NOTE 2 – SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the 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.

Fair Value Measurement

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

Level 1 - quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets;

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

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

The Company measures fair value using a set of standardized procedures that are outlined herein for all assets and liabilities which are required to be measured at fair value. When available, the Company utilizes quoted market prices from an independent third party source to determine fair value and classifies such items in Level 1. In some instances where a market price is available, but the instrument is in an inactive or over-the-counter market, the Company consistently applies the dealer (market maker) pricing estimate and classifies such items in Level 2.

If quoted market prices or inputs are not available, fair value measurements are based upon valuation models that utilize current market or independently sourced market inputs, such as interest rates, option volatilities, credit spreads and/or market capitalization rates. Items valued using such internally-generated valuation techniques are classified according to the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement. As a result, these items could be classified in either Level 2 or Level 3 even though there may be some significant inputs that are readily observable. Internal fair value models and techniques used by the Company include discounted cash flow and Monte Carlo valuation models.

Risks and Uncertainties

The Company is subject to certain risks and uncertainties affecting the healthcare industry as a result of healthcare legislation and growing regulation by federal, state and local governments. Additionally, we are subject to risks and uncertainties as a result of changes affecting operators of nursing home facilities due to the actions of governmental agencies and insurers to limit the rising cost of healthcare services.

Business Combinations

We record the purchase of properties to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred as part of a business combination. In making estimates of fair value for purposes of recording the purchase, we utilize a number of sources, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other market data. We also consider information obtained about each property as a result of our pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities as well as other critical valuation metrics such as current capitalization rates and discount rates used to estimate the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired (Level 3). When liabilities are assumed as part of a transaction, we consider information obtained about the liabilities and use similar valuation metrics (Level 3). In some instances when debt is assumed and an identifiable active market for similar debt is present, we use market interest rates for similar debt to estimate the fair value of the debt assumed (Level 2). The Company determines fair value as follows:

Land is determined based on third party appraisals which typically include market comparables.

Buildings and site improvements acquired are valued using a combination of discounted cash flow projections that assume certain future revenues and costs and consider capitalization and discount rates using current market conditions as well as replacement cost analysis.

Furniture and fixtures are determined based on third party appraisals which typically utilize a replacement cost approach.

Intangible assets and liabilities acquired are valued using a combination of discounted cash flow projections as well as other valuation techniques based on current market conditions for the intangible asset or liability being acquired. When evaluating below market leases we consider extension options controlled by the lessee in our evaluation.

Other assets acquired and liabilities assumed are typically valued at stated amounts, which approximate fair value on the date of the acquisition.

Assumed debt balances are valued by discounting the remaining contractual cash flows using a current market rate of interest.

Stock based compensation and noncontrolling interests are valued using a stock price on the acquisition date.

Goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed and the cost associated with expanding our investment portfolio. Goodwill is not amortized.

Asset Acquisitions

For asset acquisitions, assets acquired and liabilities assumed are recognized by allocating the cost of the acquisition to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis and the costs of the acquisition are capitalized. The fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in an asset acquisition are determined in a consistent manner with the immediately preceding “Business Combinations” section.

Variable Interest Entities

GAAP 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 variable interest entities (“VIEs”). 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 may change our original assessment of a VIE upon subsequent events such as the modification of contractual arrangements that affects the characteristics or adequacy of the entity’s equity investments at risk and the disposition of all or a portion of an interest held by the primary beneficiary.

Our variable interests in VIEs may be in the form of equity ownership, leases, guarantees and/or loans with our operators. We analyze our agreements and investments to determine whether our operators or unconsolidated joint venture are VIEs and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary.

We consolidate a VIE when we determine that we are its 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. Factors considered in determining whether we are the primary beneficiary of an entity include: (i) our voting rights, if any; (ii) our involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions; (iii) our risk and reward sharing; (iv) the financial condition of the operator or joint venture and (iv) our representation on the VIE’s board of directors. We perform this analysis on an ongoing basis.

As of December 31, 2018, we have not consolidated any VIEs, as we do not have the power to direct the activities of any VIEs that most significantly impact their economic performance and we do not have the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits of the VIEs that could be significant to the entity.

Real Estate Investments and Depreciation

The costs of significant improvements, renovations and replacements, including interest are capitalized. In addition, we capitalize leasehold improvements when certain criteria are met, including when we supervise construction and will own the improvement. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as they are incurred.

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives ranging from 20 to 40 years for buildings, eight to 15 years for site improvements, and three to ten years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold interests are amortized over the shorter of the estimated useful life or term of the lease.

Lease Accounting

At the inception of the lease and during the amendment process, we evaluate each lease to determine if the lease should be considered an operating lease, sales-type lease, or direct financing lease. As of December 31, 2018, we have determined that all but three of our leases should be accounted for as operating leases. The other three leases are accounted for as direct financing leases.

For leases accounted for as operating leases, we retain ownership of the asset and record depreciation expense, see “Business Combinations” and “Real Estate Investments and Depreciation” above for additional information regarding our investment in real estate leased under operating lease agreements. We also record lease revenue based on the contractual terms of the operating lease agreement which often includes annual rent escalators, see “Revenue Recognition” below for further discussion regarding the recordation of revenue on our operating leases.

For leases accounted for as direct financing leases, we record the present value of the future minimum lease payments (utilizing a constant interest rate over the term of the lease agreement) as a receivable and record interest income based on the contractual terms of the lease agreement. Certain direct financing leases include annual rent escalators; see “Revenue Recognition” below for further discussion regarding the recording of interest income on our direct financing leases. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we have no unamortized direct costs related to originating our direct financing leases recorded on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In-Place Leases

In-place lease assets and liabilities result when we assume a lease as part of a facility purchase or business combination. The fair value of in-place leases consists of the following components, as applicable (1) the estimated cost to replace the leases, and (2) the above or below market cash flow of the leases, determined by comparing the projected cash flows of the leases in place at the time of acquisition to projected cash flows of comparable market-rate leases (referred to as Lease Intangibles). Lease intangible assets and liabilities are classified as lease contracts above and below market value, respectively, in other assets and accrued expenses and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets, and amortized on a straight-line basis as decreases and increases, respectively, to rental income over the estimated remaining term of the underlying leases. Should a tenant terminate the lease, the unamortized portion of the lease intangible is recognized immediately as an adjustment to rental income.

Real Estate Investment Impairment

Management evaluates our real estate investments for impairment indicators at each reporting period, including the evaluation of our assets’ useful lives. The judgment regarding the existence of impairment indicators is based on factors such as, but not limited to, market conditions, operator performance including the current payment status of contractual obligations and expectations of the ability to meet future contractual obligations, legal structure, as well as our intent with respect to holding or disposing of the asset. If indicators of impairment are present, management evaluates the carrying value of the related real estate investments in relation to management’s estimate of future undiscounted cash flows of the underlying facilities. The estimated future undiscounted cash flows are generally based on the related lease which relates to one or more properties and may include cash flows from the eventual disposition of the asset. In some instances, there may be various potential outcomes for a real estate investment and its potential future cash flows. In these instances, the undiscounted future cash flows used to assess the recoverability are probability-weighted based on management’s best estimates as of the date of evaluation. Provisions for impairment losses related to long-lived assets are recognized when expected future undiscounted cash flows based on our intended use of the property are determined to be less than the carrying values of the assets. An adjustment is made to the net carrying value of the real estate investments for the excess of carrying value over fair value. The fair value of the real estate investment is determined based on current market conditions and consider matters such as rental rates and occupancies for comparable properties, recent sales data for comparable properties, and, where applicable, contracts or the results of negotiations with purchasers or prospective purchasers. Additionally, our evaluation of fair value may consider valuing the property as a nursing home as well as alternative uses. All impairments are taken as a period cost at that time, and depreciation is adjusted going forward to reflect the new value assigned to the asset. Management’s impairment evaluation process, and when applicable, impairment calculations involve estimation of the future cash flows from management’s intended use of the property as well as the fair value of the property. Changes in the facts and circumstances that drive management’s assumptions may result in an impairment to our assets in a future period that could be material to our results of operations.

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we recognized impairment losses on real estate investments of $29.8 million, $99.1 million and $58.7 million, respectively.

Allowance for Losses on Mortgages, Other Investments and Direct Financing Leases

The allowances for losses on mortgage notes receivable, other investments and direct financing leases (collectively, our “loans”) are maintained at a level believed adequate to absorb potential losses. The determination of the allowances is based on a quarterly evaluation of these loans, including general economic conditions and estimated collectability of loan payments. We evaluate the collectability of our loans receivable based on a combination of factors, including, but not limited to, delinquency status, financial strength of the borrower and guarantors and the value of the underlying collateral. If such factors indicate that there is greater risk of loan charge-offs, additional allowances or placement on non-accrual status may be required. A loan is impaired when, based on current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due as scheduled according to the contractual terms of the loan agreements. Consistent with this definition, all loans on non-accrual status may be deemed impaired. To the extent circumstances improve and the risk of collectability is diminished, we will return these loans to full accrual status. When management identifies potential loan impairment indicators, the loan is written down to the present value of the expected future cash flows. In cases where expected future cash flows are not readily determinable, the loan is written down to the fair value of the underlying collateral. We may base our valuation on a loan’s observable market price, if any, or the fair value of collateral, net of sales costs, if the repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the sale of the collateral.

We account for impaired loans and direct financing leases using (a) the cost-recovery method, and/or (b) the cash basis method. We generally utilize the cost-recovery method for impaired loans or direct financing leases for which impairment reserves were recorded. We utilize the cash basis method for impaired loans or direct financing leases for which no impairment reserves were recorded because the net present value of the discounted cash flows expected under the loan or direct financing lease and/or the underlying collateral supporting the loan or direct financing lease were equal to or exceeded the book value of the loans or direct financing leases. Under the cost-recovery method, we apply cash received against the outstanding loan balance or direct financing lease prior to recording interest income. Under the cash basis method, we apply cash received to principal or interest income based on the terms of the agreement. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had $108.1 million and $177.5 million, respectively, of reserves on our loans.

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Venture

We account for our investment in an unconsolidated joint venture using the equity method of accounting as we exercise significant influence, but do not control the entity.

Under the equity method of accounting, the net equity investment of the Company is reflected in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and the Company’s share of net income and comprehensive income from the joint venture is included in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income, respectively.

On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the Company’s investment in the unconsolidated joint venture may be other-than-temporarily-impaired. An investment is impaired only if management’s estimate of the value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such a decline in value is deemed to be other than-temporary. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the estimated fair value of the investment. The estimated fair value of the investment is determined using a discounted cash flow model which is a Level 3 valuation. We consider a number of assumptions that are subject to economic and market uncertainties including, among others, rental rates, operating costs, capitalization rates, holding periods and discount rates.

No impairment loss on our investment in unconsolidated joint venture was recognized during the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, or 2016.

Assets Held for Sale

We consider properties to be assets held for sale when (1) management commits to a plan to sell the property; (2) it is unlikely that the disposal plan will be significantly modified or discontinued; (3) the property is available for immediate sale in its present condition; (4) actions required to complete the sale of the property have been initiated; (5) sale of the property is probable and we expect the completed sale will occur within one year; and (6) the property is actively being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable given our estimate of current market value. Upon designation of a property as an asset held for sale, we record the property’s value at the lower of its carrying value or its estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell, and we cease depreciation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less when purchased. These investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. The majority of our cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash are held at major commercial banks. Certain cash account balances exceed FDIC insurance limits of $250,000 per account and, as a result, there is a concentration of credit risk related to amounts in excess of the insurance limits. We regularly monitor the financial stability of these financial institutions and believe that we are not exposed to any significant credit risk in cash, cash equivalents or restricted cash.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists primarily of liquidity deposits escrowed for tenant obligations required by us pursuant to certain contractual terms. Prior to June 1, 2018, restricted cash also included other deposits required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) in connection with our mortgage borrowings guaranteed by HUD.

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable includes: contractual receivables, effective yield interest receivables, straight-line rent receivables and lease inducements, net of an estimated provision for losses related to uncollectible and disputed accounts. Contractual receivables relate to the amounts currently owed to us under the terms of our lease and loan agreements. Effective yield interest receivables relate to the difference between the interest income recognized on an effective yield basis over the term of the loan agreement and the interest currently due to us according to the contractual agreement. Straight-line rent receivables relate to the difference between the rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis and the amounts currently due to us according to the contractual agreement. Lease inducements result from value provided by us to the lessee, at the inception or renewal of the lease, and are amortized as a reduction of rental revenue over the non-cancellable lease term.

On a quarterly basis, we review our accounts receivable to determine their collectability. The determination of collectability of these assets requires significant judgment and is affected by several factors relating to the credit quality of our operators that we regularly monitor, including (i) payment history, (ii) the age of the contractual receivables, (iii) the current economic conditions and reimbursement environment, (iv) the ability of the tenant to perform under the terms of their lease and/or contractual loan agreements and (v) the value of the underlying collateral of the agreement. If we determine collectability of any of our contractual receivables is at risk, we estimate the potential uncollectible amounts and provide an allowance. In the case of a lease recognized on a straight-line basis, a loan recognized on an effective yield basis or the existence of lease inducements, we generally provide an allowance for straight-line, effective interest, and or lease inducement accounts receivable when certain conditions or indicators of adverse collectability are present. If the accounts receivable balance is subsequently deemed uncollectible, the receivable and allowance for doubtful account balance are written off.

A summary of our net receivables by type is as follows:


	December 31,
	2018		2017
	(in thousands)
Contractual receivables	$	34,901	$	43,258
Effective yield interest receivables		12,741		11,673
Straight-line rent receivables		251,166		216,054
Lease inducements		49,644		16,812
Allowance		(1,075)		(8,463)
Accounts receivable – net	$	347,377	$	279,334

In 2018, we paid an existing operator approximately $50 million in exchange for a reduction of such operator’s participation in an in-the-money purchase option. As a result, we recorded an approximate $28 million lease inducement that will be amortized as a reduction to rental income over the remaining term of the lease. The remaining $22 million was recorded as a reduction to the initial contingent liability which is included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

In 2018, we wrote-off approximately $11.5 million of straight-line rent receivables and contractual receivables to provision for uncollectible accounts, as a result of facility transitions and placing an operator on a cash basis. The provision for uncollectible accounts was offset by a recovery of approximately $4.8 million.

In 2017, we recorded a provision for uncollectible accounts of approximately $9.3 million related to contractual and straight-line rent receivables for one of our operators and approximately $4.1 million of provision for uncollectible accounts, net of recoveries related to contractual and straight-line receivables of other operators and/or facilities that we intend to exit or transition.

In 2016, we wrote-off approximately $4.3 million of straight-line rent receivable. The write-off primarily related to the transition of facilities from a former operator to a current operator.

Goodwill Impairment

We assess goodwill for potential impairment during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or during the year if an event or other circumstance indicates that we may not be able to recover the carrying amount of the net assets of the reporting unit. In evaluating goodwill for impairment on an interim basis, we assess qualitative factors such as a significant decline in real estate valuations, current macroeconomic conditions, state of the equity and capital markets and our overall financial and operating performance or a significant decline in the value of our market capitalization, to determine whether it is more likely than not (that is, a likelihood of more than 50 percent) that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. On an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or on an interim basis if we conclude it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we perform a two-step goodwill impairment test to identify potential impairment and measure the amount of impairment we will recognize, if any. The goodwill is not deductible for tax purposes.

In the first step of the two-step goodwill impairment test (“Step 1”), we compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its net book value, including goodwill. As the Company has only one reporting unit, the fair value of the reporting unit is determined by reference to the market capitalization of the Company as determined through quoted market prices and adjusted for other relevant factors. A potential impairment exists if the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its net book value. The second step (“Step 2”) of the process is only performed if a potential impairment exists, and it involves determining the difference between the fair value of the reporting unit’s net assets other than goodwill and the fair value of the reporting unit. If the difference is less than the net book value of goodwill, impairment exists and is recorded. The Company has not been required to perform Step 2 of the process because the fair value of the reporting unit has significantly exceeded its book value at the measurement date. There was no impairment of goodwill during 2018, 2017, or 2016.

Income Taxes

Omega and its wholly owned subsidiaries were organized to qualify for taxation as a REIT under Section 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code (“Code”). As long as we qualify as a REIT; we will not be subject to federal income taxes on the REIT taxable income that we distributed to stockholders, subject to certain exceptions. However, with respect to certain of our subsidiaries that have elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRSs”), we record income tax expense or benefit, as those entities are subject to federal income tax similar to regular corporations. Omega OP is a pass through entity for United States federal income tax purposes.

We account for deferred income taxes using the asset and liability method and recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in our financial statements or tax returns. Under this method, we determine deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Any increase or decrease in the deferred tax liability that results from a change in circumstances, and that causes us to change our judgment about expected future tax consequences of events, is included in the tax provision when such changes occur. Deferred income taxes also reflect the impact of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. A valuation allowance is provided if we believe it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Any increase or decrease in the valuation allowance that results from a change in circumstances, and that causes us to change our judgment about the realizability of the related deferred tax asset, is included in the tax provision when such changes occur.

Revenue Recognition

We have various different investments that generate revenue, including leased and mortgaged properties, as well as other investments, which include secured and unsecured loans. We recognize rental income and other investment income as earned over the terms of the related leases and notes, respectively. Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis to the extent that such amounts are expected to be collected using the effective interest method. In applying the effective interest method, the effective yield on a loan is determined based on its contractual payment terms, adjusted for prepayment terms.

Substantially all of our operating leases contain provisions for specified annual increases over the rents of the prior year and are generally computed in one of three methods depending on specific provisions of each lease as follows: (i) a specific annual increase over the prior year’s rent, generally between 2.0% and 3.0%; (ii) an increase based on the change in pre-determined formulas from year to year (e.g. increases in the Consumer Price Index); or (iii) specific dollar increases over prior years. Revenue under lease arrangements with minimum fixed and determinable increases is recognized over the non-cancellable term of the lease on a straight-line basis. The authoritative guidance does not provide for the recognition of contingent revenue until all possible contingencies have been eliminated. We consider the operating history of the lessee, the payment history, the general condition of the industry and various other factors when evaluating whether all possible contingencies have been eliminated.

In the case of rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis, we generally record reserves against earned revenues from leases when collection becomes questionable or when negotiations for restructurings of troubled operators result in significant uncertainty regarding ultimate collection. The amount of the reserve is estimated based on what management believes will likely be collected. We continually evaluate the collectability of our straight-line rent assets. If it appears that we will not collect future rent due under our leases, we will record a provision for loss related to the straight-line rent asset.

We record direct financing lease income on a constant interest rate basis over the term of the lease. Costs related to originating direct financing leases are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction to income from direct financing leases over the term of the direct financing leases. Allowances are provided against earned revenues from direct financing leases when collection of amounts due becomes questionable or when negotiations for restructurings of troubled operators lead to lower expectations regarding ultimate collection.

Mortgage interest income and other investment income is recognized as earned over the terms of the related mortgage notes or other investment, typically using the effective yield method. Allowances are provided against earned revenues from mortgage interest or other investment income when collection of amounts due becomes questionable or when negotiations for restructurings of troubled operators lead to lower expectations regarding ultimate collection.

On January 1, 2018, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014-09”) and its subsequent updates using a modified retrospective approach. As a result of adopting ASU 2014-09, we recognize gains related to the sale of real estate when we transfer control of the property and when it is probable that we will collect substantially all of the related consideration. As a result of adopting ASU 2014-09 and its updates on January 1, 2018, the Company recognized $10.0 million of deferred gain resulting from the sale of facilities to a third-party in December 2017 through opening equity on January 1, 2018.

Stock-Based Compensation

We recognize stock-based compensation expense adjusted for estimated forfeitures to employees and directors, in general and administrative in our Consolidated Statements of Operations on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards.

Deferred Financing Costs and Original Issuance Premium and/or Discounts for Debt Issuance

External costs incurred from the placement of our debt are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related borrowings which approximates the effective interest method. Deferred financing costs related to our revolving line of credit are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and deferred financing costs related to our other borrowings are included as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Original issuance premium or discounts reflect the difference between the face amount of the debt issued and the cash proceeds received and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related borrowings. All premiums and discounts are recorded as an addition to or reduction from debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of deferred financing costs and original issuance premiums or discounts totaled $9.0 million, $9.5 million and $9.3 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and are classified as interest - amortization of deferred financing costs on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. When financings are terminated, unamortized deferred financing costs and unamortized premiums or discounts, as well as charges incurred for the termination, are recognized as expense or income at the time the termination is made. Gains and losses from the extinguishment of debt are presented in interest-refinancing costs on our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Earnings Per Share/Unit

The computation of basic earnings per share/unit (“EPS” or “EPU”) is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders/Omega OP Unit holders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock/units outstanding during the relevant period. Diluted EPS/EPU is computed using the treasury stock method, which is net income divided by the total weighted-average number of common outstanding shares/Omega OP Units plus the effect of dilutive common equivalent shares/Omega OP Units during the respective period. Dilutive common shares reflect the assumed issuance of additional common shares/Omega OP Units pursuant to certain of our share-based compensation plans, including restricted stock and performance restricted stock units, long term incentive plan units (“LTIPs”), and the assumed issuance of additional shares related to Omega OP Units held by outside investors. Dilutive Omega OP Units reflect the assumed issuance of additional Omega OP Units pursuant to certain of our share-based compensation plans, including restricted stock, performance restricted stock and LTIPs.

Redeemable Limited Partnership Unitholder Interests and Noncontrolling Interests

Each of the Omega OP Units (other than the Omega OP Units owned by Omega) is redeemable at the election of the Omega OP Unit holder for cash equal to the then-fair market value of one share of Omega common stock, par value $0.10 per share (“Omega Common Stock”), subject to the Company’s election to exchange the Omega OP Units tendered for redemption for unregistered shares of Omega Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, subject to adjustment as set forth in the Partnership Agreement. As of December 31, 2018, Omega owns approximately 96% of the issued and outstanding Omega OP Units, and investors own approximately 4% of the outstanding Omega OP Units.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling interests is the portion of equity not attributable to the respective reporting entity. We present the portion of any equity that we do not own in consolidated entities as noncontrolling interests and classify those interests as a component of total equity, separate from total stockholders’ equity, or owners’ equity on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We include net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests in net income in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

As our ownership of a controlled subsidiary increases or decreases, any difference between the aggregate consideration paid to acquire the noncontrolling interests and our noncontrolling interest balance is recorded as a component of equity in additional paid-in capital, so long as we maintain a controlling ownership interest.

The noncontrolling interest for Omega represents the outstanding Omega OP Units held by outside investors.

Foreign Operations

The U.S. dollar is the functional currency for our consolidated subsidiaries operating in the U.S. The functional currency for our consolidated subsidiaries operating in the U.K. is the British Pound (“GBP”). For our consolidated subsidiaries whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar (“USD”), we translate their financial statements into the USD. We translate assets and liabilities at the exchange rate in effect as of the financial statement date. Revenue and expense accounts are translated using an average exchange rate for the period. Gains and losses resulting from translation are included in Omega OP’s owners’ equity and Omega’s accumulated other comprehensive loss (“AOCL”), as a separate component of equity and a proportionate amount of gain or loss is allocated to noncontrolling interests.

We and certain of our consolidated subsidiaries may have intercompany and third-party debt that is not denominated in the entity’s functional currency. When the debt is remeasured against the functional currency of the entity, a gain or loss can result. The resulting adjustment is reflected in results of operations, unless it is intercompany debt that is deemed to be long-term in nature in which case the adjustments are included in Omega OP’s owners’ equity and Omega’s AOCL and a proportionate amount of gain or loss is allocated to noncontrolling interests.

Derivative Instruments

Cash flow hedges

During our normal course of business, we may use certain types of derivative instruments for the purpose of managing interest rate and currency risk. To qualify for hedge accounting, derivative instruments used for risk management purposes must effectively reduce the risk exposure that they are designed to hedge. In addition, at the inception of a qualifying cash flow hedging relationship, the underlying transaction or transactions, must be, and are expected to remain, probable of occurring in accordance with the Company’s related assertions. The Company recognizes all derivative instruments, including embedded derivatives required to be bifurcated, as assets or liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value which is determined using a market approach and Level 2 inputs. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are not designated in hedging relationships or that do not meet the criteria of hedge accounting are recognized in earnings. For derivatives designated as qualifying cash flow hedging relationships, the change in fair value of the effective portion of the derivatives is recognized in Omega OP’s owners’ equity and Omega’s AOCL as a separate component of equity and a proportionate amount of gain or loss is allocated to noncontrolling interest, whereas the change in fair value of the ineffective portion is recognized in earnings. We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as our risk-management objectives and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions. This process includes designating all derivatives that are part of a hedging relationship to specific forecasted transactions as well as recognized liabilities or assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We also assess and document, both at inception of the hedging relationship and on a quarterly basis thereafter, whether the derivatives are highly effective in offsetting the designated risks associated with the respective hedged items. If it is determined that a derivative ceases to be highly effective as a hedge, or that it is probable the underlying forecasted transaction will not occur, we discontinue hedge accounting prospectively and record the appropriate adjustment to earnings based on the current fair value of the derivative. As a matter of policy, we do not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, $4.0 million and $1.5 million, respectively, of qualifying cash flow hedges were recorded at fair value in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Net investment hedge

The Company is exposed to fluctuations in the GBP against its functional currency, the USD, relating to its investments in healthcare-related real estate properties located in the U.K. The Company uses a nonderivative, GBP-denominated term loan to manage its exposure to fluctuations in the GBP-USD exchange rate. The foreign currency transaction gain or loss on the nonderivative hedging instrument that is designated and qualifies as a net investment hedge is reported in Omega OP’s owners’ equity and Omega’s AOCL in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Related Party Transactions

The Company has a policy which generally requires related party transactions to be approved or ratified by the Audit Committee. On February 1, 2016, we acquired 10 SNFs from Laurel Healthcare Holdings, Inc. (“Laurel”) for approximately $169.0 million in cash and leased them to an unrelated existing operator. A former member of the Board of Directors of the Company, together with certain members of his immediate family, beneficially owned approximately 34% of the equity of Laurel prior to the transaction. Immediately following our acquisition, the unrelated existing operator acquired all of the outstanding equity interests of Laurel, including the interests previously held by the former director of the Company and his family.

Reclassification

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in 2018

In 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2014-09, which outlines a comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 states that “an entity recognizes revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.” While ASU 2014-09 specifically references contracts with customers, it also applied to certain other transactions including the sale of real estate. In addition, the FASB issued targeted updates to clarify specific implementation issues of ASU 2014-09. These updates included ASU 2016-08, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU 2016-10, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, ASU 2016-12, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients and ASU 2017-05, Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and its subsequent updates in accordance with the modified retrospective approach on January 1, 2018. The adoption of ASU 2014-09 and its related updates did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, as a substantial portion of our revenue consists of rental income from leasing arrangements and interest income from loan arrangements, both of which are specifically excluded from ASU 2014-09 and its updates.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging: Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities (“ASU 2017-12”). The purpose of this updated guidance is to better align the financial reporting for hedging activities with the economic objectives of those activities. The transition guidance provides companies with the option of early adopting the new standard using a modified retrospective transition method in any interim period after issuance of the update, or alternatively requires adoption for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. This adoption method requires companies to recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying ASU 2017-12 as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year that a company adopts the update. On January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2017-12 using the modified retrospective transition method. As a result of adopting the standard, the Company made certain adjustments to its existing hedge designation documentation for active hedging relationships in order to take advantage of specific provisions in the new guidance and to fully align its documentation with ASU 2017-12. The adoption of ASU 2017-12 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements - Pending Adoption

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (“ASU 2016-02”), which amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU 2016-02 and its subsequent updates will be effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019. The new standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application. ASU 2016-02 and its subsequent updates allows for several practical expedients which permit the following: (i) no reassessment of lease classification or initial direct costs, (ii) use of the standard’s effective date as the date of initial application, (iii) no separation of non-lease components from the related lease components and, instead, to account for those components as a single lease component if certain criteria are met, (iv) permits lessors the option to exclude sales and other similar taxes from the measurement of lease revenue and expense and (v) requires lessors to exclude costs paid directly by lessees to third parties.

We elected these practical expedients and adopted ASU 2016-02 and its subsequent updates on January 1, 2019 using the effective date as our date of initial application. Therefore, financial information and disclosures under ASU 2016-02 will not be provided for periods prior to January 1, 2019. Upon adoption, we recognized both right of use assets and lease liabilities for leases in which we lease land, real property or other equipment. We estimate that our initial right of use asset and lease liability will be between $10.0 million and $12.0 million. We will also begin reporting revenues and expenses for real estate taxes that are the obligations of the tenants but are paid for directly by the Company. We estimate recording annual incremental rental income and expense between $12.0 million and $20.0 million based on the amounts paid directly by us in 2017 and 2018. This reporting is not expected to have a material impact on our net income. We continue to evaluate the other impacts of adopting ASU 2016-02 and its updates on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016‑13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326) (“ASU 2016‑13”), which changes the impairment model for most financial assets. The new model uses a forward-looking expected loss method, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowances for losses. ASU 2016‑13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019 and early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016‑13 on our consolidated financial statements.