Priority portfolio

CareTrust REIT picked up a portfolio of skilled nursing facilities in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, adding a new tenant relationship in the process. Priority Management Group will take over operations, under a master lease agreement with CareTrust, at four recently built (or recently renovated) skilled nursing facilities that total 540 skilled nursing beds and 28 assisted living units. The portfolio is expected to generate first-year annual cash rent of $8.6 million, resulting in an initial cash yield of 8.9% on the $95.9 million, or $168,838 per bed, purchase price. We should note that the average price per bed for skilled nursing facilities in the four quarters ended September 30, 2016 is $89,500, which is well below this transaction’s price. The new master lease carries an initial term of 15 years, with two five-year renewal options and CPI-based rent escalators. CareTrust funded the deal from cash on hand.