Revenue Recognition
For our Triple-net and Outpatient Medical segments, a significant source of our revenue is generated through leasing arrangements and accounted for under ASC 842, Leases (“ASC 842”). Leases with fixed annual rental escalators are generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial lease period, subject to a collectability assessment. Rental income related to leases with contingent rental escalators is generally recorded based on the contractual cash rental payments due for the period. Leases in our Outpatient Medical portfolio typically include some form of operating expense reimbursement by the tenant, and upon adoption of ASC 842, we elected the lessor practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from the associated lease components resulting in presenting all revenue associated with Outpatient Medical leases as leasing revenue on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Certain payments made to tenants are treated as lease incentives and amortized as a reduction of revenue over the lease term.
For our Seniors Housing Operating segment, revenue from resident fees and services is predominantly service-based, and generally is recognized monthly as services are provided. Agreements with residents generally have varying terms and are cancellable by the resident with 30 days’ notice. We have elected the lessor practical expedient within ASC 842 and recognize and disclose the revenues for Seniors Housing Operating resident agreements based on the predominant component, generally the non-lease service component, under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). Within that reportable segment, we also recognize revenue from residential wellness housing leases in accordance with ASC 842. Management contracts are present in some of our joint venture agreements to provide asset and property management, leasing, marketing and other services, and management contract revenues are recognized monthly as services are provided.
Our Seniors Housing Operating segment also contains continuing care retirement communities, which operate as entrance fee communities. The entrance fee communities offer different contracts, which vary in terms of how much of the entrance fee is considered to be refundable upon move-out, temporarily refundable until a period of time has passed or nonrefundable. Refundable entrance fees are recorded as a payable within the accrued expenses and other liabilities line item of our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Nonrefundable entrance fees are recorded as deferred revenue within the same line item and are recognized into revenue over the estimated remaining stay of the resident. We use a third-party actuarial expert to determine the estimated remaining stay of each resident based on demographic data.
Our Triple-net segment also includes investments in sales-type leases, for which we record any selling profit or loss arising from leases at inception within gain (loss) on real estate dispositions and acquisitions of controlling interests, net in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. The investments in sales-type leases, net represents the lease receivable, the components of which are the future lease payments and any guaranteed or unguaranteed residual value for the underlying assets expected at the end of the lease term, measured at the net present value discounted using a rate implicit in the lease.
Interest income on loans is recognized as earned based on the principal amount outstanding, subject to an evaluation of the risk of credit loss. We utilize the effective interest method to recognize interest income related to loan discounts and premiums and loan fees paid or received.
About Revenue Disclosures
Revenue disclosures under ASC 606 explain how a company identifies performance obligations, allocates transaction prices, and determines when revenue is recognized. This section is essential for understanding whether reported revenue reflects genuine economic activity or aggressive accounting choices. Analysts examine the mix of point-in-time versus over-time recognition, which directly affects revenue timing and comparability.
Key signals: rising contract liabilities (deferred revenue) suggest strong future revenue visibility, while declining contract assets may indicate slowing project milestones. Watch for variable consideration estimates — rebates, returns, and performance bonuses that require management judgment. Significant changes in disaggregated revenue by geography or product line can reveal shifting business mix before it appears in headline numbers. Compare revenue growth against contract liability growth to assess sustainability, and scrutinize any changes in the timing of recognition that coincide with earnings pressure.