5. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We have various assets and liabilities that are considered financial instruments. We estimate that the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate their fair values. We estimate the fair value of our interest and rent receivables using Level 2 inputs such as discounting the estimated future cash flows using the current rates at which similar receivables would be made to others with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. The fair value of our mortgage loans and working capital loans are estimated by using Level 2 inputs such as discounting the estimated future cash flows using the current rates which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and for the same remaining maturities. We determine the fair value of our senior unsecured notes using Level 2 inputs such as quotes from securities dealers and market makers. We estimate the fair value of our revolving credit facility and term loan using Level 2 inputs based on the present value of future payments, discounted at a rate which we consider appropriate for such debt.

Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, are subjective in nature, and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment. Settlement of such fair value amounts may not be possible and may not be a prudent management decision. The following table summarizes fair value estimates for our financial instruments (in thousands):

	As of						As of
	March 31, 2018						December 31, 2017
Asset (Liability)	Book Value			Fair Value			Book Value			Fair Value
Interest and rent receivables	$	81,965		$	81,009		$	78,970		$	78,028
Loans (1)		1,846,525			1,871,705			1,698,471			1,722,101
Debt, net		(4,898,364	)		(4,968,232	)		(4,898,667	)		(5,073,707	)

(1)

Excludes loans related to Ernest since they are recorded at fair value and discussed below.

Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

Our equity interest in Ernest along with their related loans are measured at fair value on a recurring basis as we elected to account for these investments using the fair value option method. We have elected to account for these investments at fair value due to the size of the investments and because we believe this method is more reflective of current values. We have not made a similar election for other currently existing equity interests or loans.

At March 31, 2018, these amounts were as follows (in thousands):

Asset Type	Fair Value		Original Cost		Asset Type Classification
Mortgage loans	$	115,000	$	115,000	Mortgage loans
Equity investments and other loans		112,256		118,010	Other loans/other assets
	$	227,256	$	233,010

Our mortgage and other loans with Ernest are recorded at fair value based on Level 2 inputs by discounting the estimated cash flows using the market rates which similar loans would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings and the same remaining maturities. Our equity investment in Ernest is recorded at fair value based on Level 3 inputs, by using a discounted cash flow model, which requires significant estimates of our investee such as projected revenue and expenses and appropriate consideration of the underlying risk profile of the forecast assumptions associated with the investee. We classify the equity investment as Level 3, as we use certain unobservable inputs to the valuation methodology that are significant to the fair value measurement, and the valuation requires management judgment due to the absence of quoted market prices. For the cash flow model, our observable inputs include use of a capitalization rate, discount rate (which is based on a weighted average cost of capital), and market interest rates, and our unobservable input includes an adjustment for a marketability discount (“DLOM”) on our equity investment of 40% at March 31, 2018.

In regards to the underlying projection of revenues and expenses used in the discounted cash flow model, such projections are provided by Ernest. However, we will modify such projections (including underlying assumptions used) as needed based on our review and analysis of Ernest’s historical results, meetings with key members of management, and our understanding of trends and developments within the healthcare industry.

In arriving at the DLOM, we started with a DLOM range based on the results of studies supporting valuation discounts for other transactions or structures without a public market. To select the appropriate DLOM within the range, we then considered many qualitative factors including the percent of control, the nature of the underlying investee’s business along with our rights as an investor pursuant to the operating agreement, the size of investment, expected holding period, number of shareholders, access to capital marketplace, etc. To illustrate the effect of movements in the DLOM, we performed a sensitivity analysis below by using basis point variations (dollars in thousands):

Basis Point Change in Marketability Discount

Estimated

Increase

(Decrease)

In Fair Value

+100 basis points

)

- 100 basis points

Because the fair value of the Ernest investments noted above is below our original cost, we recognized an unrealized loss during the first quarter of 2018. No unrealized gain/loss on the Ernest investments was recorded in the first quarter of 2017.