hensley(cid:3) Audit(cid:3)Committee(cid:3)Chair Senior Advisor at Alvarez and Marsal, LLC(cid:3) (cid:3) Alfred(cid:3)Lumsdaine(cid:3) Compensation(cid:3)Committee(cid:3)Chair(cid:3) Compensation(cid:3)Committee(cid:3)Chair(cid:3) (cid:3) Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at (cid:3) Quorum Health Corporation R.(cid:3)Lawrence(cid:3)Van(cid:3)Horn(cid:3) Corporate(cid:3)Governance(cid:3)Committee(cid:3)Chair(cid:3) Associate Professor of Economics and Management and Executive Director of Health Affairs at Vanderbilt University Owen Graduate School of Management

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