10-Q 1 nhc20240630_10q.htm FORM 10-Q nhc20240630_10q.htm
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Table of Contents



 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

  

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

For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2024

OR

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

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                   to                  

  

Commission file number    001-13489

 

nhc01.jpg

 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its Charter)

  

Delaware

52-2057472

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I.R.S. Employer

incorporation or organization

Identification No.)

  

100 E. Vine Street

Murfreesboro, TN

37130

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

  

(615) 8902020

Registrant's telephone number, including area code

  

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

 

Title of each class

Trading

Symbols(s)

Name of each exchange on which

registered

Common, $0.01 par value

NHC

NYSE American

 

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

 

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

 

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

Large Accelerated filer

Accelerated filer ☐

  

Non–accelerated filer ☐

Smaller reporting company

  
 

Emerging growth company 

 

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

 

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

 

15,424,426 shares of common stock of the registrant were outstanding as of August 5, 2024.

 



 

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements.

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2024

  

2023

  

2024

  

2023

 
                 

Revenues:

                

Net patient revenues

 $279,918  $269,605  $565,741  $527,612 

Other revenues

  11,295   12,977   22,648   24,533 
Government stimulus income  9,445   -   9,445   - 

Net operating revenues and grant income

  300,658   282,582   597,834   552,145 
                 

Cost and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  180,076   175,294   363,214   343,118 

Other operating

  78,154   73,234   155,583   144,723 

Facility rent

  10,570   9,901   20,918   19,993 

Depreciation and amortization

  9,338   10,083   19,924   20,131 

Interest

  -   93   46   191 

Total costs and expenses

  278,138   268,605   559,685   528,156 
                 

Income from operations

  22,520   13,977   38,149   23,989 
                 

Other income:

                

Non–operating income

  4,956   3,696   10,641   8,019 

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

  9,124   4,650   23,523   6,036 
                 

Income before income taxes

  36,600   22,323   72,313   38,044 

Income tax provision

  (9,494)  (6,406)  (18,956)  (10,842)

Net income

  27,106   15,917   53,357   27,202 

Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

  (262)  364   (300)  802 
                 

Net income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation

 $26,844  $16,281  $53,057  $28,004 
                 

Earnings per share attributable to National HealthCare Corporation stockholders:

                

Basic

 $1.74  $1.06  $3.45  $1.83 

Diluted

 $1.73  $1.06  $3.42  $1.83 
                 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

             

Basic

  15,391,535   15,297,435   15,371,150   15,317,319 

Diluted

  15,555,612   15,322,344   15,530,624   15,339,240 
                 

Dividends declared per common share

 $0.61  $0.59  $1.20  $1.16 

 

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

 

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

(unaudited in thousands)

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2024

  

2023

  

2024

  

2023

 
                 

Net income

 $27,106  $15,917  $53,357  $27,202 
                 

Other comprehensive income/(loss):

                

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

  30   (1,378)  (442)  580 

Reclassification adjustment for realized losses on sales of marketable debt securities

  1,398   20   1,388   20 

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

  (296)  158   (251)  (121)

Other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax

  1,132   (1,200)  695   479 
                 

Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

  (262)  364   (300)  802 
                 

Comprehensive income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation

 $27,976  $15,081  $53,752  $28,483 

 

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

 

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands)

 

  

June 30,

2024

  

December 31,

2023

 
  

unaudited

     

Assets

        

Current Assets:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $136,214  $107,076 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents, current portion

  28,183   17,725 

Marketable equity securities

  133,317   111,117 

Marketable debt securities

  488   5,427 

Restricted marketable equity securities

  21,566   26,779 

Restricted marketable debt securities, current portion

  2,583   12,822 

Accounts receivable

  109,387   108,545 

Inventories

  6,632   7,386 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  8,788   8,855 

Notes receivable

  713   503 

Total current assets

  447,871   406,235 
         

Property and Equipment:

        

Property and equipment, at cost

  1,073,356   1,101,681 

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (586,163)  (608,352)

Net property and equipment

  487,193   493,329 
         

Other Assets:

        

Restricted cash and cash equivalents, less current portion

  1,208   1,167 

Restricted marketable debt securities, less current portion

  116,724   109,478 

Deposits and other assets

  10,364   14,786 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  80,819   94,201 

Goodwill

  168,295   168,295 

Intangible assets

  7,038   7,038 

Investments in unconsolidated companies

  20,187   16,267 

Total other assets

  404,635   411,232 

Total assets

 $1,339,699  $1,310,796 

 

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

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (continued)

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

 

  

June 30,

2024

  

December 31,

2023

 
  

unaudited

     

Liabilities and Stockholders Equity

        

Current Liabilities:

        

Trade accounts payable

 $21,782  $19,194 

Finance lease obligations, current portion

  -   860 

Operating lease liabilities, current portion

  30,233   29,352 

Accrued payroll

  82,237   84,110 

Amounts due to third party payors

  18,218   18,369 

Accrued risk reserves, current portion

  30,766   30,549 

Other current liabilities

  24,291   22,991 

Dividends payable

  9,408   9,051 

Total current liabilities

  216,935   214,476 
         

Operating lease liabilities, less current portion

  49,032   63,175 

Accrued risk reserves, less current portion

  78,488   72,710 

Refundable entrance fees

  5,856   6,376 

Deferred income taxes

  23,492   17,200 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  18,051   26,379 

Total liabilities

  391,854   400,316 
         

Equity:

        

Common stock, $.01 par value; 45,000,000 shares authorized; 15,422,937 and 15,350,661 shares, respectively, issued and outstanding

  154   153 

Capital in excess of par value

  229,410   227,604 

Retained earnings

  722,162   687,599 

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

  (5,909)  (6,604)

Total National HealthCare Corporation stockholders’ equity

  945,817   908,752 

Noncontrolling interest

  2,028   1,728 

Total equity

  947,845   910,480 

Total liabilities and equity

 $1,339,699  $1,310,796 

 

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

 

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(unaudited in thousands)

 

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2024

  

2023

 

Cash Flows From Operating Activities:

        

Net income

 $53,357  $27,202 

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

        

Depreciation and amortization

  19,924   20,131 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments

  (651)  (1,756)

Distributions from unconsolidated investments

  512   469 

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

  (23,523)  (6,036)

Realized (gains)/losses on sale of marketable securities

  (350)  561 

Gain on sale of unconsolidated company

  (1,024)  - 

Deferred income taxes

  6,041   1,197 

Stock–based compensation

  1,969   1,411 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

        

Accounts receivable

  (842)  (1,274)

Inventories

  754   93 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  4,489   (13)

Operating lease obligations

  120   (623)

Trade accounts payable

  2,588   (2,438)

Accrued payroll

  (1,873)  (5,181)

Amounts due to third party payors

  (151)  (972)

Accrued risk reserves

  5,995   3,751 

Other current liabilities

  1,300   9,786 

Other noncurrent liabilities

  (8,328)  6,870 

Net cash provided by operating activities

  60,307   53,178 

Cash Flows From Investing Activities:

        

Purchases of property and equipment

  (13,788)  (12,789)

Acquisition of skilled nursing facility

  -   (2,700)

Proceeds from the sale of unconsolidated company

  2,100   - 

Investments in notes receivable

  (210)  (403)

Investments in unconsolidated companies

  (4,856)  - 

Purchases of marketable securities

  (18,898)  (14,406)

Proceeds from sale of marketable securities

  34,662   28,051 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (990)  (2,247)

Cash Flows From Financing Activities:

        

Principal payments under finance lease obligations

  (860)  (2,455)

Dividends paid to common stockholders

  (18,137)  (17,481)

Issuance of common shares

  11,239   6 

Repurchase of common shares

  (11,402)  (2,482)

Entrance fee refunds

  (520)  (479)

Net cash used in financing activities

  (19,680)  (22,891)

Net Increase in Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash, and Restricted Cash Equivalents

  39,637   28,040 

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

  125,968   74,865 

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

 $165,605  $102,905 
         

Balance Sheet Classifications:

        

Cash and cash equivalents

 $136,214  $78,492 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  29,391   24,413 

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

 $165,605  $102,905 

 

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

 

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Interim Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(unaudited)

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2024:

 

  

Common Stock

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital in Excess

of Par Value

  

Retained Earnings

  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

  

Non-controlling Interest

  

Total Stockholders' Equity

 

Balance at January 1, 2024

  15,350,661  $153  $227,604  $687,599  $(6,604) $1,728  $910,480 

Net income

           26,213      38   26,251 

Other comprehensive loss

              (437)     (437)

Stock–based compensation

        793            793 

Shares sold – options exercised

  150,194   1   8,412            8,413 

Repurchase of common shares

  (101,131)     (9,900)           (9,900)

Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.59 per share)

           (9,086)        (9,086)

Balance at March 31, 2024

  15,399,724  $154  $226,909  $704,726  $(7,041) $1,766   926,514 

Net income

           26,844      262   27,106 

Other comprehensive income

              1,132      1,132 

Stock–based compensation

        1,176            1,176 

Shares sold – options exercised

  38,849      2,827            2,827 

Repurchase of common shares

  (15,636)     (1,502)           (1,502)

Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.61 per share)

           (9,408)        (9,408)

Balance at June 30, 2024

  15,422,937   154   229,410   722,162   (5,909)  2,028   947,845 

 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2023: 

 

  

Common Stock

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
  

Shares

  

Amount

  

Capital in Excess

  of Par Value

  

Retained Earnings

  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

  

Non-controlling Interest

  

Total Stockholders' Equity

 

Balance at January 1, 2023

  15,357,746  $153  $226,991  $656,664  $(9,532) $3,238  $877,514 

Net income

           11,723      (438)  11,285 

Other comprehensive income

              1,679      1,679 

Stock–based compensation

        639            639 

Shares sold – options exercised

  7,046                   

Repurchase of common shares

  (44,349)     (2,482)           (2,482)

Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.57 per share)

           (8,733)        (8,733)

Balance at March 31, 2023

  15,320,443  $153  $225,148  $659,654  $(7,853) $2,800  $879,902 

Net income

           16,281      (364)  15,917 

Other comprehensive loss

              (1,200)     (1,200)

Stock–based compensation

        772            772 

Shares sold – options exercised

  100      6            6 

Dividends declared to common stockholders ($0.59 per share)

           (9,039)        (9,039)

Balance at June 30, 2023

  15,320,543  $153  $225,926  $666,896  $(9,053) $2,436  $886,358 

 

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

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

Notes to Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

June 30, 2024

(unaudited) 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 1 Description of Business

 

National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of senior health care services. As of June 30, 2024, we operate or manage, through certain affiliates, 65 skilled nursing facilities with a total of 8,421 licensed beds, 24 assisted living facilities with 1,365 units, five independent living facilities, three behavioral health hospitals, 34 homecare agencies, and 30 hospice agencies. We operate specialized care units within certain of our healthcare centers such as Alzheimer's disease care units and sub-acute nursing units. In addition, we provide insurance services, management and accounting services, and we lease properties to operators of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. We operate in 8 states and are located primarily in the southeastern United States.

 

  

 

Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

 

The listing below is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all our significant accounting policies. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), with limited need for management’s judgment in their application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting any available alternative would not produce a materially different result. See our audited December 31, 2023 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto which contain accounting policies and other disclosures required by U.S. GAAP. Our audited December 31, 2023 consolidated financial statements are available at our web site: www.nhccare.com.

 

Basis of Presentation

 

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

 

We assume that users of these interim financial statements have read or have access to the audited December 31, 2023 consolidated financial statements and that the adequacy of additional disclosure needed for a fair presentation, except in regard to material contingencies, may be determined in that context. Accordingly, footnotes and other disclosures which would substantially duplicate the disclosure contained in our most recent annual report to stockholders have been omitted. This interim financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year for a variety of reasons.

 

Estimates and Assumptions

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates and could cause our reported net income to vary significantly from period to period.

 

Net Patient Revenues and Accounts Receivable

 

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

 

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

 

9

 

The Company determines the transaction price based on established billing rates reduced by explicit price concessions provided to third party payors. Explicit price concessions are based on contractual agreements and historical experience. The Company considers the patient's ability and intent to pay the amount of consideration upon admission. Credit losses are recorded as bad debt expense, which is included as a component of other operating expenses in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. Bad debt expense was $2,053,000 and $4,524,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, bad debt expense was $1,852,000 and $3,663,000, respectively. As of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, the Company has recorded allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,074,000 and $8,054,000, respectively, as our best estimate of expected losses inherent in the accounts receivable balance.

 

Other Revenues

 

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

 

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

 

Government Grants

 

We account for government grants in accordance with International Accounting Standards ("IAS") 20, Accounting for Government Grants and Disclosure of Government Assistance, and as such, we recognize grant income on a systematic basis in line with the recognition of specific expenses and lost revenues for which the grants are intended to compensate.

 

During the second quarter of 2024, all conditions related to the Employee Retention Credit ("ERC") were met and the credit was recognized as government stimulus income. The ERC was established by the CARES Act and intended to help businesses retain their workforce and avoid layoffs during the pandemic. The ERC provided a per employee credit to eligible businesses based on a percentage of qualified wages and health insurance benefits paid to employees. The qualified wages and health insurance benefits paid by the Company were related to the second, third and fourth quarters of 2020.

 

Segment Reporting

 

In accordance with the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 280, Segment Reporting, the Company is required to report financial and descriptive information about its reportable operating segments. The Company has two reportable operating segments: (1) inpatient services, which includes the operation of skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, and behavioral health hospitals, and (2) homecare and hospice services. The Company also reports an “all other” category that includes revenues from rental income, management and accounting services fees, insurance services, and costs of the corporate office. See Note 6 for further disclosure of the Company’s operating segments.

 

Other Operating Expenses

 

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

 

General and Administrative Costs

 

With the Company being a healthcare provider, the majority of our expenses are "cost of revenue" items. Costs that could be classified as "general and administrative" by the Company would include its corporate office costs, excluding stock-based compensation and incentive compensation, which were $7,226,000 and $13,390,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, respectively. General and administrative costs were $4,995,000 and $10,648,000 for the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, respectively. The increased general and administrative costs incurred during 2024 are due to acquisition-related expenses for the White Oak Senior Living portfolio. See Note 16 - Subsequent Events for additional detail regarding the acquisition.  

 

Long-Term Leases

 

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

 

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

 

10

 

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

 

Property and Equipment

 

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

 

Business Combinations

 

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

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

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

 

The Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of trade names and certificates of need and licenses. The Company reviews indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of the intangible asset is below its carrying amount.

 

Accrued Risk Reserves  

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

11

 

Continuing Care Contracts

 

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

 

Non-refundable fees are included as a component of the transaction price and are amortized into revenue over the actuarily determined remaining life of the resident, which is the expected period of occupancy by the resident. We pay the refundable portion of our entry fees to residents when they relocate from our community and the apartment is re-occupied. Refundable entrance fees are not included as part of the transaction price and are classified as noncurrent liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. 

 

We also annually estimate the present value of the cost of future services and the use of facilities to be provided to the current CCRC residents and compare that amount with the balance of non-refundable deferred revenue from entrance fees received. If the present value of the cost of future services exceeds the related anticipated revenues, a liability is recorded with a corresponding charge to income. As of June 30, 2024, and December 31, 2023, we have recorded a future service obligation liability in the amount of $1,606,000. This obligation is reflected within other noncurrent liabilities in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets. 

 

Other Noncurrent Liabilities

 

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

 

Noncontrolling Interest

 

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

 

Variable Interest Entities

 

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

 

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

 

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

 

In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvement to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” The ASU improves reportable segment disclosure requirements, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses. In addition, the amendments enhance interim disclosure requirements, clarify circumstances in which an entity can disclose multiple segment measures of profit and loss, and contain other disclosure requirements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, which will be the Company's fiscal year 2024, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024.  We are currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on our disclosures.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain accounts in the prior year financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the presentation in the current year financial statements.

 

12

  
 

Note 3 Net Patient Revenues

 

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

 

Revenue by Service Type

 

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

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2024

  

2023

  

2024

  

2023

 

Net patient revenues:

                

Inpatient services

 $245,385  $236,760  $497,638  $462,929 

Homecare and hospice

  34,533   32,845   68,103   64,683 

Total net patient revenue

 $279,918  $269,605  $565,741  $527,612 

 

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

 

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

 

Revenue by Payor

 

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

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 

Source

 

2024

  

2023

  

2024

  

2023

 

Medicare

  33%   35%   33%   35% 

Managed Care

  10%   9%   10%   10% 

Medicaid

  29%   30%   29%   29% 

Private Pay and Other

  28%   26%   28%   26% 

Total

  100%   100%   100%   100% 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

13

 

State Relief Supplemental Funding

 

The Company received supplemental Medicaid payments from various states, including healthcare relief funding under the American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA") and other state specific relief programs.  The funding generally incorporates specific use requirements primarily for direct patient care including labor related expenses or various patient care related expenses.  We have recorded $2,585,000 and $6,247,000 in net patient revenues for these supplemental Medicaid payments for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We have recorded $6,047,000 and $11,130,000 in net patient revenues for these supplemental Medicaid payments for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Third Party Payors

 

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

 

Medicare and Medicaid program revenues, as well as certain Managed Care program revenues, are subject to audit and retroactive adjustment by government representatives or their agents. Settlements with third-party payors for retroactive adjustments due to audits, reviews or investigations are considered variable consideration and are included in the determination of the estimated transaction price for providing patient care. These settlements are estimated based on the terms of the payment agreement with the payor, correspondence from the payor and the Company’s historical settlement activity, including an assessment to ensure that it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the retroactive adjustment is subsequently resolved. Estimated settlements are adjusted in future periods as adjustments become known, or as years are settled or are no longer subject to such audits, reviews, and investigations. We believe that any differences between the net revenues recorded, and final determination will not materially affect the consolidated financial statements. We have made provisions of approximately $18,218,000 and $18,369,000 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively, for various Medicare, Medicaid, and Managed Care claims reviews and current and prior year cost reports.

 

 

 

Note 4 Other Revenues

 

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

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2024

  

2023

  

2024

  

2023

 

Rental income

 $6,028  $5,965  $11,987  $12,009 

Management and accounting services fees

  4,081   5,763   8,518   9,860 

Insurance services

  816   882   1,688   1,930 

Other

  370   367   455   734 

Total other revenues

 $11,295  $12,977  $22,648  $24,533 

 

Rental Income

 

The Company leases real estate assets consisting of skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities to third party operators. Additionally, we sublease four Florida skilled nursing facilities included in our lease from National Health Investors (“NHI”) as noted in Note 7 – Long Term Leases.

 

Management Fees from National Health Corporation

 

We manage five skilled nursing facilities owned by National Health Corporation (“National”). We recognized management fees and interest on management fees from these facilities of $1,346,000 and $1,276,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We recognized management fees and interest on management fees of $2,666,000 and $2,466,000 from these facilities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

14

 

Insurance Services

 

For workers’ compensation insurance services, the premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were $527,000 and $570,000, respectively. The premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were $1,109,000 and $1,307,000, respectively. Associated losses and expenses including those for self-insurance are included in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations as "Salaries, wages and benefits."

 

For professional liability insurance services, the premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were $289,000 and $312,000, respectively. The premium revenues reflected in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were $579,000 and $623,000, respectively. Associated losses and expenses including those for self–insurance are included in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations as "Other operating costs and expenses".

 

  

 

Note 5 NonOperating Income

 

Non–operating income is comprised of the following (in thousands):

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2024

  

2023

  

2024

  

2023

 

Dividends and net realized gains and losses on sales of securities

 $1,724  $1,681  $3,780  $2,914 

Interest income

  2,648   1,794   5,186   3,349 

Equity in earnings of unconsolidated investments

  584   221   651   1,756 

Gain on sale of unconsolidated company

  -   -   1,024   - 

Total non-operating income

 $4,956  $3,696  $10,641  $8,019 

 

Gain on sale of unconsolidated company

 

In January 2024, the Company sold its 50% joint venture ownership interest in a homecare agency located in Nashville, Tennessee. The total consideration paid to the Company was $2,100,000, which resulted in a gain of $1,024,000.

 

 

Note 6 Business Segments

 

The Company has two reportable operating segments: (1) inpatient services, which includes the operation of skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, and behavioral health hospitals; and (2) homecare and hospice services. These reportable operating segments are consistent with information used by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company also reports an “all other” category that includes revenues from rental income, management and accounting services fees, insurance services, and costs of the corporate office.

 

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

 

15

 

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

 

  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2024

 
  

Inpatient
Services

  

Homecare

and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

Revenues:

                

Net patient revenues

 $245,385  $34,533  $-  $279,918 

Other revenues

  324   -   10,971   11,295 
Government stimulus income  -   -   9,445   9,445 

Net operating revenues and grant income

  245,709   34,533   20,416   300,658 
                 

Costs and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  148,059   21,296   10,721   180,076 

Other operating

  66,813   6,394   4,947   78,154 

Rent

  8,262   567   1,741   10,570 

Depreciation and amortization

  8,383   186   769   9,338 

Interest

  -   -   -   - 

Total costs and expenses

  231,517   28,443   18,178   278,138 
                 

Income from operations

  14,192   6,090   2,238   22,520 

Non-operating income

  -   -   4,956   4,956 

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

  -   -   9,124   9,124 
                 

Income before income taxes

 $14,192  $6,090  $16,318  $36,600 

 

 

  

Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

 
  

Inpatient
Services

  

Homecare

and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

Revenues:

                

Net patient revenues

 $236,760  $32,845  $-  $269,605 

Other revenues

  326   -   12,651   12,977 

Net operating revenues

  237,086   32,845   12,651   282,582 
                 

Costs and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  144,666   20,494   10,134   175,294 

Other operating

  64,535   5,990   2,709   73,234 

Rent

  7,857   543   1,501   9,901 

Depreciation and amortization

  9,153   184   746   10,083 

Interest

  93   -   -   93 

Total costs and expenses

  226,304   27,211   15,090   268,605 
                 

Income/(loss) from operations

  10,782   5,634   (2,439)  13,977 

Non-operating income

  -   -   3,696   3,696 

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

  -   -   4,650   4,650 
                 

Income before income taxes

 $10,782  $5,634  $5,907  $22,323 

 

16

 
  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2024

 
  

Inpatient
Services

  

Homecare

and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

Revenues:

                

Net patient revenues

 $497,638  $68,103  $-  $565,741 

Other revenues

  339   -   22,309   22,648 
Government stimulus income  -   -   9,445   9,445 

Net operating revenues and grant income

  497,977   68,103   31,754   597,834 
                 

Costs and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  298,949   42,305   21,960   363,214 

Other operating

  135,496   12,367   7,720   155,583 

Rent

  16,374   1,133   3,411   20,918 

Depreciation and amortization

  18,013   374   1,537   19,924 

Interest

  46   -   -   46 

Total costs and expenses

  468,878   56,179   34,628   559,685 
                 

Income/(loss) from operations

  29,099   11,924   (2,874)  38,149 

Non-operating income

  -   -   10,641   10,641 

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

  -   -   23,523   23,523 
                 

Income before income taxes

 $29,099  $11,924  $31,290  $72,313 

 

 

  

Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

 
  

Inpatient
Services

  

Homecare

and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

Revenues:

                

Net patient revenues

 $462,929  $64,683  $-  $527,612 

Other revenues

  597   -   23,936   24,533 

Net operating revenues

  463,526   64,683   23,936   552,145 
                 

Costs and expenses:

                

Salaries, wages, and benefits

  283,605   40,737   18,776   343,118 

Other operating

  128,245   11,488   4,990   144,723 

Rent

  15,709   1,101   3,183   19,993 

Depreciation and amortization

  18,271   369   1,491   20,131 

Interest

  191   -   -   191 

Total costs and expenses

  446,021   53,695   28,440   528,156 
                 

Income/(loss) from operations

  17,505   10,988   (4,504)  23,989 

Non-operating income

  -   -   8,019   8,019 

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

  -   -   6,036   6,036 
                 

Income before income taxes

 $17,505  $10,988  $9,551  $38,044 

 

17

  
 

Note 7 Long-Term Leases

 

Operating Leases

 

At June 30, 2024, we lease from NHI the real property of 28 skilled nursing facilities, five assisted living centers and three independent living centers under one lease agreement. As part of the lease agreement, we sublease four Florida skilled nursing facilities to a third-party operator. The lease includes base rent plus a percentage rent. The annual base rent is $32,625,000 in 2024, $32,225,000 in 2025, and $31,975,000 in 2026 with the lease term expiring in December 2026. The percentage rent is based on a quarterly calculation of revenue increases and is payable on a quarterly basis. Total facility rent expense to NHI was $9,814,000 and $9,124,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Total facility rent expense to NHI was $19,286,000 and $18,419,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Minimum Lease Payments

 

The following table summarizes the maturity of our operating lease liabilities as of June 30, 2024 (in thousands):

 

  

Operating

Leases

 

2025

 $34,407 

2026

  33,695 

2027

  16,985 

2028

  524 

2029

  219 

Thereafter

  87 

Total minimum lease payments

  85,917 

Less: amounts representing interest

  (6,652)

Present value of future minimum lease payments

  79,265 

Less: current portion

  (30,233)

Noncurrent lease liabilities

 $49,032 

 

18

 
 

Note 8 Earnings per Share

 

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

 

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

 

  

Three Months Ended
June 30

  

Six Months Ended
June 30

 
  

2024

  

2023

  

2024

  

2023

 

Basic:

                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  15,391,535   15,297,435   15,371,150   15,317,319 

Net income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation

 $26,844  $16,281  $53,057  $28,004 

Earnings per common share, basic

 $1.74  $1.06  $3.45  $1.83 
                 

Diluted:

                

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  15,391,535   15,297,435   15,371,150   15,317,319 

Effects of dilutive instruments

  164,077   24,909   159,474   21,921 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

  15,555,612   15,322,344   15,530,624   15,339,240 
                 

Net income attributable to National HealthCare Corporation

 $26,844  $16,281  $53,057  $28,004 

Earnings per common share, diluted

 $1.73  $1.06  $3.42  $1.83 

 

For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, 233,486 and 641,310, respectively, of stock options have been excluded from the calculation of diluted weighted average shares of common stock outstanding because the inclusion of these securities would have an anti-dilutive effect. 

 

 

Note 9 Investments in Marketable Securities

 

Our investments in marketable equity securities are carried at fair value with the changes in unrealized gains and losses recognized in our results of operations at each measurement date. Our investments in marketable debt securities are classified as available for sale securities and carried at fair value with the unrealized gains and losses recognized through accumulated other comprehensive income at each measurement date. Any credit-related decline in fair market values below the amortized cost of our available for sale debt securities are recorded in our results of operations through an allowance for credit losses. Realized gains and losses from securities sales are recognized in results of operations upon disposition of the securities using the specific identification method on a trade date basis. Refer to Note 10 for a description of the Company's methodology for determining the fair value of marketable securities. 

 

Marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):

 

  

June 30, 2024

  

December 31, 2023

 
  

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value

  

Amortized

Cost

  

Fair

Value

 

Investments available for sale:

                

Marketable equity securities

 $30,176  $133,317  $30,176  $111,117 

Corporate debt securities

  494   488   2,497   2,441 

U.S. Treasury securities

        2,990   2,986 

Restricted investments available for sale:

                

Marketable equity securities

  17,597   21,566   24,134   26,779 

Corporate debt securities

  57,688   55,536   59,586   57,731 

Asset-based securities

  18,421   16,924   19,388   17,659 

U.S. Treasury securities

  46,019   43,094   46,771   42,863 

State and municipal securities

  3,839   3,753   4,106   4,047 
  $174,234  $274,678  $189,648   265,623 

 

19

 

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

 

  

June 30, 2024

  

December 31, 2023

 
  

Shares

  

Cost

  

Fair

Value

  

Shares

  

Cost

  

Fair

Value

 

NHI Common Stock

  1,630,642  $24,734  $110,443   1,630,642  $24,734  $91,071 

 

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

 

  

June 30, 2024

  

December 31, 2023

 
  

Cost

  

Fair

Value

  

Cost

  

Fair

Value

 

Maturities:

                

Within 1 year

 

$

20,602

  

$

20,058

  

$

19,664

  

$

19,328

 

1 to 5 years

  

71,239

   

67,679

   

81,517

   

77,118

 

6 to 10 years

  

34,007

   

31,582

   

33,515

   

30,802

 

Over 10 years

  

613

   

476

   

642

   

479

 
  

$

126,461

  

$

119,795

  

$

135,338

  

$

127,727

 

 

Gross unrealized gains related to marketable equity securities are $107,735,000 and $84,514,000 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Gross unrealized losses related to marketable equity securities are $625,000 and $928,000 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. For the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized net unrealized gains of $9,124,000 and $4,650,000, respectively, for the changes in fair market value of the marketable equity securities in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations. For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, the Company recognized net unrealized gains of $23,523,000 and 6,036,000, respectively, for the changes in fair market value of the marketable equity securities in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

Gross unrealized gains related to available for sale marketable debt securities are $142,000 and $326,000 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. Gross unrealized losses related to available for sale marketable debt securities are $6,808,000 and $7,937,000 as of June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively.

 

The Company’s unrealized losses in our available for sale marketable debt securities were determined to be non-credit related. The Company has not recognized any credit related impairments for the six months ended  June 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

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

 

Proceeds from the sale of available for sale marketable securities during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023 were $34,662,000 and $28,051,000, respectively. Investment gains of $350,000 and investment losses of $561,000 were realized on these sales during the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. 

 

  

 

Note 10 Fair Value Measurements

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

20

 

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

 

The following table summarizes fair value measurements by level at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023 for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

 

  

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

June 30, 2024

 

Fair

Value

  

Quoted

Prices in

Active
Markets

For Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $136,214  $136,214  $  $ 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  29,391   29,391       

Marketable equity securities

  154,883   154,883       

Corporate debt securities

  56,024   40,169   15,855    

Asset–backed securities

  16,924      16,446   478 

U.S. Treasury securities

  43,094   43,094       

State and municipal securities

  3,753      3,753    

Total financial assets

 $440,283  $403,751  $36,054  $478 

 

  

Fair Value Measurements Using

 

December 31, 2023

 

Fair

Value

  

Quoted

Prices in

Active

Markets

For Identical

Assets

(Level 1)

  

Significant

Other

Observable

Inputs

(Level 2)

  

Significant

Unobservable

Inputs

(Level 3)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 $107,076  $107,076  $  $ 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  18,892   18,892       

Marketable equity securities

  137,896   137,896       

Corporate debt securities

  60,171   42,860   17,311    

Asset–backed securities

  17,659      17,210   449 

U.S. Treasury securities

  45,850   45,850       

State and municipal securities

  4,047      4,047    

Total financial assets

 $391,591  $352,574  $38,568  $ 

 

  

 

Note 11 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

 

At June 30, 2024, the Company reviewed the carrying value of goodwill for impairment indicators. As a result of the review, there were no impairment indicators regarding the Company’s goodwill that required a quantitative test to be performed. However, our accounting estimates could materially change from period to period due to changing market factors. We will continue to monitor future events, changes in circumstances, and the potential impact thereof. If actual results are not consistent with our assumptions and estimates, we may be exposed to future goodwill impairment losses.

 

At June 30, 2024, the following table represents the activity related to our goodwill by segment (in thousands):

 

  

Inpatient

Services

  

Homecare

and Hospice

  

All Other

  

Total

 

January 1, 2024

 $3,741  $164,554  $  $168,295 

Additions

            

June 30, 2024

 $3,741  $164,554  $  $168,295 

 

We also have recorded indefinite-lived intangible assets that consist of trade names ($4,340,000) and certificates of need and licenses ($2,698,000).

 

21

  
 

Note 12 - Stock Repurchase Program

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company repurchased 116,767 shares of its common stock for a total cost of $11,402,000. During the six months ended June 30, 2023, the Company repurchased 44,349 shares of its common stock for a total cost of $2,482,000. The shares were funded from cash on hand and were cancelled and returned to the status of authorized but unissued. 

 

  

 

Note 13 StockBased Compensation

 

NHC recognizes stock–based compensation expense for all stock options granted over the requisite service period using the fair value at the date of grant using the Black–Scholes pricing model. Stock–based compensation totaled $1,175,000 and $772,000 for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Stock-based compensation totaled $1,969,000 and $1,411,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Stock–based compensation is included in “Salaries, wages and benefits” in the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

At June 30, 2024, the Company had $6,962,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock–based compensation awards. This unrecognized compensation cost will be amortized over an approximate two-year period.

 

Stock Options

 

The following table summarizes the significant assumptions used to value the options granted for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

  

June 30,

2024

  

December 31,
2023

 

Risk–free interest rate

  4.40%   4.52% 

Expected volatility

  24.1%   29.3% 

Expected life, in years

  2.9   2.9 

Expected dividend yield

  2.63%   4.41% 

 

The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

  

Number of

Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

  

Aggregate

Intrinsic

Value

 

Options outstanding at January 1, 2023

  445,144  $66.62  $ 

Options granted

  299,278   54.44    

Options exercised

  (103,481)  64.72    

Options cancelled

  (52,407)  60.58    

Options outstanding at December 31, 2023

  588,534   61.30    

Options granted

  297,986   94.42    

Options exercised

  (176,623)  63.53    

Options cancelled

  (25,702)  74.47    

Options outstanding at June 30, 2024

  684,195   74.65  $23,089,169 
             

Options exercisable at June 30, 2024

  187,856   64.05  $8,331,795 

 

 

Options

Outstanding

June 30, 2024

  

Exercise Prices

  

Weighted Average

Exercise Price

  

Weighted Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life in Years

 

354,954

   

53.94

-

69.19

   

59.08

   

3.2

 

329,241

   

71.64

-

96.03

   

91.44

   

4.2

 

684,195

         

74.65

   

3.7

 

  

22

 
 

Note 14 Income Taxes

 

The Company's income tax provision as a percentage of our income before income taxes was 25.9% and 28.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

The Company's income tax provision as a percentage of our income before income taxes was 26.2% and 28.5% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. 

 

Typically, these percentages vary from the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 21% primarily due to state income taxes, excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation, benefits resulting from the lapsing of statute of limitations of items in our tax contingency reserve, and non-deductible expenses. For the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024, the accrual of state income tax was the most significant reconciling item. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, the accrual of state income tax was the only significant reconciling items.

 

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

 

The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state examinations by tax authorities for years before 2020 (with certain state exceptions). 

   

 

Note 15 Contingencies and Commitments

 

Accrued Risk Reserves

 

We have wholly–owned limited purpose insurance companies that insure risks related to workers’ compensation and general and professional liability insurance claims both for our owned and leased entities and certain of the entities to which we provide management or accounting services. The liability we have recognized for reported claims and estimates for incurred but unreported claims totals $109,254,000 and $103,259,000 at June 30, 2024 and December 31, 2023, respectively. The liability is included in accrued risk reserves in the interim condensed consolidated balance sheets and is subject to adjustment for actual claims incurred. It is possible that these claims plus unasserted claims could exceed our insurance coverages and our reserves, which could have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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

 

Workers Compensation

 

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

 

General and Professional Liability Insurance and Lawsuits

 

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

 

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

 

23

 

Qui Tam Litigation

 

United States of America, ex rel. Jennifer Cook and Sally Gaither v. Integrated Behavioral Health, Inc., NHC HealthCare/Moulton, LLC, et al., Case No. 2:20-CV-00877-AMM (N.D. Ala.)  This is a qui tam case originally filed under seal on June 22, 2020. The United States declined intervention on March 1, 2021. Thereafter, the Plaintiffs filed an amended Complaint against Dr. Sanja Malhotra, Integrated Behavioral Health, Inc. and other entities that Dr. Malhotra was alleged to own or in which he allegedly had a financial interest. The Complaint also named multiple skilled nursing facilities as Defendants, including NHC Healthcare/Moulton, LLC, an affiliate of National HealthCare Corporation. The Complaint alleged that nurse practitioners affiliated with Dr. Malhotra provided free services to the facilities in exchange for referrals to entities owned by or in which Dr. Malhotra had a financial interest in violation of the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute. NHC Healthcare/Moulton, LLC denied the allegations and filed a motion to dismiss on November 4, 2021. On January 28, 2022, the district court stayed this matter and administratively terminated the motion to dismiss pending the U.S. Supreme Court's review of a petition for certiorari filed in an unrelated matter but involving one of the legal arguments raised in the motion to dismiss. Thereafter, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the petition for certiorari in the unrelated matter. As a result, NHC Healthcare/Moulton, LLC renewed its motion to dismiss. The District Court granted NHC Healthcare/Moulton’s Motion to Dismiss, along with other pending Motions to Dismiss, and entered an Order of Dismissal on March 23, 2023 and an Amended Order of Dismissal on April 4, 2023, which dismissed the case in its entirety with prejudice with respect to the claims asserted by the Plaintiffs. The Plaintiffs filed a Notice of Appeal on April 20, 2023 to appeal the dismissal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit. On December 21, 2023, the Eleventh Circuit entered an Order affirming the District Court’s dismissal of the claims.  The time period for the Plaintiffs to file a Petition for a Writ of Certiorari with the United States Supreme Court has expired making the Order affirming dismissal issued by the Eleventh Circuit final. 

 

Civil Investigative Demand

 

On or about May 21, 2024, Caris Healthcare, L.P. (“Caris”) received a Civil Investigative Demand (“CID”) from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Tennessee. The CID requests the production of certain medical records for patients at Caris’ Nashville office and other documents related to the billing for hospice services for the period of January 1, 2019, through the date of the CID. The Company is cooperating with respect to the requests and remains in the process of responding to the CID.

 

Governmental Regulations

 

Laws and regulations governing Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs are complex and subject to interpretation. Management believes that it is following all applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. However, compliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to future government review and interpretation as well as significant regulatory action including fines, penalties, and exclusions from the Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs.

 

 

Note 16 Subsequent Events

 

White Oak Senior Living Asset Acquisition

 

On August 1, 2024, the Company purchased the White Oak Senior Living (“White Oak”) portfolio including its long-term care pharmacy for a purchase price of approximately $221,400,000. White Oak’s portfolio consists of six skilled nursing facilities in North Carolina, three of which are continuing care retirement centers, and including one leased facility. The portfolio also includes nine skilled nursing facilities in South Carolina, one of which also includes assisted and independent living units. The acquisition represents both an expansion of NHC’s operations into a new state and a strategic advancement of its growth in its existing operational footprint. NHC currently operates multiple skilled nursing facilities in South Carolina, as well as a long-term care pharmacy.

 

The following table contains unaudited pro forma interim condensed consolidated statements of operations information for the three months and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, assuming that the White Oak acquisition closed on January 1, 2023 (in thousands).

 

  

Three Months Ended

June 30

  

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
  

2024

  

2023

  

2024

  

2023

 

Net patient revenues

 $334,906  $318,606  $675,324  $624,381 
Net operating revenues and grant income  355,631   331,738   707,393   649,370 

Total costs and expenses

  332,379   319,253   667,183   630,599 

Income from operations

  23,252   12,485   40,210   18,771 

Non-operating income

  4,956   3,696   10,641   8,019 

Income before income taxes

  37,332   20,831   74,374   32,826 

Net income attributable to NHC

 $27,386  $15,177  $54,582  $24,143 

 

New $200 Million Credit Facility

 

On August 1, 2024, the Company entered into a $200,000,000 senior credit facility with a five-year term consisting of a $50,000,000 revolving facility and a $150,000,000 term facility (the “Credit Facility”).  The Credit Facility is for general corporate purposes, including working capital and acquisitions.  The loans bear interest at either (i) Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) for interest periods of one, three or six months, plus the applicable margin or, at NHC’s option, (ii) the Base Rate plus the applicable margin.  The applicable margin is an interest rate per annum between 1.30% and 1.65% for Term SOFR loans and between .30% and .65% for Base Rate loans, depending upon the Company meeting certain conditions. 

 

NHC’s obligations under the Credit Facility are unsecured. The Credit Facility contains customary representations and warranties, financial covenants, and other customary affirmative and negative covenants. The Credit Facility also contains customary events of default.

 

 

Item 2.

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

 

ForwardLooking Statements

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

liabilities and other claims asserted against us, including patient care liabilities, as well as the resolution of current litigation (see Note 15: Contingencies and Commitments);

 

the ability to attract and retain qualified personnel;

 

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

 

the competitive environment in which we operate;

 

our need to make investments continually in our processes and information systems to protect the privacy of patients, partners and other persons and reduce the risk of successful cybersecurity attacks;

 

damage to our reputation, regulatory penalties, legal claims and liability under state and federal laws that we could suffer upon any cybersecurity or privacy breaches;

 

the ability to maintain and increase census levels; and

 

demographic changes.

 

See the notes to the quarterly financial statements, and “Item 1. Business” in our 2023 Annual Report on Form 10–K for a discussion of various governmental regulations and other operating factors relating to the healthcare industry and the risk factors inherent in them. This may be found on our web site at www.nhccare.com. You should carefully consider these risks before making any investment in the Company. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing us. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know of or that we currently deem immaterial. If any of the risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our shares of stock could decline, and you may lose all or part of your investment. Given these risks and uncertainties, we can give no assurances that these forward–looking statements will, in fact, transpire and, therefore, caution investors not to place undue reliance on them.

 

Overview

 

National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC” or the “Company”) is a leading provider of senior health care services. As of June 30. 2024, we operate or manage, through certain affiliates, 65 skilled nursing facilities with a total of 8,421 licensed beds, 24 assisted living facilities with 1,365 units, five independent living facilities, three behavioral health hospitals, 34 homecare agencies, and 30 hospice agencies. We operate specialized care units within certain of our healthcare centers such as Alzheimer's disease care units and sub-acute nursing units. In addition, we provide insurance services, management and accounting services, and we lease properties to operators of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. We operate in 8 states and are located primarily in the southeastern United States. 

 

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Minimum Staffing Standards

 

On April 22, 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued the Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care (“LTC”) Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting final rule. Included in this final rule are new comprehensive minimum nurse staffing requirements, which aim to significantly reduce the risk of residents receiving unsafe and low-quality care within LTC facilities. CMS is finalizing a total nurse staffing standard of 3.48 hours per resident day (“HPRD”), which must include at least 0.55 HPRD of direct registered nurse (“RN”) care and 2.45 HPRD of direct nurse aide care. Facilities may use any combination of nurse staff (RN, licensed practical nurse and licensed vocational nurse, or nurse aide) to account for the additional 0.48 HPRD needed to comply with the total nurse staffing standard.

 

CMS is also finalizing enhanced facility assessment requirements and a requirement to have an RN onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week (“24/7”), to provide skilled nursing care. The 24/7 RN onsite can be the Director of Nursing; however, they must be available to provide direct resident care.

 

This final rule provides a staggered implementation timeframe of the minimum nurse staffing standards and a 24/7 RN requirement based on geographic location, as well as possible exemptions for qualifying facilities for some parts of these requirements based on workforce unavailability and other factors.

 

Summary of Goals and Areas of Focus

 

Occupancy

 

A primary area of management focus continues to be the rates of occupancy within our skilled nursing facilities. The overall census in owned and leased skilled nursing facilities for the three months ending June 30, 2024 was 89.0% compared to 87.9% for the same period a year ago.  For the six months ended June 30, 2024, overall census in our owned and leased skilled nursing facilities was 88.7% compared to 87.7% for the same period a year ago.

 

 

Due to America’s healthcare labor shortage, the challenge of maintaining desirable patient census levels has been amplified. Management has undertaken a number of steps in order to best position our current and future health care facilities. This includes working internally to examine and improve systems to be most responsive to referral sources and payors, as well as find creative initiatives to retain and attract qualified healthcare professionals. Additionally, NHC is in various stages of partnerships with hospital systems, payors, and other post–acute alliances to better position ourselves so we are an active participant in the delivery of post-acute healthcare services.

 

Quality of Patient Care

 

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

 

The tables below summarize NHC's overall performance in these Five-Star ratings versus the skilled nursing industry as of June 30, 2024:

 

   

NHC Ratings

 

Industry Ratings

 

Total number of skilled nursing facilities, end of period

   

65

         

Number of 4 and 5-star rated skilled nursing facilities

   

40

         

Percentage of 4 and 5-star rated skilled nursing facilities

   

62

%

   

36

%

 

Average rating for all skilled nursing facilities, end of period

   

3.5

   

2.6

 

 

Development and Growth

 

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

 

Type of

Operation

 

Description

 

Size

 

Location

 

Placed in Service

Hospice

 

New Agency

 

1 agency

 

Cedar Bluff, VA

 

March 2023

Skilled Nursing

 

Acquisition

 

66 beds

 

Nashville, TN

 

May 2023

Homecare

 

New Agency

 

1 agency

 

Tallahassee, FL

 

May 2023

Assisted Living Facility

 

New Operations

 

135 units

 

Vero Beach, FL

 

July 2023

Assisted Living Facility

 

New Operations

 

95 units

 

Merritt Island, FL

 

July 2023

Assisted Living Facility

 

New Operations

 

100 units

 

Stuart, FL

 

July 2023

Hospice

 

New Agency

 

1 agency

 

Morristown, TN

 

April 2024

Hospice

 

New Agency

 

1 agency

 

Lawrenceburg, TN

 

July 2024

 

On August 1, 2024, the Company purchased the White Oak portfolio including its long-term care pharmacy. White Oak’s portfolio consists of six skilled nursing facilities in North Carolina, three of which are continuing care retirement centers, and including one leased facility. The portfolio also includes nine skilled nursing facilities in South Carolina, one of which also includes assisted and independent living units. The total portfolio consists of 1,928 licensed beds, 48 assisted living units, and 302 independent living units.

 

Accrued Risk Reserves

 

Our accrued professional liability and workers’ compensation reserves totaled $109,254,000 at June 30, 2024 and are a primary area of management focus. We have set aside restricted cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities to fund our estimated professional liability and workers’ compensation liabilities.

 

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

 

Government Reimbursement Programs

 

Medicare Skilled Nursing Facilities

 

In July 2023, CMS released its final rule outlining fiscal year 2024 Medicare payment rates and policy changes for skilled nursing facilities, which began on October 1, 2023. The fiscal year 2024 rule equates to a net increase of 4.0%, or approximately $1.4 billion, in Medicare Part A payments to SNFs in fiscal year 2024 compared to 2023 levels. The rule includes a 3.0% market basket rate increase, a 3.6% market basket forecast error adjustment, less a 0.2% productivity adjustment, as well as a negative 2.3%, or approximately $789 million, decrease in 2024 SNF Payment Prospective Systems rates as a result of the second phase of the Patient Driven Payment Model parity adjustment recalibration.

 

In July 2024, CMS released its final rule outlining fiscal year 2025 Medicare payment rates and policy changes for skilled nursing facilities, which will begin on October 1, 2024. The fiscal year 2025 rule equates to a net 4.2% increase in Medicare Part A payments to SNFs in fiscal year 2025 compared to 2024 levels. The rule includes a market basket increase of 3.0%, an increase of 1.7% to the market basket forecast error adjustment, and a negative 0.5% productivity adjustment. This final rule also changes CMS’ enforcement policies to impose more equitable and consistent civil monetary penalties ("CMPs") for health and safety violations as part of the agency’s ongoing work to increase the safety and care provided in America’s nursing homes. CMS revised the regulation to expand the type of CMPs that can be imposed to allow for more per instance and per day CMPs to be imposed, as appropriate. In the final rule it also finalized updates to the SNF Quality Reporting Program ("QRP") to better account for adverse social conditions that negatively impact individuals’ health or healthcare. CMS also finalized its proposal to adopt a data validation process for the SNF QRP beginning the same year.

 

 

For the first six months of 2024, our average Medicare per diem rate for skilled nursing facilities increased 5.0% as compared to the same period in 2023. 

 

Medicaid Skilled Nursing Facilities

 

Effective July 1, 2024 and for the fiscal year 2025, the state of Tennessee implemented specific individual nursing facility increases. We estimate the resulting increase in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year will be approximately $11,000,000 annually, or $2,750,000 per quarter. Additionally, the state of Tennessee implemented non-recurring rate increases for fiscal year 2025 for continued stabilization payments and Medicaid rate rebasing. These non-recurring rate increases will result in an additional increase in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year of approximately $8,200,000 annually, or $2,050,000 per quarter.

 

Effective October 1, 2023 and for the fiscal year 2024, the state of South Carolina implemented specific individual nursing facility increases. We estimate the resulting increase in revenue for the 2024 fiscal year will be approximately $9,000,000 annually, or $2,250,000 per quarter.

 

Effective July 1, 2024 and for the fiscal year 2025, the state of Missouri implemented specific individual nursing facility increases. We estimate the resulting increase in revenue for the 2025 fiscal year will be approximately $1,784,000 annually, or $446,000 per quarter.

 

We have also received from many of the states in which we operate a supplemental Medicaid payment to help mitigate the inflationary labor and medical supplies costs resulting from the pandemic. We have recorded $2,585,000 and $6,247,000 in net patient revenues for these supplemental Medicaid payments for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We have recorded $6,047,000 and $11,130,000 in net patient revenues for these supplemental Medicaid payments for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

For the first six months of 2024, our average Medicaid per diem increased 8.1% compared to the same period in 2023.

 

State Medicaid plans subject to budget constraints are of particular concern to us. Changes in federal funding coupled with state budget problems and Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act have produced an uncertain environment. Some states will not keep pace with post-acute healthcare inflation. States are currently under pressure to pursue other alternatives to skilled nursing care such as community and home–based services. Medicaid programs are funded jointly by the federal government and the states and are administered by states under approved plans.  Most state Medicaid payments are made under a prospective payment system or under programs which negotiate payment levels with individual providers.  Some states use, or have applied to use, waivers granted by CMS to implement expansion, impose different eligibility or enrollment restrictions, or otherwise implement programs that vary from federal standards.

 

Medicare Homecare Programs

 

In November 2023, CMS released its final rule outlining fiscal year 2024 Medicare payment rates. CMS projects payments to home health agencies in fiscal year 2024 will increase in aggregate by 0.8%, or $140 million. The increase is the result of a 3.3% market basket update, reduced by a 0.3% productivity adjustment. The increase is offset by a behavioral adjustment that will cut payments by a net 2.6%. The behavioral adjustment was designed to achieve budget-neutral implementation of the PDPM. Finally, CMS also adjusted the fixed-dollar loss ratio for outlier payments, which will increase payments by 0.4%.

 

In June 2024, CMS released its proposed rule outlining fiscal year 2025 Medicare payment rates. CMS projects payments to home health agencies in fiscal year 2025 will decrease by 1.7% or $280 million, relative to the prior year. This decrease reflects a 2.5% home health payment update, reduced by a 3.6% decrease related to the Patient-Driven Groupings Model (“PDGM”) rebalancing and an estimated 0.6% decrease that reflects a proposed fixed dollar loss for outlier payments. As required by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018, this rule proposes a permanent prospective adjustment to the CY2025 home health payment rate to account for the impact of implementing the PDGM. This adjustment accounts for differences between assumed behavior changes and actual behavior changes on estimated aggregate expenditures due to the CY2020 implementation of PDGM and the change to a 30-day unit of payment.

 

Medicare Hospice

 

In July 2023, CMS released its final rule outlining fiscal year 2024 Medicare payment rates. CMS issued a rate increase of 3.1%, or $780 million, effective October 1, 2023. This increase is the result of a 3.3% market basket increase reduced by a 0.2% productivity adjustment. The FY2024 hospice payment update also includes an update to the statutory aggregate cap amount, which limits the overall payments per patient that are made annually. The cap amount for FY2024 is $33,494. 

 

In July 2024, CMS released its final rule outlining fiscal year 2025 Medicare payment rates. CMS issued a rate increase of 2.9%, or $790 million, effective October 1, 2024. This increase is the result of a 3.4% market basket increase reduced by a 0.5% productivity adjustment. The FY2025 hospice payment update also includes an update to the statutory aggregate cap amount, which limits the overall payments per patient that are made annually. The cap amount for FY2025 is $34,465. 

 

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company has two reportable operating segments: (1) inpatient services, which includes the operation of skilled nursing facilities, assisted and independent living facilities, and behavioral health hospitals; and (2) homecare and hospice services. These reportable operating segments are consistent with information used by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), to assess performance and allocate resources. The Company also reports an “all other” category that includes revenues from rental income, management and accounting services fees, insurance services, and costs of the corporate office.

 

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

 

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

 

   

Three Months Ended June 30, 2024

 
   

Inpatient
Services

   

Homecare

and Hospice

   

All Other

   

Total

 

Revenues:

                               

Net patient revenues

  $ 245,385     $ 34,533     $ -     $ 279,918  

Other revenues

    324       -       10,971       11,295  
Government stimulus income     -       -       9,445       9,445  

Net operating revenues and grant income

    245,709       34,533       20,416       300,658  
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    148,059       21,296       10,721       180,076  

Other operating

    66,813       6,394       4,947       78,154  

Rent

    8,262       567       1,741       10,570  

Depreciation and amortization

    8,383       186       769       9,338  

Interest

    -       -       -       -  

Total costs and expenses

    231,517       28,443       18,178       278,138  
                                 

Income from operations

    14,192       6,090       2,238       22,520  

Non-operating income

    -       -       4,956       4,956  

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

    -       -       9,124       9,124  
                                 

Income before income taxes

  $ 14,192     $ 6,090     $ 16,318     $ 36,600  

 

   

Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

 
   

Inpatient
Services

   

Homecare

and Hospice

   

All Other

   

Total

 

Revenues:

                               

Net patient revenues

  $ 236,760     $ 32,845     $ -     $ 269,605  

Other revenues

    326       -       12,651       12,977  

Net operating revenues

    237,086       32,845       12,651       282,582  
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    144,666       20,494       10,134       175,294  

Other operating

    64,535       5,990       2,709       73,234  

Rent

    7,857       543       1,501       9,901  

Depreciation and amortization

    9,153       184       746       10,083  

Interest

    93       -       -       93  

Total costs and expenses

    226,304       27,211       15,090       268,605  
                                 

Income/(loss) from operations

    10,782       5,634       (2,439 )     13,977  

Non-operating income

    -       -       3,696       3,696  

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

    -       -       4,650       4,650  
                                 

Income before income taxes

  $ 10,782     $ 5,634     $ 5,907     $ 22,323  

 

 

   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2024

 
   

Inpatient
Services

   

Homecare

and Hospice

   

All Other

   

Total

 

Revenues:

                               

Net patient revenues

  $ 497,638     $ 68,103     $ -     $ 565,741  

Other revenues

    339       -       22,309       22,648  
Government stimulus income     -       -       9,445       9,445  

Net operating revenues and grant income

    497,977       68,103       31,754       597,834  
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    298,949       42,305       21,960       363,214  

Other operating

    135,496       12,367       7,720       155,583  

Rent

    16,374       1,133       3,411       20,918  

Depreciation and amortization

    18,013       374       1,537       19,924  

Interest

    46       -       -       46  

Total costs and expenses

    468,878       56,179       34,628       559,685  
                                 

Income/(loss) from operations

    29,099       11,924       (2,874 )     38,149  

Non-operating income

    -       -       10,641       10,641  

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

    -       -       23,523       23,523  
                                 

Income before income taxes

  $ 29,099     $ 11,924     $ 31,290     $ 72,313  

 

   

Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

 
   

Inpatient
Services

   

Homecare

and Hospice

   

All Other

   

Total

 

Revenues:

                               

Net patient revenues

  $ 462,929     $ 64,683     $ -     $ 527,612  

Other revenues

    597       -       23,936       24,533  

Net operating revenues

    463,526       64,683       23,936       552,145  
                                 

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    283,605       40,737       18,776       343,118  

Other operating

    128,245       11,488       4,990       144,723  

Rent

    15,709       1,101       3,183       19,993  

Depreciation and amortization

    18,271       369       1,491       20,131  

Interest

    191       -       -       191  

Total costs and expenses

    446,021       53,695       28,440       528,156  
                                 

Income/(loss) from operations

    17,505       10,988       (4,504 )     23,989  

Non-operating income

    -       -       8,019       8,019  

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

    -       -       6,036       6,036  
                                 

Income before income taxes

  $ 17,505     $ 10,988     $ 9,551     $ 38,044  

 

 

Non-GAAP Financial Presentation

 

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

 

Specifically, the Company believes the presentation of non-GAAP financial information that excludes the unrealized gains or losses on our marketable equity securities, operating results for newly opened facilities or agencies not at full capacity, gains on sale of unconsolidated companies, share-based compensation expense, acquisition-related expenses, and the recognition of the employee retention credit is helpful in allowing investors to assess the Company’s operations more accurately.

 

The operating results for newly opened facilities or agencies not at full capacity include newly constructed healthcare facilities or agencies that are still considered in the start-up phase, which are two hospice agencies for the three and six months ended June 30, 3024. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2023, included are two behavioral health hospitals, two homecare agencies, and two hospice agencies. The acquisition-related expenses represent expenses incurred to acquire the White Oak portfolio that are not capitalizable.  

 

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

 

   

Three Months Ended

June 30

   

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
   

2024

   

2023

   

2024

   

2023

 
                                 

Net income attributable to National Healthcare Corporation

  $ 26,844     $ 16,281     $ 53,057     $ 28,004  

Non-GAAP adjustments:

                               

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

    (9,124 )     (4,650 )     (23,523 )     (6,036 )

Operating results for newly opened facilities or agencies not at full capacity

    20       333       20       1,550  

Share-based compensation expense

    1,176       772       1,969       1,411  

Gain on sale of unconsolidated company

    -       -       (1,024 )     -  

Acquisition-related expenses

    2,194       -       2,194       -  
Employee retention credit     (9,445 )     -       (9,445 )     -  

Income tax provision on non-GAAP adjustments

    3,947       922       7,750       800  

Non-GAAP Net income

  $ 15,612     $ 13,658     $ 30,998     $ 25,729  
                                 
                                 

GAAP diluted earnings per share

  $ 1.73     $ 1.06     $ 3.42     $ 1.83  

Non-GAAP adjustments:

                               

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

    (0.43 )     (0.23 )     (1.12 )     (0.29 )

Operating results for newly opened facilities or agencies not at full capacity

    -       0.02       -       0.07  

Share-based compensation expense

    0.05       0.04       0.10       0.07  

Gain on sale of unconsolidated company

    -       -       (0.05 )     -  

Acquisition-related expenses

    0.10       -       0.10       -  
Employee retention credit     (0.45 )     -       (0.45 )     -  

Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share

  $ 1.00     $ 0.89     $ 2.00     $ 1.68  

 

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table and discussion set forth items from the interim condensed consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of net operating revenues and grant income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023.

 

Percentage of Net Operating Revenues

 

   

Three Months Ended
June 30

   

Six Months Ended

June 30

 
   

2024

   

2023

   

2024

   

2023

 

Net operating revenues

    100.0 %     100.0 %     100 %     100 %

Costs and expenses:

                               

Salaries, wages, and benefits

    59.9       62.0       60.8       62.2  

Other operating

    26.0       25.9       26.0       26.2  

Facility rent

    3.5       3.5       3.5       3.6  

Depreciation and amortization

    3.0       3.6       3.2       3.6  

Interest

    0.1       0.1       0.1       0.1  

Total costs and expenses

    92.5       95.1       93.6       95.7  

Income from operations

    7.5       4.9       6.4       4.3  

Non–operating income

    1.6       1.4       1.8       1.5  

Unrealized gains on marketable equity securities

    3.1       1.6       3.9       1.1  

Income before income taxes

    12.2       7.9       12.1       6.9  

Income tax provision

    (3.2 )     (2.3 )     (3.1 )     (2.0 )

Net income

    9.0       5.6       9.0       4.9  

Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interest

    (0.1 )     0.2       (0.1 )     0.2  

Net income attributable to stockholders of NHC

    8.9       5.8       8.9       5.1  

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

 

Results for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to the second quarter of 2023 include a 6.4% increase in net operating revenues and grant income. For the quarter ended June 30, 2024, GAAP net income attributable to NHC was $26,844,000 compared to $16,281,000 for the same period in 2023. Excluding the unrealized gains in our marketable equity securities portfolio and other non-GAAP adjustments, adjusted net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was $15,612,000 compared to $13,658,000 for the same period in 2023. The increase in adjusted net income for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 was primarily due to the per diem increases in our skilled nursing and assisted living facilities and the continued reduction of nurse agency staffing expense within our operations.

 

During the three months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recognized $9,445,000 related to the Employee Retention Credit (“ERC”) that was established by the CARES Act and intended to help businesses retain their workforce and avoid layoffs during the pandemic. The ERC provided a per employee credit to eligible businesses based on a percentage of qualified wages and health insurance benefits paid to employees. During the second quarter of 2024, all conditions related to the assistance were met and the credit was recognized as government stimulus income.

 

Net operating revenues

 

Net patient revenues increased $10,313,000, or 3.8%, compared to the same period last year.

 

The total census at owned and leased skilled nursing facilities for the quarter averaged 89.0%, compared to an average of 87.9% for the same quarter a year ago. Overall, the composite skilled nursing facility per diem increased 6.3% compared to the same quarter a year ago. Our Medicare per diem rates increased 5.3% and managed care per diem rates increased 0.7% compared to the same quarter a year ago. Medicaid and private pay per diem rates increased 4.5% and 13.7%, respectively, compared to the same quarter a year ago. For the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, $2,585,000 and $6,247,000 have been included in our net patient revenues for supplemental Medicaid payments that are in addition to our Medicaid skilled nursing per diems.

 

New operations, which include one skilled nursing facility acquired May 1, 2023, three assisted living facilities that we began operating on July 1, 2023, three hospice agencies and one homecare agency, have attributed to an increase of $5,241,000 in net patient revenues for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year.

 

On March 1, 2024, the Company exited a lease and transferred the operations of two skilled nursing facilities (included assisted living units) and one memory care facility located in Missouri. The exiting of these operations resulted in net patient revenues decreasing $8,974,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year. 

 

Other revenues decreased $1,682,000, or 13.0%, compared to the same quarter last year, as further detailed in Note 4 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

Total costs and expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 increased $9,533,000, or 3.5%, to $278,138,000 from $268,605,000.

 

Salaries, wages, and benefits as a percentage of net operating revenues was 59.9% compared to 62.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We continue to work diligently to find solutions to reduce and eliminate the agency nurse staffing within our healthcare operations. Our agency staffing expense decreased approximately 57% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023.

 

New operations, which include one skilled nursing facility acquired May 1, 2023, three assisted living facilities that we began operating on July 1, 2023, three hospice agencies and one homecare agency, have attributed to an increase of $2,728,000 in salaries, wages, and benefits for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year.

 

On March 1, 2024, the Company exited the lease and transferred the operations of two skilled nursing facilities (included assisted living units) and one memory care facility located in Missouri. The exiting of these operations resulted in salaries, wages, and benefits decreasing $6,174,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year.

 

Other operating expenses as a percentage of net operating revenues was 26.0% and 25.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. New operations, which include one skilled nursing facility acquired May 1, 2023, three assisted living facilities that we began operating on July 1, 2023, three hospice agencies and one homecare agency, have attributed to an increase of $2,084,000 in other operating expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year. For the second quarter of 2024, we also incurred acquisition-related expenses of $2,194,000 related to the August 1, 2024 acquisition of the White Oak portfolio.   

 

On March 1, 2024, the Company exited the lease and transferred the operations of two skilled nursing facilities (included assisted living units) and one memory care facility located in Missouri. The exiting of these operations resulted in other operating expenses decreasing $2,299,000 for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year.

 

Other income

 

Non–operating income increased by $1,260,000 compared to the same period last year, as further detailed in Note 6 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Income taxes

 

The income tax provision for the three months ended June 30, 2024 is $9,494,000 (an effective income tax rate of 25.9%). 

 

Noncontrolling interest

 

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

 

Six Months Ended June 30, 2024 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2023

 

Results for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 include an 8.3% increase in net operating revenues and grant income. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, GAAP net income attributable to NHC was $53,057,000 compared to $28,004,000 for the same period in 2023. Excluding the unrealized gains in our marketable equity securities portfolio and other non-GAAP adjustments, adjusted net income for the quarter ended June 30, 2024 was $30,998,000 compared to $25,729,000 for the same period in 2023.  The increase in adjusted net income for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 was primarily due to the per diem increases in our skilled nursing and assisted living facilities and the continued reduction of nurse agency staffing expense within our operations.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Company recognized $9,445,000 related to the ERC that was established by the CARES Act and intended to help businesses retain their workforce and avoid layoffs during the pandemic. The ERC provided a per employee credit to eligible businesses based on a percentage of qualified wages and health insurance benefits paid to employees. During the second quarter of 2024, all conditions related to the assistance were met and the credit was recognized as government stimulus income.

 

Net operating revenues

 

Net patient revenues increased $38,129,000, or 7.2%, compared to the same period last year.

 

The total census at owned and leased skilled nursing facilities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 averaged 88.7%, compared to an average of 87.7% for the same period a year ago. Overall, the composite skilled nursing facility per diem increased 7.5% compared to the same period a year ago. Our Medicare per diem rates increased 5.0% and managed care per diem rates increased 3.3% compared to the same period a year ago. Medicaid and private pay per diem rates increased 8.1% and 12.1%, respectively, compared to the same period a year ago. For the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively, $6,047,000 and $11,130,000 have been included in our net patient revenues for supplemental Medicaid payments that are in addition to our Medicaid skilled nursing per diems.

 

New operations, which include one skilled nursing facility acquired May 1, 2023, three assisted living facilities that we began operating on July 1, 2023, three hospice agencies and one homecare agency, have attributed to an increase of $9,803,000 in net patient revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

 

On March 1, 2024, the Company exited a lease and transferred the operations of two skilled nursing facilities (included assisted living units) and one memory care facility located in Missouri. The exiting of these operations resulted in net patient revenues decreasing $10,869,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year. 

 

Other revenues decreased $1,885,000, or 7.7%, compared to the same period last year, as further detailed in Note 4 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Total costs and expenses

 

Total costs and expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023 increased $31,529,000, or 6.0%, to $559,685,000 from $528,156,000.

 

Salaries, wages, and benefits as a percentage of net operating revenues was 60.8% compared to 62.1% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. We continue to work diligently to find solutions to reduce and eliminate the agency nurse staffing within our healthcare operations. Our agency staffing expense decreased approximately 54% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period of 2023.

 

New operations, which include one skilled nursing facility acquired May 1, 2023, three assisted living facilities that we began operating on July 1, 2023, three hospice agencies and one homecare agency, have attributed to an increase of $5,487,000 in salaries, wages, and benefits for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

On March 1, 2024, the Company exited the lease and transferred the operations of two skilled nursing facilities (included assisted living units) and one memory care facility located in Missouri. The exiting of these operations resulted in salaries, wages, and benefits decreasing $7,973,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same period in the prior year.

 

Other operating expenses as a percentage of net operating revenues was 26.0% and 26.2% for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. New operations, which include one skilled nursing facility acquired May 1, 2023, three assisted living facilities that we began operating on July 1, 2023, three hospice agencies and one homecare agency, have attributed to an increase of $4,018,000 in other operating expenses for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year. For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we also incurred acquisition-related expenses of $2,194,000 related to the August 1, 2024 acquisition of the White Oak portfolio.  

 

On March 1, 2024, the Company exited the lease and transferred the operations of two skilled nursing facilities (included assisted living units) and one memory care facility located in Missouri. The exiting of these operations resulted in other operating expenses decreasing $2,145,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to the same quarter in the prior year.

 

Other income

 

Non–operating income increased by $2,622,000 compared to the same period last year, as further detailed in Note 6 to our interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Income taxes

 

The income tax provision for the six months ended June 30, 2024 is $18,956,000 (an effective income tax rate of 26.2%). 

 

 

Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Financial Condition

 

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

 

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

 

   

Six Months Ended

June 30

   

Six Month Change

 
   

2024

   

2023

   

$

   

%

 

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

  $ 125,968     $ 74,865     $ 51,103       68.3 %
                                 

Cash provided by operating activities

    60,307       53,178       7,129       13.4  
                                 

Cash used in investing activities

    (990 )     (2,247 )     1,257       55.9  
                                 

Cash used in financing activities

    (19,680 )     (22,891 )     3,211       14.0  
                                 

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

  $ 165,605     $ 102,905     $ 62,700       60.9 %

 

 

Operating Activities

 

Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $60,307,000 as compared to $53,178,000 in the same period last year. Cash provided by operating activities consisted of net income of $53,357,000 and adjustments for non–cash items of $2,736,000. There was cash provided by working capital in the amount of $4,052,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $9,999,000 for the same period a year ago.

 

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

 

Investing Activities

 

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $990,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, compared to $2,247,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. Cash used for property and equipment additions was $13,788,000 and $12,789,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024, and 2023, respectively. Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities, net of purchases, resulted in cash provided by investing activity of $15,764,000 and $13,645,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. In January 2024, the Company sold its 50% joint venture ownership interest in a homecare agency resulting in proceeds from the sale of $2,100,000.  For the six months ended June 30, 2024, we contributed capital of $4,856,000 to a joint venture, multi-family development that is under construction in Franklin, Tennessee.  

 

Financing Activities 

 

Net cash used in financing activities totaled $19,680,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 compared to $22,891,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2023. We made principal payments under our finance lease obligations in the amount of $860,000 and $2,455,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively. Cash used for dividend payments to common stockholders totaled $18,137,000 in the current year period compared to $17,481,000 for the same period a year ago. Cash provided by the issuance of common stock totaled $11,239,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024. We repurchased common shares outstanding in the amount of $11,402,000 and $2,482,000 for the six months ended June 30, 2024 and 2023, respectively.

 

Shortterm liquidity

 

We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements primarily from our cash flows from operating activities and our new $200 million credit facility, which was effective August 1, 2024. In addition to cash flows from operations, our current cash on hand of $136,214,000, our marketable equity and debt securities of $133,805,000, and our borrowing capacity on the $200 million credit facility are expected to be adequate to meet our contractual obligations, operating liquidity, and our growth and development plans in the next twelve months. We also have substantial value in our unencumbered real estate assets, which could potentially be used as collateral in future borrowing opportunities.

 

Longterm liquidity

 

We expect to meet our long-term liquidity requirements primarily from our cash flows from operating activities, our current cash on hand of $136,214,000, our marketable equity and debt securities of $133,805,000, and our borrowing capacity on the new $200 million credit facility. We also have substantial value in our unencumbered real estate assets, which could potentially be used as collateral in future borrowing opportunities.

 

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

 

 

Commitment and Contingencies

 

Governmental Regulations

 

Laws and regulations governing Medicare, Medicaid and other federal healthcare programs are complex and subject to interpretation. Management believes that it is following all applicable laws and regulations in all material respects. However, compliance with such laws and regulations can be subject to future government review and interpretation as well as significant regulatory action including fines, penalties, and exclusions from the Medicare, Medicaid, and other federal healthcare programs.

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

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

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The fair values of our fixed–income investments fluctuate in response to changes in market interest rates. Increases and decreases in prevailing interest rates generally translate into decreases and increases, respectively, in the fair values of those instruments. Additionally, the fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments may be affected by the creditworthiness of the issuer, prepayment options, the liquidity of the instrument and other general market conditions. At June 30, 2024, we have available for sale marketable debt securities in the amount of $119,795,000. The fixed maturity portfolio is comprised of investments with primarily short–term and intermediate–term maturities. The fixed maturity portfolio allows our insurance company subsidiaries to achieve an adequate risk–adjusted return while maintaining sufficient liquidity to meet obligations.

 

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

 

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

 

Credit Risk

 

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

 

Equity Price and Concentration Risk

 

Our marketable equity securities are recorded at their fair market value based on quoted market prices. Thus, there is exposure to equity price risk, which is the potential change in fair value due to a change in quoted market prices. At June 30, 2024, the fair value of our marketable equity securities is approximately $154,883,000. Of the $154.9 million equity securities portfolio, our investment in NHI comprises approximately $110.4 million, or 71.3%, of the total fair value. We manage our exposure to NHI by closely monitoring the financial condition, performance, and outlook of the company. Hypothetically, a 10% change in quoted market prices would result in a related increase or decrease in the fair value of our equity investments of approximately $15.5 million. At June 30, 2024, our equity securities had net unrealized gains of $107.1 million. Of the $107.1 million of unrealized gains, $85.7 million is related to our investment in NHI.

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

 

As of June 30, 2024, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s management, including the CEO and CFO, concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of June 30, 2024.

 

During the period covered by this report, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

 

For a discussion of prior, current, and pending litigation of material significance to NHC, please see Note 15 of this Form 10–Q.

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

 

During the six months ended June 30, 2024, there were no material changes to the risk factors that were disclosed in Item 1A of National HealthCare Corporation’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

None

 

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures.

 

Not applicable

 

Item 5.

Other Information.

 

None

 

37

 
 

Item 6.

Exhibits. 

 

 

(a)        List of exhibits

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

No.

 

Description

     

3.1.1

 

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

     

3.1.2

 

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

     

3.4

 

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

     

4.1

 

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

     
10.1*   Purchase and Sale Agreement dated May 31, 2024 between NHC/OP, L.P., a wholly owned subsidiary of NHC, and Douglas M. Cecil, Oliver K. Cecil, Jr., Dorothy Dean Cecil, Jeni Cecil Feeser, Beth Creech Cecil, John Barber And Teresa J. Cecil, As Trustee Of The Teresa J. Cecil Revocable Trust U/A Dated July 20, 2006, As Amended And Restated On February 15, 2023.
     

31.1

 

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

     

31.2

 

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

     

32

 

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

     

101.INS

 

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

     

101.SCH

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

     

101.CAL

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

     

101.DEF

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

     

101.LAB

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

     

101.PRE

 

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

     

104

 

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

 

* In accordance with Item 601(a)(5) of Regulation S-K, certain schedules or similar attachments to this exhibit have been omitted from this filing.

 

  

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

NATIONAL HEALTHCARE CORPORATION

 

(Registrant)

 
     

Date: August 8, 2024

/s/ Stephen F. Flatt

 
 

Stephen F. Flatt

 
 

Chief Executive Officer

 
     
     

Date: August 8, 2024

/s/ Brian F. Kidd

 
 

Brian F. Kidd

 
 

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer