2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management 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.

Principles of Consolidation: Property holding entities and other subsidiaries of which we own 100% of the equity or have a controlling financial interest evidenced by ownership of a majority voting interest are consolidated. All inter-company balances and transactions are eliminated. For entities in which we own less than 100% of the equity interest, we consolidate the property if we have the direct or indirect ability to control the entities' activities based upon the terms of the respective entities' ownership agreements. For these entities, we record a non-controlling interest representing equity held by non-controlling interests.

We continually evaluate all of our transactions and investments to determine if they represent variable interests in a variable interest entity. If we determine that we have a variable interest in a variable interest entity, we then evaluate if we are the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity. The evaluation is a qualitative assessment as to whether we have the ability to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. We consolidate each variable interest entity in which we, by virtue of or transactions with our investments in the entity, are considered to be the primary beneficiary. We have determined that Vibra, Monroe Hospital and two other smaller tenants are variable interest entities that we have investments in and/or outstanding loans and other receivables due to us of approximately 3%, 2% and 1% of our total assets, respectively. These investments in and/or outstanding loans and other receivables due from these entities represent our maximum exposure to loss. Through qualitative analysis, we have determined that we are not the primary beneficiary of these entities as we do not direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities (such as the day-to-day management of the tenant's hospital operations). Therefore, we have not consolidated these entities in our financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Certificates of deposit, short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less and money-market mutual funds are considered cash equivalents. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents are held at major commercial banks which at times may exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit. We have not experienced any losses to date on our invested cash. Cash and cash equivalents which have been restricted as to its use are recorded in other assets.

Revenue

Recognition: We receive income from operating leases based on the fixed, minimum required rents (base rents) per the lease agreements. Rent revenue from base rents is recorded on the straight-line method over the terms of the related lease agreements for new leases and the remaining terms of existing leases for acquired properties. The straight-line method records the periodic average amount of base rent earned over the term of a lease, taking into account contractual rent increases over the lease term. The straight-line method typically has the effect of recording more rent revenue from a lease than a tenant is required to pay early in the term of the lease. During the later parts of a lease term, this effect reverses with less rent revenue recorded than a tenant is required to pay. Rent revenue as recorded on the straight-line method in the consolidated statements of income is presented as two amounts: billed rent revenue and straight-line revenue. Billed rent revenue is the amount of base rent actually billed to the customer each period as required by the lease. Straight-line rent revenue is the difference between rent revenue earned based on the straight-line method and the amount recorded as billed rent revenue. We record the difference between base rent revenues earned and amounts due per the respective lease agreements, as applicable, as an increase or decrease to straight-line rent receivable.

Certain leases provide for additional rents contingent upon a percentage of the tenant revenue in excess of specified base amounts/thresholds (percentage rents). Percentage rents are recognized in the period in which revenue thresholds are met. Rental payments received prior to their recognition as income are classified as deferred revenue. We may also receive additional rent (contingent rent) under some leases when the U.S. Department of Labor consumer price index exceeds the annual minimum percentage increase in the lease. Contingent rents are recorded as billed rent revenue in the period earned.

In instances where we have a profits interest in our tenant's operations, we record revenue equal to our percentage interest of the tenant's profits, as defined in the lease or tenant's operating agreements, once annual thresholds, if any, are met.

We begin recording base rent income from our development projects when the lessee takes physical possession of the facility, which may be different from the stated start date of the lease. Also, during construction of our development projects, we are generally entitled to accrue rent based on the cost paid during the construction period (construction period rent). We accrue construction period rent as a receivable and deferred revenue during the construction period. When the lessee takes physical possession of the facility, we begin recognizing the accrued construction period rent on the straight-line method over the remaining term of the lease.

We receive interest income from our tenants/borrowers on mortgage loans, working capital loans, and other long-term loans. Interest income from these loans is recognized as earned based upon the principal outstanding and terms of the loans.

Commitment fees received from development and leasing services for lessees are initially recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as income over the initial term of an operating lease to produce a constant effective yield on the lease (interest method). Commitment and origination fees from lending services are recorded as deferred revenue and recognized as income over the life of the loan using the interest method.

Acquired Real Estate Purchase Price Allocation: We allocate the purchase price of acquired properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on their fair values. In making estimates of fair values for purposes of allocating purchase prices of acquired real estate, we utilize a number of sources, from time to time, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other market data. We also consider information obtained about each property as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired.

We record above-market and below-market in-place lease values, if any, for our facilities, which are based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases and (ii) management's estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease. We amortize any resulting capitalized above-market lease values as a reduction of rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. We amortize any resulting capitalized below-market lease values as an increase to rental income over the initial term and any fixed-rate renewal periods in the respective leases.

We measure the aggregate value of other lease intangible assets acquired based on the difference between (i) the property valued with new or in-place leases adjusted to market rental rates and (ii) the property valued as if vacant. Management's estimates of value are made using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers (e.g., discounted cash flow analysis). Factors considered by management in our analysis include an estimate of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. We also consider information obtained about each targeted facility as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing, and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, which we expect to be about six months. depending on specific local market conditions. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions, legal costs, and other related expenses to the extent that such costs are not already incurred in connection with a new lease origination as part of the transaction.

Other intangible assets acquired, may include customer relationship intangible values which are based on management's evaluation of the specific characteristics of each prospective tenant's lease and our overall relationship with that tenant. Characteristics to be considered by management in allocating these values include the nature and extent of our existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant's credit quality and expectations of lease renewals, including those existing under the terms of the lease agreement, among other factors.

We amortize the value of in-place leases, if any, to expense over the initial term of the respective leases. The value of customer relationship intangibles is amortized to expense over the initial term and any renewal periods in the respective leases, but in no event will the amortization period for intangible assets exceed the remaining depreciable life of the building. If a lease is terminated, the unamortized portion of the in-place lease value and customer relationship intangibles are charged to expense.

Real Estate and Depreciation: Real estate, consisting of land, buildings and improvements, are recorded at cost. Although typically paid by our tenants, any expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs that we pay are expensed to operations as incurred. Significant renovations and improvements which improve and/or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. We record impairment losses on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets, including an estimated liquidation amount, during the expected holding periods are less than the carrying amounts of those assets. Impairment losses are measured as the difference between carrying value and fair value of assets. For assets held for sale, we cease recording depreciation expense and adjust the assets' value to the lower of its carrying value or fair value, less cost of disposal. Fair value is based on estimated cash flows discounted at a risk-adjusted rate of interest. We classify real estate assets as held for sale when we have commenced an active program to sell the assets, and in the opinion of management, it is probable the asset will be sold within the next 12 months. We record the results of operations from material property sales or planned sales (which include real property, loans and any receivables) as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of income for all periods presented if we do not have any continuing involvement with the property subsequent to its sale. Results of discontinued operations include interest expense from debt which specifically collateralizes the property sold or held for sale.

Construction in progress includes the cost of land, the cost of construction of buildings, improvements and fixed equipment, and costs for design and engineering. Other costs, such as interest, legal, property taxes and corporate project supervision, which can be directly associated with the project during construction, are also included in construction in progress.

Depreciation is calculated on the straight-line method over the weighted average useful lives of the related real estate and other assets, as follows:


Buildings and improvements			37.8 years
Tenant lease intangibles			14.3 years
Tenant improvements			5.4 years
Furniture, equipment and other			9.5 years

Losses from Rent Receivables: We continuously monitor the performance of our existing tenants including, but not limited to,: admission levels and surgery/procedure volumes by type; current operating margins; ratio of our tenant's operating margins both to facility rent and to facility rent plus other fixed costs; trends in revenue and patient mix; and the effect of evolving healthcare regulations on tenant's profitability and liquidity. We utilize this information along with the tenant's payment and default history in evaluating (on a property-by-property basis) whether or not a provision for losses on outstanding rent receivables is needed. A provision for losses on rent receivables (including straight-line rent receivables) is ultimately recorded when it becomes probable that the receivable will not be collected in full. The provision is an amount which reduces the receivable to its estimated net realizable value based on a determination of the eventual amounts to be collected either from the debtor or from the collateral, if any.

Loans: Loans consist of mortgage loans, working capital loans and other long-term loans. Mortgage loans are collateralized by interests in real property. Working capital and other long-term loans are generally collateralized by interests in receivables and corporate and individual guarantees. We record loans at cost. We evaluate the collectability of both interest and principal on a loan-by-loan basis (using the same process as we do for assessing the collectability of rents) to determine whether they are impaired. A loan is considered impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms. When a loan is considered to be impaired, the amount of the allowance is calculated by comparing the recorded investment to either the value determined by discounting the expected future cash flows using the loan's effective interest rate or to the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. When a loan is deemed to be impaired, we generally place the loan on non-accrual status and record interest income only upon receipt of cash.

Earnings Per Share/Unit: Basic earnings per common share/unit is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shares/units by the weighted number of shares of common stock/units outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share/unit is calculated by including the effect of dilutive securities.

Certain of our unvested restricted and performance stock/unit awards contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends, and accordingly, these awards are deemed to be participating securities. These participating securities are included in the earnings allocation in computing both basic and diluted earnings per common share.

Income Taxes: We conduct our business as a real estate investment trust ("REIT") under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code. To qualify as a REIT, we must meet certain organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute to stockholders at least 90% of our ordinary taxable income. As a REIT, we generally are not subject to federal income tax on taxable income that we distribute to our stockholders. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will then be subject to federal income taxes on our taxable income at regular corporate rates and will not be permitted to qualify for treatment as a REIT for federal income tax purposes for four years following the year during which qualification is lost, unless the Internal Revenue Service grants us relief under certain statutory provisions. Such an event could materially adversely affect our net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders. However, we intend to operate in such a manner so that we will remain qualified as a REIT for federal income tax purposes.

Our financial statements include the operations of two taxable REIT subsidiaries, MPT Development Services, Inc. ("MDS") and MPT Covington TRS, Inc. (CVT") that are not entitled to a dividends paid deduction and are subject to federal, state and local income taxes. MDS and CVT are authorized to provide property development, leasing and management services for third-party owned properties and make loans to lessees and operators.

Stock-Based Compensation: We currently sponsor the Second Amended and Restated Medical Properties Trust, Inc. 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Equity Incentive Plan") that was established in 2004. Awards of restricted stock, stock options and other equity-based awards with service conditions are amortized to compensation expense over the vesting periods which generally range from three to seven years, using the straight-line method. Awards of deferred stock units vest when granted and are charged to expense at the date of grant. Awards that contain market conditions are amortized to compensation expense over the derived vesting periods, which correspond to the periods over which we estimate the awards will be earned, which generally range from three to seven years, using the straight-line method. Awards with performance conditions are amortized using the straight-line method over the service period in which the performance conditions are measured, adjusted for the probability of achieving the performance conditions.For each share of common stock issued by Medical Properties Trust, Inc. pursuant to its equity compensation plans, the Operating Partnership issues a corresponding number of operating partnership units.

Deferred Costs: Costs incurred prior to the completion of offerings of stock or other capital instruments (along with their corresponding units in the Operating Partnership) that directly relate to the offering are deferred and netted against proceeds received from the offering. External costs incurred in connection with anticipated financings and refinancing of debt are generally capitalized as deferred financing costs in other assets and amortized over the lives of the related loans as an addition to interest expense. For debt with defined principal re-payment terms, the deferred costs are amortized to produce a constant effective yield on the loan (interest method). For debt without defined principal repayment terms, such as revolving credit agreements, the deferred costs are amortized on the straight-line method over the term of the debt. Leasing commissions and other leasing costs directly attributable to tenant leases are capitalized as deferred leasing costs and amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of the related lease agreements. Costs identifiable with loans made to borrowers are recognized as a reduction in interest income over the life of the loan.

Derivative Financial Investments and Hedging Activities. During our normal course of business, we may use certain types of derivative instruments for the purpose of managing interest rate risk. We record our derivative and hedging instruments at fair value on the balance sheet. Changes in the estimated fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated as hedges or that do not meet the criteria for hedge accounting are recognized in earnings. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the change in the estimated fair value of the effective portion of the derivative is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), whereas the change in the estimated fair value of the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings. For derivates designated as fair value hedges, the change in the estimated fair value of the effective portion of the derivates offsets the change in the estimated fair value of the hedged item, whereas the change in the estimated fair value of the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings.

To qualify for hedge accounting, we formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge prior to entering into a derivative transaction. This process includes specific identification of the hedging instrument and the hedge transaction, the nature of the risk being hedged and how the hedging instrument's effectiveness in hedging the exposure to the hedged transaction's variability in cash flows attributable to the hedged risk will be assessed. Both at the inception of the hedge and on an ongoing basis, we assess whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in cash flows or fair values of hedged items. In addition, for cash flow hedges, we assess whether the underlying forecasted transaction will occur. We discontinue hedge accounting if a derivative is not determined to be highly effective as a hedge or that is probable that the underlying forecasted transaction will not occur.

Fair Value Measurement

We measure and disclose the estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities utilizing a hierarchy of valuation techniques based on whether the inputs to a fair value measurement are considered to be observable or unobservable in a marketplace. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions. This hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. These inputs have created the following fair value hierarchy:

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Level 1 — quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

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Level 2 — quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which significant inputs and significant value drivers are observable in active markets; and

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Level 3 — fair value measurements derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable.

We measure fair value using a set of standardized procedures that are outlined herein for all assets and liabilities which are required to be measured at their estimated fair value on either a recurring or non-recurring basis. When available, we utilize quoted market prices from an independent third party source to determine fair value and classifies such items in Level 1. In some instances where a market price is available, but the instrument is in an inactive or over-the-counter market, we consistently apply the dealer (market maker) pricing estimate and classify the asset or liability in Level 2.

If quoted market prices or inputs are not available, fair value measurements are based upon valuation models that utilize current market or independently sourced market inputs, such as interest rates, option volatilities, credit spreads, market capitalization rates, etc. Items valued using such internally-generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. As a result, the asset or liability could be classified in either Level 2 or 3 even though there may be some significant inputs that are readily observable. Internal fair value models and techniques used by us include discounted cash flow and Black Scholes valuation models. We also consider our counterparty's and own credit risk on derivatives and other liabilities measured at their estimated fair value.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to the consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2010 consolidated financial statement presentation. Assets sold or held for sale have been reclassified on the consolidated balance sheets and related operating results have been reclassified from continuing operations to discontinued operations (see Note 11).