10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
[ x ]	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014
[ ]	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 001-10822

National Health Investors, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Maryland	62-1470956
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
222 Robert Rose Drive, Murfreesboro, Tennessee	37129
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(615) 890-9100

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files) Yes [ x ] No [ ]

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

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

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

There were 33,058,124 shares of common stock outstanding of the registrant as of October 30, 2014.

Table of Contents

	Page
Part I. Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements	3
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.	23
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.	45
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.	46
Part II. Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings.	47
Item 1A. Risk Factors.	47
Item 6. Exhibits.	48
Signatures.	49

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
	(unaudited)
Assets:
Real estate properties:
Land	$	94,320		$	91,770
Buildings and improvements	1,380,623			1,320,567
Construction in progress	18,197			9,665
	1,493,140			1,422,002
Less accumulated depreciation	(202,605		)	(174,262		)
Real estate properties, net	1,290,535			1,247,740
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	60,728			60,639
Investment in preferred stock, at cost	38,132			38,132
Cash and cash equivalents	3,559			11,312
Marketable securities	13,275			12,650
Straight-line rent receivable	31,383			18,691
Equity-method investment and other assets	50,556			66,656
Total Assets	$	1,488,168		$	1,455,820
Liabilities and Equity:
Debt	$	640,963		$	617,080
Real estate purchase liabilities	4,000			2,600
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	12,583			8,011
Dividends payable	25,455			24,293
Lease deposit liabilities	22,775			22,775
Deferred income	1,372			3,901
Total Liabilities	707,148			678,660
Commitments and Contingencies
National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 60,000,000 and 40,000,000 shares authorized;
33,058,124 and 33,051,176 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	331			330
Capital in excess of par value	762,918			753,635
Cumulative net income in excess of dividends	765			3,043
Accumulated other comprehensive income	7,109			9,538
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity	771,123			766,546
Noncontrolling interest	9,897			10,614
Total Equity	781,020			777,160
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	1,488,168		$	1,455,820

The accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements are an integral part of these condensed consolidated financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date.

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
Revenues:
Rental income	$	41,669		$	27,873		$	123,335		$	76,045
Interest income from mortgage and other notes	1,754			1,936			5,258			5,877
Investment income and other	1,055			1,040			3,182			3,154
	44,478			30,849			131,775			85,076
Expenses:
Depreciation	9,596			5,565			28,373			14,204
Interest, including amortization of debt discount and issuance costs	7,005			3,290			20,720			6,011
Legal	66			55			149			621
Franchise, excise and other taxes	78			80			790			316
General and administrative	2,164			1,757			6,948			7,171
Loan and realty losses (recoveries), net	—			(2,061		)	—			1,976
	18,909			8,686			56,980			30,299
Income before equity-method investee, discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest	25,569			22,163			74,795			54,777
Income (loss) from equity-method investee	(53		)	178			157			269
Income from continuing operations	25,516			22,341			74,952			55,046
Discontinued operations
Income from operations - discontinued	—			1,339			—			4,656
Gain on sale of real estate	—			19,370			—			19,370
Income from discontinued operations	—			20,709			—			24,026
Net income	25,516			43,050			74,952			79,072
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(266		)	(306		)	(872		)	(664		)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	25,250		$	42,744		$	74,080		$	78,408
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	33,055,992			27,876,176			33,053,386			27,872,805
Diluted	33,088,570			27,905,545			33,087,029			27,906,914
Earnings per common share:
Basic:
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	.76		$	.79		$	2.24		$	1.95
Discontinued operations	—			.74			—			.86
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$	.76		$	1.53		$	2.24		$	2.81
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	.76		$	.79		$	2.24		$	1.95
Discontinued operations	—			.74			—			.86
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$	.76		$	1.53		$	2.24		$	2.81

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

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
	(unaudited)						(unaudited)
Net income	$	25,516		$	43,050		$	74,952		$	79,072
Other comprehensive income:
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on securities	(716		)	(627		)	624			693
Increase (decrease) in fair value of cash flow hedge	3,010			159			(126		)	1,531
Less: reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	(1,209		)	(543		)	(2,927		)	(809		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,085			(1,011		)	(2,429		)	1,415
Comprehensive income	26,601			42,039			72,523			80,487
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(266		)	(306		)	(872		)	(664		)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$	26,335		$	41,733		$	71,651		$	79,823

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

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2014			2013
	(unaudited)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	74,952		$	79,072
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
Depreciation	28,373			14,705
Amortization	1,816			226
Straight-line rental income	(12,692		)	(4,408		)
Write-off of debt issuance costs	2,145			353
Loan and realty losses	—			1,976
Gain on sale of real estate	—			(19,370		)
Share-based compensation	1,796			2,086
Income from equity-method investee	(157		)	(269		)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Equity-method investment and other assets	4			(307		)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(493		)	498
Deferred income	(2,529		)	(149		)
Net cash provided by operating activities	93,215			74,413
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in mortgage and other notes receivable	(1,439		)	(9,713		)
Collection of mortgage and other notes receivable	1,350			18,879
Investment in real estate	(35,688		)	(134,074		)
Investment in real estate development	(6,022		)	(7,883		)
Investment in renovations of existing real estate	(3,078		)	(5,323		)
Payment of real estate purchase liability	(1,600		)	—
Proceeds from disposition of real estate properties	—			20,981
Net cash used in investing activities	(46,477		)	(117,133		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in borrowings under revolving credit facilities	(86,000		)	127,000
Proceeds from convertible senior notes	200,000			—
Proceeds from issuance of secured debt	38,007			—
Borrowings on term loan	130,000			80,000
Payments on term loans	(250,815		)	(99,399		)
Debt issuance costs	(8,899		)	(1,275		)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	—			146
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(1,589		)	(818		)
Dividends paid to stockholders	(75,195		)	(64,656		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(54,491		)	40,998
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(7,753		)	(1,722		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	11,312			9,172
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	3,559		$	7,450

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

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)

(in thousands)

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2014			2013
	(unaudited)
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	13,878		$	5,225
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Settlement of mortgage note by real estate acquisition	$	—		$	13,741
Tax deferred exchange funds applied to investment in real estate	$	23,813		$	—
Conditional consideration in asset acquisition	$	3,000		$	1,600
Accounts payable related to investments in real estate	$	2,623		$	3,453
Assumption of debt in real estate acquisition	$	—		$	80,528
(Increase) decrease in fair value of cash flow hedge	$	(126	)	$	1,531
Assignment of net assets in equity-method investee	$	—		$	817

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

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY

(unaudited, in thousands except share and per share amounts)

	Common Stock			Capital in Excess of Par Value		Cumulative Net Income in Excess of Dividends			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Equity
	Shares	Amount
Balances at December 31, 2013	33,051,176	$	330	$	753,635	$	3,043		$	9,538		$	766,546		$	10,614		$	777,160
Total comprehensive income	—	—		—		74,080			(2,429		)	71,651			872			72,523
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	—	—		—		—			—			—			(1,589		)	(1,589		)
Shares issued on stock options exercised	6,948	1		—		—			—			1			—			1
Share-based compensation	—	—		1,796		—			—			1,796			—			1,796
Equity component of convertible debt	—	—		7,487		—			—			7,487			—			7,487
Dividends declared, $2.31 per common share	—	—		—		(76,358		)	—			(76,358		)	—			(76,358		)
Balances at September 30, 2014	33,058,124	$	331	$	762,918	$	765		$	7,109		$	771,123		$	9,897		$	781,020

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

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NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 2014

(unaudited)

NOTE 1. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We, the management of National Health Investors, Inc., ("NHI" or the "Company") believe that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of which these notes are an integral part include all normal, recurring adjustments which are necessary to fairly present the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NHI in all material respects. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. We assume that users of these condensed consolidated financial statements have read or have access to the audited December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 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 those contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 have been omitted. This condensed consolidated financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, acquisitions and dispositions, changes in interest rates, rents and the timing of debt and equity financings. For a better understanding of NHI and its condensed consolidated financial statements, we recommend reading these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, which are included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a copy of which is available at our web site: www.nhireit.com.

Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the joint venture entity over which we exercise control. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income is reduced by the portion of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance for our arrangements with variable interest entities ("VIEs") which requires us to identify entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights and to determine which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. A VIE is broadly defined as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. We consolidate investments in VIEs when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We may change our assessment of a VIE due to events such as modifications of contractual arrangements that affect the characteristics or adequacy of the entity's equity investments at risk and the disposal of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.

We identify the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the entity. We perform this analysis on an ongoing basis. At September 30, 2014, we held an interest in one unconsolidated VIE, of which we were not the primary beneficiary.

We also apply FASB guidance related to investments in joint ventures based on the type of controlling rights held by the members' interests in limited liability companies that may preclude consolidation by the majority equity owner in certain circumstances in which the majority equity owner would otherwise consolidate the joint venture.

We structure our joint ventures to be compliant with the provisions of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 ("RIDEA") which permits NHI to receive rent payments through a triple-net lease between a property company and an operating company and is designed to give NHI the opportunity to capture additional value on the improving performance of the operating company through distributions to a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"). Accordingly, the TRS holds our equity interest in an unconsolidated operating company, which we do not control, and provides an organizational structure that will allow the TRS to engage in a broad range of activities and share in revenues that would otherwise be non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests.

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Equity-Method Investment - We report our TRS' investment in an unconsolidated entity, over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, our pro rata share of the entity's earnings or losses is included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, we adjust our investment carrying amount to reflect our share of changes in an equity-method investee's capital resulting from its capital transactions.

The initial carrying value of our equity-method investment is based on the fair value of the net assets of the entity at the time we acquired our interest. We estimate fair values of the net assets of our equity-method investee based on discounted cash flow models. The inputs we use in these models are based on assumptions that are within a reasonable range of current market rates for the respective investments.

We evaluate our equity-method investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment may exceed the fair value. If it is determined that a decline in the fair value of our investment is not temporary, and if such reduced fair value is below its carrying value, an impairment is recorded. Determining fair value involves significant judgment. Our estimates consider all available evidence including the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at market rates, general economic conditions and other relevant factors.

Noncontrolling Interest - We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in entities that we control (and thus consolidate) as noncontrolling interest and classify such interest as a component of consolidated equity, separate from total NHI stockholders' equity, in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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.

Earnings Per Share - The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive. Diluted earnings per share also incorporate the potential dilutive impact of our 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2021. We apply the if-converted method to our convertible debt instruments, the effect of which is that conversion will not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per share if the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Reclassifications - We have reclassified for 2013 the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria as either being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. There is no change to reported net income for the prior periods as a result of this reclassification.

New Accounting Pronouncements - In the first quarter of 2014, we adopted ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under ASU 2014-08, disposals will be reported as discontinued operations only when the disposal represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. Previously, we reported the disposition of components that were either reporting units, subsidiaries, or asset groups as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components that occur on or after December 15, 2014. We have elected early adoption, under which terms we will prospectively apply ASU 2014-08 and report as discontinued operations only those disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been previously reported.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 provides a principles-based approach for a broad range of revenue generating transactions, including the sale of real estate, which will generally require more estimates and more judgment and more disclosures than under current guidance. Because this ASU specifically excludes lease contracts from its scope, its application is not expected to impact our recognition of rental income on a straight-line basis. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is prohibited. We have yet to determine the method by which ASU 2014-09 will be adopted in 2017 and we are continuing to study the effect that our eventual adoption of this standard will have on our reported financial position and results of operation, the extent of which cannot be reasonably estimable at this time.

In June 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. Current FASB guidance does not state whether instruments within the scope of ASU 2014-12 should be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting or as a nonvesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. Among its provisions, this ASU clarifies that the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Rather, compensation cost should be recognized in the

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period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are studying the effects of the ASU prior to adoption. We have not previously issued instruments within its scope, and, accordingly, our eventual adoption of the new standard is expected to have no effect on our financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

NOTE 2. REAL ESTATE

As of September 30, 2014, we owned 163 health care real estate properties located in 30 states and consisting of 94 senior housing communities, 64 skilled nursing facilities, 3 hospitals and 2 medical office buildings. Our senior housing properties include assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and senior living campuses. These investments (excluding our corporate office of $899,000) consisted of properties with an original cost of approximately $1,492,241,000, rented under triple-net leases to 24 lessees.

Chancellor

On September 30, 2014, we completed a $5,650,000 acquisition of a 25-unit assisted living facility in Milwaukie, Oregon and leased the facility to Chancellor Health Care, LLC ("Chancellor") for an initial term of 15 years with twoten-year renewal options. The initial lease rate is 8.0% with fixed annual escalators. Because the facility was owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase.

In June 2014 we acquired a 56-unit assisted living/memory care facility in Sacramento, California for $11,500,000 and leased the facility to Chancellor for an initial term of 15 years, plus renewal options. The initial lease rate is 8.0% with fixed annual escalators. Because the facility was owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase.

Prestige

In March 2014 we completed a $40,115,000 purchase of 3 skilled nursing facilities in Oregon totaling 196 beds and a 105-unit assisted living facility in Idaho from Prestige Senior Living ("Prestige"). We have a commitment to fund contingent earn-out payments up to a maximum of $6,390,000 based on the achievement of certain financial metrics as measured periodically through December 31, 2015. Because the facilities were owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase. At acquisition, we estimated probable contingent payments of $3,000,000 to be likely and have, accordingly, reflected that amount in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Contingent payments earned will be an addition to the lease base when funded.

We have leased the 4 facilities to Prestige with a 15-year term at an initial rate of 8.4% plus fixed annual escalators. In addition, at two of the Oregon facilities we have committed to invest $2,000,000 for capital improvements which are expected to be completed by June 30, 2015. This investment will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated.

Holiday

In December 2013 we acquired 25 independent living facilities from Holiday Acquisition Holdings LLC (“Holiday”), an affiliate of Holiday Retirement. We have leased this portfolio to NH Master Tenant, LLC, a subsidiary of Holiday. Our tenant continues to operate the facilities pursuant to a management agreement with a Holiday-affiliated manager. The master lease term of 17 years began in December 2013 and provides for initial base rent of $31,915,000 plus annual escalators of 4.5% in the first 3 years and a minimum of 3.5% each year thereafter.

Of our total revenue from continuing operations, $10,954,000 (25%) and $32,863,000 (25%) were derived from Holiday for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Lease revenue from Holiday for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes straight-line rent of $2,975,000 and $8,926,000, respectively.

NHC

As of September 30, 2014, we leased 42 health care facilities under two master leases to National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC”), a publicly-held company and the lessee of our legacy properties. The facilities leased to NHC consist of 3 independent living facilities and 39 skilled nursing facilities (4 of which are subleased to other parties for whom the lease payments are guaranteed to us by NHC). These facilities are leased to NHC under the terms of an amended master lease agreement originally dated October 17, 1991 ("the 1991 lease") which includes our 35 remaining legacy properties and a master lease agreement dated August 30, 2013 ("the 2013 lease") which includes 7 skilled nursing facilities acquired from ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. on August 31, 2013.

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The 1991 lease has been amended to extend the lease expiration to December 31, 2026. There are two additional 5-year renewal options, each at fair rental value of such leased property as negotiated between the parties and determined without including the value attributable to any improvements to the leased property voluntarily made by NHC at its expense. Under the terms of the lease, the base annual rental is $30,750,000 and rent escalates by 4% of the increase, if any, in each facility's revenue over a 2007 base year. The 2013 lease provides for a base annual rental of $3,450,000 and has a lease expiration of August 2028. Under the terms of the lease, rent escalates 4% of the increase in each facility's revenue over the 2014 base year. For both the 1991 lease and the 2013 lease, we refer to this additional rent component as “percentage rent.” During the last three years of the 2013 lease, NHC will have the option to purchase the facilities for $49,000,000.

The following table summarizes the percentage rent income from NHC (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Current year	$	573	$	570	$	1,719	$	1,706
Prior year final certification1	—		—		15		746
Total percentage rent income	$	573	$	570	$	1,734	$	2,452

¹ For purposes of the percentage rent calculation described in the master lease Agreement, NHC’s annual revenue by facility for a given year is certified to NHI by March 31st of the following year.

Of our total revenue from continuing operations, $9,109,000 (20%) and $8,503,000 (28%) were derived from NHC for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $27,337,000 (21%) and $25,650,000 (30%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Bickford

As of September 30, 2014, we owned an 85% equity interest and an affiliate of Bickford Senior Living ("Bickford") owned a 15% equity interest in our consolidated subsidiary ("PropCo") which owned 29 assisted living/memory care facilities and also had 1 facility in the final stage of construction which is expected to open in November 2014. The facilities are leased to an operating company, ("OpCo"), in which we also retain an 85/15 ownership interest with an affiliate of Bickford, who controls the entity. This joint venture is structured to comply with the provisions of RIDEA.

For the same-store portfolio of 27 properties, the contractual rent from OpCo to PropCo for 2014 is $19,254,000. We include in our same-store comparison only those facilities which have completed initial lease-up. OpCo is continuing the lease-up of 3 assisted living facilities, 2 of which opened in the fourth quarter of 2013, and the third expected to open in November 2014. Under the terms of the current development lease agreement, PropCo receives rent from OpCo on the total amount of development costs, including land, which totaled $22,546,000 at September 30, 2014. Once the facilities stabilize, an annual rental amount will be determined between the parties. Rent income received from the development projects was $983,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. NHI has an exclusive right to Bickford's future acquisitions, development projects and refinancing transactions.

Of our total revenues from continuing operations, $5,324,000 (12%) and $5,209,000 (17%) were recognized as rental income from Bickford for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $15,789,000 (12%) and $9,383,000 (11%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In June 2013 PropCo acquired 14 properties from Care Investment Trust in a transaction we accounted for as a business combination ("the Care acquisition"). The unaudited pro forma revenue, net income and net income available to common stockholders of the combined entity are provided below as if the acquisition date had been January 1, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Revenue	$	44,478	$	30,849	$	131,774	$	90,253
Net income	$	25,776	$	43,068	$	75,265	$	79,915
Net income available to common stockholders	$	25,504	$	42,759	$	74,366	$	79,124
Basic earnings per common share	$	.77	$	1.53	$	2.25	$	2.84
Diluted earnings per common share	$	.77	$	1.53	$	2.25	$	2.84

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Supplemental pro forma information above includes revenues from the Care lease with OpCo, recognized on a straight-line basis, depreciation, and appropriate interest costs.

Our revenue from continuing operations includes $2,588,000 and $7,765,000 from the 14 Care properties for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Our net income includes $389,000 and $1,196,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

NOTE 3. EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT AND OTHER ASSETS

Our equity-method investment in OpCo and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Equity-method investment in OpCo	$	9,651	$	9,494
Debt issuance costs	12,211		7,366
Accounts receivable and other assets	2,222		2,502
Reserves for replacement, insurance and tax escrows	3,697		706
Lease escrow deposits	22,775		22,775
Escrow deposit for tax deferred exchange	—		23,813
	$	50,556	$	66,656

Upon the acquisition of our equity method investment in OpCo in 2012, our purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired based upon their estimated relative fair values. Accounting guidance for equity method investments requires that we account for the difference between the cost basis of our investment in OpCo and our pro rata share of the amount of underlying equity in the net assets of OpCo as though OpCo were a consolidated subsidiary. Accordingly, the excess of the original purchase price over the fair value of identified tangible assets at acquisition of $8,986,000 is treated as implied goodwill and is subject to periodic review for impairment in conjunction with our equity method investment. When we acquired 17 properties leased or managed by Bickford in June 2013, an assignment was entered into whereby the operations of the related facilities were conveyed by an affiliate of Bickford to OpCo. The transaction mandated the effective cut-off of operating revenues and expenses and the settlement of operating assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. Specified remaining net tangible assets were assigned to OpCo at the transferor's carryover basis resulting in an adjustment, through NHI's capital in excess of par value to our equity method investment in OpCo, of $817,000. We monitor and periodically review our equity method investment in OpCo for impairment to determine whether a decline, if any, in the value of the investment is other-than temporary. We noted no decline in value as of September 30, 2014.

OpCo is intended to be self-financing, and aside from initial investments therein, no direct support has been provided by NHI to OpCo since the original investment on September 30, 2012. While PropCo's rental revenues associated with the related properties are sourced from OpCo, a decision to furnish additional direct support would be at our discretion and not obligatory. As a result, our maximum exposure to loss at September 30, 2014, due to our investment in OpCo, would be limited to our equity interest. We have concluded that OpCo meets the accounting criteria to be considered a VIE. However, because we do not control the entity, nor do we have any role in the day-to-day management, we are not the primary beneficiary of the entity and therefore account for our investment using the equity method. There were no distributions declared during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 and 2013.

At September 30, 2014, we held lease escrow deposits of $22,775,000 in regard to our lease with Holiday. The Holiday deposits include $21,275,000 as a lease security deposit which remains in escrow for the term of the 17-year lease commencing in December 2013 and is payable to Holiday at the end of the lease term. The remaining $1,500,000 is reserved for specified capital improvements.

Reserves for replacement, insurance and tax escrows include amounts required to be held on deposit in accordance with regulatory agreements governing our Fannie Mae and HUD mortgages.

In March 2014 we utilized $23,813,000 held with a qualified intermediary to provide a portion of the funding for the Prestige acquisition discussed in Note 2.

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NOTE 4. MORTGAGE AND OTHER NOTES RECEIVABLE

At September 30, 2014, we had investments in mortgage notes receivable with a carrying value of $34,956,000 secured by real estate and UCC liens on the personal property of 11 health care properties and other notes receivable with a carrying value of $25,772,000 guaranteed by significant parties to the notes or by cross-collateralization of properties with the same owner. No allowance for doubtful accounts was considered necessary at September 30, 2014.

In June 2014 we entered into a $500,000 revolving loan with our joint venture partner, an affiliate of Bickford, to fund pre-development expenses related to potential future projects. Interest is payable monthly at 10% and the note matures in August 2015. The outstanding balance at September 30, 2014 was $308,000.

NOTE 5. INVESTMENT IN PREFERRED STOCK, AT COST

We recognized $818,000 and $2,454,000 in preferred dividend income from LTC (a publicly-traded REIT) for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 and 2013 on our investment in 2,000,000 shares of their cumulative preferred stock carried at its original cost of $38,132,000. The preferred stock, which was purchased in September 1998, is not listed on a stock exchange, is considered a non-marketable security and is recorded at cost in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The non-voting preferred stock is convertible into 2,000,000 shares of LTC common stock whose closing price at September 30, 2014 was $36.89 per share. The preferred stock has an annual cumulative coupon rate of 8.5% payable quarterly and a liquidation preference of $19.25 per share. While not the fair value of our preferred stock investment, we provide the above information as pertinent to the reader's estimation of the fair value of our investment. In accordance with ASC Topic 825 Financial Instruments, paragraph 10-50 Disclosure-Overall, we have determined that due to excessive costs, it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of our cost basis investment in preferred stock because of inherent subjectivities in refining the estimate to a degree that is likely to materially augment the information provided above. Further, we have identified no events that may have had an adverse effect on its fair value which would have required revisiting the instrument's carrying value.

NOTE 6. INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Our investments in marketable securities include available-for-sale securities which are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are presented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses from securities sales are determined based upon specific identification of the securities.

Marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Common stock of other healthcare REITs	$	4,088	$	13,275	$	4,088	$	12,650

Gross unrealized gains related to available-for-sale securities were $9,186,000 at September 30, 2014 and $8,562,000 at December 31, 2013.

NOTE 7. DEBT

Debt consists of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Convertible senior notes - unsecured (net of discount of $7,232)	$	192,768	$	—
Revolving credit facility - unsecured	81,000		167,000
Bank term loans - unsecured	250,000		370,000
HUD mortgage loans - secured	37,973		—
Fannie Mae term loans - secured (including a premium of $1,680)	79,222		80,080
	$	640,963	$	617,080

In July and September 2014 we obtained mortgage loans totaling $38,007,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") secured by nine properties in our joint venture with an affiliate of Bickford. The mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest of 4.65% in the first year and 4.3% thereafter (inclusive of mortgage insurance premium) and mature in August and October 2049. We used these proceeds to retire borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

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In March 2014 we issued $200,000,000 of 3.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due April 2021 (the "Notes"). Interest is payable April 1st and October 1st of each year. The Notes are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 13.926 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, representing a conversion price of approximately $71.81 per share for a total of approximately 2,785,200 underlying shares. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, as defined in the indenture governing the Notes, but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest except in limited circumstances. The conversion option is considered an "optional net-share settlement conversion feature," meaning that upon conversion, NHI's conversion obligation may be satisfied, at our option, in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Because the conversion price is in excess of the average stock price for the quarter, the impact of the conversion option is currently anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation and as such has no effect on our earnings per share.

The embedded conversion options (1) do not require net cash settlement, (2) are not conventionally convertible but can be classified in stockholders’ equity under ASC 815-40, and (3) are considered indexed to NHI’s own stock. Therefore, the conversion feature satisfies the conditions to qualify for an exception to the derivative liability rules, and the Notes are split into debt and equity components. The value of the debt component is based upon the estimated fair value of a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature at the time of issuance and was estimated to be approximately $192,238,000. The $7,762,000 difference between the contractual principal on the debt and the value allocated to the debt was recorded as an equity component and represents the estimated value of the conversion feature of the instrument. The excess of the contractual principal amount of the debt over its estimated fair value, the original issue discount, is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the estimated term of the Notes. The effective interest rate used to amortize the debt discount and the liability component of the debt issue costs was approximately 3.9% based on our estimated non-convertible borrowing rate at the date the Notes were issued.

The total cost of issuing the Notes was $6,063,000, of which $5,788,000 was allocated to the debt component and is subject to amortization over the estimated term of the notes. The remaining $275,000 was allocated to the equity component.

On March 27, 2014, we entered into an amended $700,000,000 senior unsecured credit facility. The facility can be expanded, subject to certain conditions, up to an additional $130,000,000. At closing, the new facility amended a smaller credit facility that provided for $620,000,000 of total commitments.

The amended credit facility provides for: (1) a $450,000,000 unsecured, revolving credit facility that matures in March 2019 (inclusive of an embedded 1-year extension option) with interest at 150 basis points over LIBOR; (2) a $130,000,000 unsecured term loan that matures in June 2020 with interest at 175 basis points over LIBOR; and (3) two existing term loans which remain in place totaling $120,000,000, maturing in June 2020 and bearing interest at 175 basis points over LIBOR. The employment of interest rate swaps for our fixed term debt leaves only our revolving credit facility exposed to variable rate risk. Our swaps and the financial instruments to which they relate are described in the table below, under the caption “Interest Rate Swap Agreements.”

At September 30, 2014, we had $369,000,000 available to draw on the revolving portion of the credit facility. The unused commitment fee is 40 basis points per annum. The unsecured credit facility requires that we maintain certain financial ratios within limits set by our creditors. To date, these ratios, which are calculated quarterly, have been within the limits required by the credit facility agreements.

As part of the Care acquisition discussed in Note 2, we assumed Fannie Mae mortgage loans, with principal balances of $70,380,000 and $7,162,000 on September 30, 2014, which have interest at rates of 6.85% and 7.17%, respectively, and mature on July 1, 2015. The loans contain yield maintenance penalties for prepayment up through December 31, 2014.

The following table summarizes interest expense (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Interest expense at contractual rates	$	6,244	$	3,180	$	16,683	$	5,415
Amortization of debt issuance costs and bond discount	761		110		1,892		243
Debt issuance costs expensed due to credit facility modifications	—		—		2,145		353
Total interest expense	$	7,005	$	3,290	$	20,720	$	6,011

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Interest Rate Swap Agreements

To mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into the following interest rate swap contracts on our bank term loans as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Date Entered	Maturity Date	Fixed Rate	Rate Index	Notional Amount		Fair Value
May 2012	April 2019	3.29%	1-month LIBOR	$	40,000	$	256
June 2013	June 2020	3.86%	1-month LIBOR	$	80,000	$	(765	)
March 2014	June 2020	3.91%	1-month LIBOR	$	130,000	$	(1,568	)

See Note 12 for fair value disclosures about our Fannie Mae mortgage loan and interest rate swap agreements.

NOTE 8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Bickford

As of September 30, 2014, our subsidiary PropCo had purchased land and begun construction on one assisted living/memory care facility having a maximum cost of $9,000,000. Our costs incurred to date, including land, were $6,990,000. The facility is expected to open in November 2014. In February 2014 we entered into a commitment of $2,785,000 on a letter of credit for the benefit of our joint venture partner, an affiliate of Bickford, which holds a minority interest in PropCo. See Note 4 for a discussion of our outstanding revolving loan commitment with an affiliate of Bickford.

Chancellor

In October 2013, we entered into a $7,500,000 commitment to build a 46-unit free-standing assisted living and memory care community, expanding our Linda Valley senior living campus in Loma Linda, California. We began construction during the first quarter of 2014 and had funded $3,115,000 as of September 30, 2014. The initial lease term is for 15 years at an annual rate of 9% plus a fixed annual escalator. NHI purchased the Linda Valley campus in 2012 and leased it to Chancellor, who has been operating the campus since 1993. We have also committed to provide up to $500,000 for renovations and improvements related to our recent acquisition of a 63-unit senior housing community in Baltimore, Maryland which we have leased to Chancellor. We began renovations during the first quarter of 2014 and had funded $257,000 as of September 30, 2014. We receive rent income on funds advanced for both construction projects.

Discovery

As a lease inducement, we have a contingent commitment to fund a series of payments up to $2,500,000 in connection with our September 2013 lease to Discovery Senior Living ("Discovery") of a senior living campus in Rainbow City, Alabama. Discovery would earn the contingent payments upon attaining and sustaining a specified lease coverage ratio. As earned, the payments would be due in installments of $750,000 in each of years two and three of the lease with the residual due in year four. As of September 30, 2014, incurring the contingent payments was not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fundamental

In April 2013, we completed the purchase of two skilled nursing facilities located in Canton and Corinth, Texas for a purchase price of $26,150,000 in cash, plus consideration related to the Corinth facility of $1,600,000 conditional upon meeting future performance measures. In March 2014 upon satisfactory achievement of the required operating metrics, we made the full $1,600,000 payment to Fundamental.

Helix Healthcare

In March 2010, we completed a purchase/leaseback transaction with Helix Healthcare (“Helix”) for $12,500,000. The purchase price includes a conditional payment of $1,000,000, which is recorded as a purchase liability.

Kentucky River

In March 2012, we entered into a long-term lease extension and construction commitment to Jackson Hospital Corporation, an affiliate of Community Health Systems, to provide up to $8,000,000 for extensive renovations and additions to our Kentucky River Medical Center, a general acute care hospital in Jackson, Kentucky. This investment will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated. The construction project commenced during the first quarter of 2013 and is expected to be completed

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by December 31, 2014. Total construction costs incurred as of September 30, 2014 were $7,456,000. The 10-year lease extension began July 1, 2012, with an additional 5-year renewal option.

Prestige

We have agreed to fund capital improvements of up to $2,000,000 in connection with two of the facilities we lease to Prestige. The capital improvements will be an addition to our original investment in the properties when funded and will be included in the lease base. As of September 30, 2014, we had funded $693,000 of this commitment. Additionally, we have committed to fund contingent earn-out payments up to a maximum of $6,390,000 based on the achievement of certain financial metrics as measured periodically through December 31, 2015. At acquisition, we estimated probable contingent payments of $3,000,000 to be likely and have reflected that amount in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Contingent payments earned will be included in the lease base when funded.

Santé

We have a $2,000,000 supplemental construction commitment to our borrower, Santé Partners, LLC (“Santé”). This additional loan amount becomes available to the borrower when the 70-bed transitional rehabilitation hospital, completed in March 2011, achieves certain operating metrics. NHI also has the option to purchase and lease back the hospital when it achieves a predetermined level of stabilized net operating income.

In connection with our Silverdale, Washington senior living campus, we have a contingent commitment to fund two lease inducement payments of $1,000,000 each. Santé would earn the payments upon attaining and sustaining a specified lease coverage ratio. If earned, the first payment would be due after the second lease year and the second payment would be due after the third lease year. As at acquisition, incurring the contingent payments is not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

We are committed to fund a $3,500,000 expansion and renovation program at our Silverdale, Washington senior living campus and as of September 30, 2014 had funded $2,621,000, which was added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated.

Senior Living Management

In September 2014 we entered into an agreement with our current tenant, Senior Living Management, to fund up to $700,000 for renovations to our Greensboro, Georgia assisted living facility. When the renovations are complete, the total amount will be added to the lease base. No costs have been incurred to date.

Litigation

Our Health Care Facilities are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. Our lessees and borrowers have indemnified, and are obligated to continue to indemnify us, against all liabilities arising from both the operation of the Health Care Facilities and are further obligated to indemnify us against environmental or title problems affecting the real estate underlying such facilities. While there may be lawsuits pending against certain of the owners and/or lessees of the Health Care Facilities, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all such pending proceedings will have no material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

NOTE 9. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We recognize share-based compensation for all stock options granted over the requisite service period using the fair value of these grants as estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model, and all restricted stock granted over the requisite service period using the market value of our publicly-traded common stock on the date of grant.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("the Committee") has the authority to select the participants to be granted options; to designate whether the option granted is an incentive stock option ("ISO"), a non-qualified option, or a stock appreciation right; to establish the number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the option; to establish the vesting provision for any award; and to establish the term any award may be outstanding. The exercise price of any ISO’s granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted, and the term of an ISO may not be more than ten years. The exercise price of any non-qualified options granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.

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In May 2012, our stockholders approved the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan ("the 2012 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of September 30, 2014, there were 740,000 shares available for future grants under the 2012 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to five years. The term of the options under the 2012 Plan is up to ten years from the date of grant.

In May 2005, our stockholders approved the NHI 2005 Stock Option Plan ("the 2005 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of September 30, 2014, there were 20,635 shares available for future grants under the 2005 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to ten years. The term of the options outstanding under the 2005 Plan is up to ten years from the date of grant.

Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest. Accordingly, forfeitures that were not expected may result in the reversal of previously recorded compensation expense. The compensation expense reported for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $223,000 and $253,000, respectively, and for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1,796,000 and $2,086,000, respectively.

At September 30, 2014, we had, net of expected forfeitures, $590,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options which is expected to be expensed over the following periods: 2014 - $223,000, 2015 - $331,000 and 2016 - $36,000. Stock-based compensation is included in general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2014		2013
Options outstanding January 1,	516,674		211,675
Options granted under 2012 Plan	400,000		360,000
Options forfeited under 2012 Plan	(15,000	)	—
Options exercised under 2005 Plan	(26,670	)	(55,001	)
Options outstanding, September 30,	875,004		516,674
Exercisable at September 30,	648,323		323,330

NOTE 10. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

We have reclassified, for periods before adoption of ASU 2014-08, the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria for properties sold or held for sale as discontinued operations.

In December 2013, we sold three older skilled nursing facilities to affiliates of our current tenant, Fundamental, for $18,500,000 and recorded a gain of $1,269,000 for financial statement purposes. Our lease revenue from these facilities was $844,000 and $2,532,000 for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013. Pursuant to the purchase option, rents associated with the two remaining properties will be fixed at $250,000 per month, without escalation, through the first renewal term in February 2016.

In October 2013, our tenant, Weatherly Associates, LLC, exercised their option to purchase a senior housing facility in Pennsylvania for $5,315,000. The sale was completed in December 2013, and we recorded a gain of $1,619,000 for financial statement purposes. Our lease revenue from the facility was $100,000 and $302,000 for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013.

In August 2013 we sold six older skilled nursing facilities to NHC for $21,000,000 and recorded a gain of $19,370,000 for financial statement purposes. Our lease revenue from the facilities was $562,000 and $2,321,000 for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013.

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Income from discontinued operations is summarized below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Revenues:
Rental income	$	—	$	1,506	$	—	$	5,155
Other income	—		—		—		2
Expenses:
Depreciation	—		167		—		501
Operating income	—		1,339		—		4,656
Gain on sale of real estate	—		19,370		—		19,370
Total discontinued operations	$	—	$	20,709	$	—	$	24,026
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	33,055,992		27,876,176		33,053,386		27,872,805
Diluted	33,088,570		27,905,545		33,087,029		27,906,914
Discontinued operations income per share:
Basic	$	—	$	.74	$	—	$	.86
Diluted	$	—	$	.74	$	—	$	.86

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NOTE 11. EARNINGS AND DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted shares using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive.

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

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	25,250	$	22,035	$	74,080	$	54,382
Discontinued operations	—		20,709		—		24,026
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	25,250	$	42,744	$	74,080	$	78,408
BASIC:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,055,992		27,876,176		33,053,386		27,872,805
Income from continuing operations per common share	$	.76	$	.79	$	2.24	$	1.95
Discontinued operations per common share	—		.74		—		.86
Net income per common share	$	.76	$	1.53	$	2.24	$	2.81
DILUTED:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,055,992		27,876,176		33,053,386		27,872,805
Stock options	32,578		29,369		33,643		34,109
Average dilutive common shares outstanding	33,088,570		27,905,545		33,087,029		27,906,914
Income from continuing operations per common share	$	.76	$	.79	$	2.24	$	1.95
Discontinued operations per common share	—		.74		—		.86
Net income per common share	$	.76	$	1.53	$	2.24	$	2.81
Incremental shares excluded since anti-dilutive:
Net share effect of stock options with an exercise price in excess of the average market price for our common shares	24,659		43,473		26,734		15,649
Regular dividends declared per common share	$	.77	$	.735	$	2.31	$	2.165

NOTE 12. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (based on the hierarchy of the three levels of inputs described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K) on a recurring basis include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments and contingent consideration arrangements. Marketable securities consist of common stock of other healthcare REITs. Derivative financial instruments include our interest rate swap agreements. Contingent consideration arrangements relate to certain provisions of recent real estate purchase agreements involving both business combinations.

Marketable securities. We utilize quoted prices in active markets to measure debt and equity securities; these items are classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy and include the common and preferred stock of other healthcare REITs.

Derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. The market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument's term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation model for interest rate swaps are observable in active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

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Contingent consideration. Contingent consideration arrangements are classified as Level 3 and are valued using unobservable inputs about the nature of the contingent arrangement and the counter-party to the arrangement, as well as our assumptions about the probability of full settlement of the contingency.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands):

		Fair Value Measurement
	Balance Sheet Classification	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Level 1
Common stock of other healthcare REITs	Marketable securities	$	13,275	$	12,650
Level 2
Interest rate swap asset	Other assets	$	256	$	975
Interest rate swap liability	Accrued expenses	$	2,333	$	—
Level 3
Contingent consideration	Real estate purchase liabilities	$	4,000	$	2,600

The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013(in thousands):

	Fair Value Beginning of Period		Transfers Into Level 3		Realized Gains and (Losses)		Purchases, Issuances and Settlements, net		Fair Value at End of Period		Total Period Losses Included in Earnings Attributable to the Change in Unrealized Losses Relating to Assets Held at End of Year
2014
Contingent consideration	$	2,600	$	—	$	—	$	1,400	$	4,000	$	—
2013
Contingent consideration	$	4,256	$	—	$	—	$	1,600	$	5,856	$	—

Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	Carrying Amount				Fair Value Measurement
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Level 2
Variable rate debt	$	331,000	$	537,000	$	331,000	$	537,000
Fixed rate debt	$	309,963	$	80,080	$	311,963	$	79,365
Level 3
Mortgage and other notes receivable	$	60,728	$	60,639	$	68,864	$	67,201

The fair value of mortgage and other notes receivable is based on credit risk and discount rates that are not observable in the marketplace and therefore represents a Level 3 measurement.

Fixed rate debt. Fixed rate debt is classified as Level 2 and its value is based on quoted prices for similar instruments or calculated utilizing model derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable in active markets.

Carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of our borrowings under our credit facility are reasonably estimated at their carrying value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, due to the predominance of floating interest rates, which generally reflect market conditions.

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NOTE 13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Real Estate Investment

On October 31, 2014, our subsidiary, PropCo, acquired a 101-unit assisted living facility located in Middletown, Ohio for $18,100,000 plus approximately $100,000 in transaction costs, to be paid in cash and assumption of secured debt at an interest rate of 2.9% with an outstanding principal balance of $9,552,000 and an estimated fair value of $7,875,000. The facility will be leased under terms structured to comply with provisions of RIDEA, within our joint venture to the operating company, OpCo, of which we retain an 85/15 ownership interest with Bickford, who controls the entity, as discussed in Note 2. Because the facility was owner-occupied, the acquisition will be accounted for as an asset purchase.

Mortgage and Construction Loan Investment

On November 3, 2014, NHI announced it had agreed to lend Life Care Services, through its LCS-Westminster Partnership III LLP (“LCS-WP”) up to $154,500,000. The loans would convey a mortgage interest and would serve to facilitate the construction of Phase II of Timber Ridge at Talus (“Timber Ridge”), a Type-A Continuing Care Retirement Community in the Seattle area. The new financing is expected to close by November 30, 2014.

The loans would take the form of two notes under a master credit agreement. The senior loan (“Note A”) totals $60,000,000 at a 6.75% interest rate with 10 basis-point escalators after year three, and would have a term of 10 years. Note A is interest-only and would be locked to prepayment for three years. After year three, the prepayment penalty would start at 5% and decline 1% per year. The loan is to be freely prepayable during the last 6 months of its term. The second note ("Note B") is a construction loan for up to $94,500,000 at an interest rate of 8% and a five year maturity. We anticipate funding Note B over twenty months and would be repaid with entrance fees once Phase II opens. NHI would have a purchase option on the property for the greater of fair market value or $115,000,000. A purchase option window of fifteen months would contingently open in year five or upon earlier stabilization, as defined. The purchase option would constitute a variable interest in Phase II of the Timber Ridge project, creating an interest in specified assets of LCS-WP but not in LCS-WP as a whole. Since LCS-WP would not be a VIE, the specified Timber Ridge assets would not be subject to the consolidation guidance governing Variable Interest Entities.

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward Looking Statements

References throughout this document to NHI or the Company include National Health Investors, Inc., and its consolidated subsidiaries. In accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s “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 Health Investors, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and not any other person. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references herein to “the Company” include all of our consolidated subsidiaries.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other materials we have filed or may file with the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as information included in oral statements made, or to be made, by our senior management contain 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, cash flows, funds from operations, continued performance improvements, ability to service and refinance our debt obligations, ability to finance growth opportunities, and similar statements including, without limitation, those containing words such as “may,” “will,” “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:

* We depend on the operating success of our customers (facility operators) for collection of our revenues during this time of uncertain economic conditions in the U.S.;

* We are exposed to the risk that our tenants and borrowers may not be able to meet the rent, principal and interest or other payments due us, which may result in an operator bankruptcy or insolvency, or that an operator might become subject to bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings for other reasons;

* We are exposed to risks related to governmental regulations and payors, principally Medicare and Medicaid, and the effect that lower reimbursement rates will have on our tenants’ and borrowers’ business;

* We are exposed to the risk that the cash flows of our tenants and borrowers will be adversely affected by increased liability claims and general and professional liability insurance costs;

* We are exposed to risks related to environmental laws and the costs associated with the liability related to hazardous substances;

* We are exposed to the risk that we may not be indemnified by our lessees and borrowers against future litigation;

* We depend on the success of future acquisitions and investments;

* We depend on the ability to reinvest cash in real estate investments in a timely manner and on acceptable terms;

* We may need to incur more debt in the future, which may not be available on terms acceptable to the Company;

* We have covenants related to our indebtedness which impose certain operational limitations and a breach of those covenants could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations;

* We are exposed to the risk that the illiquidity of real estate investments could impede our ability to respond to adverse changes in the performance of our properties;

* We are exposed to risks associated with our investments in unconsolidated entities, including our lack of sole decision-making authority and our reliance on the financial condition of other interests;

* We depend on revenues derived mainly from fixed rate investments in real estate assets, while our debt capital used to finance those investments is primarily at variable rates. This circumstance creates interest rate risk to the Company;

* We are exposed to the risk that our assets may be subject to impairment charges;

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* We depend on the ability to continue to qualify as a real estate investment trust;

* We depend on the success of property development and construction activities which may fail to achieve the operating results we expect;

* We have ownership limits in our charter with respect to our common stock and other classes of capital stock which may delay, defer or prevent a transaction or a change of control that might involve a premium price for our common stock or might otherwise be in the best interests of our stockholders;

* We are subject to certain provisions of Maryland law and our charter and bylaws that could hinder, delay or prevent a change in control transaction, even if the transaction involves a premium price for our common stock or our stockholders believe such transaction to be otherwise in their best interests.

See the notes to the annual audited consolidated financial statements in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, and “Business” and “Risk Factors” under Item 1 and Item 1A therein for a further discussion of these and of various governmental regulations and other operating factors relating to the healthcare industry and the risk factors inherent in them. You should carefully consider these risks before making any investment decisions in the Company. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones facing the Company. There may be additional risks that we do not presently know of or that we currently deem immaterial. If any of the risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows could be materially adversely affected. In that case, the trading price of our shares of stock could decline and you may lose part or all of your investment. Given these risks and uncertainties, we can give no assurance that these forward-looking statements will, in fact, occur and, therefore, caution investors not to place undue reliance on them.

Executive Overview

National Health Investors, Inc., a Maryland corporation incorporated and publicly listed in 1991, is a healthcare real estate investment trust (“REIT”) specializing in financing healthcare real estate by purchase and leaseback transactions, RIDEA transactions and by mortgage loans. Our portfolio consists of investments in real estate, mortgage and other notes and in the preferred and common stock of other REITs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, our investment portfolio generated revenues of $131,775,000. We are a self-managed REIT investing in health care real estate or in the operations thereof through independent third-party managers that generate current income to be distributed to stockholders. Our investments include senior housing (independent living, assisted living & senior living campuses), skilled nursing facilities, medical office buildings, and hospitals. We typically fund these investments through three sources of capital: (1) debt offerings, including bank lines of credit and ordinary term debt, (2) the sale of equity securities, and (3) current cash flow.

Portfolio

At September 30, 2014, our continuing operations included investments in real estate and mortgage and other notes receivable in 174 health care facilities located in 30 states consisting of 97 senior housing communities, 71 skilled nursing facilities, 4 hospitals, 2 medical office buildings and other notes receivable. These investments (excluding our corporate office of $899,000) consisted of properties with an original cost of approximately $1,492,241,000, rented under triple-net leases to 24 lessees, and $60,728,000 aggregate carrying value of mortgage and other notes receivable due from 14 borrowers.

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The following tables summarize our investments in real estate and mortgage and other notes receivable as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Real Estate Properties			Properties	Beds/Sq. Ft.*		Revenue
	Assisted Living		61	3,043		$	29,371
	Senior Living Campus		5	797		5,247
	Independent Living		28	3,114		33,842
	Senior Housing Communities		94	6,954		68,460
	Skilled Nursing Facilities		64	8,370		48,480
	Hospitals		3	181		5,659
	Medical Office Buildings		2	88,517	*	736
		Total Real Estate Properties	163			$	123,335
Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable
	Assisted Living		3	310		$	764
	Senior Living Campus		—	76		30
	Senior Housing Communities		3	386		794
	Skilled Nursing Facilities		7	594		1,041
	Hospital		1	70		900
	Other Notes Receivable		—	—		2,523
		Total Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable	11			$	5,258
		Total Portfolio	174			$	128,593

Portfolio Summary			Properties	Investment %		Revenue
	Real Estate Properties		163	95.9	%	$	123,335
	Mortgage and Other Notes Receivable		11	4.1	%	5,258
		Total Portfolio	174	100.0	%	$	128,593
Summary of Facilities by Type
	Assisted Living		64	23.4	%	$	30,134
	Independent Living		28	26.3	%	33,842
	Senior Living Campus		5	4.1	%	5,278
	Senior Housing Communities		97	53.8	%	69,254
	Skilled Nursing Facilities		71	38.5	%	49,521
	Hospitals		4	5.1	%	6,559
	Medical Office Buildings		2	0.6	%	736
	Other		—	2.0	%	2,523
		Total Real Estate Portfolio	174	100.0	%	$	128,593
Portfolio by Operator Type
	Public		53	26.7	%	$	34,256
	National Chain (Privately-Owned)		29	28.9	%	37,149
	Regional		82	39.4	%	50,708
	Small		10	5.0	%	6,480
		Total Real Estate Portfolio	174	100.0	%	$	128,593

For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, operators of facilities which provided more than 3% of our total revenues were (in alphabetical order): Bickford Senior Living; Brookdale Senior Living; Fundamental; Health Services Management; Holiday Retirement; Legend Healthcare; and National HealthCare Corp.

As of September 30, 2014, our average effective annualized rental income was $7,847 per bed for skilled nursing facilities, $8,779 per unit for senior living campuses, $13,262 per unit for assisted living facilities, $14,490 per unit for independent living facilities, $41,688 per bed for hospitals, and $11 per square foot for medical office buildings.

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We invest a portion of our funds in the preferred and common shares of other publicly-held healthcare REITs to ensure a substantial portion of our assets are invested for real estate purposes. At September 30, 2014, such investments had a carrying value of $51,407,000.

Areas of Focus

We are evaluating and will potentially make additional investments during the remainder of 2014 while we continue to monitor and improve our existing properties. We seek tenants who will become mission-oriented partners in relationships where our business goals are aligned. This approach fuels steady, and thus, enduring growth for those partners and for NHI. During 2014, we have observed large portfolio acquisitions by our peers which have pushed asset prices much higher than our risk tolerance will allow for comparable properties. Smaller portfolio assets in secondary markets appear most attractive to us and feature prospective yields that justify our attention. Our investment focus, regardless of asset type, remains on high quality opportunities - defined by us to mean (a) the tenant has a track record of successful operations, (b) the tenant has the necessary credit to meet its lease obligation to us; (c) the facility is in good physical condition; and (d) the facility is positioned in a local market that offers the potential to achieve excellent financial results.

Following the recent Federal Reserve policy statement assuring near-zero interest rates for a “considerable time,” debt costs will remain attractive in the near term and, as a result, increased competition for healthcare assets should continue. Within our industry, demand for healthcare real estate has been heightened by the availability of senior unsecured debt at historically low rates. As a result of the availability of debt and equity capital, a multitude of buyers seeking investment opportunities, including unlisted REITs and private equity funds, threaten to result in an oversold market. Senior housing assets are among those most in demand due to their private-pay focus and their attractive business fundamentals. We do not expect skilled-nursing facility acquisitions to be as aggressively targeted by larger diversified healthcare REITs, which have been reducing their exposure to sectors that are heavily dependent on government reimbursement. While large portfolios have been most affected, smaller portfolios like those which have been our recent mainstay are not immune to the effects of increasing acquisition competition.

As capitalization rates have fallen for existing healthcare facilities, there has been increased interest in constructing new facilities in hopes of generating better returns on invested capital. Using our relationship-driven model, we look for opportunities to support new and existing tenants and borrowers, with the capital needed to expand existing facilities and to initiate ground-up development of new facilities in markets where there is demonstrated demand for a particular product type. The projects we agree to finance have attractive upside potential and are expected to provide above-average returns to our shareholders to mitigate the risks inherent with property development and construction.

As we make new investments, we expect to maintain a relatively low level of debt compared to the value of our assets and relative to our peers in the industry. For the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014, approximately 38% of our continuing operations revenue was derived from operators of our skilled nursing facilities that receive a significant portion of their revenue from governmental payors, primarily Medicare and Medicaid. Such revenues are subject annually to statutory and regulatory changes, and in recent years, have been reduced due to federal and state budgetary pressures. In 2009, we began to diversify our portfolio by directing a significant portion of our investments into properties which do not rely primarily on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement, but rather on private pay sources. While we will occasionally acquire skilled nursing facilities in good physical condition with a proven operator and strong local market fundamentals, our current investment focus is on acquiring senior housing assets (including assisted living and memory care facilities, independent living facilities and senior living campuses).

Since the acquisition of 25 independent living properties from Holiday in December 2013, our contractual revenue from skilled nursing facilities has continued to decline as a percentage of continuing operations revenue. This acquisition represented further diversification across asset types and achieved a concentration of revenue from large national tenants who are recognized leaders in their industries. As measured by lease revenue as a percentage of total revenue, Bickford Senior Living is our largest assisted living/memory care tenant, an affiliate of Holiday Retirement is our largest independent living tenant and National HealthCare Corporation is our largest skilled nursing tenant.

If longer term borrowing rates increase as we expect, there will be pressure on the spread between our cost of capital and the returns we earn. We expect that pressure to be partially mitigated by market forces that have led to an increase in asset prices and likely will lead to increased lease rates, as well. Our cost of capital has increased as we execute our plan to transition some of our short term revolving borrowings into debt instruments with longer maturities and fixed interest rates. Managing risk involves trade-offs with the competing goal of maximizing short-term profitability. Our intention is to strike an appropriate balance between these competing interests within the context of our investor profile.

We are continuing to explore various funding sources including bank term loans, convertible debt, unsecured bonds, debt private placement and secured government agency financing.

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We manage our business with a goal of increasing the regular annual dividends paid to shareholders. Our Board of Directors approves a regular quarterly dividend which is reflective of expected taxable income on a recurring basis. Our transactions that are infrequent and non-recurring that generate additional taxable income have been distributed to shareholders in the form of special dividends. Taxable income is determined in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code and differs from net income for financial statements purposes determined in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our goal of increasing annual dividends requires a careful balance between identification of high-quality lease and mortgage assets in which to invest and the cost of our capital with which to fund such investments. We consider the competing interests of short and long-term debt (interest rates, maturities and other terms) versus the higher cost of new equity. We accept some level of risk associated with leveraging our investments. We intend to continue to make new investments that meet our underwriting criteria and where the spreads over our cost of capital will generate sufficient returns to our shareholders.

Our regular and special dividends for the last five years are as follows:

	YTD 2014		2013		2012			2011		2010
Regular	$	2.31	$	2.90	$	2.64		$	2.50	$	2.36
Special	—		$	—	$	0.22	1	$	0.22	$	—
	$	2.31	$	2.90	$	2.86		$	2.72	$	2.36

¹Paid to shareholders of record in January 2013

Our investments in healthcare real estate have been partially accomplished by our ability to effectively leverage our balance sheet. However, we continue to maintain a relatively low leverage balance sheet compared with the value of our assets and with many in our peer group. Our fixed charge coverage ratio, which is the ratio of Adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, including amounts in discontinued operations, excluding real estate asset impairments and gains on dispositions) to fixed charges (interest expense and principal payments on debt), and the ratio of consolidated debt to Adjusted EBITDA are meaningful measures of our ability to service our debt. We use these two measures as a useful basis to compare the strength of our balance sheet with those in our peer group.

We calculate our fixed charge coverage ratio as approximately 7.1x for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 (see page 44 for a discussion of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation to our net income). On an annualized basis, our consolidated debt-to-Adjusted EBITDA ratio is approximately 3.8x.

Annual dividend growth, a low leverage balance sheet, a portfolio of diversified, high-quality assets, and prioritizing business relationships with experienced operators continue to be the key drivers of our business plan.

In December 2012, the U.S. Census Bureau released its projection of future population growth. According to the projections, the population age 65 and older is expected to more than double between 2012 and 2060, from 43.1 million to 92.0 million. The older population would represent just over one in five U.S. residents by the end of the period, up from one in seven today. The increase in the population age 85 and older is projected to more than triple from 5.9 million to 18.2 million, reaching 4.3% of the total population. An increase in these age demographics is expected to increase the demand for senior housing properties of all types in the coming decades.

There is increasing demand for private-pay senior housing properties in countries outside the U.S. We will consider real estate and note investments with U.S. entities who seek to expand their senior housing operations into countries where local-market demand is sufficiently demonstrated. We have a current investment of $1,250,000 in such a venture.

We expect to fund any new investments in real estate and mortgage notes in the coming year using our liquid investments and debt financing, unless the size of an acquisition leads us to consider issuing equity securities to fund some or all of such an acquisition in order to maintain a relatively low level of debt in comparison to the value of our assets.

Critical Accounting Policies

See our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of critical accounting policies including those concerning revenue recognition, our status as a REIT, principles of consolidation, evaluation of impairments and allocation of property acquisition costs.

In the first quarter of 2014, we elected early adoption of ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which is generally effective for public companies in periods beginning after December

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15, 2014. ASU 2014-08 addresses concerns that too many small disposals that were recurring in nature qualified for discontinued operations presentation under the present standards. The impact of ASU 2014-08 is that only those disposals that represent a strategic shift which has a major effect on our operations and financial results will be reported as discontinued operations in our financial statements in future periods. Discontinued operations previously reported will not be affected by our early implementation of the new standard. Because application of this standard will result in financial statements with less disclosure related to same-store comparability, we anticipate that, when disposals are significant but not of strategic proportion, our discussion and analysis will appropriately evolve to address those issues.

Investment Highlights

Since January 1, 2014 we have made or announced the following investments:

Operator	Properties	Asset Class	Amount
Lease Investments:
Prestige Senior Living	4	Senior Housing	$	42,000
Chancellor Health Care	2	Senior Housing	17,150
Bickford Senior Living	1	Senior Housing	18,100
Senior Living Management	1	Senior Housing	700
Note Investments:
Life Care Services	1	Senior Housing	154,500
Bickford Senior Living	N/A	Senior Housing	500
			$	232,950

Chancellor

On September 30, 2014, we completed a $5,650,000 acquisition of a 25-unit assisted living facility in Milwaukie, Oregon and leased the facility to Chancellor Health Care, LLC ("Chancellor") for an initial term of 15 years with twoten-year renewal options. The initial lease rate is 8.0% with fixed annual escalators. Because the facility was owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase.

In June 2014 we acquired a 56-unit assisted living/memory care facility in Sacramento, California for $11,500,000 and leased the facility to Chancellor for an initial term of 15 years, plus renewal options. The initial lease rate is 8.0% with fixed annual escalators. Because the facility was owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase.

Prestige

In March 2014 we completed a $40,115,000 purchase of 3 skilled nursing facilities in Oregon totaling 196 beds and a 105-unit assisted living facility in Idaho from Prestige Senior Living ("Prestige"). We have a commitment to fund contingent earn-out payments up to a maximum of $6,390,000 based on the achievement of certain financial metrics as measured periodically through December 31, 2015. Because the facilities were owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase. At acquisition, we estimated probable contingent payments of $3,000,000 to be likely and have, accordingly, reflected that amount in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Contingent payments earned will be an addition to the lease base when funded.

We have leased the 4 facilities to Prestige with a 15-year term at an initial rate of 8.4% plus fixed annual escalators. In addition, at two of the Oregon facilities we have committed to invest $2,000,000 for capital improvements which are expected to be completed by June 30, 2015. This investment will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated.

Significant Operators

We have three operators, Holiday Acquisition Holdings LLC (“Holiday”), National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC”) and Bickford Senior Living ("Bickford"), from whom we individually derive at least 10% of our income from operations.

Holiday

In December 2013 we acquired 25 independent living facilities from Holiday, an affiliate of Holiday Retirement. We have leased this portfolio to NH Master Tenant, LLC, a subsidiary of Holiday. Our tenant continues to operate the facilities pursuant to

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a management agreement with a Holiday-affiliated manager. The master lease term of 17 years began in December 2013 and provides for initial base rent of $31,915,000 plus annual escalators of 4.5% in the first 3 years and a minimum of 3.5% each year thereafter.

Of our total revenues from continuing operations, $10,954,000 (25%) and $32,863,000 (25%) were derived from Holiday for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Lease revenue from Holiday for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes straight-line rent of $2,975,000 and $8,926,000, respectively.

NHC

As of September 30, 2014, we leased 42 health care facilities under two master leases to NHC, a publicly-held company and the lessee of our legacy properties. The facilities leased to NHC consist of 3 independent living facilities and 39 skilled nursing facilities (4 of which are subleased to other parties for whom the lease payments are guaranteed to us by NHC). These facilities are leased to NHC under the terms of an amended master lease agreement originally dated October 17, 1991 ("the 1991 lease") which includes our 35 remaining legacy properties and a master lease agreement dated August 30, 2013 ("the 2013 lease") which includes 7 skilled nursing facilities acquired from ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. on August 31, 2013.

The 1991 lease has been amended to extend the lease expiration to December 31, 2026. There are two additional 5-year renewal options, each at fair rental value of such leased property as negotiated between the parties and determined without including the value attributable to any improvements to the leased property voluntarily made by NHC at its expense. Under the terms of the 1991 lease, the base annual rental is $30,750,000 and rent escalates by 4% of the increase, if any, in each facility's revenue over a 2007 base year. The 2013 lease provides for a base annual rental of $3,450,000 and has a lease expiration of August 2028. Under the terms of the 2013 lease, rent escalates 4% of the increase in each facility's revenue over the 2014 base year. For both the 1991 lease and the 2013 lease, we refer to this additional rent component as “percentage rent.” During the last three years of the 2013 lease, NHC will have the option to purchase the facilities for $49,000,000.

The following table summarizes the percentage rent income from NHC (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Current year	$	573	$	570	$	1,719	$	1,706
Prior year final certification1	—		—		15		746
Total percentage rent income	$	573	$	570	$	1,734	$	2,452

¹ For purposes of the percentage rent calculation described in the master lease Agreement, NHC’s annual revenue by facility for a given year is certified to NHI by March 31st of the following year.

Of our total revenue from continuing operations, $9,109,000 (20%) and $8,503,000 (28%) were derived from NHC for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $27,337,000 (21%) and $25,650,000 (30%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Bickford

As of September 30, 2014, we owned an 85% equity interest and an affiliate of Bickford Senior Living ("Bickford") owned a 15% equity interest in our consolidated subsidiary ("PropCo") which owned 29 assisted living/memory care facilities and also had 1 facility in the final stage of construction which is expected to open in November 2014. The facilities are leased to an operating company, ("OpCo"), in which we also retain an 85/15 ownership interest with an affiliate of Bickford, who controls the entity. This joint venture is structured to comply with the provisions of RIDEA.

For the same-store portfolio of 27 properties, the contractual rent from OpCo to PropCo for 2014 is $19,254,000. We include in our same-store comparison only those facilities which have completed initial lease-up. OpCo is continuing the lease-up of 3 assisted living facilities, 2 of which opened in the fourth quarter of 2013, and the third expected to open in November 2014. Under the terms of the current development lease agreement, PropCo receives rent from OpCo on the total amount of development costs, including land, which totaled $22,546,000 at September 30, 2014. Once the facilities stabilize, an annual rental amount will be determined between the parties. Rent income received from the development projects was $983,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. NHI has an exclusive right to Bickford's future acquisitions, development projects and refinancing transactions.

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Of our total revenues from continuing operations, $5,324,000 (12%) and $5,209,000 (17%) were recognized as rental income from Bickford for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $15,789,000 (12%) and $9,383,000 (11%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

As of September 30, 2014, the carrying value of our investment in the operating company, OpCo, was $9,651,000. The excess of the original purchase price over the fair value of identified tangible assets at acquisition of $8,986,000 is treated as implied goodwill and is subject to periodic review for impairment in conjunction with our equity method investment as a whole. We noted no decline in value as of September 30, 2014.

With PropCo’s acquisition of 17 properties leased or managed by Bickford in June 2013, an assignment was entered into whereby the operations of the 17 newly acquired facilities were conveyed by an affiliate of Bickford to OpCo. The transaction mandated the effective cut-off of operating revenues and expenses and the settlement of operating assets and liabilities at the acquisition date. Specified remaining net tangible assets were assigned to OpCo at the transferor's carryover basis resulting in an adjustment, through NHI's capital in excess of par value to our equity method investment in OpCo, of $817,000.

Unaudited summarized income statements for OpCo are presented below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2014			2013		2014		2013
Revenues	$	16,234		$	14,836	$	47,949	$	27,156
Operating expenses, including management fees	10,777			9,400		31,530		17,394
Lease expenses	5,391			5,138		15,856		9,312
Depreciation and amortization	128			88		378		133
Net Income	$	(62	)	$	210	$	185	$	317

Our RIDEA structure is designed to follow the fundamental elements of a triple-net lease. Within the RIDEA, we continue to foresee organic growth potential from improving operations, but our agreements with Bickford also enforce growth through a hybrid feature providing a preferred payment stream subject to 3% escalation and payable first to NHI among the joint venture partners. As operations season and lease-up among our new developments is completed, we expect our equity share of RIDEA operating income to become a more visible component of our comprehensive income.

In July 2013 we extended a $9,200,000 loan to an affiliate of Bickford to fund a portion of their acquisition of six senior housing communities consisting of 342 units. The loan is guaranteed by principals of Bickford and has a two-year maturity plus a one-year extension option with 12% annual interest. As a result of this transaction and existing agreements governing our business relationship with Bickford, PropCo has a $97,000,000 purchase option on the properties which is exercisable over the term of the loan. We are monitoring the performance of this portfolio which currently has an NOI that would presume a capitalization rate on NHI's purchase option price in excess of 7.5% and trending upward.

Subsequent Real Estate Investment

On October 31, 2014, our subsidiary, PropCo, acquired a 101-unit assisted living facility located in Middletown, Ohio for $18,100,000 plus approximately $100,000 in transaction costs, to be paid in cash and assumption of secured debt at an interest rate of 2.9% with an outstanding principal balance of $9,552,000 and an estimated fair value of $7,875,000. The facility will be leased under terms structured to comply with provisions of RIDEA, within our joint venture to the operating company, OpCo, of which we retain an 85/15 ownership interest with Bickford, who controls the entity, as discussed in Note 2. Because the facility was owner-occupied, the acquisition will be accounted for as an asset purchase.

Subsequent Mortgage and Construction Loan Investment

On November 3, 2014, NHI announced it had agreed to lend Life Care Services, through its LCS-Westminster Partnership III LLP (“LCS-WP”) up to $154,500,000. The loans would convey a mortgage interest and would serve to facilitate the construction of Phase II of Timber Ridge at Talus (“Timber Ridge”), a Type-A Continuing Care Retirement Community in the Seattle area. The new financing is expected to close by November 30, 2014.

The loans would take the form of two notes under a master credit agreement. The senior loan (“Note A”) totals $60,000,000 at a 6.75% interest rate with 10 basis-point escalators after year three, and would have a term of 10 years. Note A is interest-only

30

and would be locked to prepayment for three years. After year three, the prepayment penalty would start at 5% and decline 1% per year. The loan is to be freely prepayable during the last 6 months of its term. The second note ("Note B") is a construction loan for up to $94,500,000 at an interest rate of 8% and a five year maturity. We anticipate funding Note B over twenty months and would be repaid with entrance fees once Phase II opens. NHI would have a purchase option on the property for the greater of fair market value or $115,000,000. A purchase option window of fifteen months would contingently open in year five or upon earlier stabilization, as defined. The purchase option would constitute a variable interest in Phase II of the Timber Ridge project, creating an interest in specified assets of LCS-WP but not in LCS-WP as a whole. Since LCS-WP would not be a VIE, the specified Timber Ridge assets would not be subject to the consolidation guidance governing Variable Interest Entities.

LCS-WP would establish an interest reserve of $3,000,000 to pay for construction interest which is to be replenished to $3,000,000 at intervals when the reserve drops below $675,000. A pledge of membership interests and accounts receivable would serve as collateral on the notes, additional to the first mortgage interest. Currently Phase II is more than 70% pre-sold, and the construction loan is expected to be fully repaid upon reaching 82% occupancy, at which point only the $60,000,000 loan would remain, resulting in an expected loan-to-value at stabilization of less than 50% with an estimated 2:1 debt service coverage ratio.

Our mortgage and construction loan investment with LCS-WP is a further diversification of our portfolio into continuing care retirement communities ("CCRC"). LCS, the parent company of LCS-WP, is one of the nation's leaders in providing lifestyle options to seniors by serving over 30,000 residents in over 100 communities. The investment returns from our loans would be adequate in comparison to the risks associated with construction lending. While this investment changes the risk profile of a portion of our invested assets, the risks are managed by (1) investing in an asset class that attracts primarily private-pay revenue, (2) investing in the expansion of an existing CCRC project that has demonstrated high success in the past, and (3) investing with a large national company as the borrower to provide the necessary credit support for our loan. Whereas current prices being paid for many healthcare assets are excessive and not in line with our investment criteria, it is prudent to make loans to high-quality borrowers where the risk is adequately priced into the interest rate on the loans.

Other Lease Activity

Our leases are typically structured as "triple net leases" on single-tenant properties having an initial leasehold term of 10 to 15 years with one or more 5-year renewal options. As such, there may be reporting periods in which we experience few, if any, lease renewals or expirations.

In September 2014 we entered into an agreement with our current tenant, Senior Living Management, to fund up to $700,000 in renovations to our Greensboro, Georgia assisted living facility. When the renovations are complete, the total amount will be added to the lease base. No costs have been incurred to date.

In May 2014 in exchange for a nineteen-month extension to September 2026, we have agreed to a rent adjustment on our White Pine Senior Living lease beginning in January 2015 which will result in decreased cash rent of approximately $33,000 per month over the original lease term ending February 2025.

Real Estate and Mortgage Write-downs

Our borrowers and tenants experience periods of significant financial pressures and difficulties similar to other health care providers. Governments at both the federal and state levels have enacted legislation to lower, or at least slow, the growth in payments to health care providers. Furthermore, the cost of professional liability insurance has increased significantly during this same period. Since inception, a number of our facility operators and mortgage loan borrowers have undergone bankruptcy. Others have been forced to surrender properties to us in lieu of foreclosure or, for certain periods, have failed to make timely payments on their obligations to us. We believe that the carrying amounts of our real estate properties are recoverable and that mortgage notes receivable are realizable and supported by the value of the underlying collateral. However, it is possible that future events could require us to make significant adjustments to these carrying amounts.

Potential Effects of Medicare Reimbursement

Our tenants who operate skilled nursing facilities receive a significant portion of their revenues from governmental payors, primarily Medicare (federal) and Medicaid (states). Changes in reimbursement rates and limits on the scope of services reimbursed to skilled nursing facilities could have a material impact on the operators' liquidity and financial condition. On May 1, 2014, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ("CMS") released a proposed rule outlining a 2% increase in their Medicare reimbursement for fiscal 2015 beginning on October 1, 2014. Our borrowers and lessees will be able to withstand this nominal Medicare increase due to their credit quality, profitability and their debt or lease coverage ratios, although no assurances can be given as to what the ultimate effect that similar Medicare increases on an annual basis would have on each of our borrowers and lessees. According to industry studies, state Medicaid funding is not expected to keep pace with inflation. Federal legislative

31

policies have been adopted and continue to be proposed that would reduce Medicare and/or Medicaid payments to skilled nursing facilities. Accordingly, for the near-term, we are treating as cautionary the Federal Government’s recent re-commitment, after debating a ‘chained CPI’ indexing, to fully index Social Security to inflation. In this cautious approach, any near-term acquisitions of skilled nursing facilities are planned on a selective basis, with emphasis on operator quality and newer construction.

32

Results of Operations

The significant items affecting revenues and expenses are described below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended
	September 30,						Period Change
	2014			2013			$			%
Revenues:
Rental income
ILFs leased to an affiliate of Holiday Retirement	$	7,979		$	—		$	7,979		NM
SNFs newly leased to NHC (7 ElderTrust facilities)	863			—			863			NM
3 SNFs and 1 ALF leased to Prestige Senior Living	845			—			845			NM
ALFs leased to Chancellor Health Care	687			270			417			154.4	%
SNFs leased to Fundamental	1,393			1,052			341			32.4	%
ALFs leased to RIDEA joint venture with Bickford	5,237			5,028			209			4.2	%
Other new and existing leases	20,462			19,828			634			3.2	%
	37,466			26,178			11,288			43.1	%
Straight-line rent adjustments, new and existing leases	4,203			1,695			2,508			148.0	%
Total Rental Income	41,669			27,873			13,796			49.5	%
Interest income from mortgage and other notes
ElderTrust	—			163			(163		)	NM
Other new and existing mortgages	1,754			1,773			(19		)	(1.1	)%
Total Interest Income from Mortgage and Other Notes	1,754			1,936			(182		)	(9.4	)%
Investment income and other	1,055			1,040			15			1.4	%
Total Revenue	44,478			30,849			13,629			44.2	%
Expenses:
Depreciation
ILFs leased to an affiliate of Holiday Retirement	3,229			—			3,229			NM
3 SNFs and 1 ALF leased to Prestige Senior Living	298			—			298			NM
SNFs newly leased to NHC (7 ElderTrust facilities)	224			75			149			198.7	%
ALFs leased to RIDEA joint venture with Bickford	1,656			1,508			148			9.8	%
ALFs leased to Chancellor Health Care	208			76			132			173.7	%
Other new and existing assets	3,981			3,906			75			1.9	%
Total Depreciation	9,596			5,565			4,031			72.4	%
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs	7,005			3,290			3,715			112.9	%
Franchise, excise and other taxes	78			80			(2		)	(2.5	)%
Loan and realty (recoveries)	—			(2,061		)	2,061			NM
Other expenses	2,230			1,812			418			23.1	%
	18,909			8,686			10,223			117.7	%
Income before equity-method investee, discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest	25,569			22,163			3,406			15.4	%
Income (loss) from equity-method investee	(53		)	178			(231		)	(129.8	)%
Income from continuing operations	25,516			22,341			3,175			14.2	%
Income from discontinued operations	—			1,339			(1,339		)	NM
Gain on sale of real estate	—			19,370			(19,370		)	NM
Net income	25,516			43,050			(17,534		)	(40.7	)%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(266		)	(306		)	40			(13.1	)%
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	25,250		$	42,744		$	(17,494	)	(40.9	)%
NM - not meaningful

33

Financial highlights of the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same period in 2013 were as follows:

• Rental income increased $13,796,000 primarily as a result of new real estate investments. During 2013 we completed $748,939,000 of new real estate investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we have funded $68,601,000 of new real estate investments. The increase in rental income included a $2,508,000 increase in straight-line rent adjustments. Generally accepted accounting principles require rental income to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease to give effect to scheduled rent escalators. Future increases in rental income depend on our ability to make new investments which meet our underwriting criteria.

• Interest income from mortgage and other notes decreased $182,000 primarily due to the settlement of outstanding notes receivable balances from ElderTrust. Unless we continue to make new investments in loans, our interest income will continue to decrease due to the normal amortization and scheduled maturities of our loans.

• Depreciation expense recognized in continuing operations increased $4,031,000 compared to the prior year primarily due to new real estate investments completed since September 2013.

• Interest expense relates to borrowings on our credit facility, the convertible senior notes issued in March 2014 and debt assumed in the acquisition of real estate. Upfront fees and other debt-related costs are amortized over the term of the credit facility. The increase in interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs of $3,715,000 resulted from (a) the issuance of 3.25% coupon convertible debt of $200,000,000 to reduce lower interest borrowings on our revolving credit facility, and (b) expanded borrowings used to fund new real estate investments in 2013. We expect to fund additional healthcare real estate investments in 2014 with borrowings from our bank credit facility.

• In September 2013 we received $3,293,000 as full payment of a mortgage note and recorded a recovery of a previous writedown of $2,061,000.

The results of operations for facilities sold, including the gain or loss on such sales, have been reported for periods prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-08 as discontinued operations. The reclassifications to retrospectively reflect the disposition of these facilities had no impact on previously reported net income.

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The significant items affecting revenues and expenses are described below (in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						Period Change
	2014			2013			$			%
Revenues:
Rental income
ILFs leased to an affiliate of Holiday Retirement	$	23,936		$	—		$	23,936		NM
ALFs leased to RIDEA joint venture with Bickford	15,476			9,197			6,279			68.3	%
SNFs newly leased to NHC (7 ElderTrust facilities)	2,588			—			2,588			NM
3 SNFs and 1 ALF leased to Prestige Senior Living	1,699			—			1,699			NM
SNFs leased to Fundamental	4,126			2,442			1,684			69.0	%
ALFs leased to Chancellor Health Care	1,677			810			867			107.0	%
ALF leased to Discovery Senior Living	707			13			694			NM
ALFs leased to Brookdale Senior Living	3,680			3,019			661			21.9	%
Other new and existing leases	56,753			56,227			526			0.9	%
	110,642			71,708			38,934			54.3	%
Straight-line rent adjustments, new and existing leases	12,693			4,337			8,356			192.7	%
Total Rental Income	123,335			76,045			47,290			62.2	%
Interest income from mortgage and other notes
Bickford Senior Living	843			249			594			NM
ElderTrust	—			644			(644		)	NM
SeniorTrust	—			475			(475		)	NM
Other new and existing mortgages	4,415			4,509			(94		)	(2.1	)%
Total Interest Income from Mortgage and Other Notes	5,258			5,877			(619		)	(10.5	)%
Investment income and other	3,182			3,154			28			0.9	%
Total Revenue	131,775			85,076			46,699			54.9	%
Expenses:
Depreciation
ILFs leased to an affiliate of Holiday Retirement	9,685			—			9,685			NM
ALFs leased to RIDEA joint venture with Bickford	4,947			2,672			2,275			85.1	%
SNFs newly leased to NHC (7 ElderTrust facilities)	672			75			597			NM
3 SNFs and 1 ALF leased to Prestige Senior Living	594			—			594			NM
SNFs leased to Fundamental	907			605			302			NM
Other new and existing assets	11,568			10,852			716			6.6	%
Total Depreciation	28,373			14,204			14,169			99.8	%
Interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs	18,575			5,658			12,917			228.3	%
Debt issuance costs expensed due to credit facility modifications	2,145			353			1,792			NM
Legal	149			621			(472		)	(76.0	)%
Franchise, excise and other taxes	790			316			474			150.0	%
Loan and realty losses, net	—			1,976			(1,976		)	NM
Other expenses	6,948			7,171			(223		)	(3.1	)%
	56,980			30,299			26,681			88.1	%
Income before equity-method investee, discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest	74,795			54,777			20,018			36.5	%
Income from equity-method investee	157			269			(112		)	NM
Income from continuing operations	74,952			55,046			19,906			36.2	%
Income from discontinued operations	—			4,656			(4,656		)	NM
Gain on sale of real estate	—			19,370			(19,370		)	NM
Net income	74,952			79,072			(4,120		)	(5.2	)%
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(872		)	(664		)	(208		)	NM
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	74,080		$	78,408		$	(4,328	)	(5.5	)%
NM - not meaningful

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Financial highlights of the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to the same period in 2013 were as follows:

• Rental income increased $47,290,000 primarily as a result of new real estate investments. During 2013 we completed $748,939,000 of new real estate investments. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we have funded $68,601,000 of new real estate investments. The increase in rental income included a $8,356,000 increase in straight-line rent adjustments. Generally accepted accounting principles require rental income to be recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease to give effect to scheduled rent escalators. Future increases in rental income depend on our ability to make new investments which meet our underwriting criteria.

• Interest income from mortgage and other notes decreased $619,000 primarily due to the settlement of outstanding notes receivable balances from ElderTrust and SeniorTrust, partially offset by interest income on a note receivable from Bickford Senior Living which began in July 2013. Unless we continue to make new investments in loans, our interest income will continue to decrease due to the normal amortization and scheduled maturities of our loans.

• Depreciation expense recognized in continuing operations increased $14,169,000 compared to the prior year primarily due to new real estate investments completed since September 2013.

• Interest expense relates to borrowings on our credit facility, the convertible senior notes issued in March 2014 and debt assumed in the acquisition of real estate. During the first quarter of 2014, we made modifications to our credit facility and as a result have written off $2,145,000 of previously unamortized debt issuance costs. Upfront fees and other debt-related costs are amortized over the term of the credit facility. The increase in interest expense and amortization of debt issuance costs of $12,917,000 resulted from (a) the issuance of 3.25% coupon convertible debt of $200,000,000 to reduce lower interest borrowings on our revolving credit facility, and (b) expanded borrowings used to fund new real estate investments in 2013. We expect to fund additional healthcare real estate investments in 2014 with borrowings from our bank credit facility.

• Legal expenses were $472,000 lower in 2014 when compared to 2013 primarily as a result of litigation which reached final settlement in April 2013.

• Franchise, excise and other taxes were $474,000 higher than the same period in 2013 due to the growth in our portfolio and adjustments to our quarterly tax accrual.

• During 2013 we recorded an impairment of $4,037,000 related to a mortgage note receivable. In September 2013 we received $3,293,000 as full payment of a mortgage note and recorded a recovery of a previous writedown of $2,061,000.

The results of operations for facilities sold, including the gain or loss on such sales, have been reported for periods prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-08 as discontinued operations. The reclassifications to retrospectively reflect the disposition of these facilities had no impact on previously reported net income.

36

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Sources and Uses of Funds

Our primary sources of cash include rent payments, principal and interest payments on mortgage and other notes receivable, dividends received on our investments in the common and preferred shares of other REITs, proceeds from the sales of real property and borrowings from our term loans and revolving credit facility. Our primary uses of cash include dividend distributions to our shareholders, debt service payments (both principal and interest), new investments in real estate and notes and general corporate overhead.

These sources and uses of cash are reflected in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as summarized below (dollars in thousands):

	Nine Months Ended September 30,						One Year Change
	2014			2013			$			%
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	$	11,312		$	9,172		$	2,140		23.3	%
Net cash provided by operating activities	93,215			74,413			18,802			25.3	%
Net cash used in investing activities	(46,477		)	(117,133		)	70,656			(60.3	)%
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(54,491		)	40,998			(95,489		)	NM
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	3,559		$	7,450		$	(3,891	)	(52.2	)%

Operating Activities – Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 increased as compared to 2013 primarily as a result of the collection of lease payments on new real estate investments since September 2013.

Investing Activities – Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased primarily due to a decrease in real estate investment activity completed during the first nine months of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013.

Financing Activities – Net cash related to financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 decreased as compared to the same period in 2013. During 2014, cash flows related to financing activities included $200,000,000 in proceeds from the issuance of convertible senior notes and $130,000,000 in proceeds from a new term loan used to reduce other outstanding borrowings. Cash flows used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 also included an increase in dividend payments of $10,539,000 in 2014 over 2013.

Liquidity

At September 30, 2014, our liquidity was strong, with $385,834,000 available in cash, highly-liquid marketable securities and borrowing capacity on our revolving credit facility. In addition, our investment in LTC preferred stock is convertible into 2,000,000 shares of common stock whose per share price ranged between $36 and $41 during the quarter ended September 30, 2014. Cash proceeds from lease and mortgage collections, property sales, and, more typically in the past, loan payoffs and the recovery of previous write-downs have been distributed as dividends to stockholders, and used to retire our indebtedness.

In March 2014 we issued $200,000,000 of 3.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due April 2021 (the "Notes"). Interest is payable April 1st and October 1st of each year. The Notes are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 13.926 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, representing a conversion price of approximately $71.81 per share for a total of approximately 2,785,200 underlying shares. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, as defined in the indenture governing the Notes, but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest except in limited circumstances. Upon conversion, NHI's conversion obligation may be satisfied, at our option, in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Because the conversion price is in excess of the average stock price for the quarter, the impact of the conversion option is currently anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation and as such has no effect on our earnings per share.

As discussed in Note 7, accounting rules require that we split the Notes into a debt component and an equity component. The value of the debt component is based upon the estimated fair value of a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature at the time of issuance and was estimated to be approximately $192,238,000. The $7,762,000 difference between the contractual principal on the debt and the value allocated to the debt was recorded as an equity component and represents the estimated value of the conversion feature of the instrument. The excess of the contractual principal amount of the debt over its estimated fair value is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method, with 3.9% as the effective interest rate, over the term of the Notes.

37

The total cost of issuing the Notes was $6,063,000, of which $5,788,000 was allocated to the debt component and is subject to amortization over the estimated term of the notes. The remaining $275,000 was allocated to the equity component.

On March 27, 2014, we entered into an amended $700,000,000 senior unsecured credit facility. The facility can be expanded, subject to certain conditions, up to an additional $130,000,000. At closing, the new facility amended a smaller credit facility that provided for $620,000,000 of total commitments.

The amended credit facility provides for: (1) a $450,000,000 unsecured, revolving credit facility that matures in March 2019 (inclusive of an embedded 1-year extension option) with interest at 150 basis points over LIBOR; (2) a $130,000,000 unsecured term loan that matures in June 2020 with interest at 175 basis points over LIBOR of which interest of 3.91% is fixed with an interest rate swap agreement; and (3) two existing term loans which remain in place totaling $120,000,000, maturing in June 2020 and bearing interest at 175 basis points over LIBOR, a notional amount of $40,000,000 being fixed at 3.29% until 2019 and $80,000,000 being fixed at 3.86% until 2020. The employment of interest rate swaps for our fixed term debt leaves only our revolving credit facility exposed to variable rate risk.

At September 30, 2014, we had $369,000,000 available to draw on the revolving portion of the credit facility. The unused commitment fee is 40 basis points per annum. The unsecured credit facility requires that we maintain certain financial ratios within limits set by our creditors. To date, these ratios, which are calculated quarterly, have been within the limits required by the credit facility agreements.

Our decision to amend our credit facility was made for the purpose of extending the maturity of a portion of our terms loans to over six years and to expand the amount of funds available to draw on our revolving credit facility.

In July and September 2014 we obtained mortgage loans totaling $38,007,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development secured by nine properties in our joint venture with an affiliate of Bickford. The mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest of 4.65% in the first year and 4.3% thereafter (inclusive of mortgage insurance premium) and mature in August and October 2049. We used these proceeds to retire borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

As part of the Care acquisition, we assumed Fannie Mae mortgage loans, with principal balances of $70,380,000 and $7,162,000 on September 30, 2014, which have interest at rates of 6.85% and 7.17%, respectively, and mature on July 1, 2015 (prepayable without penalty after December 31, 2014). After prepayment periods associated with the Fannie Mae debt expire in December 2014, we anticipate retiring those loans. We may potentially access capital to effect the retirement in a variety of ways, as discussed below.

We continue to evaluate longer-term debt instruments with which to refinance the borrowings on our revolving credit facility and Fannie Mae debt. We are considering accessing capital from private placements of unsecured debt and public offerings of debt and equity. Our historically low cost of debt capital is expected to increase in the near to mid-term, as the federal government transitions away from quantitative easing.

When we modify or replace existing debt, we incur debt issuance costs. These fees are subject to amortization over the term of the new debt instrument and may result in the write-off of fees associated with debt which has been replaced or modified. Sustaining long-term dividend growth will require that we consider all forms of capital mentioned above, with the goal of maintaining a low-leverage balance sheet as mitigation against potential adverse changes in the business of our tenants and borrowers.

To mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into the following interest rate swap contracts on two of our term loans as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Date Entered	Maturity Date	Fixed Rate	Rate Index	Notional Amount		Fair Value
May 2012	April 2019	3.29%	1-month LIBOR	$	40,000	$	256
June 2013	June 2020	3.86%	1-month LIBOR	$	80,000	$	(765	)
March 2014	June 2020	3.91%	1-month LIBOR	$	130,000	$	(1,568	)

We intend to comply with REIT dividend requirements that we distribute at least 90% of our annual taxable income for the year ending December 31, 2014 and thereafter. During the first nine months of 2014, we declared a quarterly dividend of $.77 per common share to shareholders of record on March 31, 2014, payable on May 9, 2014; a quarterly dividend of $.77 per common

38

share to shareholders of record on June 30, 2014, payable on August 8, 2014; and a quarterly dividend of $.77 per common share to shareholders of record on September 30, 2014, payable on November 10, 2014.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We currently have no outstanding guarantees. For a discussion of our letter of credit with an affiliate of Bickford, see our discussion in this section under Contractual Obligations below. Our equity method investment in OpCo is intended to be self-financing, and aside from initial investments therein, no direct support has been provided by NHI to OpCo since the original investment on September 30, 2012. We have concluded that OpCo meets the accounting criteria to be considered a VIE. However, because we do not control the entity, nor do we have any role in the day-to-day management, we are not the primary beneficiary of the entity, and we account for our investment using the equity method. We have no material obligation arising from our investment in OpCo, and our maximum exposure to loss at September 30, 2014, due to this involvement, would be limited to our equity interest.

The terms of our $200,000,000 convertible senior notes (the “Notes”) issued in March 2014 qualify as off-balance sheet instruments. When we issue convertible notes we do so in order to obtain more advantageous interest rates on our debt. Upon conversion, NHI's obligation may be satisfied, at our option, in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. As long as the conversion price is in excess of our current stock price, the impact of the conversion option would be anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation and as such would have no effect on our earnings per share disclosure.

If our stock price should exceed the conversion rate, currently about $71.81 per share, the conversion feature would have a dilutive effect on our reported earnings. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, as defined in the indenture governing the Notes.

We have classified the conversion feature as a component of our equity as long as NHI retains the option, under various tests, as to means of settlement. Should we be required to reclassify into liabilities the portion, currently $7,487,000, included in equity, there could be a negative impact on our financial statements.

Contractual Obligations and Contingent Liabilities

As of September 30, 2014, our contractual payment obligations and contingent liabilities are more fully described in the notes to the consolidated financial statements and were as follows (in thousands):

	Total		Less than 1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than 5 years
Debt, including interest1	$	795,008	$	7,529	$	121,896	$	41,936	$	623,647
Real estate purchase liabilities	4,000		4,000		—		—		—
Construction commitments	9,368		9,368		—		—		—
Loan commitments	2,192		2,192		—		—		—
	$	810,568	$	23,089	$	121,896	$	41,936	$	623,647

¹ Interest is calculated based on the interest rate at September 30, 2014 through maturity of the term loans, the revolving credit facility, convertible senior notes and the mortgages assumed in our arrangement with Bickford, based on the balances outstanding as of September 30, 2014. The calculation also includes an unused commitment fee of .40%.

Commitments and Contingencies

Bickford

As of September 30, 2014, our subsidiary PropCo had purchased land and begun construction on one assisted living/memory care facility having a maximum cost of $9,000,000. Our costs incurred to date, including land, were $6,990,000. The facility is expected to open in November. In February 2014 we entered into a commitment of $2,785,000 on a letter of credit for the benefit of our joint venture partner, an affiliate of Bickford, which holds a minority interest in PropCo.

In June 2014 we entered into a $500,000 revolving loan with our joint venture partner, an affiliate of Bickford, to fund pre-development expenses related to potential future projects. Interest is payable monthly at 10% and the note matures in August 2015. The outstanding balance at September 30, 2014 was $308,000.

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Chancellor

In October 2013, we entered into a $7,500,000 commitment to build a 46-unit free-standing assisted living and memory care community, expanding our Linda Valley senior living campus in Loma Linda, California. We began construction during the first quarter of 2014 and had funded $3,115,000 as of September 30, 2014. The initial lease term is for 15 years at an annual rate of 9% plus a fixed annual escalator. NHI purchased the Linda Valley campus in 2012 and leased it to Chancellor, who has been operating the campus since 1993. We have also committed to provide up to $500,000 for renovations and improvements related to our recent acquisition of a 63-unit senior housing community in Baltimore, Maryland which we have leased to Chancellor. We began renovations during the first quarter of 2014 and had funded $257,000 as of September 30, 2014. We receive rent income on funds advanced for both construction projects.

Discovery

As a lease inducement, we have a contingent commitment to fund a series of payments up to $2,500,000 in connection with our September 2013 lease to Discovery Senior Living ("Discovery") of a senior living campus in Rainbow City, Alabama. Discovery would earn the contingent payments upon attaining and sustaining a specified lease coverage ratio. As earned, the payments would be due in installments of $750,000 in each of years two and three of the lease with the residual due in year four. As of September 30, 2014, incurring the contingent payments was not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fundamental

In April 2013, we completed the purchase of two skilled nursing facilities located in Canton and Corinth, Texas for a purchase price of $26,150,000 in cash, plus consideration related to the Corinth facility of $1,600,000 conditional upon meeting future performance measures. In March 2014 upon satisfactory achievement of the required operating metrics, we made the full $1,600,000 payment to Fundamental.

Helix Healthcare

In March 2010, we completed a purchase/leaseback transaction with Helix Healthcare (“Helix”) for $12,500,000. The purchase price includes a conditional payment of $1,000,000, which is recorded as a purchase liability.

Kentucky River

In March 2012, we entered into a long-term lease extension and construction commitment to Jackson Hospital Corporation, an affiliate of Community Health Systems, to provide up to $8,000,000 for extensive renovations and additions to our Kentucky River Medical Center, a general acute care hospital in Jackson, Kentucky. This investment will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated. The construction project commenced during the first quarter of 2013 and will likely be completed by December 31, 2014. Total construction costs incurred as of September 30, 2014 were $7,456,000. The 10-year lease extension began July 1, 2012, with an additional 5-year renewal option.

Prestige

We have agreed to fund capital improvements of up to $2,000,000 in connection with two of the facilities we lease to Prestige. The capital improvements will be an addition to our original investment in the properties when funded and will be included in the lease base. As of June 30, 2014, we had funded $693,000 of this commitment. Additionally, we have committed to fund contingent earn out payments up to a maximum of $6,390,000 based on the achievement of certain financial metrics as measured periodically through December 31, 2015. At acquisition, we estimated probable contingent payments of $3,000,000 to be likely and have reflected that amount in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Contingent payments earned will be included in the lease base when funded.

Santé

We have a $2,000,000 supplemental construction commitment to our borrower, Santé Partners, LLC (“Santé”). This additional loan amount becomes available to the borrower when the 70-bed transitional rehabilitation hospital, completed in March 2011, achieves certain operating metrics. NHI also has the option to purchase and lease back the hospital when it achieves a predetermined level of stabilized net operating income.

In connection with our Silverdale, Washington senior living campus, we have a contingent commitment to fund two lease inducement payments of $1,000,000 each. Santé would earn the payments upon attaining and sustaining a specified lease coverage

40

ratio. If earned, the first payment would be due after the second lease year and the second payment would be due after the third lease year. At acquisition, incurring the contingent payments was not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

We are committed to fund a $3,500,000 expansion and renovation program at our Silverdale, Washington senior living campus and as of September 30, 2014 had funded $2,621,000, which was added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated.

Senior Living Management

In September 2014 we entered into an agreement with our current tenant, Senior Living Management, to fund up to $700,000 for renovations to our Greensboro, Georgia assisted living facility. When the renovations are complete, the total amount will be added to the lease base. No costs have been incurred to date.

Litigation

Our Health Care Facilities are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. Our lessees and borrowers have indemnified, and are obligated to continue to indemnify us, against all liabilities arising from the operation of the Health Care Facilities, and are further obligated to indemnify us against environmental or title problems affecting the real estate underlying such facilities. While there may be lawsuits pending against certain of the owners and/or lessees of the Health Care Facilities, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all such pending proceedings will have no material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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FFO, AFFO & FAD

These supplemental operating performance measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other REITs. Consequently, our Funds From Operations ("FFO"), Normalized FFO, Normalized Adjusted Funds From Operations ("AFFO") and Normalized Funds Available for Distribution ("FAD") may not provide a meaningful measure of our performance as compared to that of other REITs. Since other REITs may not use our definition of these operating performance measures, caution should be exercised when comparing our Company's FFO, Normalized FFO, Normalized AFFO and Normalized FAD to that of other REITs. These financial performance measures do not represent cash generated from operating activities in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") (these measures do not include changes in operating assets and liabilities) and therefore should not be considered an alternative to net earnings as an indication of operating performance, or to net cash flow from operating activities as determined by GAAP as a measure of liquidity, and are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash needs.

Funds From Operations - FFO

Our FFO per diluted common share for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014increased$0.02 (2%) and $0.44 (17%), respectively, over the same periods in 2013. Our normalized FFO per diluted common share for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014increased$0.09 (9%) and $0.42 (15%), respectively, over the same periods in 2013. FFO and normalized FFO increased primarily as the result of our new real estate investments since September 2013. FFO, as defined by the National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT") and applied by us, is net income (computed in accordance with GAAP), excluding gains (or losses) from sales of real estate property, plus real estate depreciation and amortization, and after adjustments for unconsolidated partnerships and joint ventures, if any. The Company’s computation of FFO may not be comparable to FFO reported by other REITs that do not define the term in accordance with the current NAREIT definition or have a different interpretation of the current NAREIT definition from that of the Company; therefore, caution should be exercised when comparing our Company’s FFO to that of other REITs. Diluted FFO assumes the exercise of stock options and other potentially dilutive securities. Normalized FFO excludes from FFO certain items which, due to their infrequent or unpredictable nature, may create some difficulty in comparing FFO for the current period to similar prior periods, and may include, but are not limited to, impairment of non-real estate assets, gains and losses attributable to the acquisition and disposition of assets and liabilities, and recoveries of previous write-downs.

FFO and normalized FFO are important supplemental measures of operating performance for a REIT. Because the historical cost accounting convention used for real estate assets requires depreciation (except on land), such accounting presentation implies that the value of real estate assets diminishes predictably over time. Since real estate values instead have historically risen and fallen with market conditions, presentations of operating results for a REIT that uses historical cost accounting for depreciation could be less informative, and should be supplemented with a measure such as FFO. The term FFO was designed by the REIT industry to address this issue.

Adjusted Funds From Operations - AFFO

Our normalized AFFO per diluted common share for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014increased$0.04 (4%) and $0.23 (9%), respectively, over the same periods in 2013 due primarily to the impact of real estate investments completed since June 2013. In addition to the adjustments included in the calculation of normalized FFO, normalized AFFO excludes the impact of any straight-line rent revenue, amortization of the original issue discount on our convertible senior notes and amortization of debt issuance costs.

Normalized AFFO is an important supplemental measure of operating performance for a REIT. GAAP requires a lessor to recognize contractual lease payments into income on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the lease. This straight-line adjustment has the effect of reporting lease income that is significantly more or less than the contractual cash flows received pursuant to the terms of the lease agreement. GAAP also requires the original issue discount of our convertible senior notes and debt issuance costs to be amortized as non-cash adjustments to earnings. Normalized AFFO is useful to our investors as it reflects the growth inherent in the contractual lease payments of our real estate portfolio.

Funds Available for Distribution - FAD

Our normalized FAD for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014increased$0.04 (4%) and $0.21 (8%), respectively, over the same periods in 2013 due primarily to the impact of real estate investments completed since June 2013. In addition to the adjustments included in the calculation of normalized AFFO, normalized FAD excludes the impact of non-cash stock based compensation. Normalized FAD is an important supplemental measure of operating performance for a REIT as a useful indicator of the ability to distribute dividends to shareholders.

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The following table reconciles net income attributable to common stockholders, the most directly comparable GAAP metric, to FFO, Normalized FFO, Normalized AFFO and Normalized FAD and is presented for both basic and diluted weighted average common shares (in thousands, except share and per share amounts):

	Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	25,250		$	42,744		$	74,080		$	78,408
Elimination of certain non-cash items in net income:
Depreciation in continuing operations	9,596			5,565			28,373			14,204
Depreciation related to noncontrolling interest	(248		)	(226		)	(742		)	(401		)
Depreciation in discontinued operations	—			167			—			501
Net gain on sales of real estate	—			(19,370		)	—			(19,370		)
Funds from operations	34,598			28,880			101,711			73,342
Debt issuance costs expensed due to credit facility modifications	—			—			2,145			353
Acquisition costs under business combination accounting	—			—			—			208
Loan impairment and recoveries of previous write-downs	—			(2,061		)	—			1,976
Normalized FFO	34,598			26,819			103,856			75,879
Straight-line lease revenue, net	(4,203		)	(1,713		)	(12,692		)	(4,408		)
Straight-line lease revenue, net, related to noncontrolling interest	13			—			47			—
Amortization of original issue discount	252			—			530			—
Amortization of debt issuance costs	508			110			1,363			596
Normalized AFFO	31,168			25,216			93,104			72,067
Non-cash share based compensation	223			253			1,796			2,086
Normalized FAD	$	31,391		$	25,469		$	94,900		$	74,153
BASIC
Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,055,992			27,876,176			33,053,386			27,872,805
FFO per common share	$	1.05		$	1.04		$	3.08		$	2.63
Normalized FFO per common share	$	1.05		$	.96		$	3.14		$	2.72
Normalized AFFO per common share	$	.94		$	.90		$	2.82		$	2.59
Normalized FAD per common share	$	.95		$	.91		$	2.87		$	2.66
DILUTED
Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,088,570			27,905,545			33,087,029			27,906,914
FFO per common share	$	1.05		$	1.03		$	3.07		$	2.63
Normalized FFO per common share	$	1.05		$	.96		$	3.14		$	2.72
Normalized AFFO per common share	$	.94		$	.90		$	2.81		$	2.58
Normalized FAD per common share	$	.95		$	.91		$	2.87		$	2.66

NOTE: FFO and Normalized FFO per diluted common share for the three months ended September 30, 2013 both differ by $.02, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 both differ by $.06, respectively, from the amounts previously reported as a result of our revised interpretation of the NAREIT definition of FFO. Normalized FAD per diluted common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 differs by $.02, from the amount previously reported as a result of changes we made to our definition of FAD. See our Form 8-K dated May 5, 2014 which describes these revisions.

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Adjusted EBITDA

We consider Adjusted EBITDA to be an important supplemental measure because it provides information which we use to evaluate our performance and serves as an indication of our ability to service debt. We define Adjusted EBITDA as consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, including amounts in discontinued operations, excluding real estate asset impairments and gains on dispositions and certain items which, due to their infrequent or unpredictable nature, may create some difficulty in comparing Adjusted EBITDA for the current period to similar prior periods, and may include, but are not limited to, impairment of non-real estate assets, gains and losses attributable to the acquisition and disposition of assets and liabilities, and recoveries of previous write-downs. Since others may not use our definition of Adjusted EBITDA, caution should be exercised when comparing our Adjusted EBITDA to that of other companies.

The following table reconciles net income, the most directly comparable GAAP metric, to Adjusted EBITDA:

	Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
	September 30,					September 30,
	2014		2013			2014		2013
Net income	$	25,516	$	43,050		$	74,952	$	79,072
Interest expense at contractual rates	6,244		3,180			16,683		5,415
Franchise, excise and other taxes	78		80			790		316
Depreciation in continuing and discontinued operations	9,596		5,732			28,373		14,705
Amortization of debt issuance costs and bond discount	761		110			1,892		243
Net gain on sales of real estate	—		(19,370		)	—		(19,370		)
Debt issuance costs expensed due to credit facility modifications	—		—			2,145		353
Acquisition costs under business combination accounting	—		—			—		208
Loan impairment and recoveries of previous write-downs	—		(2,061		)	—		1,976
Adjusted EBITDA	$	42,195	$	30,721		$	124,835	$	82,918
Interest expense at contractual rates	$	6,244	$	3,180		$	16,683	$	5,415
Principal payments	255		—			782		—
Fixed Charges	$	6,499	$	3,180		$	17,465	$	5,415
Fixed Charge Coverage	6.5x		9.7x			7.1x		15.3x

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Interest Rate Risk

At September 30, 2014, we were exposed to market risks related to fluctuations in interest rates on approximately $81,000,000 of variable-rate indebtedness (excludes $250,000,000 of variable-rate debt that has been hedged through interest-rate swap contracts) and on our mortgage and other notes receivable. The unused portion ($369,000,000 at September 30, 2014) of our credit facility, should it be drawn upon, is subject to variable rates.

Interest rate fluctuations will generally not affect our future earnings or cash flows on our fixed rate debt and loans receivable unless such instruments mature or are otherwise terminated. However, interest rate changes will affect the fair value of our fixed rate instruments. Conversely, changes in interest rates on variable rate debt and investments would change our future earnings and cash flows, but not significantly affect the fair value of those instruments. Assuming a 50 basis point increase or decrease in the interest rate related to variable-rate debt, and assuming no change in the outstanding balance as of September 30, 2014, net interest expense would increase or decrease annually by approximately $405,000 or $.01 per common share on a diluted basis.

We use derivative financial instruments in the normal course of business to mitigate interest rate risk. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Derivatives are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at their fair value. We may engage in hedging strategies to manage our exposure to market risks in the future, depending on an analysis of the interest rate environment and the costs and risks of such strategies.

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to our debt (dollar amounts in thousands):

	September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
	Balance1,2		% of total		Rate3		Balance1		% of total		Rate3
Fixed rate:
Convertible senior notes	$	200,000	30.9	%	3.25	%	—		—		—
Unsecured term loan	130,000		20.1	%	3.91	%	—		—		—
Unsecured term loan	80,000		12.4	%	3.86	%	80,000		13.0	%	3.86	%
Unsecured term loan	40,000		6.2	%	3.29	%	40,000		6.5	%	3.29	%
HUD mortgage loans	37,973		5.9	%	4.30	%	—		—	%	—	%
Secured mortgage loan	70,380		10.9	%	6.85	%	71,090		11.6	%	6.85	%
Secured mortgage loan	7,162		1.1	%	7.17	%	7,234		1.2	%	7.17	%
Variable rate:
Unsecured term loan	—		—		—		250,000		40.6	%	1.97	%
Unsecured revolving credit facility	81,000		12.5	%	1.66	%	167,000		27.1	%	1.62	%
	$	646,515	100.0	%	3.76	%	$	615,324	100.0	%	2.84	%
1Excludes unamortized premium of $1,680 and $1,756 applicable to two fixed rate secured mortgages for the respective 2014 and 2013 periods presented.
2 Includes $7,232 of unamortized original issue discount
3Total is weighted average rate

The unsecured term loans in the table above reflect the effect of $40,000,000, $80,000,000, and $130,000,000 notional amount interest rate swaps with maturities of April 2019, June 2020 and June 2020, respectively, that effectively converts variable rate debt to fixed rate debt. These loans bear interest at LIBOR plus a spread, currently 175 basis points, based on our Consolidated Coverage Ratio, as defined.

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To highlight the sensitivity of our convertible senior notes and secured mortgage debt to changes in interest rates, the following summary shows the effects on fair value ("FV") assuming a parallel shift of 50 basis points ("bps") in market interest rates for a contract with similar maturities as of September 30, 2014(dollar amounts in thousands):

	Balance		Fair Value1		FV reflecting change in interest rates
Fixed rate:					-50 bps		+50 bps
Convertible senior notes	$	200,000	$	200,950	$	206,996	$	195,094
Secured mortgage loan	71,875		72,341		72,626		72,057
Secured mortgage loan	7,347		7,395		7,424		7,366
1 The change in fair value of our fixed rate debt was due primarily to the overall change in interest rates.

At September 30, 2014, the fair value of our mortgage notes receivable, discounted for estimated changes in the risk-free rate, was approximately $68,864,000. A 50 basis point increase in market rates would decrease the estimated fair value of our mortgage loans by approximately $1,051,000, while a 50 basis point decrease in such rates would increase their estimated fair value by approximately $1,098,000.

Equity Price Risk

We are exposed to equity price risk, which is the potential change in fair value due to a change in quoted market prices. We account for our investments in marketable securities, with a fair value of $13,275,000 at September 30, 2014, as available-for-sale securities. Increases and decreases in the fair market value of our investments in other marketable securities are unrealized gains and losses that are presented as a component of other comprehensive income. The investments in marketable securities are recorded at their fair value based on quoted market prices. Thus, there is exposure to equity price risk. We monitor our investments in marketable securities to consider evidence of whether any portion of our original investment is likely not to be recoverable, at which time we would record an impairment charge to operations. A hypothetical 10% change in quoted market prices would result in a related $1,328,000 change in the fair value of our investments in marketable securities.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Control and Procedures. As of September 30, 2014, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Accounting Officer (“CAO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of management’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934) to ensure information required to be disclosed in our filings under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, is (i) recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC rules and forms; and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and our CAO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. Management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving desired control objectives, and management is necessarily required to apply its judgment when evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of potential controls and procedures. Based upon the evaluation, the CEO and CAO concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2014.

There were no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in management’s evaluation during the three months ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

Our Health Care Facilities are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. Our lessees and borrowers have indemnified, and are obligated to continue to indemnify us, against all liabilities arising from the operation of the Health Care Facilities, and are further obligated to indemnify us against environmental or title problems affecting the real estate underlying such facilities. While there may be lawsuits pending against certain of the owners and/or lessees of the Health Care Facilities, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all such pending proceedings will have no material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no material changes to the risk factors that were disclosed in Item 1A of National Health Investors, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013, except for the addition of the risk factor that is stated as follows:

We depend on the success of property development and construction activities which may fail to achieve the operating results we expect.

When we decide to renovate an existing property or develop a new property, we make assumptions about the future potential cash flows of that property. We estimate our return based on expected occupancy, rental rates and future capital costs. If our projections prove to be inaccurate due to increased capital costs, lower occupancy or other factors, our investment in that property may not generate the cash flow we expected.

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Item 6. Exhibits.

Exhibit No.	Description
3.1	Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863)
3.2	Amendment to Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit A to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement filed March 23, 2009)
3.3	Amendment to Articles of Incorporation approved by shareholders on May 2, 2014
3.4	Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-K filed February 15, 2013)
3.5	Amendment No. 1 to Restated Bylaws dated February 14, 2014 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Form 10-K filed February 14, 2014)
4.1	Form of Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 39 to Form S-11 Registration Statement No. 33-41863)
4.2	Indenture, dated as of March 25, 2014, between National Health Investors, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Form 8-K filed March 31, 2014)
4.3	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 25, 2014, to the Indenture, dated as of March 25, 2014, between National Health Investors, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Form 8-K filed March 31, 2014)
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
**101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
**101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
**101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
**101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
**101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
**101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

* As provided in Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, this information shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Sections 11 and 12 of the Securities Act and Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act or otherwise subject to liability under those sections.

48

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 HEALTH INVESTORS, INC.
		(Registrant)
Date:	November 3, 2014	/s/ J. Justin Hutchens
		J. Justin Hutchens
		President, Chief Executive Officer,
		and Director
Date:	November 3, 2014	/s/ Roger R. Hopkins
		Roger R. Hopkins
		Chief Accounting Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, J. Justin Hutchens, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of the registrant, National Health Investors, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	November 3, 2014	/s/ J. Justin Hutchens
		J. Justin Hutchens
		President, Chief Executive Officer,
		and Director

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Roger R. Hopkins, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of the registrant, National Health Investors, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions) :

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date:	November 3, 2014	/s/ Roger R. Hopkins
		Roger R. Hopkins
		Chief Accounting Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

EX-32

Exhibit 32

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

The undersigned hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as added by Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to the undersigned's best knowledge and belief, the quarterly report on Form 10-Q for National Health Investors, Inc. ("Issuer") for the quarter ended September 30, 2014 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"):

(a) The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(b) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.

Date:	November 3, 2014	/s/ J. Justin Hutchens
		J. Justin Hutchens
		President, Chief Executive Officer,
		and Director
Date:	November 3, 2014	/s/ Roger R. Hopkins
		Roger R. Hopkins
		Chief Accounting Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

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Investments In Marketable Securities (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Gross unrealized gains related to available for sale securities	$ 9,186	$ 8,562

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Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 03, 2014 Subsequent Event [Member]	Oct. 31, 2014 Subsequent Event [Member] beds_or_units	Nov. 03, 2014 Subsequent Event [Member] Note A [Member]	Nov. 03, 2014 Subsequent Event [Member] Note B [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number of Units in Real Estate Property				101
Significant Acquisitions and Disposals, Acquisition Costs or Sale Proceeds				$ 18,100,000
Asset Purchase Transaction Costs				0
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage				2.90%
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Debt Assumed				9,552,000
Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Value of Liabilities Assumed	2,623,000	3,453,000		7,875,000
Loans and Leases Receivable, Commitments, Fixed Rates			154,500,000		60,000,000	94,500,000
Notes Receivable, Number Of Loans, Master Credit Agreement			2
Note Receivable Interest Rate					6.75%	8.00%
Loans And Leases Receivable, Commitment, Fixed Rates, Escalator, Basis Points					10
Note Receivable, First Note Year For Rate Escalator					P3Y0M0D
Loan Term					10 years 0 months 0 days	5 years 0 months 0 days
Note Receivable, Prepayment, Disallowance Period					3 years 0 months 0 days
Note Receivable, Prepayment Penalty, Rate					5.00%
Note Receivable, Prepayment Penalty, Rate Decrease					1.00%
Note Receivable, Expected Funding Period						0 years 20 months 0 days
Purchase Option, Amount, Minimum						$ 115,000,000
Purchase Option, Period, Months						0 years 15 months 0 days
Purchase Option, Open Period, Begin, Note Year						5 years 0 months 0 days

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Discontinued Operations (Schedule Of Income From Discontinued Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:
Rental income	$ 0	$ 1,506	$ 0	$ 5,155
Other income	0	0	0	2
Expenses:
Depreciation	0	167	0	501
Income from discontinued operations	$ 0	$ 20,709	$ 0	$ 24,026
Basic	33,055,992	27,876,176	33,053,386	27,872,805
Diluted	33,088,570	27,905,545	33,087,029	27,906,914
Basic	$ 0.00	$ 0.74	$ 0.00	$ 0.86
Discontinued operations per common share	$ 0.00	$ 0.74	$ 0.00	$ 0.86

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Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details)					9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014 2012 Plan [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 2012 Plan [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 2005 Plan [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 2005 Plan [Member]
Options outstanding, January 1	875,004	516,674	516,674	211,675
Options granted					400,000	360,000
Options forfeited							(15,000)	0
Options exercised							(26,670)	(55,001)
Options outstanding, March 31	875,004	516,674	516,674	211,675
Options exercisable, December 31	648,323		323,330

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Real Estate (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 properties	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 properties	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 Chancellor Senior Living [Member] properties	Jun. 01, 2014 Chancellor Senior Living [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Prestige Senior Living [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Prestige Senior Living [Member] Capital Improvement Commitment [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Bickford Development Properties [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Unstabilized Portfolio [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2013 Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2013 Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 National Healthcare Corporation [Member] Master_Leases properties	Sep. 30, 2013 National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 National Healthcare Corporation [Member] Master_Leases properties	Sep. 30, 2013 National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 National Healthcare Corporation [Member] NHC - 1991 Lease [Member] properties renewalOptions	Sep. 30, 2014 National Healthcare Corporation [Member] NHC - 2013 Lease [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Bickford Senior Living [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2013 Bickford Senior Living [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Bickford Senior Living [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2013 Bickford Senior Living [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Bickford Senior Living [Member] Bickford Development Properties [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Bickford Senior Living [Member] Stabilized Portfolio [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Bickford Senior Living [Member] Unstabilized Portfolio [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Care Investment Trust [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Senior Housing Community [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] Prestige Senior Living [Member] beds_or_units properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] National Healthcare Corporation [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Skilled Nursing Facility [Member] National Healthcare Corporation [Member] Subleased Facilities [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Hospital [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Medical Office Building [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Assisted Living Facility [Member] Prestige Senior Living [Member] beds_or_units	Sep. 30, 2014 Independent Living Facility [Member] National Healthcare Corporation [Member] properties
Number of Real Estate Properties	163		163					4	2	3	2	25		25		42		42		35	7	29		29			27		14	94	64	3	39	4	3	2		3
Number of States in which Entity Operates	30		30
Nonportfolio Assets, Original Cost	$ 899,000		$ 899,000
Real Estate Investment Property, Portfolio Assets	1,492,241,000		1,492,241,000
Number of Lessees	24		24
Significant Acquisition, Cost, Cash						5,650,000	11,500,000	40,115,000
Number of Units in Real Estate Property						25	56																									196					105
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract						15 years 0 months 0 days		15 years 0 months 0 days						17 years 0 months 0 days
Initial lease rate						8.00%	8.00%	8.40%
Number of Master Leases																2		2
Initial Lease Amount												31,915,000		31,915,000								19,254,000		19,254,000
Lease Escalator Rate, From Lease Year 1 to Lease Year 3												4.50%		4.50%
Number of Years Until Lease Escalator Changes														3 years 0 months 0 days
Lease Escalator Rate, After Lease Year 3												3.50%		3.50%
Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue	41,669,000	27,873,000	123,335,000	76,045,000								10,954,000		32,863,000		9,109,000	8,503,000	27,337,000	25,650,000			5,324,000	5,209,000	15,789,000	9,383,000			983,000
Percentage of Continuing Revenue												25.00%		25.00%		20.00%	28.00%	21.00%	30.00%			12.00%	17.00%	12.00%	11.00%
Straight Line Rent			12,692,000	4,408,000									2,975,000		8,926,000
Joint Venture Contributed Properties Ownership Interest Retained																						85.00%		85.00%
Joint Venture Contributed Properties Ownership Interest Surrendered																						15.00%		15.00%
Number Of Development Projects Active																										1
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Revenue of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	2,588,000		7,765,000
Business Combination, Pro Forma Information, Earnings or Loss of Acquiree since Acquisition Date, Actual	389,000		1,196,000
Number of additional lease renewal options						2														2
Lease Renewal Period In Years																				5 years 0 months 0 days
Percentage Rent Rate																					0.04
Percentage rent																573,000	570,000	1,734,000	2,452,000
Minimum Annual Lease Income																				30,750,000	3,450,000
Asset Purchase, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Earn Out Payments								6,390,000
Purchase Option Amount																					49,000,000
Capital Improvements Commitment									2,000,000
Real estate purchase liabilities	4,000,000		4,000,000		2,600,000			3,000,000
Construction and Development Costs										$ 6,990,000														$ 22,546,000

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Investments In Marketable Securities (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Schedule Of Marketable Securities

Marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Common stock of other healthcare REITs	$	4,088	$	13,275	$	4,088	$	12,650

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Earnings and Dividends Per Share (Summary Of Calculation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$ 25,250	$ 22,035	$ 74,080	$ 54,382
Income from discontinued operations	0	20,709	0	24,026
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 25,250	$ 42,744	$ 74,080	$ 78,408
BASIC:
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	33,055,992	27,876,176	33,053,386	27,872,805
Income from continuing operations per common share, basic	$ 0.76	$ 0.79	$ 2.24	$ 1.95
Discontinued operations per common share, basic	$ 0.00	$ 0.74	$ 0.00	$ 0.86
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.76	$ 1.53	$ 2.24	$ 2.81
DILUTED:
Weighted average common shares outstanding, diluted	33,055,992	27,876,176	33,053,386	27,872,805
Stock options, diluted	32,578	29,369	33,643	34,109
Average dilutive common shares outstanding	33,088,570	27,905,545	33,087,029	27,906,914
Income from continuing operations per common share	$ 0.76	$ 0.79	$ 2.24	$ 1.95
Discontinued operations per common share	$ 0.00	$ 0.74	$ 0.00	$ 0.86
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.76	$ 1.53	$ 2.24	$ 2.81
Incremental shares excluded since anti-dilutive:
Stock options with an exercise price in excess of the market price for our common shares	24,659	43,473	26,734	15,649
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.77	$ 0.735	$ 2.31	$ 2.165

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Debt (Schedule of Interest Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Interest Expense [Abstract]
Interest expense	$ 6,244	$ 3,180	$ 16,683	$ 5,415
Write-off of debt issuance costs	0	0	2,145	353
Amortization of Financing Costs	761	110	1,892	243
Total interest expense	$ 7,005	$ 3,290	$ 20,720	$ 6,011

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Investment In Preferred Stock, At Cost (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Investment income and other	$ 1,055,000	$ 1,040,000	$ 3,182,000	$ 3,154,000
Investment in cumulative preferred stock of LTC properties	2,000,000		2,000,000
Original cost of cost method investments	38,132,000		38,132,000
Nonvoting Convertible Preferred Stock	2,000,000		2,000,000
Closing Price Of LTC's Common Stock	$ 36.89		$ 36.89
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage			8.50%
Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share	$ 19.25		$ 19.25
Preferred Dividends [Member]
Investment income and other	$ 818,000		$ 2,454,000

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Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Dec. 31, 2012 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			$ 4,000,000	$ 2,600,000	$ 5,856,000	$ 4,256,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Transfers Into Level 3	0	0
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Purchases, (Sales), Issuances, (Settlements)	1,400,000	(1,600,000)
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability			4,000,000	2,600,000	5,856,000	4,256,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings	$ 0	$ 0

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Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 2012 Plan [Member]	May 31, 2012 2012 Plan [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 2005 Plan [Member]	May 31, 2005 2005 Plan [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Expected To Be Recognized During 2014 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Expected To Be Recognized During 2015 [Member]	Sep. 30, 2014 Expected To Be Recognized During 2016 [Member]
Shares available for grants					740,000	1,500,000	20,635	1,500,000
Stock Option Plan, Award Vesting Period					5 years		10 years
Common stock on date granted term period, years					10		10
Stock or Unit Option Plan Expense	$ 223	$ 253	$ 1,796	$ 2,086
Combined share-based compensation expense for 2005 Plan and 1997 Plan			1,796	2,086
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 590		$ 590						$ 223	$ 331	$ 36

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Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Significant Accounting Policies

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We, the management of National Health Investors, Inc., ("NHI" or the "Company") believe that the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of which these notes are an integral part include all normal, recurring adjustments which are necessary to fairly present the condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of NHI in all material respects. The Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. We assume that users of these condensed consolidated financial statements have read or have access to the audited December 31, 2013 consolidated financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 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 those contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 have been omitted. This condensed consolidated financial information is not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for a full year for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to, acquisitions and dispositions, changes in interest rates, rents and the timing of debt and equity financings. For a better understanding of NHI and its condensed consolidated financial statements, we recommend reading these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013, which are included in our 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a copy of which is available at our web site: www.nhireit.com.

Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the joint venture entity over which we exercise control. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income is reduced by the portion of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance for our arrangements with variable interest entities ("VIEs") which requires us to identify entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights and to determine which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. A VIE is broadly defined as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. We consolidate investments in VIEs when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We may change our assessment of a VIE due to events such as modifications of contractual arrangements that affect the characteristics or adequacy of the entity's equity investments at risk and the disposal of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.

We identify the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the entity. We perform this analysis on an ongoing basis. At September 30, 2014, we held an interest in one unconsolidated VIE, of which we were not the primary beneficiary.

We also apply FASB guidance related to investments in joint ventures based on the type of controlling rights held by the members' interests in limited liability companies that may preclude consolidation by the majority equity owner in certain circumstances in which the majority equity owner would otherwise consolidate the joint venture.

We structure our joint ventures to be compliant with the provisions of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 ("RIDEA") which permits NHI to receive rent payments through a triple-net lease between a property company and an operating company and is designed to give NHI the opportunity to capture additional value on the improving performance of the operating company through distributions to a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"). Accordingly, the TRS holds our equity interest in an unconsolidated operating company, which we do not control, and provides an organizational structure that will allow the TRS to engage in a broad range of activities and share in revenues that would otherwise be non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests.

Equity-Method Investment - We report our TRS' investment in an unconsolidated entity, over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, our pro rata share of the entity's earnings or losses is included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, we adjust our investment carrying amount to reflect our share of changes in an equity-method investee's capital resulting from its capital transactions.

The initial carrying value of our equity-method investment is based on the fair value of the net assets of the entity at the time we acquired our interest. We estimate fair values of the net assets of our equity-method investee based on discounted cash flow models. The inputs we use in these models are based on assumptions that are within a reasonable range of current market rates for the respective investments.

We evaluate our equity-method investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment may exceed the fair value. If it is determined that a decline in the fair value of our investment is not temporary, and if such reduced fair value is below its carrying value, an impairment is recorded. Determining fair value involves significant judgment. Our estimates consider all available evidence including the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at market rates, general economic conditions and other relevant factors.

Noncontrolling Interest - We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in entities that we control (and thus consolidate) as noncontrolling interest and classify such interest as a component of consolidated equity, separate from total NHI stockholders' equity, in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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.

Earnings Per Share - The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive. Diluted earnings per share also incorporate the potential dilutive impact of our 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2021. We apply the if-converted method to our convertible debt instruments, the effect of which is that conversion will not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per share if the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Reclassifications - We have reclassified for 2013 the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria as either being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. There is no change to reported net income for the prior periods as a result of this reclassification.

New Accounting Pronouncements - In the first quarter of 2014, we adopted ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under ASU 2014-08, disposals will be reported as discontinued operations only when the disposal represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. Previously, we reported the disposition of components that were either reporting units, subsidiaries, or asset groups as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components that occur on or after December 15, 2014. We have elected early adoption, under which terms we will prospectively apply ASU 2014-08 and report as discontinued operations only those disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been previously reported.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 provides a principles-based approach for a broad range of revenue generating transactions, including the sale of real estate, which will generally require more estimates and more judgment and more disclosures than under current guidance. Because this ASU specifically excludes lease contracts from its scope, its application is not expected to impact our recognition of rental income on a straight-line basis. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is prohibited. We have yet to determine the method by which ASU 2014-09 will be adopted in 2017 and we are continuing to study the effect that our eventual adoption of this standard will have on our reported financial position and results of operation, the extent of which cannot be reasonably estimable at this time.

In June 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. Current FASB guidance does not state whether instruments within the scope of ASU 2014-12 should be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting or as a nonvesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. Among its provisions, this ASU clarifies that the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Rather, compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are studying the effects of the ASU prior to adoption. We have not previously issued instruments within its scope, and, accordingly, our eventual adoption of the new standard is expected to have no effect on our financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

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Debt (Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, May 2012 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Inception Date	May 31, 2012
Derivative, Maturity Date	Apr. 30, 2019
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.29%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	1-month LIBOR
Derivative, Notional Amount	$ 40,000
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Asset at Fair Value	256
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, June 2013 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Inception Date	Jun. 30, 2013
Derivative, Maturity Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.86%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	1-month LIBOR
Derivative, Notional Amount	80,000
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value	(765)
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, March 2014 [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative, Inception Date	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative, Maturity Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.91%
Debt Instrument, Description of Variable Rate Basis	1-month LIBOR
Derivative, Notional Amount	130,000
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Liability at Fair Value	$ (1,568)

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Earnings and Dividends Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

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

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	25,250	$	22,035	$	74,080	$	54,382
Discontinued operations	—		20,709		—		24,026
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	25,250	$	42,744	$	74,080	$	78,408
BASIC:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,055,992		27,876,176		33,053,386		27,872,805
Income from continuing operations per common share	$	.76	$	.79	$	2.24	$	1.95
Discontinued operations per common share	—		.74		—		.86
Net income per common share	$	.76	$	1.53	$	2.24	$	2.81
DILUTED:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,055,992		27,876,176		33,053,386		27,872,805
Stock options	32,578		29,369		33,643		34,109
Average dilutive common shares outstanding	33,088,570		27,905,545		33,087,029		27,906,914
Income from continuing operations per common share	$	.76	$	.79	$	2.24	$	1.95
Discontinued operations per common share	—		.74		—		.86
Net income per common share	$	.76	$	1.53	$	2.24	$	2.81
Incremental shares excluded since anti-dilutive:
Net share effect of stock options with an exercise price in excess of the average market price for our common shares	24,659		43,473		26,734		15,649
Regular dividends declared per common share	$	.77	$	.735	$	2.31	$	2.165

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Discontinued Operations (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule Of Income From Discontinued Operations

Income from discontinued operations is summarized below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Revenues:
Rental income	$	—	$	1,506	$	—	$	5,155
Other income	—		—		—		2
Expenses:
Depreciation	—		167		—		501
Operating income	—		1,339		—		4,656
Gain on sale of real estate	—		19,370		—		19,370
Total discontinued operations	$	—	$	20,709	$	—	$	24,026
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	33,055,992		27,876,176		33,053,386		27,872,805
Diluted	33,088,570		27,905,545		33,087,029		27,906,914
Discontinued operations income per share:
Basic	$	—	$	.74	$	—	$	.86
Diluted	$	—	$	.74	$	—	$	.86

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Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 properties	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Proceeds from convertible senior notes	$ 200,000,000	$ 0
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	700,000,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Ratio	13.926
Convertible Debt Instrument, Conversion Ratio, Principal Amount, Basis	1,000
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price	$ 71.81
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Number of Equity Instruments	2,785,200
Convertible Debt	192,768,000		192,238,000	0
Debt Instrument, Convertible, Carrying Amount of Equity Component	7,762,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage	3.90%
Credit Facility, Current Revolving Borrowing Capacity	450,000,000
Credit Facility Expansion Amount	130,000,000
Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Fee, Basis Points	40
Number of Real Estate Properties	163
Debt Instrument, Name, Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.25%
Debt Issuance Cost	6,063,000
Debt Instrument, Name, Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Maturity, Extension Option, Number Of Years	1
Number of basis points over LIBOR	150
Unused balance of the unsecured revolving credit facility	369,000,000
Debt Instrument Name, Old Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	620,000,000
Debt Instrument Name, $130m Term Loan - June 2020 Maturity [Member]
Term Loans, Outstanding Balance	130,000,000
Number of basis points over LIBOR	175
Debt Instrument Name, $120m Term Loans - June 2020 Maturity [Member]
Term Loans, Outstanding Balance	120,000,000
Number of basis points over LIBOR	175
Debt Instrument, Name, Fannie Mae (A) [Member]
Secured Debt	70,380,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.85%
Debt Instrument, Name, Fannie Mae (B) [Member]
Secured Debt	7,162,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	7.17%
Debt Instrument, Name, HUD Mortgages [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Face Amount of Mortgages	38,007,000
Secured Debt	37,973,000			0
Number of Real Estate Properties	9
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, March 2014 [Member]
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.91%
Derivative, Notional Amount	130,000,000
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, May 2012 [Member]
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.29%
Derivative, Notional Amount	40,000,000
Interest Rate Swap, Date Entered, June 2013 [Member]
Derivative, Fixed Interest Rate	3.86%
Derivative, Notional Amount	80,000,000
Allocated to Debt [Member] | Debt Instrument, Name, Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Issuance Cost	5,788,000
Allocated to Equity [Member] | Debt Instrument, Name, Convertible Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Issuance Cost	$ 275,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Period, Year 1 [Member] | Debt Instrument, Name, HUD Mortgages [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Interest Rate	4.65%
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Period, After Year 1 [Member] | Debt Instrument, Name, HUD Mortgages [Member]
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate, Interest Rate	4.30%

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Fair Value Of Financial Instruments Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands):

		Fair Value Measurement
	Balance Sheet Classification	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Level 1
Common stock of other healthcare REITs	Marketable securities	$	13,275	$	12,650
Level 2
Interest rate swap asset	Other assets	$	256	$	975
Interest rate swap liability	Accrued expenses	$	2,333	$	—
Level 3
Contingent consideration	Real estate purchase liabilities	$	4,000	$	2,600

Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation

The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013(in thousands):

	Fair Value Beginning of Period		Transfers Into Level 3		Realized Gains and (Losses)		Purchases, Issuances and Settlements, net		Fair Value at End of Period		Total Period Losses Included in Earnings Attributable to the Change in Unrealized Losses Relating to Assets Held at End of Year
2014
Contingent consideration	$	2,600	$	—	$	—	$	1,400	$	4,000	$	—
2013
Contingent consideration	$	4,256	$	—	$	—	$	1,600	$	5,856	$	—

Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]

Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	Carrying Amount				Fair Value Measurement
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Level 2
Variable rate debt	$	331,000	$	537,000	$	331,000	$	537,000
Fixed rate debt	$	309,963	$	80,080	$	311,963	$	79,365
Level 3
Mortgage and other notes receivable	$	60,728	$	60,639	$	68,864	$	67,201

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Real Estate (Summary of NHC Percentage Rent) (Details) (National Healthcare Corporation [Member], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Total percentage rent	$ 573	$ 570	$ 1,734	$ 2,452
Current year [Member]
Total percentage rent	573	570	1,719	1,706
Prior year final certification [Member]
Total percentage rent	$ 0	$ 0	$ 15	$ 746

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Consolidated Statement Of Equity Consolidated Statement of Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 0.77	$ 0.735	$ 2.31	$ 2.165

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Real Estate (Significant Business Combination Proforma) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Abstract]
Revenue	$ 44,478	$ 30,849	$ 131,774	$ 90,253
Net income	25,776	43,068	75,265	79,915
Net income available to common stockholders	$ 25,504	$ 42,759	$ 74,366	$ 79,124
Basic earnings per share	$ 0.77	$ 1.53	$ 2.25	$ 2.84
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.77	$ 1.53	$ 2.25	$ 2.84

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Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Mar. 27, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible Debt	$ 192,768	$ 192,238	$ 0
Revolving credit facility - unsecured	81,000		167,000
Bank term loans - unsecured	250,000		370,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount	640,963		617,080
Debt Instrument, Name, HUD Mortgages [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	37,973		0
Debt Instrument, Name, Fannie Mae Mortgage [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured Debt	$ 79,222		$ 80,080

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	$ 60,728,000	$ 60,639,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	68,864,000	67,201,000
Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Loans and Leases Receivable, Net Amount	60,728,000	60,639,000
Variable Interest Rate Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	331,000,000	537,000,000
Variable Interest Rate Debt [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	331,000,000	537,000,000
Fixed Interest Rate Debt [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	311,963,000	79,365,000
Fixed Interest Rate Debt [Member] | Carrying Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 309,963,000	$ 80,080,000

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Land	$ 94,320	$ 91,770
Buildings and improvements	1,380,623	1,320,567
Construction in progress	18,197	9,665
Real estate properties, gross	1,493,140	1,422,002
Less accumulated depreciation	(202,605)	(174,262)
Real estate properties, net	1,290,535	1,247,740
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	60,728	60,639
Investment in preferred stock, at cost	38,132	38,132
Cash and cash equivalents	3,559	11,312
Marketable securities	13,275	12,650
Straight-line rent receivable	31,383	18,691
Equity-method investment and other assets	50,556	66,656
Total Assets	1,488,168	1,455,820
Liabilities and Equity
Debt	640,963	617,080
Real estate purchase liabilities	4,000	2,600
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	12,583	8,011
Dividends Payable	25,455	24,293
Lease deposit liabilities	22,775	22,775
Deferred income	1,372	3,901
Total Liabilities	707,148	678,660
Commitments and Contingencies
National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity:
Common stock, $.01 par value; 60,000,000 and 40,000,000 shares authorized; 33,054,599 and 33,051,176 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	331	330
Capital in excess of par value	762,918	753,635
Cumulative dividends in excess of net income	765	3,043
Accumulated other comprehensive income	7,109	9,538
Total National Health Investors Stockholders' Equity	771,123	766,546
Noncontrolling interest	9,897	10,614
Total Equity	781,020	777,160
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 1,488,168	$ 1,455,820

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Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 properties	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Lease Extension Period in Years	10 years 0 months 0 days
Number of Real Estate Properties	163
Payment of real estate purchase liability	$ 1,600,000	$ 0
Real estate purchase liabilities	4,000,000		2,600,000
Prestige Senior Living [Member]
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	15 years 0 months 0 days
Asset Purchase, Contingent Consideration Arrangements, Earn Out Payments	6,390,000
Number of Real Estate Properties	4
Initial lease rate	8.40%
Real estate purchase liabilities	3,000,000
Significant Acquisition, Cost, Cash	40,115,000
Acquisition Helix Healthcare [Member]
Asset Sold, Selling Price	12,500,000
Conditional future payments related to purchase/leaseback transaction	1,000,000
Construction Loans [Member]
Supplemental Construction Loan Commitment Draw	2,000,000
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds	70
Chancellor Healthcare [Member]
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds	63
Capital Improvements Commitment Funded	257,000
Capital improvements commitment	500,000
Kentucky River [Member]
Construction and Development Costs	7,456,000
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Renewal Term	5 years 0 months 0 days
Discovery Regency Pointe [Member]
Real estate purchase liabilities	2,500,000
Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	2
Payment of real estate purchase liability	1,600,000
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	1,600,000
Significant Acquisition, Cost, Cash	26,150,000
Senior Living Management [Member]
Capital improvements commitment	700,000
Development Commitment [Member] | Chancellor Healthcare [Member]
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	7,500,000
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	15 years 0 months 0 days
Initial lease rate	9.00%
Construction of transitional rehabilitation center, number of beds	46
Chancellor Healthcare [Member]
Construction and Development Costs	3,115,000
Sante Partners Commitment [Member]
Capital Improvements Commitment Funded	2,621,000
Capital improvements commitment	3,500,000
Capital Improvement Commitment [Member] | Prestige Senior Living [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties	2
Capital Improvements Commitment Funded	693,000
Capital improvements commitment	2,000,000
Bickford Development Properties [Member]
Number of Real Estate Properties To Be Constructed	1
Construction and Development Costs	6,990,000
Number of Real Estate Properties	3
Bickford Commitment [Member]
Maximum Commitment For All Active Development Projects	9,000,000
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	2,785,000
1st Contingent Payment Amount [Member] | Discovery Regency Pointe [Member]
Real estate purchase liabilities	750,000
Kentucky River Commitment [Member]
Significant development and lease transactions	8,000,000
Sante Partners Commitment [Member]
Number of Lease Inducement Payments	2
Lease Incentive Commitment Assessed As Not Probable	$ 1,000,000

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Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 74,952,000	$ 79,072,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	28,373,000	14,705,000
Amortization	1,816,000	226,000
Straight-line rental income	(12,692,000)	(4,408,000)
Write-off of debt issuance costs	2,145,000	353,000
Loan and realty losses	0	1,976,000
Gain on sale of real estate	0	(19,370,000)
Share-based compensation	1,796,000	2,086,000
Income from equity-method investee	(157,000)	(269,000)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Equity-method investment and other assets	4,000	(307,000)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	(493,000)	498,000
Deferred income	(2,529,000)	(149,000)
Net cash provided by operating activities	93,215,000	74,413,000
Cash flows from investing activities:
Investment in mortgage and other notes receivable	(1,439,000)	(9,713,000)
Collection of mortgage and other notes receivable	1,350,000	18,879,000
Investment in real estate	(35,688,000)	(134,074,000)
Investment in real estate development	(6,022,000)	(7,883,000)
Investment in renovations of existing real estate	(3,078,000)	(5,323,000)
Payment of real estate purchase liability	(1,600,000)	0
Proceeds from disposition of real estate properties	0	20,981,000
Net cash used in investing activities	(46,477,000)	(117,133,000)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net change in borrowings under revolving credit facilities	(86,000,000)	127,000,000
Proceeds from convertible senior notes	200,000,000	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Secured Debt	38,007,000	0
Borrowings on term loan	130,000,000	80,000,000
Payments on term loans	(250,815,000)	(99,399,000)
Debt issuance costs	(8,899,000)	(1,275,000)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	(146,000)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(1,589,000)	(818,000)
Dividends paid to stockholders	(75,195,000)	(64,656,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(54,491,000)	40,998,000
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(7,753,000)	(1,722,000)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	11,312,000	9,172,000
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	3,559,000	7,450,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Interest Paid	13,878,000	5,225,000
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Settlement of mortgage note by real estate acquisition	0	13,741,000
Tax deferred exchange funds applied to investment in real estate	23,813,000	0
Conditional consideration in asset acquisition	3,000,000	1,600,000
Accounts payable related to investments in real estate	2,623,000	3,453,000
Assumption of debt in real estate acquisition	0	80,528,000
(Increase) decrease in fair value of cash flow hedge	(126,000)	1,531,000
Assignment of net assets in equity-method investee	$ 0	$ 817,000

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Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 properties	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013
Investment [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity					$ 8,986,000
Number of Real Estate Properties	163
Net Assets Received In Acquisition of Equity-Method Investee	0		817,000
Variable Interest Entity, Financial or Other Support, Amount		0
Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions	0		0
Lease escrow deposits	22,775,000			22,775,000
Payments for Delayed Tax Exempt Exchange	23,813,000
Bickford Senior Living [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties					17
Lease Security [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Lease escrow deposits	21,275,000
Capital Improvements Reserve [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Lease escrow deposits	$ 1,500,000
Holiday Acquisition Holdings [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Number of Real Estate Properties	25
Lessor Leasing Arrangements, Operating Leases, Term of Contract	17 years 0 months 0 days

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Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Policy Text Block [Abstract]

Consolidation, Policy

Principles of Consolidation - The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our wholly-owned subsidiaries and the joint venture entity over which we exercise control. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Net income is reduced by the portion of net income attributable to noncontrolling interests.

We apply Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") guidance for our arrangements with variable interest entities ("VIEs") which requires us to identify entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights and to determine which business enterprise is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. A VIE is broadly defined as an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance the entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about the entity's activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. We consolidate investments in VIEs when we are determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE. We may change our assessment of a VIE due to events such as modifications of contractual arrangements that affect the characteristics or adequacy of the entity's equity investments at risk and the disposal of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.

We identify the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both: (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance; and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the entity. We perform this analysis on an ongoing basis. At September 30, 2014, we held an interest in one unconsolidated VIE, of which we were not the primary beneficiary.

We also apply FASB guidance related to investments in joint ventures based on the type of controlling rights held by the members' interests in limited liability companies that may preclude consolidation by the majority equity owner in certain circumstances in which the majority equity owner would otherwise consolidate the joint venture.

We structure our joint ventures to be compliant with the provisions of the REIT Investment Diversification and Empowerment Act of 2007 ("RIDEA") which permits NHI to receive rent payments through a triple-net lease between a property company and an operating company and is designed to give NHI the opportunity to capture additional value on the improving performance of the operating company through distributions to a taxable REIT subsidiary ("TRS"). Accordingly, the TRS holds our equity interest in an unconsolidated operating company, which we do not control, and provides an organizational structure that will allow the TRS to engage in a broad range of activities and share in revenues that would otherwise be non-qualifying income under the REIT gross income tests.

Equity-Method Investment - We report our TRS' investment in an unconsolidated entity, over whose operating and financial policies we have the ability to exercise significant influence but not control, under the equity method of accounting. Under this method of accounting, our pro rata share of the entity's earnings or losses is included in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. Additionally, we adjust our investment carrying amount to reflect our share of changes in an equity-method investee's capital resulting from its capital transactions.

The initial carrying value of our equity-method investment is based on the fair value of the net assets of the entity at the time we acquired our interest. We estimate fair values of the net assets of our equity-method investee based on discounted cash flow models. The inputs we use in these models are based on assumptions that are within a reasonable range of current market rates for the respective investments.

We evaluate our equity-method investment for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of our investment may exceed the fair value. If it is determined that a decline in the fair value of our investment is not temporary, and if such reduced fair value is below its carrying value, an impairment is recorded. Determining fair value involves significant judgment. Our estimates consider all available evidence including the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at market rates, general economic conditions and other relevant factors.

Noncontrolling Interest - We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in entities that we control (and thus consolidate) as noncontrolling interest and classify such interest as a component of consolidated equity, separate from total NHI stockholders' equity, in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. In addition, we include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest in net income in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

Use of Estimates, Policy

Use of Estimates - The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, 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.

Earnings Per Share, Policy

Earnings Per Share - The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive. Diluted earnings per share also incorporate the potential dilutive impact of our 3.25% convertible senior notes due 2021. We apply the if-converted method to our convertible debt instruments, the effect of which is that conversion will not be assumed for purposes of computing diluted earnings (loss) per share if the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block]

Reclassifications - We have reclassified for 2013 the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria as either being sold or held for sale as discontinued operations in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. There is no change to reported net income for the prior periods as a result of this reclassification.

New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy

New Accounting Pronouncements - In the first quarter of 2014, we adopted ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity. Under ASU 2014-08, disposals will be reported as discontinued operations only when the disposal represents a strategic shift that will have a major effect on our operations and financial results. Previously, we reported the disposition of components that were either reporting units, subsidiaries, or asset groups as discontinued operations. ASU 2014-08 is effective for all disposals (or classifications as held for sale) of components that occur on or after December 15, 2014. We have elected early adoption, under which terms we will prospectively apply ASU 2014-08 and report as discontinued operations only those disposals (or classifications as held for sale) that have not been previously reported.

In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 provides a principles-based approach for a broad range of revenue generating transactions, including the sale of real estate, which will generally require more estimates and more judgment and more disclosures than under current guidance. Because this ASU specifically excludes lease contracts from its scope, its application is not expected to impact our recognition of rental income on a straight-line basis. ASU 2014-09 is effective for public entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods therein. Early adoption is prohibited. We have yet to determine the method by which ASU 2014-09 will be adopted in 2017 and we are continuing to study the effect that our eventual adoption of this standard will have on our reported financial position and results of operation, the extent of which cannot be reasonably estimable at this time.

In June 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period. Current FASB guidance does not state whether instruments within the scope of ASU 2014-12 should be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting or as a nonvesting condition that affects the grant-date fair value of an award. Among its provisions, this ASU clarifies that the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award. Rather, compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved and should represent the compensation cost attributable to the period(s) for which the requisite service has already been rendered. ASU 2014-12 is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. We are studying the effects of the ASU prior to adoption. We have not previously issued instruments within its scope, and, accordingly, our eventual adoption of the new standard is expected to have no effect on our financial position, results of operation or cash flows.

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Mortgage And Other Notes Receivable (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014 properties	Dec. 31, 2013
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	$ 60,728,000	$ 60,639,000
Number of health care properties related to mortgage notes receivables	11
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable	0
Secured By Real Estate [Member]
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	34,956,000
Not Secured By Real Estate [Member]
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	25,772,000
Bickford Senior Living [Member] | Not Secured By Real Estate [Member]
Mortgage and other notes receivable, net	308,000
Bickford Senior Living [Member]
Loans and Lease Receivable, Maximum Revolving Amount	$ 500,000
Note Receivable Interest Rate	10.00%

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Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Equity Method Investments And Other Assets [Abstract]

Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets Disclosure [Table Text Block]

Our equity-method investment in OpCo and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Equity-method investment in OpCo	$	9,651	$	9,494
Debt issuance costs	12,211		7,366
Accounts receivable and other assets	2,222		2,502
Reserves for replacement, insurance and tax escrows	3,697		706
Lease escrow deposits	22,775		22,775
Escrow deposit for tax deferred exchange	—		23,813
	$	50,556	$	66,656

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Consolidated Statement Of Equity (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Cumulative Dividends In Excess Of Net Income [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Parent [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance, value at Dec. 31, 2013	$ 777,160	$ 330	$ 753,635	$ 3,043	$ 9,538	$ 766,546	$ 10,614
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	33,051,176	33,051,176
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Comprehensive income	72,523			74,080	(2,429)	71,651	872
Distributions to noncontrolling interest	(1,589)						(1,589)
Shares issued on stock options exercised, shares		6,948
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised	1	1	0			1
Share-based compensation	1,796		1,796			1,796
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Equity Component of Convertible Debt	7,487		7,487			7,487
Dividends declared, $1.54 per share	(76,358)			(76,358)		(76,358)
Balance, value at Sep. 30, 2014	$ 781,020	$ 331	$ 762,918	$ 765	$ 7,109	$ 771,123	$ 9,897
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2014	33,058,124	33,058,124

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	33,058,124	33,051,176
Common stock, shares outstanding	33,058,124	33,051,176

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Share-Based Compensation

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract]

Share-Based Compensation

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

We recognize share-based compensation for all stock options granted over the requisite service period using the fair value of these grants as estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes pricing model, and all restricted stock granted over the requisite service period using the market value of our publicly-traded common stock on the date of grant.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors ("the Committee") has the authority to select the participants to be granted options; to designate whether the option granted is an incentive stock option ("ISO"), a non-qualified option, or a stock appreciation right; to establish the number of shares of common stock that may be issued upon exercise of the option; to establish the vesting provision for any award; and to establish the term any award may be outstanding. The exercise price of any ISO’s granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted, and the term of an ISO may not be more than ten years. The exercise price of any non-qualified options granted will not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares of common stock on the date granted unless so determined by the Committee.

In May 2012, our stockholders approved the 2012 Stock Incentive Plan ("the 2012 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of September 30, 2014, there were 740,000 shares available for future grants under the 2012 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to five years. The term of the options under the 2012 Plan is up to ten years from the date of grant.

In May 2005, our stockholders approved the NHI 2005 Stock Option Plan ("the 2005 Plan") pursuant to which 1,500,000 shares of our common stock were made available to grant as share-based payments to employees, officers, directors or consultants. As of September 30, 2014, there were 20,635 shares available for future grants under the 2005 Plan. The individual restricted stock and option grant awards vest over periods up to ten years. The term of the options outstanding under the 2005 Plan is up to ten years from the date of grant.

Compensation expense is recognized only for the awards that ultimately vest. Accordingly, forfeitures that were not expected may result in the reversal of previously recorded compensation expense. The compensation expense reported for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was $223,000 and $253,000, respectively, and for the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 and 2013 was $1,796,000 and $2,086,000, respectively.

At September 30, 2014, we had, net of expected forfeitures, $590,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options which is expected to be expensed over the following periods: 2014 - $223,000, 2015 - $331,000 and 2016 - $36,000. Stock-based compensation is included in general and administrative expense in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income.

The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2014		2013
Options outstanding January 1,	516,674		211,675
Options granted under 2012 Plan	400,000		360,000
Options forfeited under 2012 Plan	(15,000	)	—
Options exercised under 2005 Plan	(26,670	)	(55,001	)
Options outstanding, September 30,	875,004		516,674
Exercisable at September 30,	648,323		323,330

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Document And Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2014
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	NATIONAL HEALTH INVESTORS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000877860
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		33,058,124

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Discontinued Operations

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Discontinued Operations

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

We have reclassified, for periods before adoption of ASU 2014-08, the operations of facilities meeting the accounting criteria for properties sold or held for sale as discontinued operations.

In December 2013, we sold three older skilled nursing facilities to affiliates of our current tenant, Fundamental, for $18,500,000 and recorded a gain of $1,269,000 for financial statement purposes. Our lease revenue from these facilities was $844,000 and $2,532,000 for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013. Pursuant to the purchase option, rents associated with the two remaining properties will be fixed at $250,000 per month, without escalation, through the first renewal term in February 2016.

In October 2013, our tenant, Weatherly Associates, LLC, exercised their option to purchase a senior housing facility in Pennsylvania for $5,315,000. The sale was completed in December 2013, and we recorded a gain of $1,619,000 for financial statement purposes. Our lease revenue from the facility was $100,000 and $302,000 for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013.

In August 2013 we sold six older skilled nursing facilities to NHC for $21,000,000 and recorded a gain of $19,370,000 for financial statement purposes. Our lease revenue from the facilities was $562,000 and $2,321,000 for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2013.

Income from discontinued operations is summarized below (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Revenues:
Rental income	$	—	$	1,506	$	—	$	5,155
Other income	—		—		—		2
Expenses:
Depreciation	—		167		—		501
Operating income	—		1,339		—		4,656
Gain on sale of real estate	—		19,370		—		19,370
Total discontinued operations	$	—	$	20,709	$	—	$	24,026
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	33,055,992		27,876,176		33,053,386		27,872,805
Diluted	33,088,570		27,905,545		33,087,029		27,906,914
Discontinued operations income per share:
Basic	$	—	$	.74	$	—	$	.86
Diluted	$	—	$	.74	$	—	$	.86

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Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:
Rental income	$ 41,669	$ 27,873	$ 123,335	$ 76,045
Interest income from mortgage and other notes	1,754	1,936	5,258	5,877
Investment income and other	1,055	1,040	3,182	3,154
Revenues	44,478	30,849	131,775	85,076
Expenses:
Depreciation	9,596	5,565	28,373	14,204
Interest, including amortization of debt discount and issuance costs	7,005	3,290	20,720	6,011
Legal	66	55	149	621
Franchise, excise and other taxes	78	80	790	316
General and administrative	2,164	1,757	6,948	7,171
Loan and realty losses	0	(2,061)	0	1,976
Total operating expenses	18,909	8,686	56,980	30,299
Income before equity-method investee, discontinued operations and noncontrolling interest	25,569	22,163	74,795	54,777
Income from equity-method investee	(53)	178	157	269
Income from continuing operations	25,516	22,341	74,952	55,046
Discontinued operations
Income from operations - discontinued	0	1,339	0	4,656
Gain on sale of real estate	0	19,370	0	19,370
Income from discontinued operations	0	20,709	0	24,026
Net income	25,516	43,050	74,952	79,072
Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(266)	(306)	(872)	(664)
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$ 25,250	$ 42,744	$ 74,080	$ 78,408
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic	33,055,992	27,876,176	33,053,386	27,872,805
Diluted	33,088,570	27,905,545	33,087,029	27,906,914
Basic:
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.76	$ 0.79	$ 2.24	$ 1.95
Discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.74	$ 0.00	$ 0.86
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.76	$ 1.53	$ 2.24	$ 2.81
Diluted:
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.76	$ 0.79	$ 2.24	$ 1.95
Discontinued operations	$ 0.00	$ 0.74	$ 0.00	$ 0.86
Net income per common share attributable to common stockholders	$ 0.76	$ 1.53	$ 2.24	$ 2.81

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Mortgage And Other Notes Receivable

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Financing Receivable, Net [Abstract]

Mortgage Notes Receivable

MORTGAGE AND OTHER NOTES RECEIVABLE

At September 30, 2014, we had investments in mortgage notes receivable with a carrying value of $34,956,000 secured by real estate and UCC liens on the personal property of 11 health care properties and other notes receivable with a carrying value of $25,772,000 guaranteed by significant parties to the notes or by cross-collateralization of properties with the same owner. No allowance for doubtful accounts was considered necessary at September 30, 2014.

In June 2014 we entered into a $500,000 revolving loan with our joint venture partner, an affiliate of Bickford, to fund pre-development expenses related to potential future projects. Interest is payable monthly at 10% and the note matures in August 2015. The outstanding balance at September 30, 2014 was $308,000.

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Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Equity Method Investments And Other Assets [Abstract]

Equity Method Investments And Other Assets Disclosure [Text Block]

EQUITY-METHOD INVESTMENT AND OTHER ASSETS

Our equity-method investment in OpCo and other assets consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Equity-method investment in OpCo	$	9,651	$	9,494
Debt issuance costs	12,211		7,366
Accounts receivable and other assets	2,222		2,502
Reserves for replacement, insurance and tax escrows	3,697		706
Lease escrow deposits	22,775		22,775
Escrow deposit for tax deferred exchange	—		23,813
	$	50,556	$	66,656

Upon the acquisition of our equity method investment in OpCo in 2012, our purchase price was allocated to the assets acquired based upon their estimated relative fair values. Accounting guidance for equity method investments requires that we account for the difference between the cost basis of our investment in OpCo and our pro rata share of the amount of underlying equity in the net assets of OpCo as though OpCo were a consolidated subsidiary. Accordingly, the excess of the original purchase price over the fair value of identified tangible assets at acquisition of $8,986,000 is treated as implied goodwill and is subject to periodic review for impairment in conjunction with our equity method investment. When we acquired 17 properties leased or managed by Bickford in June 2013, an assignment was entered into whereby the operations of the related facilities were conveyed by an affiliate of Bickford to OpCo. The transaction mandated the effective cut-off of operating revenues and expenses and the settlement of operating assets and liabilities as of the acquisition date. Specified remaining net tangible assets were assigned to OpCo at the transferor's carryover basis resulting in an adjustment, through NHI's capital in excess of par value to our equity method investment in OpCo, of $817,000. We monitor and periodically review our equity method investment in OpCo for impairment to determine whether a decline, if any, in the value of the investment is other-than temporary. We noted no decline in value as of September 30, 2014.

OpCo is intended to be self-financing, and aside from initial investments therein, no direct support has been provided by NHI to OpCo since the original investment on September 30, 2012. While PropCo's rental revenues associated with the related properties are sourced from OpCo, a decision to furnish additional direct support would be at our discretion and not obligatory. As a result, our maximum exposure to loss at September 30, 2014, due to our investment in OpCo, would be limited to our equity interest. We have concluded that OpCo meets the accounting criteria to be considered a VIE. However, because we do not control the entity, nor do we have any role in the day-to-day management, we are not the primary beneficiary of the entity and therefore account for our investment using the equity method. There were no distributions declared during the nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 and 2013.

At September 30, 2014, we held lease escrow deposits of $22,775,000 in regard to our lease with Holiday. The Holiday deposits include $21,275,000 as a lease security deposit which remains in escrow for the term of the 17-year lease commencing in December 2013 and is payable to Holiday at the end of the lease term. The remaining $1,500,000 is reserved for specified capital improvements.

Reserves for replacement, insurance and tax escrows include amounts required to be held on deposit in accordance with regulatory agreements governing our Fannie Mae and HUD mortgages.

In March 2014 we utilized $23,813,000 held with a qualified intermediary to provide a portion of the funding for the Prestige acquisition discussed in Note 2.

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Real Estate (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Real Estate [Abstract]

Summary of NHC Percentage Rent [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes the percentage rent income from NHC (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Current year	$	573	$	570	$	1,719	$	1,706
Prior year final certification1	—		—		15		746
Total percentage rent income	$	573	$	570	$	1,734	$	2,452

¹ For purposes of the percentage rent calculation described in the master lease Agreement, NHC’s annual revenue by facility for a given year is certified to NHI by March 31st of the following year.

Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]

The unaudited pro forma revenue, net income and net income available to common stockholders of the combined entity are provided below as if the acquisition date had been January 1, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Revenue	$	44,478	$	30,849	$	131,774	$	90,253
Net income	$	25,776	$	43,068	$	75,265	$	79,915
Net income available to common stockholders	$	25,504	$	42,759	$	74,366	$	79,124
Basic earnings per common share	$	.77	$	1.53	$	2.25	$	2.84
Diluted earnings per common share	$	.77	$	1.53	$	2.25	$	2.84

Supplemental pro forma information above includes revenues from the Care lease with OpCo, recognized on a straight-line basis, depreciation, and appropriate interest costs.

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Earnings and Dividends Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Earnings Per Share

EARNINGS AND DIVIDENDS PER SHARE

The weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period is used to calculate basic earnings per common share. Diluted earnings per common share assume the exercise of stock options and vesting of restricted shares using the treasury stock method, to the extent dilutive.

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

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders	$	25,250	$	22,035	$	74,080	$	54,382
Discontinued operations	—		20,709		—		24,026
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	25,250	$	42,744	$	74,080	$	78,408
BASIC:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,055,992		27,876,176		33,053,386		27,872,805
Income from continuing operations per common share	$	.76	$	.79	$	2.24	$	1.95
Discontinued operations per common share	—		.74		—		.86
Net income per common share	$	.76	$	1.53	$	2.24	$	2.81
DILUTED:
Weighted average common shares outstanding	33,055,992		27,876,176		33,053,386		27,872,805
Stock options	32,578		29,369		33,643		34,109
Average dilutive common shares outstanding	33,088,570		27,905,545		33,087,029		27,906,914
Income from continuing operations per common share	$	.76	$	.79	$	2.24	$	1.95
Discontinued operations per common share	—		.74		—		.86
Net income per common share	$	.76	$	1.53	$	2.24	$	2.81
Incremental shares excluded since anti-dilutive:
Net share effect of stock options with an exercise price in excess of the average market price for our common shares	24,659		43,473		26,734		15,649
Regular dividends declared per common share	$	.77	$	.735	$	2.31	$	2.165

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Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Debt Disclosure

DEBT

Debt consists of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Convertible senior notes - unsecured (net of discount of $7,232)	$	192,768	$	—
Revolving credit facility - unsecured	81,000		167,000
Bank term loans - unsecured	250,000		370,000
HUD mortgage loans - secured	37,973		—
Fannie Mae term loans - secured (including a premium of $1,680)	79,222		80,080
	$	640,963	$	617,080

In July and September 2014 we obtained mortgage loans totaling $38,007,000 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") secured by nine properties in our joint venture with an affiliate of Bickford. The mortgage notes require monthly payments of principal and interest of 4.65% in the first year and 4.3% thereafter (inclusive of mortgage insurance premium) and mature in August and October 2049. We used these proceeds to retire borrowings under our revolving credit facility.

In March 2014 we issued $200,000,000 of 3.25% senior unsecured convertible notes due April 2021 (the "Notes"). Interest is payable April 1st and October 1st of each year. The Notes are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 13.926 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount, representing a conversion price of approximately $71.81 per share for a total of approximately 2,785,200 underlying shares. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, as defined in the indenture governing the Notes, but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest except in limited circumstances. The conversion option is considered an "optional net-share settlement conversion feature," meaning that upon conversion, NHI's conversion obligation may be satisfied, at our option, in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of cash and shares of common stock. Because the conversion price is in excess of the average stock price for the quarter, the impact of the conversion option is currently anti-dilutive to the earnings per share calculation and as such has no effect on our earnings per share.

The embedded conversion options (1) do not require net cash settlement, (2) are not conventionally convertible but can be classified in stockholders’ equity under ASC 815-40, and (3) are considered indexed to NHI’s own stock. Therefore, the conversion feature satisfies the conditions to qualify for an exception to the derivative liability rules, and the Notes are split into debt and equity components. The value of the debt component is based upon the estimated fair value of a similar debt instrument without the conversion feature at the time of issuance and was estimated to be approximately $192,238,000. The $7,762,000 difference between the contractual principal on the debt and the value allocated to the debt was recorded as an equity component and represents the estimated value of the conversion feature of the instrument. The excess of the contractual principal amount of the debt over its estimated fair value, the original issue discount, is amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method over the estimated term of the Notes. The effective interest rate used to amortize the debt discount and the liability component of the debt issue costs was approximately 3.9% based on our estimated non-convertible borrowing rate at the date the Notes were issued.

The total cost of issuing the Notes was $6,063,000, of which $5,788,000 was allocated to the debt component and is subject to amortization over the estimated term of the notes. The remaining $275,000 was allocated to the equity component.

On March 27, 2014, we entered into an amended $700,000,000 senior unsecured credit facility. The facility can be expanded, subject to certain conditions, up to an additional $130,000,000. At closing, the new facility amended a smaller credit facility that provided for $620,000,000 of total commitments.

The amended credit facility provides for: (1) a $450,000,000 unsecured, revolving credit facility that matures in March 2019 (inclusive of an embedded 1-year extension option) with interest at 150 basis points over LIBOR; (2) a $130,000,000 unsecured term loan that matures in June 2020 with interest at 175 basis points over LIBOR; and (3) two existing term loans which remain in place totaling $120,000,000, maturing in June 2020 and bearing interest at 175 basis points over LIBOR. The employment of interest rate swaps for our fixed term debt leaves only our revolving credit facility exposed to variable rate risk. Our swaps and the financial instruments to which they relate are described in the table below, under the caption “Interest Rate Swap Agreements.”

At September 30, 2014, we had $369,000,000 available to draw on the revolving portion of the credit facility. The unused commitment fee is 40 basis points per annum. The unsecured credit facility requires that we maintain certain financial ratios within limits set by our creditors. To date, these ratios, which are calculated quarterly, have been within the limits required by the credit facility agreements.

As part of the Care acquisition discussed in Note 2, we assumed Fannie Mae mortgage loans, with principal balances of $70,380,000 and $7,162,000 on September 30, 2014, which have interest at rates of 6.85% and 7.17%, respectively, and mature on July 1, 2015. The loans contain yield maintenance penalties for prepayment up through December 31, 2014.

The following table summarizes interest expense (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Interest expense at contractual rates	$	6,244	$	3,180	$	16,683	$	5,415
Amortization of debt issuance costs and bond discount	761		110		1,892		243
Debt issuance costs expensed due to credit facility modifications	—		—		2,145		353
Total interest expense	$	7,005	$	3,290	$	20,720	$	6,011

Interest Rate Swap Agreements

To mitigate our exposure to interest rate risk, we have entered into the following interest rate swap contracts on our bank term loans as of September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Date Entered	Maturity Date	Fixed Rate	Rate Index	Notional Amount		Fair Value
May 2012	April 2019	3.29%	1-month LIBOR	$	40,000	$	256
June 2013	June 2020	3.86%	1-month LIBOR	$	80,000	$	(765	)
March 2014	June 2020	3.91%	1-month LIBOR	$	130,000	$	(1,568	)

See Note 12 for fair value disclosures about our Fannie Mae mortgage loan and interest rate swap agreements.

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Investment In Preferred Stock, At Cost

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Investment In Preferred Stock, At Cost [Abstract]

Investment In Preferred Stock, At Cost

INVESTMENT IN PREFERRED STOCK, AT COST

We recognized $818,000 and $2,454,000 in preferred dividend income from LTC (a publicly-traded REIT) for the three and nine months endedSeptember 30, 2014 and 2013 on our investment in 2,000,000 shares of their cumulative preferred stock carried at its original cost of $38,132,000. The preferred stock, which was purchased in September 1998, is not listed on a stock exchange, is considered a non-marketable security and is recorded at cost in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The non-voting preferred stock is convertible into 2,000,000 shares of LTC common stock whose closing price at September 30, 2014 was $36.89 per share. The preferred stock has an annual cumulative coupon rate of 8.5% payable quarterly and a liquidation preference of $19.25 per share. While not the fair value of our preferred stock investment, we provide the above information as pertinent to the reader's estimation of the fair value of our investment. In accordance with ASC Topic 825 Financial Instruments, paragraph 10-50 Disclosure-Overall, we have determined that due to excessive costs, it is not practicable to estimate the fair value of our cost basis investment in preferred stock because of inherent subjectivities in refining the estimate to a degree that is likely to materially augment the information provided above. Further, we have identified no events that may have had an adverse effect on its fair value which would have required revisiting the instrument's carrying value.

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Investments In Marketable Securities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Marketable Securities [Abstract]

Investments In Marketable Securities [Text Block]

INVESTMENTS IN MARKETABLE SECURITIES

Our investments in marketable securities include available-for-sale securities which are reported at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are presented as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses from securities sales are determined based upon specific identification of the securities.

Marketable securities consist of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Amortized Cost		Fair Value		Amortized Cost		Fair Value
Common stock of other healthcare REITs	$	4,088	$	13,275	$	4,088	$	12,650

Gross unrealized gains related to available-for-sale securities were $9,186,000 at September 30, 2014 and $8,562,000 at December 31, 2013.

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Commitments And Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Bickford

As of September 30, 2014, our subsidiary PropCo had purchased land and begun construction on one assisted living/memory care facility having a maximum cost of $9,000,000. Our costs incurred to date, including land, were $6,990,000. The facility is expected to open in November 2014. In February 2014 we entered into a commitment of $2,785,000 on a letter of credit for the benefit of our joint venture partner, an affiliate of Bickford, which holds a minority interest in PropCo. See Note 4 for a discussion of our outstanding revolving loan commitment with an affiliate of Bickford.

Chancellor

In October 2013, we entered into a $7,500,000 commitment to build a 46-unit free-standing assisted living and memory care community, expanding our Linda Valley senior living campus in Loma Linda, California. We began construction during the first quarter of 2014 and had funded $3,115,000 as of September 30, 2014. The initial lease term is for 15 years at an annual rate of 9% plus a fixed annual escalator. NHI purchased the Linda Valley campus in 2012 and leased it to Chancellor, who has been operating the campus since 1993. We have also committed to provide up to $500,000 for renovations and improvements related to our recent acquisition of a 63-unit senior housing community in Baltimore, Maryland which we have leased to Chancellor. We began renovations during the first quarter of 2014 and had funded $257,000 as of September 30, 2014. We receive rent income on funds advanced for both construction projects.

Discovery

As a lease inducement, we have a contingent commitment to fund a series of payments up to $2,500,000 in connection with our September 2013 lease to Discovery Senior Living ("Discovery") of a senior living campus in Rainbow City, Alabama. Discovery would earn the contingent payments upon attaining and sustaining a specified lease coverage ratio. As earned, the payments would be due in installments of $750,000 in each of years two and three of the lease with the residual due in year four. As of September 30, 2014, incurring the contingent payments was not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fundamental

In April 2013, we completed the purchase of two skilled nursing facilities located in Canton and Corinth, Texas for a purchase price of $26,150,000 in cash, plus consideration related to the Corinth facility of $1,600,000 conditional upon meeting future performance measures. In March 2014 upon satisfactory achievement of the required operating metrics, we made the full $1,600,000 payment to Fundamental.

Helix Healthcare

In March 2010, we completed a purchase/leaseback transaction with Helix Healthcare (“Helix”) for $12,500,000. The purchase price includes a conditional payment of $1,000,000, which is recorded as a purchase liability.

Kentucky River

In March 2012, we entered into a long-term lease extension and construction commitment to Jackson Hospital Corporation, an affiliate of Community Health Systems, to provide up to $8,000,000 for extensive renovations and additions to our Kentucky River Medical Center, a general acute care hospital in Jackson, Kentucky. This investment will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated. The construction project commenced during the first quarter of 2013 and is expected to be completed by December 31, 2014. Total construction costs incurred as of September 30, 2014 were $7,456,000. The 10-year lease extension began July 1, 2012, with an additional 5-year renewal option.

Prestige

We have agreed to fund capital improvements of up to $2,000,000 in connection with two of the facilities we lease to Prestige. The capital improvements will be an addition to our original investment in the properties when funded and will be included in the lease base. As of September 30, 2014, we had funded $693,000 of this commitment. Additionally, we have committed to fund contingent earn-out payments up to a maximum of $6,390,000 based on the achievement of certain financial metrics as measured periodically through December 31, 2015. At acquisition, we estimated probable contingent payments of $3,000,000 to be likely and have reflected that amount in the condensed consolidated financial statements. Contingent payments earned will be included in the lease base when funded.

Santé

We have a $2,000,000 supplemental construction commitment to our borrower, Santé Partners, LLC (“Santé”). This additional loan amount becomes available to the borrower when the 70-bed transitional rehabilitation hospital, completed in March 2011, achieves certain operating metrics. NHI also has the option to purchase and lease back the hospital when it achieves a predetermined level of stabilized net operating income.

In connection with our Silverdale, Washington senior living campus, we have a contingent commitment to fund two lease inducement payments of $1,000,000 each. Santé would earn the payments upon attaining and sustaining a specified lease coverage ratio. If earned, the first payment would be due after the second lease year and the second payment would be due after the third lease year. As at acquisition, incurring the contingent payments is not considered probable. Accordingly, no provision for these payments is reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

We are committed to fund a $3,500,000 expansion and renovation program at our Silverdale, Washington senior living campus and as of September 30, 2014 had funded $2,621,000, which was added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated.

Senior Living Management

In September 2014 we entered into an agreement with our current tenant, Senior Living Management, to fund up to $700,000 for renovations to our Greensboro, Georgia assisted living facility. When the renovations are complete, the total amount will be added to the lease base. No costs have been incurred to date.

Litigation

Our Health Care Facilities are subject to claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. Our lessees and borrowers have indemnified, and are obligated to continue to indemnify us, against all liabilities arising from both the operation of the Health Care Facilities and are further obligated to indemnify us against environmental or title problems affecting the real estate underlying such facilities. While there may be lawsuits pending against certain of the owners and/or lessees of the Health Care Facilities, management believes that the ultimate resolution of all such pending proceedings will have no material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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Equity-Method Investment And Other Assets (Schedule of Equity-Method Investment and Other Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Equity Method Investments And Other Assets [Abstract]
Equity-method investment in OpCo	$ 9,651,000	$ 9,494,000
Debt issuance costs	12,211,000	7,366,000
Accounts receivable and others assets	2,222,000	2,502,000
Replacement reserve and tax escrows - Fannie Mae	3,697,000	706,000
Lease escrow deposits	22,775,000	22,775,000
Escrow deposit for tax deferred exchange	0	23,813,000
Equity-method investment and other assets	$ 50,556,000	$ 66,656,000

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Fair Value Of Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 13,275,000	$ 12,650,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Assets at Fair Value	256,000	975,000
Cash Flow Hedge Derivative Instrument Liabilities at Fair Value	2,333,000	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	$ 4,000,000	$ 2,600,000	$ 5,856,000	$ 4,256,000

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Subsequent Events Subsequent Events

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events [Text Block]

NOTE 13. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Real Estate Investment

On October 31, 2014, our subsidiary, PropCo, acquired a 101-unit assisted living facility located in Middletown, Ohio for $18,100,000 plus approximately $100,000 in transaction costs, to be paid in cash and assumption of secured debt at an interest rate of 2.9% with an outstanding principal balance of $9,552,000 and an estimated fair value of $7,875,000. The facility will be leased under terms structured to comply with provisions of RIDEA, within our joint venture to the operating company, OpCo, of which we retain an 85/15 ownership interest with Bickford, who controls the entity, as discussed in Note 2. Because the facility was owner-occupied, the acquisition will be accounted for as an asset purchase.

Mortgage and Construction Loan Investment

On November 3, 2014, NHI announced it had agreed to lend Life Care Services, through its LCS-Westminster Partnership III LLP (“LCS-WP”) up to $154,500,000. The loans would convey a mortgage interest and would serve to facilitate the construction of Phase II of Timber Ridge at Talus (“Timber Ridge”), a Type-A Continuing Care Retirement Community in the Seattle area. The new financing is expected to close by November 30, 2014.

The loans would take the form of two notes under a master credit agreement. The senior loan (“Note A”) totals $60,000,000 at a 6.75% interest rate with 10 basis-point escalators after year three, and would have a term of 10 years. Note A is interest-only and would be locked to prepayment for three years. After year three, the prepayment penalty would start at 5% and decline 1% per year. The loan is to be freely prepayable during the last 6 months of its term. The second note ("Note B") is a construction loan for up to $94,500,000 at an interest rate of 8% and a five year maturity. We anticipate funding Note B over twenty months and would be repaid with entrance fees once Phase II opens. NHI would have a purchase option on the property for the greater of fair market value or $115,000,000. A purchase option window of fifteen months would contingently open in year five or upon earlier stabilization, as defined. The purchase option would constitute a variable interest in Phase II of the Timber Ridge project, creating an interest in specified assets of LCS-WP but not in LCS-WP as a whole. Since LCS-WP would not be a VIE, the specified Timber Ridge assets would not be subject to the consolidation guidance governing Variable Interest Entities.

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Debt (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Debt Instruments [Abstract]

Schedule of Debt

Debt consists of the following (in thousands):

	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Convertible senior notes - unsecured (net of discount of $7,232)	$	192,768	$	—
Revolving credit facility - unsecured	81,000		167,000
Bank term loans - unsecured	250,000		370,000
HUD mortgage loans - secured	37,973		—
Fannie Mae term loans - secured (including a premium of $1,680)	79,222		80,080
	$	640,963	$	617,080

Schedule of Interest Expense

The following table summarizes interest expense (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Interest expense at contractual rates	$	6,244	$	3,180	$	16,683	$	5,415
Amortization of debt issuance costs and bond discount	761		110		1,892		243
Debt issuance costs expensed due to credit facility modifications	—		—		2,145		353
Total interest expense	$	7,005	$	3,290	$	20,720	$	6,011

Schedule of Interest Rate Derivatives

September 30, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

Date Entered	Maturity Date	Fixed Rate	Rate Index	Notional Amount		Fair Value
May 2012	April 2019	3.29%	1-month LIBOR	$	40,000	$	256
June 2013	June 2020	3.86%	1-month LIBOR	$	80,000	$	(765	)
March 2014	June 2020	3.91%	1-month LIBOR	$	130,000	$	(1,568	)

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Discontinued Operations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014 properties	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014 properties	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013 Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2013 Weatherly Associates [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 Weatherly Associates [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 Weatherly Associates [Member]	Oct. 31, 2013 Weatherly Associates [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	Sep. 30, 2013 National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	Dec. 31, 2013 National Healthcare Corporation [Member]	Aug. 31, 2013 National Healthcare Corporation [Member] properties	Sep. 30, 2014 Fundamental Long Term Care Holdings [Member] properties
Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation During Phase-out Period, before Income Tax	$ 0	$ 1,339,000	$ 0	$ 4,656,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Real Estate, Discontinued Operations	0	19,370,000	0	19,370,000
Discontinued operations per common share, basic	$ 0.00	$ 0.74	$ 0.00	$ 0.86
Number of Real Estate Properties	163		163				3								6	2
Asset Sold, Selling Price							18,500,000				5,315,000				21,000,000
Expected Annual Rental Income																250,000
Gain on sale of real estate							1,269,000			1,619,000				19,370,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Rental Income	0	1,506,000	0	5,155,000
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Income	0	0	0	2,000
Income from discontinued operations	0	20,709,000	0	24,026,000
Discontinued operations per common share	$ 0.00	$ 0.74	$ 0.00	$ 0.86
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic	33,055,992	27,876,176	33,053,386	27,872,805
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	33,088,570	27,905,545	33,087,029	27,906,914
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue					$ 844,000	$ 2,532,000		$ 100,000	$ 302,000			$ 562,000	$ 2,321,000

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Debt Debt (Schedule of Debt) (Parentheticals) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
Schedule of Debt (Parentheticals) [Abstract]
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount	$ 7,232
Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium	$ 1,680

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Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 25,516	$ 43,050	$ 74,952	$ 79,072
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Change in unrealized gains on securities	(716)	(627)	624	693
Increase (decrease) in fair value of cash flow hedge	3,010	159	(126)	1,531
Less: reclassification adjustment for amounts recognized in net income	(1,209)	(543)	(2,927)	(809)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,085	(1,011)	(2,429)	1,415
Comprehensive income	26,601	42,039	72,523	80,487
Less: comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	(266)	(306)	(872)	(664)
Comprehensive income attributable to common stockholders	$ 26,335	$ 41,733	$ 71,651	$ 79,823

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Real Estate

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Real Estate [Abstract]

Real Estate Disclosure [Text Block]

REAL ESTATE

As of September 30, 2014, we owned 163 health care real estate properties located in 30 states and consisting of 94 senior housing communities, 64 skilled nursing facilities, 3 hospitals and 2 medical office buildings. Our senior housing properties include assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, and senior living campuses. These investments (excluding our corporate office of $899,000) consisted of properties with an original cost of approximately $1,492,241,000, rented under triple-net leases to 24 lessees.

Chancellor

On September 30, 2014, we completed a $5,650,000 acquisition of a 25-unit assisted living facility in Milwaukie, Oregon and leased the facility to Chancellor Health Care, LLC ("Chancellor") for an initial term of 15 years with twoten-year renewal options. The initial lease rate is 8.0% with fixed annual escalators. Because the facility was owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase.

In June 2014 we acquired a 56-unit assisted living/memory care facility in Sacramento, California for $11,500,000 and leased the facility to Chancellor for an initial term of 15 years, plus renewal options. The initial lease rate is 8.0% with fixed annual escalators. Because the facility was owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase.

Prestige

In March 2014 we completed a $40,115,000 purchase of 3 skilled nursing facilities in Oregon totaling 196 beds and a 105-unit assisted living facility in Idaho from Prestige Senior Living ("Prestige"). We have a commitment to fund contingent earn-out payments up to a maximum of $6,390,000 based on the achievement of certain financial metrics as measured periodically through December 31, 2015. Because the facilities were owner-occupied, we accounted for the acquisition as an asset purchase. At acquisition, we estimated probable contingent payments of $3,000,000 to be likely and have, accordingly, reflected that amount in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet. Contingent payments earned will be an addition to the lease base when funded.

We have leased the 4 facilities to Prestige with a 15-year term at an initial rate of 8.4% plus fixed annual escalators. In addition, at two of the Oregon facilities we have committed to invest $2,000,000 for capital improvements which are expected to be completed by June 30, 2015. This investment will be added to the basis on which the lease amount is calculated.

Holiday

In December 2013 we acquired 25 independent living facilities from Holiday Acquisition Holdings LLC (“Holiday”), an affiliate of Holiday Retirement. We have leased this portfolio to NH Master Tenant, LLC, a subsidiary of Holiday. Our tenant continues to operate the facilities pursuant to a management agreement with a Holiday-affiliated manager. The master lease term of 17 years began in December 2013 and provides for initial base rent of $31,915,000 plus annual escalators of 4.5% in the first 3 years and a minimum of 3.5% each year thereafter.

Of our total revenue from continuing operations, $10,954,000 (25%) and $32,863,000 (25%) were derived from Holiday for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Lease revenue from Holiday for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes straight-line rent of $2,975,000 and $8,926,000, respectively.

NHC

As of September 30, 2014, we leased 42 health care facilities under two master leases to National HealthCare Corporation (“NHC”), a publicly-held company and the lessee of our legacy properties. The facilities leased to NHC consist of 3 independent living facilities and 39 skilled nursing facilities (4 of which are subleased to other parties for whom the lease payments are guaranteed to us by NHC). These facilities are leased to NHC under the terms of an amended master lease agreement originally dated October 17, 1991 ("the 1991 lease") which includes our 35 remaining legacy properties and a master lease agreement dated August 30, 2013 ("the 2013 lease") which includes 7 skilled nursing facilities acquired from ElderTrust of Florida, Inc. on August 31, 2013.

The 1991 lease has been amended to extend the lease expiration to December 31, 2026. There are two additional 5-year renewal options, each at fair rental value of such leased property as negotiated between the parties and determined without including the value attributable to any improvements to the leased property voluntarily made by NHC at its expense. Under the terms of the lease, the base annual rental is $30,750,000 and rent escalates by 4% of the increase, if any, in each facility's revenue over a 2007 base year. The 2013 lease provides for a base annual rental of $3,450,000 and has a lease expiration of August 2028. Under the terms of the lease, rent escalates 4% of the increase in each facility's revenue over the 2014 base year. For both the 1991 lease and the 2013 lease, we refer to this additional rent component as “percentage rent.” During the last three years of the 2013 lease, NHC will have the option to purchase the facilities for $49,000,000.

The following table summarizes the percentage rent income from NHC (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Current year	$	573	$	570	$	1,719	$	1,706
Prior year final certification1	—		—		15		746
Total percentage rent income	$	573	$	570	$	1,734	$	2,452

¹ For purposes of the percentage rent calculation described in the master lease Agreement, NHC’s annual revenue by facility for a given year is certified to NHI by March 31st of the following year.

Of our total revenue from continuing operations, $9,109,000 (20%) and $8,503,000 (28%) were derived from NHC for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $27,337,000 (21%) and $25,650,000 (30%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Bickford

As of September 30, 2014, we owned an 85% equity interest and an affiliate of Bickford Senior Living ("Bickford") owned a 15% equity interest in our consolidated subsidiary ("PropCo") which owned 29 assisted living/memory care facilities and also had 1 facility in the final stage of construction which is expected to open in November 2014. The facilities are leased to an operating company, ("OpCo"), in which we also retain an 85/15 ownership interest with an affiliate of Bickford, who controls the entity. This joint venture is structured to comply with the provisions of RIDEA.

For the same-store portfolio of 27 properties, the contractual rent from OpCo to PropCo for 2014 is $19,254,000. We include in our same-store comparison only those facilities which have completed initial lease-up. OpCo is continuing the lease-up of 3 assisted living facilities, 2 of which opened in the fourth quarter of 2013, and the third expected to open in November 2014. Under the terms of the current development lease agreement, PropCo receives rent from OpCo on the total amount of development costs, including land, which totaled $22,546,000 at September 30, 2014. Once the facilities stabilize, an annual rental amount will be determined between the parties. Rent income received from the development projects was $983,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. NHI has an exclusive right to Bickford's future acquisitions, development projects and refinancing transactions.

Of our total revenues from continuing operations, $5,324,000 (12%) and $5,209,000 (17%) were recognized as rental income from Bickford for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $15,789,000 (12%) and $9,383,000 (11%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

In June 2013 PropCo acquired 14 properties from Care Investment Trust in a transaction we accounted for as a business combination ("the Care acquisition"). The unaudited pro forma revenue, net income and net income available to common stockholders of the combined entity are provided below as if the acquisition date had been January 1, 2012 (in thousands):

	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Revenue	$	44,478	$	30,849	$	131,774	$	90,253
Net income	$	25,776	$	43,068	$	75,265	$	79,915
Net income available to common stockholders	$	25,504	$	42,759	$	74,366	$	79,124
Basic earnings per common share	$	.77	$	1.53	$	2.25	$	2.84
Diluted earnings per common share	$	.77	$	1.53	$	2.25	$	2.84

Supplemental pro forma information above includes revenues from the Care lease with OpCo, recognized on a straight-line basis, depreciation, and appropriate interest costs.

Our revenue from continuing operations includes $2,588,000 and $7,765,000 from the 14 Care properties for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Our net income includes $389,000 and $1,196,000 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.

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Share-Based Compensation (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Deferred Compensation Arrangements [Abstract]

Schedule of Stock Option Activity

The following table summarizes our outstanding stock options:

	Nine Months Ended
	September 30,
	2014		2013
Options outstanding January 1,	516,674		211,675
Options granted under 2012 Plan	400,000		360,000
Options forfeited under 2012 Plan	(15,000	)	—
Options exercised under 2005 Plan	(26,670	)	(55,001	)
Options outstanding, September 30,	875,004		516,674
Exercisable at September 30,	648,323		323,330

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Investments In Marketable Securities (Schedule Of Marketable Securities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$ 4,088	$ 4,088
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	$ 13,275	$ 12,650

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Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

Our financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value (based on the hierarchy of the three levels of inputs described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements contained in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K) on a recurring basis include marketable securities, derivative financial instruments and contingent consideration arrangements. Marketable securities consist of common stock of other healthcare REITs. Derivative financial instruments include our interest rate swap agreements. Contingent consideration arrangements relate to certain provisions of recent real estate purchase agreements involving both business combinations.

Marketable securities. We utilize quoted prices in active markets to measure debt and equity securities; these items are classified as Level 1 in the hierarchy and include the common and preferred stock of other healthcare REITs.

Derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments are valued in the market using discounted cash flow techniques. These techniques incorporate Level 1 and Level 2 inputs. The market inputs are utilized in the discounted cash flow calculation considering the instrument's term, notional amount, discount rate and credit risk. Significant inputs to the derivative valuation model for interest rate swaps are observable in active markets and are classified as Level 2 in the hierarchy.

Contingent consideration. Contingent consideration arrangements are classified as Level 3 and are valued using unobservable inputs about the nature of the contingent arrangement and the counter-party to the arrangement, as well as our assumptions about the probability of full settlement of the contingency.

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are as follows (in thousands):

		Fair Value Measurement
	Balance Sheet Classification	September 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
Level 1
Common stock of other healthcare REITs	Marketable securities	$	13,275	$	12,650
Level 2
Interest rate swap asset	Other assets	$	256	$	975
Interest rate swap liability	Accrued expenses	$	2,333	$	—
Level 3
Contingent consideration	Real estate purchase liabilities	$	4,000	$	2,600

The following table presents a reconciliation of Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013(in thousands):

	Fair Value Beginning of Period		Transfers Into Level 3		Realized Gains and (Losses)		Purchases, Issuances and Settlements, net		Fair Value at End of Period		Total Period Losses Included in Earnings Attributable to the Change in Unrealized Losses Relating to Assets Held at End of Year
2014
Contingent consideration	$	2,600	$	—	$	—	$	1,400	$	4,000	$	—
2013
Contingent consideration	$	4,256	$	—	$	—	$	1,600	$	5,856	$	—

Carrying values and fair values of financial instruments that are not carried at fair value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

	Carrying Amount				Fair Value Measurement
	2014		2013		2014		2013
Level 2
Variable rate debt	$	331,000	$	537,000	$	331,000	$	537,000
Fixed rate debt	$	309,963	$	80,080	$	311,963	$	79,365
Level 3
Mortgage and other notes receivable	$	60,728	$	60,639	$	68,864	$	67,201

The fair value of mortgage and other notes receivable is based on credit risk and discount rates that are not observable in the marketplace and therefore represents a Level 3 measurement.

Fixed rate debt. Fixed rate debt is classified as Level 2 and its value is based on quoted prices for similar instruments or calculated utilizing model derived valuations in which significant inputs are observable in active markets.

Carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of our borrowings under our credit facility are reasonably estimated at their carrying value at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, due to the predominance of floating interest rates, which generally reflect market conditions.