Item 1. Business.
Company Overview
As a Healthy Way of Life company, Life Time Fitness is committed to helping its members achieve healthier, more active lives. To accomplish this, we operate distinctive and large, multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers in a resort-like environment under the LIFE TIME FITNESS® brand. We design, develop and operate our centers and we focus on providing our members and customers with products and services at a high quality and compelling value in the areas of education, exercise and nutrition.
As of February 27, 2009, we operated 83 centers primarily in suburban locations in 18 states and 22 major markets. Most Life Time Fitness centers offer access 24 hours a day, seven days a week to an expansive selection of premium amenities and services, including more than 400 pieces of state-of-the-art cardiovascular and resistance equipment and free-weights. Amenities generally include multiple group fitness studios with free classes, a team of certified personal trainers and programming, educational seminars and fitness assessments, a wide selection of adult and youth programs and activities, athletic events, cycle theatres, rock climbing walls, multiple basketball courts, squash and/or racquetball courts, Pilates and yoga studios, dry saunas, complimentary towel and locker service, large indoor and outdoor aquatics centers with multiple, two-story waterslides, two large zero-depth recreation pools, a lap pool and children’s interactive play area, two whirlpools, an outdoor bistro, a large child center featuring a play maze, computer center, separate infant playroom, and numerous children’s activities, a separate family locker room, LifeSpa, which delivers a full range of hair, nail and skin care services, and therapeutic massage, and LifeCafe, which offers the best in nutritional food and beverage services.
We believe our centers provide a desirable and unique experience for our members, resulting in a high number of memberships per center, which we closely manage to optimize the member experience. Since 1992, we have refined our center size and design with the opening of each new center. Of our 83 centers, we consider 74 to be of our large format design. Among these 74 centers, we consider 50 to be of our current model design. Although the size and design of our centers may vary, our business strategy and operating processes remain consistent across all of our centers. Our current model centers generally target 8,500 to 11,500 memberships by offering, on average, 113,000 square feet of multi-use, sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation, spa amenities and programs and services in a resort-like environment.
Our principal executive offices are located at 2902 Corporate Place, Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317, and our telephone number is (952) 947-0000. Our Web site is located at lifetimefitness.com. The information contained on our Web site is not a part of this annual report.
Our History
Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Bahram Akradi, founded Life Time Fitness with the vision to create a Healthy Way of Life company that would provide an educational and entertaining experience of uncompromising quality, while meeting the health and fitness needs of our members by always putting the customer first. For example, our company has never required long-term member contracts, instead preferring to offer month-to-month agreements that provide members flexibility, while focusing the efforts of our employees on the goal of earning our members’ business each and every day, upon each and every visit.
In 1992, we opened our first club in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. This 27,000 square-foot, strip-mall facility served as the first validation of a new, highly differentiated product and service that uniquely catered to individuals and families.
Since then, we have been credited with transforming the health and fitness industry with category-redefining centers that feature sports and athletics, family recreation and entertainment, professional fitness, spa services, and amenities and programming in a resort-like environment.
In 2000, we expanded our offerings beyond operating our centers with the introduction of our proprietary line of nutritional products and supplements, and our award-winning magazine, Experience Life. In 2001, we formalized our Athletic Events division, which now offers nearly 100 events each year, including triathlons (indoor and outdoor) and running events which primarily comprise 5Ks. Beginning in 2003, we launched a portfolio of health
seminars, assessments and innovative partnerships with health insurance companies with the goal of further extending our Healthy Way of Life mission to corporate America.
In 2004, we completed our initial public offering and our stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Ticker: LTM).
We have only closed one facility in our history - the previously mentioned Brooklyn Park, Minnesota center. We decided not to renew our lease at that location in December 2006 because we had since opened five other locations in the vicinity that continue to serve the membership from this former location.
Since inception, we have led the creation not of a health club chain, but rather a comprehensive, Healthy Way of Life company and brand that continues to have a significant impact on the health and wellness of consumers.
Our Competitive Strengths
We offer comprehensive and convenient programs and services.
Our large format centers offer a vast array of high quality, high value programs and services in a resort-like setting. Unlike traditional health clubs, these centers typically offer large indoor and outdoor family recreation pools, climbing walls and basketball and racquet/squash courts, in addition to approximately 400 pieces of cardiovascular, and resistance training equipment, free weights and an extensive offering of health and fitness classes. Our national team of member-focused employees, each trained through our specifically designed program of classes and/or certifications, is committed to providing an environment that is clean, educational and entertaining, friendly and inviting, and functional and innovative. Our large format centers generally include luxurious reception areas and locker rooms, child center facilities with spacious play areas, spas offering massage and beauty services and cafes with healthy product offerings throughout the day.
We offer a value proposition that encourages membership loyalty.
The broad range of amenities, programs and services we offer exceed that of most other health and fitness center alternatives available to our members. We offer different types of membership plans for individuals, couples and families. Our typical monthly membership dues range from $50 to $80 per month for an individual membership and from $100 to $150 per month for a couple or family membership. Our memberships include the primary member’s children under the age of 12 at a nominal per child monthly cost. We provide the majority of our members with a variety of complimentary services, including group fitness classes, educational seminars and fitness assessments, towel and locker service and a subscription to our award-winning magazine, Experience Life. Our membership plans include initial 30-day money back guarantees and are month-to-month, cancelable at any time by giving advance notice. We believe our value proposition and member focused approach creates loyalty among our members.
We offer a product that is convenient for our members.
Our centers are generally situated in high-traffic residential areas and are easily accessed and centrally located among the residential, business and shopping districts of the surrounding community. We design, develop and operate our centers to accommodate a large and active membership base by generally providing access to the centers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In addition, we provide sufficient parking spaces, lockers and equipment to allow our members to exercise with little or no waiting time, even at peak hours and when center membership levels are at targeted capacity. Our child center services are available to the majority of our members for a modest monthly fee per child for up to two hours per day. Most of our centers offer the convenience of spa and cafe services. Most members have access to attend more than one center in markets where we operate more than one location.
We have an established and profitable economic model.
Our economic model is both based and dependent on attracting a large membership base within the first three years after a new center is opened, as well as retaining those members and maintaining tight expense control. For each of the fiscal years from 2006 to 2008, this economic model has resulted in annual revenue growth of 31%, 28% and 17%, respectively, with revenue of $769.6 million in 2008; annual EBITDA growth of 24%, 33% and 12%, respectively, with EBITDA of $221.5 million in 2008; and annual net income growth of 23%, 35% and 6%, respectively, with net income of $71.8 million in 2008. We expect the typical membership base at our large format centers to grow from approximately 35% of targeted membership capacity at the end of the first month of operations
to 90% of targeted membership capacity by the end of the third year of operations, which is consistent with our historical performance.
We believe we have a disciplined and sophisticated site selection and development process.
We believe we have developed a disciplined and sophisticated process to evaluate metropolitan markets in which to build or lease new centers, as well as specific sites for potential future centers within those markets. This multi-step process is based upon applying our proven successful experience and analysis to predetermined physical, demographic, psychographic and competitive criteria generated from profiles of each of our existing centers. We continue to modify these criteria based upon the performance of our centers. A formal business plan is developed for each proposed new center and the plan must pass multiple stages of approval by our management and board of directors. By utilizing a wholly owned construction subsidiary, FCA Construction Company, LLC (FCA Construction), that is dedicated solely to building and remodeling our centers, we maintain maximum flexibility over the design process of our centers and control over the cost and timing of the construction process subject to financing and capital availability.
Our Growth Strategy
Our growth strategy is driven by three primary elements:
Open new centers.
We intend to expand our base of centers. In 2008, we opened eleven centers, of which we designed and constructed ten current model centers and renovated one commercial space into a large format center. We expect to open up to six centers in 2009. Two of these centers opened in February 2009 and the remaining four are currently under construction.
Increase membership and optimize membership dues.
Of our 81 open centers at December 31, 2008, 36 had not yet reached maturity, which we define as the 37th month of operations. These 36 centers averaged 63% of targeted membership capacity as of December 31, 2008. We expect the continuing increase in memberships at these centers to contribute significantly to our future growth as these centers move toward our goal of 90% of targeted membership capacity by the end of their third year of operations. We also plan to continue to drive membership growth at mature centers that are not yet at targeted capacity.
In addition to increasing membership levels, we focus on optimizing our membership dues by offering four different types of centers and membership options: Bronze, Gold, Platinum and Onyx, which are based on center amenities, services, location, capacity and cost of operation. Each membership type offers a distinctive pricing level, center access and membership privileges, along with affinity partner benefits outside of our centers. In order to achieve and maintain these membership goals, we focus on demographics, center usage and membership trends, and employ marketing programs to effectively communicate our value proposition to existing and prospective members.
Increase in-center products and services revenue.
From 2004 to 2008, revenue from the sale of in-center products and services grew at a compound annual growth rate of 25% from $71.6 million to $218.2 million and we increased in-center revenue per membership from $267 to $414. We believe revenue from the sale of our in-center products and services will continue to grow. Our centers offer a variety of in-center programs, products and services, including individual and group sessions with certified professional personal trainers and registered dieticians, LifeSpa services, member activities programs, wellness programs, Pilates and yoga, tennis programs and the food from our LifeCafe restaurant. We expect to continue driving in-center revenue both by increasing sales of our current in-center products and services and introducing new products and services to our members.
Our Industry
We participate in the large and growing U.S. health and wellness industry, which we define to include health clubs, fitness equipment, athletics, physical therapy, wellness education, nutritional products, athletic apparel, spa services and other wellness-related activities. According to International Health, Racquet & Sportclub Association (“IHRSA”), the estimated market size of the U.S. health club industry, which is a relatively small part of the health and wellness industry, was approximately $18.5 billion in revenues for 2007 and 41.5 million memberships with approximately 30,000 clubs as of January 2008. Based on IHRSA membership data, the percentage of the total U.S.
population with health club memberships increased from 15.1% in 2003 to 15.4% in 2007. Over this same period, total U.S. health club industry revenues increased from $14.1 billion to $18.5 billion.
Our Philosophy - A “Healthy Way of Life” Company
We offer our members a healthy way of life in the areas of exercise, education and nutrition by providing high-quality, high-value products and services both in and outside of our centers. We promote continuous education as an easy and inspiring part of every member’s experience by offering free seminars on health and nutrition to educate members on the benefits of a regular fitness program and a balanced lifestyle. Moreover, our centers offer interactive learning opportunities, such as personal training, group fitness sessions and member activities classes and programs. We believe that by helping our members experience the rewards of challenging and investing in themselves, they will associate our company with healthy and active living.
Our Sports and Athletic, Professional Fitness, Family Recreation and Spa Centers
Size and Location
Our centers have evolved since inception and will continue to evolve. Out of our 83 centers, 74 are of our large format design and 50 of these 74 centers conform to our current model center. Our current model center averages 113,000 square feet and serves as an all-in-one sports and athletic center and professional fitness facility, with family recreation, café and spa amenities in a resort-like environment. Our distinctive format is designed to provide efficient and inviting spaces that accommodate our targeted capacity of 8,500 to 11,500 memberships and provide a premium assortment of amenities and services. Our 24 centers that have the large format design, but do not conform to our current model center, average approximately 95,000 square feet and have an average targeted capacity of 7,900 memberships. Generally, targeted capacity for a center is 750 to 1,000 memberships for every 10,000 square feet at a center. This targeted capacity is designed to maximize the member experience based upon our historical understanding of membership usage, facility layout, the number of single, couple and family memberships and pricing. Our centers are centrally located in areas that offer convenient access from residential, business and shopping districts of the surrounding community, and generally provide free and ample parking.
Center Environment
Our centers combine modern architecture and décor with state-of-the-art amenities to create a friendly and inviting, functional and innovative sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa destination for the entire family. The majority of our current model centers and most of our large format centers are freestanding buildings designed with open architecture and naturally illuminated atriums that create a spacious, inviting atmosphere. From the limestone floors, natural wood lockers and granite countertops, to our safe and bright child centers, each room is carefully designed to create an appealing and luxurious environment that attracts and retains members and encourages them to visit the center. Moreover, we have specific staff members who are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and neatness of the locker room areas, which contain approximately 800-900 lockers, throughout the day and particularly during the center’s peak usage periods. We regularly update and refurbish our centers to maintain a high-quality experience. Our commitment to quality and detail provides a similar look and feel at each of our large format centers.
Equipment and Programs
The table below displays the wide assortment of amenities, services, activities and events typically found at our large format centers, including our current model centers:
Amenities
Services
Activities and Events
Basketball/Volleyball Courts
24-Hour Availability
Aquatics
Cardiovascular, Resistance
Fitness Assessments
Athletic Leagues
and Free Weight Equipment
Educational Seminars
Birthday Parties
Cycle Theatres
Experience Life Magazine
Eastern/Martial Arts
Group Fitness Studios
Towel Service
Kids’ Club
Lap Pool
Locker Service
Pilates
Racquetball/Squash Courts
Massage Therapy
Group Fitness Classes
Child Center
Nutritional Products
Scuba Lessons
Rock Climbing Cavern
Personal Training
Studio Cycling
Saunas
T.E.A.M. Programs
Sports Training Camps
Two-story Waterslides
Cardio O2 Run
Summer Camps
Whirlpool Spas
Cardiovascular and Resistance Training
Swimming Lessons
Zero-depth Entry Swimming Pools
Metabolic Testing
Yoga
LifeStudio
Nutrition Coaching
Educational Camps
LifeCafe
Endurance Coaching
Dance Classes
LifeSpa
Member Advantage
Athletic Events
Pool-side Bistro
Total Health
Run Club, Cycle-Club and other
Men’s, Women’s and Family
myLT.com
Interest driven clubs
Locker Rooms
Fitness Equipment and Facilities. To help members develop and maintain a healthy way of life, train for athletic events or lose weight, our centers have up to 400 pieces of cardiovascular and resistance training equipment plus free weights. Exercise equipment is arranged in spacious workout areas to allow for easy movement from machine to machine, facilitating a convenient and efficient workout. Equipment in these areas is arranged in long parallel rows that are clearly labeled by muscle group, allowing members to conveniently customize their exercise programs and reduce downtime during their workouts. Due to the large amount of equipment in each center, members rarely have to wait to use a machine. We have in-house technicians that service and maintain our equipment, which generally enables us to repair or replace any piece of equipment promptly. In addition, we have a comprehensive system of large-screen televisions in the fitness area.
Our current model centers have large indoor and outdoor recreation pools with zero depth entrances and water slides, lap pools, saunas, steam baths and whirlpools. A majority of these centers also have at least two regulation-size basketball courts that can be used for various sports activities, as well as other dedicated facilities for group fitness, cycling, rock climbing, racquetball and/or squash. In addition, 12 of our current model and large format centers have tennis courts. Programs at these tennis facilities include professional instruction and leagues.
Personalized Services for Individuals and Small Groups. On average, we employ 25 personal trainers and one registered dietician in a current model center. Our personal trainers are skilled in assessing and formulating safe and effective individual and group exercise programs. Our registered dieticians, which we refer to as nutrition coaches, promote healthy eating habits by planning food and nutrition programs based on their knowledge of metabolism and the biochemistry of nutrients and food components. Our personal training program goal has been and will continue to be to raise the bar and be considered leaders in the industry. To this end, our personal trainers are required to be certified by one of the nationally accredited certification bodies within six months of employment and take a rigorous one-week internal certification program before providing member service.
We offer many different programs featuring our certified professional personal trainers or registered dieticians, including:
•
One-On-One sessions - an individual member meets directly with a personal trainer or a registered dietician designed to help members achieve their healthy way of life goals, including losing weight, gaining weight/muscle mass, or specific event training.
•
Small Group sessions - designed for a group of 2-4 members who meet directly with a single personal trainer or a registered dietician designed to help members achieve their goals with others.
•
T.E.A.M. (Training - Education - Accountability - Motivation) programs - We have developed a number of large group (typically 8-12 members) programs under our proprietary T.E.A.M. platform. Our T.E.A.M. Weight Loss program focuses on exercise, education and nutrition and provides the resources as well as support needed for long-term weight loss success. The T.E.A.M. Fitness program combines cardio exercise with strength training. Our Cardio O2 Run program focuses on training in the right heart rate zones, for the right duration of time and at the right frequency to burn fat more efficiently while improving overall health and wellness. Our T.E.A.M. Boot Camp challenges our members to test their limits in strength, agility and stamina.
Fitness Programs and Classes. Our centers offer fitness programs, including group fitness classes and health and wellness training seminars on subjects ranging from mastering your metabolism to personal nutrition. Each current model center has at least two group fitness studios and makes use of the indoor and outdoor pool areas for classes. These centers also offer a LifeStudio mind/body area for yoga and Pilates as well as a studio dedicated to studio cycling. On average, we offer 85 group fitness classes per week at each current model center, including, for example, studio cycling, step workout, dance classes, circuit training and fitness yoga classes. These classes generally are free of charge to our members. The volume and variety of activities at each center allow each member to enjoy the center, whether participating in personalized activities or with other family members in group activities.
Other Center Services. Our large format centers feature a LifeCafe, which offers fresh and healthy pre-prepared and made-to-order sandwiches, snacks and shakes to our members. Our LifeCafe offers members the choice of dining indoors, ordering their meals and snacks to go or, in each of our current model centers and certain of our other large format centers, dining outdoors at the poolside bistro. Our LifeCafes also carry our own line of nutritional products, third-party nutritional products, sports accessories and personal hygiene products.
Our current model centers and almost all of our other large format centers also feature a LifeSpa, which is a full-service spa located inside the centers. Our LifeSpas offer hair, body, skin care and massage therapy services, customized to each client’s individual needs. The LifeSpas are located in separate, self-contained areas that provide a relaxing and rejuvenating environment.
Almost all of our centers offer on-site child centers for children ages three months to 11 years for a low monthly fee per child. Child center services are available for up to two hours per child per day while members use our centers. The children’s area features a play maze, computer center, separate infant playroom, and numerous children’s activities. We hire experienced personnel that are dedicated to working in the child centers to ensure that children have an enjoyable and safe experience.
All of our large format centers offer a variety of free and fee-based programs for children, including swimming lessons, activity programs, martial arts classes, sports programs and craft programs, most of which are open to both members and non-members. We also offer several children’s camps during the summer and holidays. For adults, we offer various sports leagues and martial arts classes.
Memberships
Our month-to-month membership plans typically include 24-hour access, locker and towel service, a full range of premium amenities and services, and educational programs. Moreover, we offer an initial 30-day money-back guarantee on upfront membership enrollment fees and administrative fees and the first month’s membership dues, which is a longer period than required by state law and longer than offered by most other health clubs. We believe our unique centers and services, broad appeal to multiple family members of varying ages and physical abilities, and attractive value proposition are highly differentiated and key to our membership growth. We continually monitor member satisfaction and loyalty through phone and online surveys and roundtable forums that provide us with valuable feedback from our members. In turn, we use this input to influence current and future offerings.
As part of our value proposition, our new members may take advantage of equipment orientations and participate in a fitness assessment (FitPoint), which consists of fitness testing, exercise history, percent body fat measurement and
goal setting. Other free and fee-based fitness clinics and assessments, and courses relating to nutrition and stress management also are offered.
We have a flexible membership structure, with different types of membership plans, that provide varying center access, in-center amenities, guest passes and partner benefits, the most common of which are the Bronze and Gold plans. The following table compares our different membership types, as of December 31, 2008:
Since our inception, we always have offered a convenient month-to-month membership, with a low, one-time joining fee, which includes an enrollment fee and an administrative fee, no long-term contracts and an initial 30-day money back guarantee. Subject to the particular market area and the membership plan, today, new members typically pay a one-time joining fee that generally ranges from $75 to $150. Members typically pay monthly membership dues ranging from $50 to $80 for individuals and $100 to $150 for couples or families for Gold or Platinum memberships. In addition, new members pay a $6 per child monthly fee to include junior members on a membership. Our current model centers average approximately 2.4 people per membership.
In 2008, we created a 26-and-under membership which provides this group with slightly lower monthly membership dues which range from $40 to $90. In doing so, it is our goal to increase the number of members we serve in this demographic.
Usage
Our centers are generally open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and our current model centers average approximately 68,000 visits per month after the first year of operations. We typically experience the highest level of member activity at a center during the 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. time periods on weekdays and during the 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. time period on weekends. Our centers are staffed accordingly during peak and non-peak hours to provide each member with a positive experience. Total usage for 2008 was 50.4 million visits, as compared to 42.1 million visits in 2007, an increase of 19.0%.
New Center Site Selection and Construction
Site Selection. Our management devotes significant time and resources to analyzing each prospective site on the basis of predetermined physical, demographic, psychographic and competitive criteria in order to achieve maximum return on our investment. We focus mainly on markets that will allow us to operate multiple centers that create certain efficiencies in marketing and branding activities; however, we select each site based on whether that site can support an individual center on a stand-alone basis.
After we identify a potential site, we develop a business plan for a center on that site. This requires approvals from all areas of operations and the finance committee of our board of directors. We believe that our structured process provides discipline and reduces the potential for developing a site that the market cannot support.
Design and Construction. We have a wholly owned subsidiary, FCA Construction, which provides us with experienced in-house architecture and construction teams and is comprised of approximately100 employees. This subsidiary is dedicated solely to overseeing the design and construction of each new center and the remodeling of existing centers.
Our centers are designed by our architecture division, which has developed a prototypical set of design and construction plans and specifications that can be easily adapted to each new site. Our architecture division also assists our construction division in obtaining bids and permits in connection with constructing each new center.
Our construction division includes the onsite project management of each new site and remodel, as well as all other back office responsibilities, such as estimation, project accounting and sub-contractor selection. Dedicated internal personnel work on expediting the permitting processes and project scheduling. Our bid phase specialists obtain referrals for local subcontractors, monitor project costs, coordinate compliance with safety requirements, and prepare site documentation. Our project management group oversees the construction of each new center and works with our architects to review bids and monitor quality. Our construction procurement group bids each component of our projects to ensure cost-effective pricing. By using the same materials at each center, we not only maintain a consistent ‘look and feel,’ but also are generally able to purchase materials in sufficient quantities to receive favorable pricing. Each center has an on-site construction manager responsible for coordinating the entire project.
By utilizing FCA Construction, we are able to maximize our flexibility in the design process, retain control over the cost and timing of the construction process and realize potential cost savings on each project. Nearly all of the costs of the FCA Construction subsidiary are capitalized as a part of the overall initial investment in the center or the remodel. Any remaining unallocated costs are recognized as an expense in the period incurred. Because FCA Construction performs services solely for us, we do not recognize any revenue or profit related to FCA Construction’s operations.
In October 2008, we announced the decision to reduce the number of planned new club openings in 2009 and 2010. This business decision was made as a result of current economic factors and, most notably, the challenging capital markets upon which we rely to fund the construction of new centers. In connection with this decision, we realigned our staffing levels and cost structure with the revised growth plan. This resulted in the elimination of approximately 100 corporate positions, the majority of which were in our construction division but also included other corporate departments. As a result of these actions, we believe we are in a position to fund our planned new club development for the foreseeable future via existing financing and cash flow, and that we have a cost structure that aligns with our revised growth plans. We will continue to evaluate our staffing levels and cost structure in the future.
Marketing and Sales
Overview of Marketing. Our centralized marketing agency is responsible for generating membership leads for our sales force, supporting our corporate businesses and promoting our brand. Our marketing agency consists of four fully integrated divisions which are new member acquisition, planning and analysis, creative development and production, and Web development. By centralizing our marketing effort, we bring our marketing experience and strategy to each new market we enter in a coordinated manner. We also market to corporations and, in some situations, we offer discounted enrollment fees for persons associated with these corporations. Membership enrollment activity is tracked to gauge the effectiveness of each marketing medium, which can be adjusted as necessary from a center’s pre-opening phase to maturity and beyond.
Overview of Sales. We have a trained and certified, commissioned sales staff in each center that is responsible for converting the leads generated by our centralized marketing agency into new memberships. During the pre-opening and grand opening phases described below, we have up to 12 member advisors on staff at a center. As the center matures, we reduce the number of member advisors on staff to between six and eight. Our sales staff also uses our customer relationship management system to understand members’ interests and to manage existing member relationships.
Pre-Opening Phase. We generally begin selling memberships up to nine months prior to a center’s scheduled opening. New members are attracted during this period primarily through a portfolio of broad-reach and targeted consumer and business-to-business media as well as referral promotions. To further attract new members during this
period, we occasionally offer lower pre-opening enrollment fees and special charter member benefits, and distribute free copies of our Experience Life magazine to households in the immediate vicinity of the new center.
Grand Opening Phase. We deploy a marketing program during the first month of a center’s operation that builds on our pre-opening efforts. The reach and frequency of the advertising campaign culminate when all households within a strategically designated trade area, based on local access considerations, housing density and travel patterns, receive targeted advertising. Simultaneously, prospective members receive special invitations to grand opening activities and educational seminars designed to assist them in their orientation to the center. Our corporate clients receive special enrollment opportunities, as well as invitations to open house activities.
Membership Growth Phase. After the grand opening phase, marketing activities and costs should decrease as drive-by visibility and word-of-mouth marketing become more influential. The goal of each center is to achieve consistent membership growth until targeted capacity is reached. Once the center has reached its targeted capacity, marketing efforts are directed at keeping membership levels stable and at growing other in-center services to existing members. Marketing plans for each center are formulated on an annual basis and reviewed monthly by marketing and center-level sales personnel. At monthly intervals, a comprehensive situation analysis is performed to ensure sales and retention objectives are meeting the goals of the center’s business plan.
Leveraging the LIFE TIME FITNESS Brand
We continue to build our brand nationally via our centers, and by delivering products and services in the areas of exercise, education and nutrition at a high quality and value. We are further strengthening the LIFE TIME FITNESS brand by broadening our portfolio of centers, expanding the circulation of our Experience Life magazine, and through our series of athletic events and line of nutritional products.
Centers. As of February 27, 2009, we operated 83 centers in 18 states and 22 major markets under the LIFE TIME FITNESS and LIFE TIME ATHLETIC brands.
Education. Core to our member commitment is the delivery of educational information that supports healthy and active lifestyles. We uphold this by offering Healthy Way of Life stories, news, products, tips and recipes on our Web sites, including lifetimefitness.com, experiencelifemag.com, myLT.com, and lifetimeendurance.com. We also offer educational classes at our centers and distribute our award-winning Experience Life magazine to most of our members. Experience Life includes an average of 98 full-color pages of health tips and insights, articles featuring quality-of-life topics and advertisements, and has a current circulation of approximately 615,000 copies to our members, non-member subscribers, households in new market areas and selected major bookstores nationwide. Experience Life averages 35 pages of advertising per issue and is expected to be published 10 times in 2009. In 2008, Experience Life was honored with Gold awards for Best How-To Article, Best Regular Column and Best Single-Topic Issue from the Minnesota Magazine Publications Association (MMPA). Since 2002, Experience Life has earned 45 MMPA awards, including the top prize for Overall Excellence three times.
Athletic Events. Our premier event is our annual Life Time Fitness Triathlon, held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which attracted participants from 42 states and 14 countries in 2008, as well as national sponsors. The Life Time Fitness Triathlon offers a professional division with one of the sport’s largest prize purses. The event draws significant local, national and international media coverage. We manage the Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series, consisting of the Life Time Fitness Triathlon, Nautica New York City Triathlon, Accenture Chicago Triathlon, Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Triathlon, and the Life Time Fitness-produced Toyota U.S. Open Triathlon in Dallas. This Series, which also is open to all amateur athletes, provides invited professional triathletes with the opportunity to compete in each race for a chance to win a portion of the Series’ total available prize purse. In addition to the Life Time Fitness Triathlon and Life Time Fitness Triathlon Series, we produce several shorter fun run/walks during the year, such as the 5K Reindeer Run in many of the cities where we operate centers, the Torchlight 5K Run and Turkey Day 5K in Minneapolis, and the Run Wild 5K Fun Run & Walk in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as indoor triathlons in many of our centers.
Nutritional Products. We offer a line of nutritional products, including Men’s and Women’s Performance Multivitamins, Omega-3 Fish Oil, Joint Maintenance Formulation, LeanSource Soft Gels and Whey Protein isolate that we believe deliver the highest possible quality, value and the performance when it comes to helping our members achieve their health and fitness goals. Our products use high quality ingredients and are available in our LifeCafes and through our Web site, lifetimefitness.com. Our current nutritional product line focuses on four areas, which are daily health, weight management, energy and athletic performance. Our weight management products work safely and effectively to help manage weight. Our formulations are created and extensively tested by a team of
external scientific experts. We use experienced and professional third parties to manufacture our nutritional products.
Our Employees
Most of our current model centers are staffed with an average of 250 full-time and part-time employees. Approximately 11 center employees are in management positions, typically including a general manager, operations department head and sales department head to ensure a well-managed facility and motivated work force. All employees are provided dedicated training and/or certification to support the member experience we expect. Additionally, our personal trainers, registered dieticians (nutrition coaches), massage therapists, physical therapists and cosmetologists are required to maintain a professional license or one of their industry’s top certifications.
All center employees are required to participate in a training program that is specifically designed to promote a friendly and inviting environment at each center and a consistent standard of performance across all of our centers. Employees also receive ongoing mentoring, and continuing education is required before they are permitted to advance to other positions within our company.
As of December 31, 2008, we had approximately 16,700 employees, including approximately 10,800 part-time employees and 700 employees at our Corporate office. We are not a party to a collective bargaining agreement with any of our employees. Although we experience turnover of non-management personnel, historically we have not experienced difficulty in obtaining adequate replacement personnel. In general, we believe relations with our employees are good.
Information Systems
In addition to our standard operating and administrative systems, we utilize an integrated and flexible member management system to manage the flow of member information within each of our centers and between centers and our corporate office. We have designed and developed our proprietary system to allow us to collect information in a secure and easy-to-use environment. Our system enables us to, among other things, enroll new members with a paperless membership agreement, acquire digital pictures of members for identification purposes and capture and maintain specific member information, including usage. The system allows us to streamline the collection of membership dues electronically, thereby offering additional convenience for our members while at the same time reducing our corporate overhead and accounts receivable. We have a customer relationship management system to enhance our marketing campaigns and management oversight regarding daily sales and marketing activities.
Competition
Due to the innovative nature of our comprehensive centers, programming, product and service offering, we believe that we are well positioned in the health club industry. However, this industry is highly competitive and our competition may have greater name recognition than we have or greater economies of scale. We consider the following groups to be the primary competitors in the health and fitness industry:
•
health club operators, including 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc., Bally Total Fitness Holding Corporation, Equinox Holdings, Inc., LA Fitness International, LLC and Town Sports International, Inc.;
•
the YMCA and similar non-profit organizations;
•
physical fitness and recreational facilities established by local governments, hospitals and businesses;
•
local salons, cafes and businesses offering similar ancillary services;
•
exercise and small fitness clubs and studios, including Anytime Fitness, Curves International and Snap Fitness;
•
racquet, tennis and other athletic clubs;
•
amenity and condominium clubs;
•
country clubs; and
•
the home-use fitness equipment industry.
Competition in the health club industry varies from market to market and is based on several factors, including the breadth of product and service offerings, the level of enrollment fees and membership dues, the flexibility of membership options and the overall quality of the offering. We believe that our comprehensive product offering and focus on services, amenities and value provide us with a distinct competitive advantage.
Government Regulation
All areas of our operations and business practices are subject to regulation at federal, state and local levels. The general rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission and other consumer protection agencies apply to our advertising, sales and other trade practices. State statutes and regulations affecting the health club industry have been enacted or proposed that prescribe certain forms for, and regulate the terms and provisions of, membership contracts, including:
•
giving the member the right under various state “cooling-off” statutes to cancel, in most cases, within three to ten days after signing, his or her membership and receive a refund of any enrollment fee paid;
•
requiring an escrow for funds received from pre-opening sales or the posting of a bond or proof of financial responsibility; and
•
establishing maximum prices and terms for membership contracts and limitations on the financing term of contracts.
We are subject to federal and state regulations governing the collection, use, retention, sharing and security of certain types of information that we receive from our members, guests, participants in our various services and users of our various products.
We are subject to federal and state regulations governing the manufacture and sale of supplement and food products in the U.S. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Federal Trade Commission are increasingly scrutinizing claims made for supplement and food products, especially claims related to weight loss. We work with the manufacturers of our food and supplement products to ensure that appropriate regulatory notices have been provided, where necessary.
All laws, rules and regulations are subject to varying interpretations by a large number of state and federal enforcement agencies and the courts. We maintain internal review procedures in order to comply with these requirements and believe our activities are in substantial compliance with all applicable statutes, rules and decisions.
Trademarks and Trade Names
We own several trademarks and service marks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”), including “LIFE TIME FITNESS®,” “EXPERIENCE LIFE®“and “LIFE TIME FITNESS TRIATHLON SERIES®.” We have also registered our logo, our design depicting six circles of fitness activities and our LIFE TIME FITNESS Triathlon logo. We have several applications pending with the USPTO for trademark registrations. We also registered the “LIFE TIME FITNESS” mark in certain foreign countries. In addition to our trademarks, we filed a patent application for one of our nutritional products.
We believe our trademarks and trade names have become important components in our marketing and branding strategies. We believe that we have all licenses necessary to conduct our business. In particular, we license the mark “LIFE TIME” in connection with our nutritional products so that we can market and distribute them under the LIFE TIME FITNESS brand.
Available Information
Our corporate Web site is lifetimefitness.com. We make available through our Web site all reports and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).
Item 1A.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
We may be unable to attract and retain members, which could have a negative effect on our business.
The success of our business depends on our ability to attract and retain members, and we cannot assure you that we will be successful in our marketing efforts or that the membership levels at our centers will not materially decline, especially at those centers that have been in operation for an extended period of time. All of our members can cancel their membership at any time upon providing advance notice. In addition, we experience attrition and must continually attract new members in order to maintain our membership levels and sales from in-center services. There are numerous factors that could lead to a decline in membership levels or sales of in-center services that could prevent us from increasing membership at newer centers where membership is generally not yet at a targeted capacity, including changes in discretionary spending trends and general economic conditions, market maturity or saturation, a decline in our ability to deliver quality service at a competitive price, direct and indirect competition in the areas where our centers are located and a decline in the public’s interest in health and fitness. In order to increase membership levels, we may from time to time offer lower membership rates. Any decrease in our average dues, reduction in enrollment fees or higher membership acquisition costs may adversely impact our operating margins.
Our debt levels may limit our ability to access additional funds under our existing credit facilities and limit our flexibility in obtaining additional financing to pursue our growth strategy and other business opportunities.
As of December 31, 2008, we had total consolidated indebtedness of $712.9 million, of which $323.8 million was floating rate debt, consisting principally of obligations under term notes that are secured by certain of our properties, borrowings under our revolving credit facility that are secured by certain personal property, mortgage notes that are secured by certain of our centers and obligations under capital leases.
Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including the following:
•
our ability to obtain additional financing, if necessary, for capital expenditures, working capital, acquisitions or other purposes may be impaired or such financing may not be available on favorable terms;
•
we will need a substantial portion of our cash flow to pay the principal of, and interest on, our indebtedness, including indebtedness that we may incur in the future;
•
payments on our indebtedness will reduce the funds that would otherwise be available for our operations and future business opportunities;
•
a substantial decrease in our cash flows from operations or a substantial increase in our investment in new centers could make it difficult for us to meet our debt service requirements and force us to modify our operations;
•
we may be more highly leveraged than our competitors, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage;
•
our debt level may make us more vulnerable and less flexible than our competitors to a downturn in our business or the economy in general; and
•
some of our debt has a variable rate of interest, which increases our vulnerability to interest rate fluctuations.
In addition to the amount of indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2008, we had access to an additional $46.5 million under our credit facilities. We also have the ability to incur new debt, subject to limitations under our existing credit facilities and in our debt financing agreements. If we incur additional debt, the risks associated with our leverage, including our ability to service our debt, could intensify.
If we fail to comply with any of the covenants in our financing documents, we may not be able to access our existing credit facilities, we may be required to pay increased interest and our obligations to repay our indebtedness may be accelerated.
We have entered into several financing transactions to finance the development of our centers. Certain of the loan documents contain financial and other covenants applicable to us, and certain of these loan documents contain cross-default provisions. For example, we have 13 centers financed by Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (“TIAA”) that are subject to cross-default and cross-collateral provisions, which would allow the lender to foreclose on each of these 13 centers if there is an event of default related to one or more of these centers. In addition, any default or acceleration of payments under any loan facility of more than $1 million and any default that results in termination of acceleration of payments under any lease transaction involving annual payments in excess
of $1 million, constitutes an event of default under our revolving credit facility. If we fail to comply with any of the covenants, it may cause a default under one or more of our loan documents, which could limit our ability to obtain additional financing under our existing credit facilities, require us to pay higher levels of interest or accelerate our obligations to repay our indebtedness.
Because of the capital-intensive nature of our business, we rely on our revolving credit facilities and may have to incur additional indebtedness or issue new equity securities. If we are not able to access our credit facilities or obtain additional capital, our ability to operate or expand our business may be impaired and our operating results could be adversely affected.
Our business requires significant levels of capital to finance the development of additional sites for new centers and the construction of our centers. If cash from available sources is insufficient or unavailable due to restrictive credit markets, or if cash is used for unanticipated needs, we may require additional capital sooner than anticipated. In the event that we are required or choose to raise additional funds, we may be unable to do so on favorable terms or at all. Furthermore, the cost of debt financing could significantly increase, making it cost-prohibitive to borrow, which could force us to issue new equity securities. If we issue new equity securities, existing shareholders may experience additional dilution or the new equity securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of common stock. If we cannot access existing credit facilities, raise funds on acceptable terms, or utilize cash flow from operations, we may not be able to execute on current growth plans, complete projects we have commenced, take advantage of future opportunities or respond to competitive pressures. Any inability to access existing credit facilities or raise additional capital when required could have an adverse effect on our business plans and operating results.
The health club industry is highly competitive and our competitors may have greater name recognition than we have.
We compete with other health and fitness centers, physical fitness and recreational facilities established by local non-profit organizations, governments, hospitals, and businesses, local salons, cafes and businesses offering similar ancillary services, and to a lesser extent, amenity and condominium clubs and similar non-profit organizations, exercise studios, racquet, tennis and other athletic clubs, country clubs and the home fitness equipment industry. We cannot assure you that our competitors will not attempt to copy our business model, or portions thereof, and that this will not erode our market share and brand recognition and impair our growth rate and profitability. Competitors, which may have greater name recognition than we have, may compete with us to attract members in our markets. Non-profit and government organizations in our markets may be able to obtain land and construct centers at a lower cost than us and may be able to collect membership fees without paying taxes, thereby allowing them to lower their prices. Furthermore, due to the increased number of low cost health club and fitness center alternatives, we may face increased competition during periods when discretionary spending declines. This competition may limit our ability to increase membership fees, retain members, attract new members and retain qualified personnel.
If we are unable to identify and acquire suitable sites for new sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers, our revenue growth rate and profits may be negatively impacted.
To successfully expand our business, we must identify and acquire sites that meet the site selection criteria we have established. In addition to finding sites with the right demographic and other measures we employ in our selection process, we also need to evaluate the penetration of our competitors in the market. We face significant competition for sites that meet our criteria, and as a result we may lose those sites, our competitors could copy our format or we could be forced to pay significantly higher prices for those sites. If we are unable to identify and acquire sites for new centers, our revenue growth rate and profits may be negatively impacted. Additionally, if our analysis of the suitability of a site is incorrect, we may not be able to recover our capital investment in developing and building the new center. Due to the current credit environment, we have chosen to slow down our new center expansion plans in 2009 and 2010. Accordingly, we expect our revenue growth rate and profits to decelerate near-term.
Delays in new center openings could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance.
In order to meet our objectives, it is important that we open new centers on schedule. A significant amount of time and expenditure of capital is required to develop and construct new centers. If we are significantly delayed in opening new centers, our competitors may be able to open new clubs in the same market before we open our centers or improve centers currently open. This change in the competitive landscape could negatively impact our pre-opening sales of memberships and increase our investment costs. In addition, delays in opening new centers could hurt our ability to meet our growth objectives. Our ability to open new centers on schedule depends on a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include:
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obtaining acceptable financing for construction of new sites;
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obtaining entitlements, permits and licenses necessary to complete construction of the new center on schedule;
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recruiting, training and retaining qualified management and other personnel;
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securing access to labor and materials necessary to develop and construct our centers;
•
delays due to material shortages, labor issues, weather conditions or other acts of god, discovery of contaminants, accidents, deaths or injunctions; and
•
general economic conditions.
We may incur rising costs related to construction of new centers and maintaining our existing centers. If we are not able to pass these cost increases through to our members, our returns may be adversely affected.
Our centers require significant upfront investment. If our investment is higher than we had planned, we may need to outperform our operational plan to achieve our targeted return. Over the longer term, we believe that we can offset cost increases by increasing our membership dues and other fees and improving profitability through cost efficiencies; however, higher costs in certain regions where we are opening new centers during any period of time may be difficult to offset in the short-term.
The opening of new centers in existing locations may negatively impact our same-center revenue increases and our operating margins.
We currently operate centers in 18 states. We plan to open up to six centers in 2009, some of which are in existing markets. With respect to existing markets, it has been our experience that opening new centers in existing markets may attract some memberships away from other centers already operated by us in those markets and diminish their revenues. In addition, as a result of new center openings in existing markets, and because older centers will represent an increasing proportion of our center base over time, our same-center revenue increases may be lower in future periods than in the past.
Another result of opening new centers is that our center operating margins may be lower than they have been historically while the centers build membership base. We expect both the addition of pre-opening expenses and the lower revenue volumes characteristic of newly-opened centers to affect our center operating margins at these new centers. We also expect certain operating costs, particularly those related to occupancy, to be higher than in the past in some newly-entered geographic regions. As a result of the impact of these rising costs, our total center contribution and operating margins may be lower in future periods than they have been in the past.
Our continued growth could place strains on our management, employees, information systems and internal controls which may adversely impact our business and the value of your investment.
Over the past several years, we have experienced significant growth in our business activities and operations, including an increase in the number of our centers. Our past expansion has placed, and any future expansion will place, significant demands on our administrative, operational, financial and other resources. Any failure to manage growth effectively could seriously harm our business. To be successful, we will need to continue to implement management information systems and improve our operating, administrative, financial and accounting systems and controls. We will also need to train new employees and maintain close coordination among our executive, accounting, finance, marketing, sales and operations functions. These processes are time-consuming and expensive, will increase management responsibilities and will divert management attention.
If our founder and chief executive officer leaves our company for any reason, it could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our growth and development to date have been largely dependent upon the services of Bahram Akradi, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and founder. If Mr. Akradi ceases to be Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer for any reason other than due to his death or incapacity or as a result of his removal pursuant to our articles of incorporation or bylaws, we will be in default under the loan documents for our 13 centers financed with TIAA. In addition, if Mr. Akradi fails to retain at least 1.8 million unencumbered shares of our common stock, we will be in default under the loan documents. As a result, Mr. Akradi may be able to exert disproportionate control over us because of the significant consequence of his departure. We do not have any employment or non-competition agreement with Mr. Akradi.
We have significant operations concentrated in certain geographic areas, and any disruption in the operations of our centers in any of these areas could harm our operating results.
We currently operate multiple centers in several metropolitan areas, including 24 in the Minneapolis/ St. Paul market, nine in the Chicago market, eight in the Dallas market, and six in the Detroit market, with future continued planned expansion in current and new markets. As a result, any prolonged disruption in the operations of our centers in any of these markets, whether due to technical difficulties, power failures or destruction or damage to the centers as a result of a natural disaster, fire or any other reason, could harm our operating results. In addition, our concentration in these markets increases our exposure to adverse developments related to competition, as well as economic and demographic changes in these areas.
If we cannot retain our key personnel and hire additional highly qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully manage our operations and pursue our strategic objectives.
We are highly dependent on the services of our senior management team and other key employees at both our corporate headquarters and our centers, and on our ability to recruit, retain and motivate key personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and the inability to attract and retain the additional qualified employees required to expand our activities, or the loss of current key employees, could materially and adversely affect us.
We could be subject to claims related to health or safety risks at our centers.
Use of our centers poses potential health or safety risks to members or guests through exertion and use of our equipment, swimming pools, rock climbing walls, waterslides and other facilities and services. We cannot assure you that claims will not be asserted against us for injury or death suffered by someone using our facilities or services. In addition, the child center services we offer at our centers expose us to claims related to child care. Lastly, because we construct our own centers, we also face liability in connection with the construction of these centers.
We are subject to extensive government regulation, and changes in these regulations could have a negative effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
Various federal and state laws and regulations govern our operations, including:
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general rules and regulations of the Federal Trade Commission, state and local consumer protection agencies and state statutes that prescribe certain forms and provisions of membership contracts and that govern the advertising, sale and collection of our memberships;
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state and local health regulations;
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federal regulation of health and nutritional products; and,
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regulation of rehabilitation service providers.
Any changes in such laws could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We could be subject to claims related to our nutritional products.
The nutritional products industry is currently the source of proposed federal laws and regulations, as well as numerous lawsuits. We advertise and offer for sale proprietary nutritional products within our centers and through our Web site. We cannot assure you that there will be no claims against us regarding the ingredients in, manufacture
of or results of using our nutritional products. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that any rights we have under indemnification provisions or insurance policies will be sufficient to cover any losses that might result from such claims.
If it becomes necessary to protect or defend our intellectual property rights or if we infringe on the intellectual property rights of others, we may become involved in costly litigation or be required to pay royalties or fees.
We may have disputes with third parties to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trademarks, determine the validity and scope of the proprietary rights of others or defend ourselves from claims of infringement, invalidity or unenforceability. Such disputes may require us to engage in litigation. We may incur substantial costs and a diversion of resources as a result of such disputes and litigation, even if we win. In the event that we do not win, we may have to enter into royalty or licensing agreements, we may be prevented from using the marks within certain markets in connection with goods and services that are material to our business or we may be unable to prevent a third party from using our marks. We cannot assure you that we would be able to reach an agreement on reasonable terms, if at all. In particular, although we own an incontestable federal trademark registration for use of the LIFE TIME FITNESS® mark in the field of health and fitness centers, we are aware of entities in certain locations around the country that use LIFE TIME FITNESS or a similar mark in connection with goods and services related to health and fitness. The rights of these entities in such marks may predate our rights. Accordingly, if we open any centers in the areas in which these parties operate, we may be required to pay royalties or may be prevented from using the mark in such areas.
Item 1B.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Item 2.
Item 2. Properties.
Our corporate headquarters, located in Chanhassen, Minnesota next to our Chanhassen current model center, is a 105,000 square foot, free-standing, three-story building.
As of February 27, 2009, we operated 83 centers in 18 states, of which we leased 26 sites, were parties to long-term ground leases for six sites and owned 51 sites. We expect to open up to six centers in 2009 on sites we own or lease in various markets. Two of the centers opened in February and the remaining four are currently under construction. Excluding renewal options, the terms of leased centers, including ground leases, expire at various dates from 2010 through 2049. The majority of our leases have renewal options and a few give us the right to purchase the property. The table below contains information about our open centers:
(1)
In a few of our centers, we sublease space to third parties who operate our pro shop, salon or climbing wall or to hospitals or chiropractors that use the space to provide physical therapy. The square footage figures include those subleased areas. The square footage figures exclude areas used for tennis courts and outdoor swimming pools. These figures are approximations.
(2)
For acquired centers, date opened is the date we assumed operations of the center.
(3)
This center is a joint venture in which we have a one-third interest.
(4)
We operate two centers which include full-service restaurants; the square footage figures include those restaurants.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We may be subject to litigation from time to time incidental to the normal course of our business. Due to their nature, such legal proceedings involve inherent uncertainties, including but not limited to, court rulings, negotiations between affected parties and governmental intervention. We have established reserves for matters that are probable and estimable in amounts we believe are adequate to cover reasonable adverse judgments not covered by insurance. Based upon the information available to us and discussions with legal counsel, it is our opinion that the outcome of the various legal actions and claims that are incidental to the our business will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of individual matters are not predictable with assurance.
Item 4.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
None.
PART II
Item 5.
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchaser of Equity Securities.
Market Information
Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol LTM. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices as reported by the NYSE.
Holders
As of February 16, 2009, the number of record holders of our common stock was approximately 263, consisting of 25 record holders with our transfer agent and approximately 238 employees granted restricted stock by the Company.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the annual change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock from June 30, 2004, which is the day our common stock began to trade publicly, through December 31, 2008 with the cumulative total return on the NYSE Composite Index and Russell 2000 Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on June 30, 2004 in Life Time Fitness common stock and in each of the foregoing indices and assumes that dividends were reinvested when and as paid. We have not declared dividends on our common stock. You should not consider shareholder return over the indicated period to be indicative of future shareholder returns.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to invest all future earnings into the operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of our revolving credit facility and certain of our debt financing agreements prohibit us from paying dividends without the consent of the lenders. The payment of any dividends in the future will be at the discretion of our board of directors and will depend upon our results of operations, earnings, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, outstanding indebtedness and other factors deemed relevant by our board.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities in Fourth Quarter 2008
In June 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of 500,000 shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market or otherwise for the primary purpose of offsetting the dilutive effect of shares issued pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Since June 2006, through December 2008, we have repurchased 57,344 shares. No shares were repurchased by us in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Incorporated by reference hereunder is the information under “Equity Compensation Plan Information” in our Proxy Statement.
Certifications by CEO and CFO
The certifications by our chief executive officer and chief financial officer required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, have been filed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our CEO’s annual certification pursuant to NYSE Corporate Governance Standards Section 303A.12(a) that our CEO was not aware of any violation by the company of the NYSE’s Corporate Governance listing standards was submitted to the NYSE on May 23, 2008.
Item 6.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
You should read the selected consolidated financial data below in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” The consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2008 and 2007 are prepared from our audited consolidated financial statements that are included elsewhere in this report. The consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements that have been previously filed with the SEC. Historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected for future periods. See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of the method used to compute basic and diluted net earnings per share.
(1)
In-center revenue includes revenue generated at our centers from fees for personal training, dieticians, group fitness training and other member activities, sales of products offered at our LifeCafe, sales of products and services offered at our LifeSpa, tennis and renting space in certain of our centers.
(2)
In 1999, we formed Bloomingdale LIFE TIME Fitness, L.L.C. (“Bloomingdale LLC”) with two unrelated organizations for the purpose of constructing, owning and operating a center in Bloomingdale, Illinois. Each member made an initial capital contribution of $2.0 million and owns a one-third interest in Bloomingdale
LLC. The center commenced operations in February 2001. The terms of the relationship among the members are governed by an operating agreement. Bloomingdale LLC is accounted for as an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate and is not consolidated in our financial statements.
(3)
The diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding is the weighted average number of common shares plus the weighted average conversion of any dilutive common stock equivalents, such as redeemable preferred stock, the assumed weighted average exercise of dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method, and unvested restricted stock awards using the treasury stock method. For the year ended December 31, 2004, the shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options, the conversion of redeemable preferred stock and the vesting of all restricted stock awards were dilutive. As a result of our initial public offering, the redeemable preferred stock converted to common stock and the accretion on redeemable preferred stock discontinued. For the years ended December 31, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008, the shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and the vesting of all restricted stock awards were dilutive.
The following table summarizes the weighted average number of common shares for basic and diluted earnings per share computations:
(4)
Membership dues, enrollment fees and in-center revenue for a center are included in comparable center revenue growth beginning on the first day of the thirteenth full calendar month of the center’s operation.
(5)
Average revenue per membership is total center revenue for the period divided by an average number of memberships for the period, where average number of memberships for the period is derived from dividing the sum of the total memberships outstanding at the end of each month during the period by the total number of months in the period.
(6)
Average in-center revenue per membership is total in-center revenue for the period divided by the average number of memberships for the period, where the average number of memberships for the period is derived from dividing the sum of the total memberships outstanding at the end of each month during the period by the total number of months in the period.
(7)
EBITDA consists of net income plus interest expense, net, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. This term, as we define it, may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure used by other companies and is not a measure of performance presented in accordance with GAAP. We use EBITDA as a measure of operating performance. EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for net income, cash flows provided by operating activities or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. The funds depicted by EBITDA are not necessarily available for discretionary use if they are reserved for particular capital purposes, to maintain debt covenants, to service debt or to pay taxes. Additional details related to EBITDA are provided in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to EBITDA:
(8)
EBITDA margin is the ratio of EBITDA to total revenue.
(9)
Capital expenditures represent investments in our new centers, costs related to updating and maintaining our existing centers and other infrastructure investments. For purposes of deriving capital expenditures from our cash flows statement, capital expenditures include our purchases of property and equipment, excluding purchases of property and equipment in accounts payable at year-end, property and equipment purchases financed through notes payable and capital lease obligations, and non-cash share-based compensation capitalized to projects under development.
(10)
The operating data presented in these items include the center owned by Bloomingdale LLC. The data presented elsewhere in this section exclude the center owned by Bloomingdale LLC.
(11)
The square footage presented in this table reflects fitness square footage which is the best metric for the efficiencies of a facility. We exclude outdoor pool, outdoor play areas, indoor/outdoor tennis elements and satellite facility square footage.
(12)
Total operating expenses in 2008 include expenses totaling $5.0 million associated with plans to slow the development of new centers. These expenses include severance costs, lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments in connection with assets held for sale and write-offs associated with land development cancelled in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The following discussion of our historical results of operations and our liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed in “Risk Factors” beginning on page 15 of this report.
Overview
We operate distinctive and large, multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers in a resort-like environment. As of February 27, 2009, we operated 83 centers primarily in residential locations across 18 states under the LIFE TIME FITNESS brand.
We compare the results of our centers based on how long the centers have been open at the most recent measurement period. We include a center for comparable center revenue purposes beginning on the first day of the thirteenth full calendar month of the center’s operation, prior to which time we refer to the center as a new center. We include an acquired center for comparable center revenue purposes beginning on the first day of the thirteenth full calendar month after we assumed the center’s operations. As we grow our presence in existing markets by opening new centers, we expect to attract some memberships away from our other existing centers already in those markets, reducing revenue and initially lowering the memberships of those existing centers. In addition, as a result of new center openings in existing markets, and because older centers will represent an increasing proportion of our center base over time, our comparable center revenue may be lower in future periods than in the past. Of the up to six new centers we have opened or plan to open in 2009, three will be in existing markets. We do not expect that operating costs of our planned new centers will be significantly higher than centers opened in the past, and we also do not expect that the planned increase in the number of centers will have a material adverse effect on the overall
financial condition or results of operations of existing centers. Another result of opening new centers, as well as the assumption of operations of seven leased facilities in 2006, the assumption of operations of one leased facility in 2007 and the six facilities we entered into sale-leaseback transactions for in 2008, is that our center operating margins may be lower than they have been historically, particularly as newly opened centers build membership. We expect both the addition of pre-opening expenses and the lower revenue volumes characteristic of newly-opened centers, as well as the occupancy costs for the eight leased centers and the lease costs for facilities which we financed through sale leaseback transactions, to affect our center operating margins at these centers and on a consolidated basis. As the economy continues to slow, we also expect increased member attrition, lower average dues, lower in-center revenue per membership as well as higher membership acquisition costs which may result in lower total revenue and operating profit in affected centers. Our categories of new centers and existing centers do not include the center owned by Bloomingdale, LLC because it is accounted for as an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate and is not consolidated in our financial statements.
We measure performance using such key operating statistics as member satisfaction ratings, return on investment, average revenue per membership, including membership dues and enrollment fees, average in-center revenue per membership and center operating expenses, with an emphasis on payroll and occupancy costs, as a percentage of sales and comparable center revenue growth. We use center revenue and EBITDA margins to evaluate overall performance and profitability on an individual center basis. In addition, we focus on several membership statistics on a center-level and system-wide basis. These metrics include change in center membership levels and growth of system-wide memberships, percentage center membership to target capacity, center membership usage, center membership mix among individual, couple and family memberships and center attrition rates. During 2008, our attrition rate increased, driven primarily by inactive members leaving earlier than in the past.
We have three primary sources of revenue. First, our largest source of revenue is membership dues (66.1% of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008) and enrollment fees (3.4% of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008) paid by our members. We recognize revenue from monthly membership dues in the month to which they pertain. We recognize revenue from enrollment fees over the expected average life of the membership, which we estimate to be 30 months for the fourth quarter of 2008, 33 months for the second and third quarters of 2008 and 36 months for the first quarter of 2008 and prior periods. Second, we generate revenue within a center, which we refer to as in-center revenue, or in-center businesses (28.4% of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008), including fees for personal training, registered dieticians, group fitness training and other member activities, sales of products at our LifeCafe, sales of products and services offered at our LifeSpa, tennis programs and renting space in certain of our centers. Third, we have expanded the LIFE TIME FITNESS brand into other wellness-related offerings that generate revenue, which we refer to as other revenue, or corporate businesses (2.1% of total revenue for the year ended December 31, 2008), including our media, wellness and athletic events businesses. Our primary media offering is our magazine, Experience Life. Other revenue also includes two restaurants in the Minneapolis market and rental income from our Highland Park, Minnesota office building.
Center operations expenses consist primarily of salary, commissions, payroll taxes, benefits, real estate taxes and other occupancy costs, utilities, repairs and maintenance, supplies, administrative support and communications to operate our centers. Advertising and marketing expenses consist of our marketing department costs and media and advertising costs to support center membership levels, in-center businesses and our corporate businesses. General and administrative expenses include costs relating to our centralized support functions, such as accounting, information systems, procurement, real estate and development and member relations. Our other operating expenses include the costs associated with our media, athletic events and nutritional product businesses, two restaurants and other corporate expenses, as well as gains or losses on our dispositions of assets. Our total operating expenses may vary from period to period depending on the number of new centers opened during that period, the number of centers engaged in presale activities and the performance of our in-center businesses.
Our primary capital expenditures relate to the construction of new centers and updating and maintaining our existing centers. The land acquisition, construction and equipment costs for a current model center can vary considerably based on variability in land cost and the cost of construction labor, as well as whether or not a tennis area is included or whether or not we expand the gymnasium or add other facilities. We perform maintenance and make improvements on our centers and equipment throughout each year. We conduct a more thorough remodeling project at each center approximately every four to six years.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., or GAAP, requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
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. Ultimate results could differ from those estimates. In recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations, we use estimates based on the best information available. We use estimates for such items as depreciable lives, volatility factors, expected lives and rate of return in determining fair value of option grants, tax provisions and provisions for uncollectible receivables. We also use estimates for calculating the amortization period for deferred enrollment fee revenue and associated direct costs, which are based on the historical average expected life of center memberships. We revise the recorded estimates when better information is available, facts change or we can determine actual amounts. These revisions can affect operating results. We have identified below the following accounting policies that we consider to be critical.
Revenue recognition. We receive a one-time enrollment fee at the time a member joins and monthly membership dues for usage from our members. The enrollment fees are non-refundable after 30 days. Enrollment fees and related direct expenses, primarily sales commissions, are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over an estimated membership period of 30 months, which is based on historical membership experience. We review the estimated membership period on an annual basis, or more frequently if circumstances change. Changes in member behavior, competition, economic conditions and our performance may cause attrition levels to change, which could impact the average estimated membership period. During 2008, there was a substantial shift in our attrition activity, primarily as a result of macroeconomic pressures and a challenging consumer environment. During the second quarter of 2008, we changed our average membership life from 36 months to 33 months. The pressure continued throughout the second half of 2008; therefore, we reduced the average membership life to 30 months at the beginning of the fourth quarter. If the estimated membership period had been 30 months for the entire year ended December 31, 2008, the impact would have been an increase in net income of less than $0.1 million. If the direct expenses related to the enrollment fees exceed the enrollment fees for any center, the amount of direct expenses in excess of the enrollment fees are expensed in the current period instead of deferred over the average membership life. The amount of direct expenses in excess of enrollment fees totaled $6.0 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 respectively. Monthly membership dues paid in advance of a center opening are deferred until the center opens. We only offer members month-to-month memberships and recognize as revenue the monthly membership dues in the month to which they pertain.
We provide services at each of our centers, including personal training, LifeSpa, LifeCafe and other member services. The revenue associated with these services is recognized at the time the service is performed. Personal training revenue received in advance of training sessions and the related commissions are deferred and recognized when services are performed. Other revenue, which includes revenue generated primarily from our media, athletic events and restaurant, is recognized when realized and earned. Media advertising revenue is recognized over the duration of the advertising placement. For athletic events, revenue is generated primarily through sponsorship sales and registration fees. Athletic event revenue is recognized upon the completion of the event. In limited instances in our media and athletic events businesses, we recognize revenue on barter transactions. We recognize barter revenue equal to the lesser of the value of the advertising or promotion given up or the value of the asset received. Restaurant revenue is recognized at the point of sale to the customer.
Pre-opening operations. We generally operate a preview center up to nine months prior to the planned opening of a center during which time memberships are sold as construction of the center is completed. The revenue and direct membership acquisition costs, primarily sales commissions, incurred during the period prior to a center opening are deferred until the center opens and are then recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated membership period, beginning when the center opens; however, all other costs, including advertising, office and rent expenses incurred during this period, are expensed as incurred.
Impairment of long-lived assets. The carrying value of our long-lived assets is reviewed annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable. We consider a history of consistent and significant operating losses to be our primary indicator of potential impairment. Assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows, which is generally at an individual center or corporate business level. The determination of whether an impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows directly related to that center or corporate business, compared to the carrying value of the assets. If an impairment has occurred, the amount of impairment recognized is determined by estimating the fair value of the assets and recording a loss if the carrying value is greater than the fair value.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our statement of operations data as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31, 2008 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2007
Total revenue. Total revenue increased $113.8 million, or 17.4%, to $769.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008 from $655.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Total center revenue grew $112.6 million, or 17.6%, to $753.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, from $641.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. Comparable center revenue increased 2.8% for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to the year ended December 31, 2007. Of the $112.6 million increase in total center revenue,
Other revenue increased $1.2 million, or 8.4%, to $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, which was primarily due to increased advertising revenue from our media business.
Center operations expenses. Center operations expenses totaled $454.6 million, or 60.3% of total center revenue (or 59.1% of total revenue), for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $377.2 million, or 58.8% of total center revenue (or 57.5% of total revenue), for the year ended December 31, 2007. This $77.4 million increase primarily consisted of $38.9 million in additional payroll-related costs to support increased memberships at new centers and increases in membership acquisition costs, an increase of $21.1 million in million in occupancy-related costs, including utilities, real estate taxes, rent on leased centers and an increase in expenses to support in-center products and services.
Advertising and marketing expenses. Advertising and marketing expenses were $31.5 million, or 4.1% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $25.0 million, or 3.8% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2007. These expenses increased primarily due to broader advertising for existing and new centers and those centers engaging in presale activities to stimulate new membership demand.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $43.7 million, or 5.7% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $40.8 million, or 6.2% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2007. These expenses decreased as a percentage of revenue primarily due to increased efficiencies and productivity improvements, as well as the elimination of lease costs for our former corporate office. General and administrative expenses include approximately $3.9 million of expenses associated with plans to slow the development of new centers mainly comprised of severance costs and write-offs associated with land development cancelled in the fourth quarter of 2008.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses were $19.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $16.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. This increase is primarily a result of start-up costs associated with the expansion of our corporate wellness businesses and lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments in connection with assets held for sale.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $72.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $59.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. This $13.9 million increase was due primarily to depreciation on our new centers and new headquarters opened in 2007 and 2008, the completed remodels of our leased centers acquired in July 2006 and lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments in connection with assets held for sale.
Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net of interest income, was $29.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $25.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. This $4.2 million increase was primarily the result of increased average debt balances on floating rate debt.
Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was $47.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2008, compared to $45.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007. This $2.0 million increase was due to an increase in income before income taxes of $5.8 million. The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2008 was 39.7% compared to 39.9% for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Net income. As a result of the factors described above, net income was $71.8 million, or 9.3% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2008 compared to $68.0 million, or 10.4% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006
Total revenue. Total revenue increased $143.9 million, or 28.1%, to $655.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $511.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Total center revenue grew $140.7 million, or 28.1%, to $641.1 million from $500.4 million, driven by a 6.1% increase in comparable center revenue, opening of eight new centers and the assumption of operations of one leased facility and the purchase of one existing facility in 2007 and the full-year contribution of 15 centers we opened or assumed operations of in 2006. Of the $140.7 million increase in total center revenue,
Other revenue increased $3.2 million, or 27.7%, to $14.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 from $11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006, which was primarily due to increased advertising revenue from our media business.
Center operations expenses. Center operations expenses were $377.2 million, or 58.8% of total center revenue (or 57.5% of total revenue), for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $292.3 million, or 58.4% of total center revenue (or 57.1% of total revenue), for the year ended December 31, 2006. This $84.9 million increase primarily consisted of $49.5 million in additional payroll-related costs to support increased memberships at new centers, an increase of $18.2 million in facility-related costs, including incremental lease expense for the seven leased centers for which we assumed operating in late July 2006, utilities and real estate taxes, and an increase in expenses to support in-center products and services. As a percent of total center revenue, center operations expense increased slightly due to lower center operating margins associated with new centers including the leased centers.
Advertising and marketing expenses. Advertising and marketing expenses were $25.0 million, or 3.8% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $20.8 million, or 4.1% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2006. These expenses increased primarily due to advertising for our new centers and those centers engaging in presale activities. As a percent of total revenue, advertising and marketing expenses decreased primarily due to fewer and more efficient marketing campaigns.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $40.8 million, or 6.2% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $37.8 million, or 7.4% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2006. This $3.0 million increase was primarily due to increased costs to support the growth in membership and the center base. As a percent of total revenue, general and administrative expense decreased primarily due to increased efficiencies and productivity improvements.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses were $16.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $13.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This 25.7% increase is a result of the growth in other revenue.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $59.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $47.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This $11.4 million increase was due primarily to depreciation on our centers opened in 2006 and 2007.
Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net of interest income, was $25.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $17.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This $8.0 million increase was primarily the result of increased average debt balances and increased interest rates on floating debt.
Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was $45.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $33.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2006. This $11.7 million increase was due to an increase in income before income taxes of $29.2 million.
Net income. As a result of the factors described above, net income was $68.0 million, or 10.4% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2007 compared to $50.6 million, or 9.9% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Interest in an Unconsolidated Affiliated Entity
In 1999, we formed Bloomingdale LLC with two unrelated organizations for the purpose of constructing, owning and operating a center in Bloomingdale, Illinois, which opened in February, 2001. The terms of the relationship among the members are governed by an operating agreement, which expires on the earlier of December 2039 or the liquidation of Bloomingdale LLC. In December 1999, Bloomingdale LLC entered into a management agreement with us, pursuant to which we agreed to manage the day-to-day operations of the center, subject to the overall supervision by the Management Committee of Bloomingdale LLC, which is comprised of six members, two from each of the three members of the joint venture. We have no unilateral control of the center, as all decisions essential to the accomplishments of the purpose of the joint venture require the approval of a majority of the members. Bloomingdale LLC is accounted for as an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate and is not consolidated in our financial statements. Additional details related to our interest in Bloomingdale LLC are provided in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use EBITDA and EBITDA margin as measures of operating performance. EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for net income, cash flows provided by operating activities, or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. The funds depicted by EBITDA are not necessarily available for discretionary use if they are reserved for particular capital purposes, to maintain compliance with debt covenants, to service debt or to pay taxes.
We believe EBITDA is useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance and liquidity because:
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it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company’s ability to service its debt and we are required to comply with certain covenants and borrowing limitations that are based on variations of EBITDA in certain of our financing documents; and
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it is widely used to measure a company’s operating performance without regard to items such as depreciation and amortization, which can vary depending upon accounting methods and the book value of assets, and to present a meaningful measure of corporate performance exclusive of our capital structure and the method by which assets were acquired.
Our management uses EBITDA:
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as a measurement of operating performance because it assists us in comparing our performance on a consistent basis;
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in presentations to the members of our board of directors to enable our board to have the same consistent measurement basis of operating performance used by management; and
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as the basis for incentive bonuses paid to selected members of senior and center-level management.
We have provided reconciliations of EBITDA to net income in the section “Quarterly Results (Unaudited),” located immediately following the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.
Seasonality of Business
Seasonal trends have a limited effect on our overall business. Generally, we have experienced greater membership growth at the beginning of the year and we have not experienced an increased rate of membership attrition during any particular season of the year. During the summer months, we have experienced a slight increase in operating expenses due to our outdoor aquatics operations.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Historically, we have satisfied our liquidity needs through various debt arrangements, sales of equity and cash flow provided by operations. Principal liquidity needs have included the development of new centers, debt service requirements and expenditures necessary to maintain and update our existing centers and associated fitness equipment. We believe that we can satisfy our current and longer-term debt service obligations and capital expenditure requirements with cash flow from operations, by the extension of the terms of or refinancing our existing debt facilities, through sale-leaseback transactions and by continuing to raise long-term debt or equity capital, although there can be no assurance that such actions can or will be completed. Our business model operates with negative working capital because we carry minimal accounts receivable due to our ability to have monthly membership dues paid by electronic draft, we defer enrollment fee revenue and we fund the construction of our new centers under standard arrangements with our vendors that are paid with proceeds from long-term debt.
Credit Rating. We have never had public debt. Accordingly, we do not have, nor have we had, a credit rating as stated through Standard and Poor’s Rating Services or Moody’s Investor Service.
The following table summarizes our capital structure as of December 31, 2008 and 2007.
Debt highlights, as of December 31, 2008 and 2007:
Operating Activities
As of December 31, 2008, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $10.8 million and $3.9 million of restricted cash that serves as collateral for certain of our debt arrangements. We also had $46.5 million available under the terms of our revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2008.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $183.1 million for 2008 compared to $142.2 million for 2007, driven primarily by a $3.8 million, or 5.6%, improvement in net income, a $13.9 million increase in depreciation expense and $13.5 million of cash provided by changes in operating assets and liabilities.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $142.2 million for 2007 compared to $125.9 million for 2006, driven primarily by a $17.5 million or 34.5%, improvement in net income.
Investing Activities
Investing activities consist primarily of purchasing real property, constructing new centers and purchasing new fitness equipment. In addition, we invest in capital expenditures to maintain and update our existing centers. We finance the purchase of our property and equipment by cash payments or by financing through notes payable or capital lease obligations.
Our total capital expenditures were as follows:
The following schedule reflects capital expenditures by type of expenditure:
At December 31, 2008 we had purchased the real property for eight centers and entered into ground leases for two centers.
We expect our capital expenditures to be approximately $150 to $200 million in 2009, of which we expect to incur approximately $120 to $160 million for new center construction and approximately $30 to $40 million for the updating of existing centers and corporate infrastructure. We plan to fund these capital expenditures with cash from operations and our existing revolving credit facility. In addition, we will continue to pursue appropriately-priced long-term financing, mainly in the forms of mortgages and sale leaseback transactions. Our specific expected capital expenditures will be dependent on our cash flow from operations and our availability of additional financing.
Financing Activities
Term Notes Payable to Insurance Company
We have financed 13 of our centers with Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America pursuant to the terms of individual notes. The obligations under these notes are due in full in June 2011, at which time we will owe approximately $100 million. These notes are secured by mortgages on each of the centers specifically financed, and we maintain a letter of credit in the amount of $5.0 million in favor of the lender. The obligations related to 10 of the notes are amortized over a 20-year period, while the obligations related to the other three notes are being amortized over a 15-year period. The interest rate payable under these notes has been fixed at 8.25%. The loan documents provide that we will be in default if our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akradi, ceases to be Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer for any reason other than due to his death or incapacity or as a result of his removal pursuant to our articles of incorporation or bylaws. On November 10, 2008, we entered into an Omnibus Amendment with Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) with respect to the terms of the mortgages that secure our obligations to TIAA. Pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Amendment, the equity interest requirement applicable to our Chief Executive Officer was amended such that he must, at all times during the loan, retain at least 1.8 million shares of our common stock (subject to appropriate adjustment for stock splits and similar readjustments), which shares on and after November 30, 2008 must be owned unencumbered, and the equity interest requirement applicable to our other employees was amended such that our employees must, in the aggregate, hold shares or options representing at least 3% of our outstanding common stock.
Revolving Credit Facility
On April 15, 2005, we entered into a Credit Agreement, with U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent and lead arranger, J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., as syndication agent, and the banks party thereto from time to time (the “U.S. Bank Facility”). On May 31, 2007, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective May 31, 2007 to amend and restate our U.S. Bank Facility. The material changes to the U.S. Bank Facility at that time were to increase the amount of the facility from $300.0 million to $400.0 million, establish a $25.0 million accordion feature, and extend the term of the facility by a little over one year to May 31, 2012. Interest on the amounts borrowed under the U.S. Bank Facility continues to be based on (i) a base rate, which is the greater of (a) U.S. Bank’s prime rate and (b) the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points, or (ii) an adjusted Eurodollar rate, plus, in either case (i) or (ii), the applicable margin within a range based on our consolidated leverage ratio. In connection with the amendment and restatement of the U.S. Bank Facility, the applicable margin ranges were reduced to zero at all times (from zero to 25 basis points) for base rate borrowings and decreased to 62.5 to 150 basis points (from 75 to 175 basis points) for Eurodollar borrowings.
On September 17, 2007, we fixed $125.0 million of our revolver with an interest rate swap contract.
On January 24, 2008, we amended the facility to increase the amount of the accordion feature from $25.0 million to $200.0 million and increase the senior secured operating company leverage ratio from not more than 2.50 to 1.00 to not more than 3.25 to 1.00. The amendment also allows for the issuance of additional senior debt and sharing of related collateral with lenders other than the existing bank syndicate. In the second quarter of 2008, we exercised $70.0 million of the accordion feature with commitments from certain of our bank lenders, increasing the amount of the facility from $400.0 million to $470.0 million. Under the terms of the amended credit facility, we may increase the total amount of the facility up to $600.0 million through further exercise of the accordion feature by us and if one or more lenders commit the additional $130.0 million. As of December 31, 2008, $414.6 million was outstanding on the U.S. Bank Facility, plus $8.9 million related to letters of credit.
The weighted average interest rate and debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2008 was 4.4% and $366.2 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate and debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2007 was 6.7% and $230.2 million, respectively.
Interest Rate Swap
On September 17, 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap contract with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. that effectively fixed the rates paid on a total of $125.0 million of variable rate borrowings from our revolving credit facility at 4.825% plus the applicable spread (depending on cash flow leverage ratio) until October 2010. The spread as of December 31, 2008 was 1.25%. The contract has been designated a hedge against interest rate volatility. We currently apply this hedge to variable rate interest debt under the U.S. Bank Facility. Changes in the fair market value of the swap contract are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2008, the $4.7 million net of tax, fair market value of the swap contract was recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholder equity section and the $7.5 million gross fair market value of the swap contract was included in long-term debt.
Term Notes Payable
On January 24, 2007, LTF CMBS I, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, obtained a commercial mortgage-backed loan in the original principal amount of $105.0 million from Goldman Sachs Commercial Mortgage Capital, L.P. pursuant to a loan agreement dated January 24, 2007. The mortgage financing is secured by six properties owned by the subsidiary and operated as Life Time Fitness centers located in Tempe, Arizona, Commerce Township, Michigan, and Garland, Flower Mound, Champions (Willowbrook) and Sugar Land, Texas. The mortgage financing matures in February 2017.
Interest on the amounts borrowed under the mortgage financing referenced above is 6.03% per annum, with a constant monthly debt service payment of $0.6 million. Our subsidiary LTF CMBS I, LLC, as landlord, and LTF Club Operations Company, Inc., another wholly owned subsidiary as tenant, entered into a lease agreement dated January 24, 2007 with respect to the properties. The initial term of the lease ends in February 2022, but the lease term may be extended at the option of LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. for two additional periods of five years each. Our subsidiaries may not transfer any of the properties except as permitted under the loan agreement. We guarantee the obligations of our subsidiary as tenant under the lease.
As additional security for LTF CMBS I, LLC’s obligations under the mortgage financing, the subsidiary granted a security interest in all assets owned from time to time by the subsidiary including the properties which had a net book value of $99.1 million on January 24, 2007, the revenues from the properties and all other tangible and intangible property, and certain bank accounts belonging to the subsidiary that the lender has required pursuant to the mortgage financing. As of December 31, 2008, $102.8 million remained outstanding on the loan.
Mortgage Notes Payable
We have financed two of our centers in Minnesota separately. These obligations bear interest at a fixed rate of approximately 6.4% and are being amortized over a 10-year period. The obligations are due in full in January 2012 and October 2012. As security for the obligations, we have granted mortgages on these two centers. At December 31, 2008, $4.1 million was outstanding with respect to these obligations.
In November 2008, we financed one additional Minnesota center using an obligation bearing interest at a fixed rate of 6.54% amortized over a 20 year period. This obligation is due in full November 2013. As security for the obligation, we have granted a mortgage on this center. As of December 31, 2008 $5.7 million was outstanding with respect to this obligation.
Promissory Note Payable to Lender
On December 31, 2007, we borrowed $8.5 million. The loan is evidenced by a promissory note that matures in January 2015, bears fixed interest at 5.78% and is secured by an interest in certain personal property.
Variable Rate Demand Notes
On July 13, 2008, a wholly owned subsidiary issued variable rate demand notes in the principal amount of $34.2 million, the proceeds of which were used to provide permanent financing for our corporate headquarters and our Overland Park, Kansas center. The notes, which mature on July 1, 2033, bear interest at a variable rate that is adjusted weekly. The interest rate at December 31, 2008 was 1.75%. The notes are backed by a letter of credit from General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC), for which we will pay GECC an annual fee of 1.40% of the maximum amount available under the letter of credit, as well as other drawing and reimbursement fees. In connection with the letter of credit, which expires June 1, 2023, the borrower subsidiary entered into a reimbursement agreement with GECC. Under the terms of the reimbursement agreement if the notes are purchased with proceeds of a drawing under the letter of credit, and cannot thereafter be remarketed, GECC is obligated to hold the notes and the indebtedness evidenced by those notes will be amortized over a period ending June 1, 2023. The subsidiary’s obligations under the reimbursement agreement are secured by mortgages against the two
aforementioned properties. We guaranteed the subsidiary’s obligations under the leases that will fund any reimbursement obligations.
Sale Leaseback Transactions
On August 21, 2008, we, along with a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Senior Housing Properties Trust (“Senior Housing”) providing for the sale of certain properties to Senior Housing in a sale leaseback transaction. The properties are located in Alpharetta, Georgia, Allen, Texas, Omaha, Nebraska and Romeoville, Illinois (the “Properties”), and were sold to Senior Housing for $100.0 million. Pursuant to the terms of a Lease Agreement (the “Lease”) between our subsidiary and SNH LTF Properties LLC (“SNH”), the subsidiary will lease the Properties from SNH. The lease has a total term of 50 years, including an initial term of 20 years and six consecutive renewal terms of five years each. Renewal options may only be exercised for all the Properties combined, and must be exercised no less than 12 months before the lease term ends. The initial rent will be approximately $9.1 million per year, increased after every fifth year during the initial term and the first two renewal options, if exercised, by an amount equal to 10% of the rent paid in the calendar year immediately before the effective date of the rent increase. During the last four renewal terms, rent will be the greater of (i) 110% of the rent paid in the calendar month immediately before the renewal term commences or (ii) fair market rent, as mutually agreed by the parties or determined by a mutually agreed upon independent third party appraiser. The lease is a “triple net” lease requiring our subsidiary to maintain the Properties and to pay all operating expenses including real estate taxes and insurance for the benefit of Senior Housing. Pursuant to the terms of a Guaranty Agreement, we have guaranteed our subsidiary’s obligations under the Lease. We, or a substitute guarantor, must maintain a tangible networth of at least $200.0 million.
On September 26, 2008, a wholly owned subsidiary sold certain properties to LT FIT (AZ-MD) LLC, an affiliate of W.P. Carey & Co., LLC (“W.P. Carey”). The properties are located in Scottsdale, Arizona and Columbia, Maryland (the “Properties”), and were sold to W.P.Carey for approximately $60.5 million. Pursuant to the terms of a Lease Agreement (the “Lease”) between our subsidiary and W.P.Carey, our subsidiary will Lease the Properties from W.P.Carey. The Lease has a total term of 40 years, including an initial term of 20 years and four consecutive automatic renewal terms of five years each. Renewal options may only be exercised for all the Properties combined, and are automatically exercised if notice is not provided to W.P.Carey 18 months before the lease term ends. The initial rent will be approximately $5.7 million per year, increased after every year during the initial term and each year of any renewal option, if exercised, by an amount equal to 2% of the rent paid in the calendar year immediately before the effective date of the rent increase. The Lease is an “absolute net” lease requiring our subsidiary to maintain the Properties and to pay all operating expenses including real estate taxes and insurance for the benefit of W.P.Carey. Pursuant to the terms of a Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement, we have guaranteed the subsidiary’s obligations under the Lease.
We account for the sale leaseback transactions as operating leases in accordance with SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases. The gains we recognized upon completion of the sale leaseback transactions have been deferred and are being recognized over the lease term, in accordance with SFAS No. 98, Accounting for Leases: Sale-Leaseback Transactions Involving Real Estate.
Capital Leases
In May 2001, we financed one of our Minnesota centers pursuant to the terms of a sale leaseback transaction that qualified as a capital lease. Pursuant to the terms of the lease, we agreed to lease the center for a period of 20 years. At December 31, 2008, the present value of the future minimum lease payments due under the lease amounted to $6.4 million.
We have financed our purchase of some of our equipment through capital lease agreements with an agent and lender, on behalf of itself and other lenders. The terms of such leases are typically 60 months and our interest rates range from 5.5% to 10.0%. As security for the obligations owing under the capital lease agreements, we have granted a security interest in the leased equipment to the lender or its assigns. At December 31, 2008, $13.2 million was outstanding under these leases.
Debt Covenants
We are in compliance in all material respects with all restrictive and financial covenants under our various credit facilities as of December 31, 2008.
Our primary financial covenants under our revolving credit facility are:
The formulas for these covenants are specifically defined in the revolving credit facility and include, among other things, an add back of share-based compensation expense to EBITDAR and EBITDA.
Contractual Obligations
The following is a summary of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2008:
(1)
Interest expense obligations were calculated holding floating rate debt balances and interest rates constant at December 31, 2008 rates.
(2)
Purchase obligations consist primarily of our contracts with construction subcontractors for the completion of the seven centers under construction as of December 31, 2008, as well as contracts for the purchase of land.
(3)
Financial Interpretation No. 48 (“FIN 48”) obligations represent uncertain tax positions. In addition to the other long-term liabilities presented in the table above, approximately $18.8 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, have been recorded as liabilities in accordance with FIN 48, and we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an amendment of SFAS No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities including how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS 161 will be effective for us on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS 161 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Item 7A.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
We invest our excess cash in highly liquid short-term investments. These investments are not held for trading or other speculative purposes. Changes in interest rates affect the investment income we earn on our cash and cash equivalents and, therefore, impact our consolidated cash flows and consolidated results of operations. As of December 31, 2008, our net floating rate indebtedness was approximately $323.8 million. If long-term floating interest rates were to have increased by 100 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2008, our interest costs would have increased by approximately $2.6 million. If short-term interest rates were to have increased by 100 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2008, our interest income from cash equivalents would have increased by less than $0.1 million. These amounts are determined by considering the impact of the hypothetical interest rates on our floating rate indebtedness and cash equivalents balances at December 31, 2008.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
See notes to consolidated financial statements
.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
1. Nature of Business
Life Time Fitness, Inc., a Minnesota corporation, and our subsidiaries are primarily engaged in designing, building and operating sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers in a resort-like environment, principally in residential locations of major metropolitan areas. As of December 31, 2008, we operated 81 centers, including 24 in Minnesota, 16 in Texas, nine in Illinois, six in Michigan, four in Arizona and Georgia, three in Ohio and Virginia, two each in Colorado and Maryland and one each in Florida, Indiana, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Carolina and Utah.
2. Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Life Time Fitness, Inc. and our wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Revenue Recognition - We receive a one-time enrollment fee at the time a member joins and monthly membership dues for usage from our members. The enrollment fees are nonrefundable after 30 days. Enrollment fees and related direct expenses, primarily sales commissions, are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over an estimated membership period of 30 months, which is based on historical membership experience. During 2008, there was a substantial shift in our attrition activity, primarily as a result of macroeconomic pressures and a challenging consumer environment. During the second quarter of 2008, we changed our average membership life from 36 months to 33 months. The pressure continued throughout the second half of 2008; therefore, we reduced the average membership life to 30 months at the beginning of the fourth quarter. If the estimated membership period had been 30 months for the entire year ended December 31, 2008, the impact would have been an increase in net income of less than $0.1 million. If the direct expenses related to the enrollment fees exceed the enrollment fees for any center, the amount of direct expenses in excess of the enrollment fees are expensed in the current period instead of deferred over the average membership life. The amount of direct expenses in excess of enrollment fees totaled $6.0 million and $1.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 respectively. In addition, monthly membership dues paid in advance of a center’s opening are deferred until the center opens. We offer members month-to-month memberships and recognize as revenue the monthly membership dues in the month to which they pertain.
We provide a wide range of services at each of our centers, including personal training, spa, cafe and other member offerings. The revenue associated with these services is recognized at the time the service is performed. Personal training revenue received in advance of training sessions and the related commissions are deferred and recognized when services are performed. Other revenue includes revenue from our media, athletic events and restaurant. Media advertising revenue is recognized over the duration of the advertising placement. For athletic events, revenue is generated primarily through sponsorship sales and registration fees. Athletic event revenue is recognized upon the completion of the event. In limited instances in our media and athletic events businesses, we recognize revenue on barter transactions. We recognize barter revenue equal to the lesser of the value of the advertising or promotion given up or the value of the asset received. Restaurant revenue is recognized at the point of sale to the customer.
Pre-Opening Operations - We generally operate a preview center up to nine months prior to the planned opening of a center during which time memberships are sold as construction of the center is being completed. The revenue and direct membership acquisition costs, primarily sales commissions and related benefits, incurred during the period prior to a center opening are deferred until the center opens and are then recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated membership period, beginning when the center opens; however, the related advertising, office, rent and other expenses incurred during this period are expensed as incurred.
Cash and Cash Equivalents - We classify all unrestricted cash accounts and highly liquid debt instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash and cash equivalents.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Restricted Cash - We are required to keep funds on deposit at certain financial institutions related to certain of our credit facilities. Our lender or lenders, as the case may be, may access the restricted cash after the occurrence of an event of default, as defined under their respective credit facilities.
Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable is presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts and sales returns and allowances.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
The rollforward of these allowances are as follows:
The allowance for doubtful accounts decreased primarily as a result of the collection of an escrow receivable previously deemed uncollectible. We no longer carry sales returns and allowances as a result of our discontinuation of the sale of our nutritional products through independent retailers during 2006. We continue to sell our nutritional products through LifeCafe.
Inventories and Center Operating Supplies - Inventories and center operating supplies consist primarily of operational supplies, nutritional products and uniforms. These inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost-or-market value.
Inventories and center operating supplies consist of the following:
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily of other prepaid operating expenses and deposits, prepaid lease obligation and deferred costs.
Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Property and Equipment - Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at cost. Improvements are capitalized, while repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations when incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment retired and other items disposed of are removed from the related accounts, and any residual values are charged or credited to income.
Depreciation is computed primarily using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvement. Accelerated depreciation methods are used for tax reporting purposes.
Property and equipment consist of the following:
At December 31, 2008, we had eight centers under construction, of which up to six are planned to open in 2009. Construction in progress, including land purchased for future development totaled $195.7 million at December 31, 2008 and $206.3 million at December 31, 2007.
Capitalized software is our internally developed Web-based systems to facilitate member enrollment and management, as well as point of sale system enhancements. Costs related to these projects have been capitalized in accordance with Statement of Position No. 98-1, Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for Internal Use.
We capitalize interest during the construction period of our centers and in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 34, Capitalization of Interest Cost, this capitalized interest is included in the cost of the building. We capitalized interest of $9.1 million and $8.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively.
Other equipment consists primarily of cafe, spa and playground and laundry equipment.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Impairment of Long-lived Assets - The carrying value of long-lived assets is reviewed annually and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying values may not be recoverable. We consider a history of consistent and significant operating losses to be our primary indicator of potential impairment. Assets are grouped and evaluated for impairment at the lowest level for which there are identifiable cash flows, which is generally at an individual center level or corporate business. The determination of whether impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows directly related to that center or corporate business, compared to the carrying value of these assets. If an impairment has occurred, the amount of impairment recognized is determined by estimating the fair value of these assets and recording a loss if the carrying value is greater than the fair value. Based upon our review and analysis, no impairments on operating assets were deemed to have occurred during 2008, 2007 or 2006.
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. As part of our risk management program, we may periodically use interest rate swaps to manage known market exposures. Terms of derivative instruments are structured to match the terms of the risk being managed and are generally held to maturity. We do not hold or issue derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All other contracts that contain provisions meeting the definition of a derivative also meet the requirements of, and have been designated as normal purchases or sales. Our policy is to not enter into contracts with terms that cannot be designated as normal purchases or sales.
In 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap contract that effectively fixed the rates paid on a total of $125.0 million of variable rate borrowings. The contract fixed the rate on $125.0 million of borrowings at 4.825% plus the applicable spread (depending on cash flow leverage ratio) until October 2010. The contract has been designated a cash flow hedge against interest rate volatility. In accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities,” changes in the fair market value of the swap contract are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2008, the $4.7 million, net of tax, fair market value of the swap contract was recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholder equity section and the $7.5 million gross fair market value of the swap contract was included in long-term debt. We determined the fair value of the swap contract based upon current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers. As prescribed by FASB Statement No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), which is subsequently discussed under Fair Value Measurements, we recognize the fair value of the swap liability as a Level 2 valuation.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Other Assets - We record other assets at cost. Amortization of financing costs is computed over the periods of the related debt financing. Other assets consist of the following:
Site development costs consist of legal, engineering, architectural, environmental, feasibility and other direct expenditures incurred for certain new center projects. Capitalization commences when acquisition of a particular property is deemed probable by management. Should a specific project be deemed not viable for construction, any capitalized costs related to that project are charged to operations at the time of that determination. Costs incurred prior to the point at which the acquisition is deemed probable are expensed as incurred. Site development costs capitalized in the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were approximately $6.7 million and $10.3 million, respectively. Upon completion of a project, the site development costs are classified as property and depreciated over the useful life of the asset.
Land held for sale consists of excess land purchased as part of our original center site acquisitions. All land held for sale is currently being marketed for sale. If the excess land is currently under contract for sale, the cost is reflected as current and listed within prepaid expenses and other current assets.
Intangible assets are comprised principally of goodwill, leasehold rights at our Highland Park, Minnesota office building and trade names. In accordance with SFAS No. 142, “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets,” intangible assets determined to have an indefinite useful life, which consist of all our intangible assets, are not amortized but instead tested for impairment at least annually.
We are required to test our intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis. We are also required to evaluate these assets for impairment between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the intangible asset below its carrying amount. An indicator of potential impairment that could impact our intangible asset values include, but is not limited to, a significant loss of occupancy at our rental property located in Highland Park, Minnesota. We tested to determine if the fair values of each of our intangible assets were in excess of their respective carrying values at December 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, for purposes of the annual impairment test.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
The following table summarizes the changes in our net intangible balance during the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:
(1)
Includes adjustments related to the finalization of the purchase price allocation of acquisition transactions.
The following table summarizes the carrying amounts of our intangible assets:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Accrued Expenses - Accrued expenses consist of the following:
Income Taxes - We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
We record net deferred tax assets to the extent we believe these assets will more likely than not be realized. In making such determination, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent financial operations. In the event we were to determine that we would be able to realize our deferred income tax assets in the future in excess of their net recorded amount, we would record a valuation allowance, which would reduce the provision for income taxes.
In July 2006, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” (“FIN 48”), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of FIN 48 and in subsequent periods. This interpretation also provides guidance on measurement, derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition.
We adopted the provisions of FIN 48, on January 1, 2007. No cumulative effect upon adoption of FIN 48 was recorded; however, certain amounts have been presented in the consolidated balance sheet in conformance with the requirements of the statement.
We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheet.
Earnings per Common Share - Basic earnings per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income applicable to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for each year. Diluted EPS is computed similarly to basic EPS, except that the denominator is increased for the conversion of any dilutive common stock equivalents, such as redeemable preferred stock, the assumed exercise of dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method and unvested restricted stock awards using the treasury stock method. Stock options excluded from the calculation of EPS because the option exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common share were 136,003, 0 and 0 for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
The basic and diluted earnings per share calculations are shown below:
The number of total common shares outstanding at December 31, 2008 was 39,612,775.
Share-Based Compensation - We have stock option plans for employees and accounts for these option plans in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123(R)”). Prior to January 1, 2006, we applied Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. On January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123(R), requiring us to recognize expense related to the fair value of our share-based compensation awards. We elected to use the modified prospective transition method as permitted by SFAS 123(R). Under this method, share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2006 included compensation expense for all share-based compensation awards granted prior to, but not yet vested, as of January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used:
(1)
No stock options were granted in 2008.
(2)
The volatility and expected life assumptions presented are based on an average of the volatility assumptions reported by a peer group of publicly traded companies.
For more information on our share-based compensation plans, see Note 7.
Dividends - We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock in the past. As discussed in Note 4, the terms of our revolving credit facility and certain debt financing agreements prohibit us from paying dividends without the consent of the lenders.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The carrying amounts related to cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the relatively short maturities of such instruments. The fair value of the term notes payable and capital leases approximated $208.4 million and $17.1 million, respectively, as of December 31, 2008. The fair value of our other long-term debt approximates the carrying value and is based on variable rates or interest rates for the same or similar debt offered to us having the same or similar remaining maturities and collateral requirements.
Fair Value Measurements-We adopted SFAS 157, subject to the deferral provisions of FASB Staff Position 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157, as of January 1, 2008. SFAS 157 established a framework for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. The adoption of SFAS 157 had no impact on our financial position or results of operations. SFAS 157 applies to all assets and liabilities that are measured and reported on a fair value basis. This enables the reader of the financial statements to assess the inputs used to develop those measurements by establishing a hierarchy for ranking the quality and reliability of the information used to determine fair values. The statement requires that each asset and liability carried at fair value be classified into one of the following categories:
Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.
Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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. Ultimate results could differ from those estimates. In recording transactions and balances resulting from business operations, we use estimates based on the best information available. We use estimates for such items as depreciable lives, volatility factors and expected life in determining fair value of option grants, tax provisions and provisions for uncollectible receivables. We also use estimates for calculating the amortization period for deferred enrollment fee revenue and associated direct costs, which are based on the historical average expected life of center memberships. We revise the recorded estimates when better information is available, facts change or we can determine actual amounts. These revisions can affect operating results.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Decreases (increases) in operating assets and increases (decreases) in operating liabilities are as follows:
Our capital expenditures were as follows:
We made cash payments for income taxes for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 of $19.9 million, $33.7 million and $17.0 million, respectively.
We made cash payments for interest for each of the three years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006 of $35.6 million, $30.6 million and $22.2 million, respectively. Included in these interest payments was capitalized interest of $9.1 million, $8.4 million and $5.3 million, respectively.
New Accounting Pronouncements - In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures About Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - an amendment of SFAS No. 133” (“SFAS 161”). SFAS 161 requires enhanced disclosures about an entity’s derivative and hedging activities including how and why an entity uses derivative instruments, how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for, and how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. SFAS 161 will be effective for us on January 1, 2009. The adoption of SFAS 161 is not expected to have a material effect on our financial position or results of operations.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Comprehensive Income - We follow the provisions of SFAS No. 130 “Reporting Comprehensive Income,” which established standards for reporting and displaying of comprehensive income (loss) and its components. Comprehensive income (loss) reflects the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from nonowner sources. For us, the difference between net income as reported on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income is a loss of $4.7 million, net of tax, related to our outstanding interest rate swap contract. For more information, see Note 4.
3. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate
In December 1999, we, together with two unrelated organizations, formed an Illinois limited liability company named LIFE TIME Fitness Bloomingdale L.L.C. (“Bloomingdale LLC”) for the purpose of constructing and operating a center in Bloomingdale, Illinois. The center opened for business in February 2001. Each of the three members maintains an equal interest in Bloomingdale LLC. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement that governs the formation and operation of Bloomingdale LLC (the “Operating Agreement”), each of the three members contributed $2.0 million to Bloomingdale LLC. We have no unilateral control of the center, as all decisions essential to the accomplishments of the purpose of Bloomingdale LLC require the consent of the other members of Bloomingdale LLC. The Operating Agreement expires on the earlier of December 2039 or the liquidation of Bloomingdale LLC. We account for our interest in Bloomingdale LLC using the equity method.
Bloomingdale LLC issued indebtedness in June 2000 in a taxable bond financing that is secured by a letter of credit in an amount not to exceed $14.7 million. All of the members separately guaranteed one-third of these obligations to the bank for the letter of credit and pledged their membership interest to the bank as security for the guarantee. The guarantee runs through June 7, 2010. As of December 31, 2008, the maximum amount of future payments under our one-third of the guarantee was $3.1 million. We have the right to recover from Bloomingdale LLC any amounts paid under the terms of the guarantee, but only after Bloomingdale LLC’s obligations to the bank have been satisfied.
Pursuant to the terms of the Operating Agreement, beginning in March 2002 and continuing throughout the term of such agreement, the members are entitled to receive monthly cash distributions from Bloomingdale LLC. The amount of this monthly distribution is, and will continue to be throughout the term of the agreement, approximately $0.1 million per member. In the event that Bloomingdale LLC does not generate sufficient cash flow through its own operations to make the required monthly distributions, we are obligated to make such payments to each of the other two members. To date, Bloomingdale LLC has generated cash flows sufficient to make all such payments. Each of the three members had the right to receive distributions from Bloomingdale LLC in the amount of $0.7 million for each of the three years 2008, 2007 and 2006.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
4. Long-Term Debt
Long-term debt consists of the following:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Term Notes Payable to Insurance Company
We have financed 13 of our centers with Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America pursuant to the terms of individual notes. The obligations under these notes are due in full in June 2011, at which time we will owe approximately $100 million. These notes are secured by mortgages on each of the centers specifically financed, and we maintain a letter of credit in the amount of $5.0 million in favor of the lender. The obligations related to 10 of the notes are amortized over a 20-year period, while the obligations related to the other three notes are being amortized over a 15-year period. The interest rate payable under these notes has been fixed at 8.25%. The loan documents provide that we will be in default if our Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akradi, ceases to be Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer for any reason other than due to his death or incapacity or as a result of his removal pursuant to our articles of incorporation or bylaws. On November 10, 2008, we entered into an Omnibus Amendment with Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA) with respect to the terms of the mortgages that secure our obligations to TIAA. Pursuant to the terms of the Omnibus Amendment, the equity interest requirement applicable to our Chief Executive Officer was amended such that he must, at all times during the loan, retain at least 1.8 million shares of our common stock (subject to appropriate adjustment for stock splits and similar readjustments), which shares on and after November 30, 2008 must be owned unencumbered, and the equity interest requirement applicable to our other employees was amended such that our employees must, in the aggregate, hold shares or options representing at least 3% of our outstanding common stock.
Revolving Credit Facility
On April 15, 2005, we entered into a Credit Agreement, with U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent and lead arranger, J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., as syndication agent, and the banks party thereto from time to time (the “U.S. Bank Facility”). On May 31, 2007, we entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement effective May 31, 2007 to amend and restate our U.S. Bank Facility. The material changes to the U.S. Bank Facility at that time were to increase the amount of the facility from $300.0 million to $400.0 million, establish a $25.0 million accordion feature, and extend the term of the facility by a little over one year to May 31, 2012. Interest on the amounts borrowed under the U.S. Bank Facility continues to be based on (i) a base rate, which is the greater of (a) U.S. Bank’s prime rate and (b) the federal funds rate plus 50 basis points, or (ii) an adjusted Eurodollar rate, plus, in either case (i) or (ii), the applicable margin within a range based on our consolidated leverage ratio. In connection with the amendment and restatement of the U.S. Bank Facility, the applicable margin ranges were reduced to zero at all times (from zero to 25 basis points) for base rate borrowings and decreased to 62.5 to 150 basis points (from 75 to 175 basis points) for Eurodollar borrowings.
On September 17, 2007, we fixed $125.0 million of our revolver with an interest rate swap contract.
On January 24, 2008, we amended the facility to increase the amount of the accordion feature from $25.0 million to $200.0 million and increase the senior secured operating company leverage ratio from not more than 2.50 to 1.00 to not more than 3.25 to 1.00. The amendment also allows for the issuance of additional senior debt and sharing of related collateral with lenders other than the existing bank syndicate. In the second quarter of 2008, we exercised $70.0 million of the accordion feature with commitments from certain of our bank lenders, increasing the amount of the facility from $400.0 million to $470.0 million. Under the terms of the amended credit facility, we may increase the total amount of the facility up to $600.0 million through further exercise of the accordion feature by us and if one or more lenders commit the additional $130.0 million. As of December 31, 2008, $414.6 million was outstanding on the U.S. Bank Facility, plus $8.9 million related to letters of credit.
The weighted average interest rate and debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2008 was 4.4% and $366.2 million, respectively. The weighted average interest rate and debt outstanding under the revolving credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2007 was 6.7% and $230.2 million, respectively.
Interest Rate Swap
On September 17, 2007, we entered into an interest rate swap contract with J.P. Morgan Chase Bank, N.A. that effectively fixed the rates paid on a total of $125.0 million of variable rate borrowings from our revolving credit facility at 4.825% plus the applicable spread (depending on cash flow leverage ratio) until October 2010. The spread
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
as of December 31, 2008 was 1.25%. The contract has been designated a hedge against interest rate volatility. We currently apply this hedge to variable rate interest debt under the U.S. Bank Facility. Changes in the fair market value of the swap contract are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). As of December 31, 2008, the $4.7 million net of tax, fair market value of the swap contract was recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholder equity section and the $7.5 million gross fair market value of the swap contract was included in long-term debt.
Term Notes Payable
On January 24, 2007, LTF CMBS I, LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, obtained a commercial mortgage-backed loan in the original principal amount of $105.0 million from Goldman Sachs Commercial Mortgage Capital, L.P. pursuant to a loan agreement dated January 24, 2007. The mortgage financing is secured by six properties owned by the subsidiary and operated as Life Time Fitness centers located in Tempe, Arizona, Commerce Township, Michigan, and Garland, Flower Mound, Champions (Willowbrook) and Sugar Land, Texas. The mortgage financing matures in February 2017.
Interest on the amounts borrowed under the mortgage financing referenced above is 6.03% per annum, with a constant monthly debt service payment of $0.6 million. Our subsidiary LTF CMBS I, LLC, as landlord, and LTF Club Operations Company, Inc., another wholly owned subsidiary as tenant, entered into a lease agreement dated January 24, 2007 with respect to the properties. The initial term of the lease ends in February 2022, but the lease term may be extended at the option of LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. for two additional periods of five years each. Our subsidiaries may not transfer any of the properties except as permitted under the loan agreement. We guarantee the obligations of our subsidiary as tenant under the lease.
As additional security for LTF CMBS I, LLC’s obligations under the mortgage financing, the subsidiary granted a security interest in all assets owned from time to time by the subsidiary including the properties which had a net book value of $99.1 million on January 24, 2007, the revenues from the properties and all other tangible and intangible property, and certain bank accounts belonging to the subsidiary that the lender has required pursuant to the mortgage financing. As of December 31, 2008, $102.8 million remained outstanding on the loan.
Mortgage Notes Payable
We have financed two of our centers in Minnesota separately. These obligations bear interest at a fixed rate of approximately 6.4% and are being amortized over a 10-year period. The obligations are due in full in January 2012 and October 2012. As security for the obligations, we have granted mortgages on these two centers. At December 31, 2008, $4.1 million was outstanding with respect to these obligations.
In 2008, we financed one additional Minnesota center using an obligation bearing interest at a fixed rate of 6.54% amortized over a 20 year period. This obligation is due in full November 2013. As security for the obligation, we have granted a mortgage on this center. As of December 31, 2008 $5.7 million was outstanding with respect to this obligation.
Promissory Note Payable to Lender
On December 31, 2007, we borrowed $8.5 million. The loan is evidenced by a promissory note that matures in January 2015, bears fixed interest at 5.78% and is secured by an interest in certain personal property.
Variable Rate Demand Notes
On July 13, 2008, a wholly owned subsidiary issued variable rate demand notes in the principal amount of $34.2 million, the proceeds of which were used to provide permanent financing for our corporate headquarters and our Overland Park, Kansas center. The notes, which mature on July 1, 2033, bear interest at a variable rate that is adjusted weekly. The interest rate at December 31, 2008 was 1.75%. The notes are backed by a letter of credit from General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC), for which we will pay GECC an annual fee of 1.40% of the maximum amount available under the letter of credit, as well as other drawing and reimbursement fees. In connection with the letter of credit, which expires June 1, 2023, the borrower subsidiary entered into a reimbursement agreement with GECC. Under the terms of the reimbursement agreement if the notes are purchased
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
with proceeds of a drawing under the letter of credit, and cannot thereafter be remarketed, GECC is obligated to hold the notes and the indebtedness evidenced by those notes will be amortized over a period ending June 1, 2023. The subsidiary’s obligations under the reimbursement agreement are secured by mortgages against the two aforementioned properties. We guaranteed the subsidiary’s obligations under the leases that will fund any reimbursement obligations.
Sale Leaseback Transactions
On August 21, 2008, we, along with a wholly owned subsidiary, entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Senior Housing Properties Trust (“Senior Housing”) providing for the sale of certain properties to Senior Housing in a sale leaseback transaction. The properties are located in Alpharetta, Georgia, Allen, Texas, Omaha, Nebraska and Romeoville, Illinois (the “Properties”), and were sold to Senior Housing for $100.0 million. Pursuant to the terms of a Lease Agreement (the “Lease”) between our subsidiary and SNH LTF Properties LLC (“SNH”), the subsidiary will lease the Properties from SNH. The lease has a total term of 50 years, including an initial term of 20 years and six consecutive renewal terms of five years each. Renewal options may only be exercised for all the Properties combined, and must be exercised no less than 12 months before the lease term ends. The initial rent will be approximately $9.1 million per year, increased after every fifth year during the initial term and the first two renewal options, if exercised, by an amount equal to 10% of the rent paid in the calendar year immediately before the effective date of the rent increase. During the last four renewal terms, rent will be the greater of (i) 110% of the rent paid in the calendar month immediately before the renewal term commences or (ii) fair market rent, as mutually agreed by the parties or determined by a mutually agreed upon independent third party appraiser. The lease is a “triple net” lease requiring our subsidiary to maintain the Properties and to pay all operating expenses including real estate taxes and insurance for the benefit of Senior Housing. Pursuant to the terms of a Guaranty Agreement, we have guaranteed our subsidiary’s obligations under the Lease. We, or a substitute guarantor, must maintain a tangible networth of at least $200.0 million.
On September 26, 2008, a wholly owned subsidiary sold certain properties to LT FIT (AZ-MD) LLC, an affiliate of W.P. Carey & Co., LLC (“W.P. Carey”). The properties are located in Scottsdale, Arizona and Columbia, Maryland (the “Properties”), and were sold to W.P.Carey for approximately $60.5 million. Pursuant to the terms of a Lease Agreement (the “Lease”) between our subsidiary and W.P.Carey, our subsidiary will Lease the Properties from W.P.Carey. The Lease has a total term of 40 years, including an initial term of 20 years and four consecutive automatic renewal terms of five years each. Renewal options may only be exercised for all the Properties combined, and are automatically exercised if notice is not provided to W.P.Carey 18 months before the lease term ends. The initial rent will be approximately $5.7 million per year, increased after every year during the initial term and each year of any renewal option, if exercised, by an amount equal to 2% of the rent paid in the calendar year immediately before the effective date of the rent increase. The Lease is an “absolute net” lease requiring our subsidiary to maintain the Properties and to pay all operating expenses including real estate taxes and insurance for the benefit of W.P.Carey. Pursuant to the terms of a Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement, we have guaranteed the subsidiary’s obligations under the Lease.
We account for the sale leaseback transactions as operating leases in accordance with SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases. The gains we recognized upon completion of the sale leaseback transactions have been deferred and are being recognized over the lease term, in accordance with SFAS No. 98, Accounting for Leases: Sale-Leaseback Transactions Involving Real Estate.
Capital Leases
In May 2001, we financed one of our Minnesota centers pursuant to the terms of a sale leaseback transaction that qualified as a capital lease. Pursuant to the terms of the lease, we agreed to lease the center for a period of 20 years. At December 31, 2008, the present value of the future minimum lease payments due under the lease amounted to $6.4 million.
We have financed our purchase of some of our equipment through capital lease agreements with an agent and lender, on behalf of itself and other lenders. The terms of such leases are typically 60 months and our interest rates range from 5.5% to 10.0%. As security for the obligations owing under the capital lease agreements, we have
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(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
granted a security interest in the leased equipment to the lender or its assigns. At December 31, 2008, $13.2 million was outstanding under these leases.
Debt Covenants
We were in compliance in all material respects with all restrictive and financial covenants under our various credit facilities as of December 31, 2008.
Aggregate annual future maturities of long-term debt (excluding capital leases) at December 31, 2008 are as follows:
We are a party to capital equipment leases with third parties which include monthly rental payments of approximately less than $0.1million as of December 31, 2008. Amortization recorded for these capital leased assets totaled $2.6 million and $3.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The following is a summary of property and equipment recorded under capital leases:
Future minimum lease payments and the present value of net minimum lease payments on capital leases at December 31, 2008 are as follows:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
5. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes is comprised of:
The amount of deferred tax expense does not reconcile to the change in the deferred tax year end balances due to the separate noncurrent tax liability created pursuant to the requirement of FIN 48 and the tax effect of Other Comprehensive Income items.
The reconciliation between our effective tax rate on income from continuing operations and the statutory tax rate is as follows:
Deferred income taxes are the result of provisions of the tax laws that either require or permit certain items of income or expense to be reported for tax purposes in different periods than they are reported for financial reporting. The tax effect of temporary differences that gives rise to the deferred tax liability are as follows:
The following is a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits for 2008:
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2008 are $0.7 million of benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate.
We recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits and penalties as income tax expense. Related to the uncertain tax benefits noted above, we accrued penalties and interest of $0.6 million during 2008 and in total, as of December 31, 2008, has recognized a liability for penalties and interest of $1.1 million.
In addition, we believe that it is reasonably possible that approximately $4.4 million of our currently remaining unrecognized tax positions, of which $3.6 million relates to depreciation related to property and equipment lives, may be recognized by the end of 2009 as a result of a lapse of the statute of limitations and closure of examinations. The balance of $18.8 million is included in other long-term liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet.
We are subject to taxation in the U.S. and various states. Our tax years 2005, 2006 and 2007 are subject to examination by the tax authorities. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state or local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2005. We are currently under Federal examination for 2006.
6. Offering of Capital Stock
On August 29, 2007, we closed on the public offering, issuance and sale of 1,500,000 shares of our common stock, and on September 7, 2007, we closed on the issuance and sale of 175,000 shares of our common stock pursuant to exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. The shares were sold pursuant to an underwriting agreement with Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC that was entered into on August 24, 2007. The shares were sold to the public at $55.40 per share, and the resulting proceeds totaled $92.5 million, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and offering expenses of $0.3 million. We used the net proceeds to repay a portion of the amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility.
7. Share-Based Compensation
The FCA, Ltd. 1996 Stock Option Plan (the 1996 Plan) reserved up to 2,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance. Under the 1996 Plan, the Board of Directors had the authority to grant incentive and nonqualified options to purchase shares of the our common stock to eligible employees, directors, and contractors at a price of not less than 100% of the fair market value at the time of the grant. Incentive stock options expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant, and nonqualified stock options expire no later than 15 years from the date of grant. As of December 31, 2008, we had granted a total of 1,700,000 options to purchase common stock under the 1996 Plan, of which none were outstanding. In connection with approval of the Life Time Fitness, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the 2004 Plan), as discussed below, our Board of Directors approved a resolution to cease making additional grants under the 1996 Plan.
The LIFE TIME FITNESS, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan (the 1998 Plan), reserved up to 1,600,000 shares of our common stock for issuance. Under the 1998 Plan, the Board of Directors had the authority to grant incentive and nonqualified options to purchase shares of our common stock to eligible employees, directors and contractors at a price of not less than 100% of the fair market value at the time of the grant. Incentive stock options expire no later than 10 years from the date of grant, and nonqualified stock options expire no later than 15 years from the date of grant. The 1998 Plan was amended in December 2003 by our Board of Directors and shareholders to reserve an additional 1,500,000 shares of our common stock for issuance. As of December 31, 2008, we had granted a total of 1,957,500 options to purchase common stock under the 1998 Plan, of which 220,625 were outstanding. In connection with approval of the 2004 Plan, as discussed below, our Board of Directors approved a resolution to cease making additional grants under the 1998 Plan.
The 2004 Plan reserved up to 3,500,000 shares of our common stock for issuance. Under the 2004 Plan, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors administers the 2004 Plan and has the power to select the persons to receive awards and determine the type, size and terms of awards and establish objectives and conditions for earning awards. The types of awards that may be granted under the 2004 Plan include incentive and non-qualified options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
units, performance awards and other types of stock-based awards. We use the term “restricted shares” to define nonvested shares granted to employees, whereas SFAS 123(R) reserves that term for fully vested and outstanding shares whose sale is contractually or governmentally prohibited for a specified period of time. Eligible participants under the 2004 Plan include our officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants. Each award agreement will specify the number and type of award, together with any other terms and conditions as determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors or its designees. In connection with approval of the 2004 Plan, our Board of Directors approved a resolution to cease making additional grants under the 1996 Plan and 1998 Plan. During 2008, we issued 434,180 shares of restricted stock. The value of the restricted shares was based upon the closing price of our stock on the dates of issue which ranged from $14.31 to $35.77 during 2008. The restricted stock generally vests over periods ranging from one to four years. As of December 31, 2008, we had granted a total of 1,929,665 options to purchase common stock under the 2004 Plan, of which options to purchase 760,304 shares were outstanding, and a total of 840,008 restricted shares under the 2004 Plan, of which 487,203 restricted shares were unvested. As of December 31, 2008, 1,024,297 shares remain available for grant under the 2004 Plan.
Total share-based compensation expense, which includes stock option expense from the adoption of SFAS 123(R) and restricted stock expense, included in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, was as follows:
A summary of restricted stock activity follows:
During the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, we issued 434,180 and 162,393 shares of restricted stock, respectively, with an aggregate fair value of $11.6 million and $8.0 million, respectively. The fair market value of restricted shares that became vested during the year ended December 31, 2008 was $4.7 million. The total value of
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
each restricted stock grant, based on the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant, is amortized to compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting period.
A summary of option activity is as follows:
No stock options were granted during the year ended December 31, 2008. The weighted average grant date fair value of stock options granted during the year ended December 31, 2007 was $20.35. The aggregate intrinsic value of options (the amount by which the market price of the stock on the date of exercise exceeded the exercise price of the option) exercised during the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $3.8 million and $17.3 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2008, there was $0.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 0.4 years.
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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
The options granted generally vest over a period of four to five years from the date of grant. The following table summarizes information concerning options outstanding and exercisable as of December 31, 2008:
Our net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $3.0 million and $8.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The actual income tax benefit realized from stock option exercises was $0.1 million and $4.6 million, respectively, for those same periods. In accordance with SFAS 123(R), the excess tax benefits from the exercise of stock options are presented as cash flows from financing activities.
Our employee stock purchase program (“ESPP”) provides for the sale of up to 1,500,000 share of our common stock to our employees at discounted purchase prices. The cost per share under this plan is currently 90% of the fair market value of our common stock on the last day of the purchase period, as defined. The first purchase period during 2008 under the ESPP began January 1, 2008 and ended June 30, 2008. The second purchase period began July 1, 2008 and ended December 31, 2008. Compensation expense under the ESPP, which was $0.1 million for 2008, is based on the discount of 10% at the end of the purchase period. $1.1 million was withheld from employees for the purpose of purchasing shares under the ESPP. There were 1,442,656 shares of common stock available for purchase under the ESPP as of December 31, 2008.
In June 2006, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of our common stock from time to time in the open market or otherwise for the primary purpose of offsetting the dilutive effect of shares pursuant to our Employee Stock Purchase Plan. During 2008, we repurchased 36,209 shares for approximately $1.3 million. As of December 31, 2008, there were 442,656 remaining shares authorized to be repurchased for this purpose. The shares repurchased to date have been purchased in the open market and, upon repurchase, became authorized, but unissued shares of our common stock.
8. Operating Segments
Our operations are conducted mainly through our distinctive and large, multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers in a resort-like environment. We aggregate the activities of our centers and other ancillary products and services into one reportable segment as none of the centers or other ancillary products or services meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosure under SFAS No. 131, “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.” Each of the centers has similar expected economic characteristics, service and product offerings, customers and design. Each of the other ancillary products and services either directly or indirectly, through advertising or branding, compliment the operations of the centers. Our chief operating decision maker uses EBITDA as the primary measure of operating segment performance.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
The following table presents revenue for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006:
9. Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitments - We lease certain property under operating leases, which require us to pay maintenance, insurance and other expenses in addition to annual rentals. The minimum annual payments under all noncancelable operating leases at December 31, 2008 are as follows:
Rent expense under operating leases was $27.4 million, $19.4 million and $13.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Certain lease agreements call for escalating lease payments over the term of the lease, which result in a deferred rent liability due to recognizing the expense on the straight-line basis over the life of the lease.
Purchase Commitments - We contract in advance for land purchases and construction services and materials, among other things. The purchase commitments were $86.7 million, $156.4 million and $164.5 million at December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
Litigation - We are engaged in proceedings incidental to the normal course of business. Due to their nature, such legal proceedings involve inherent uncertainties, including but not limited to, court rulings, negotiations between affected parties and governmental intervention. We have established reserves for matters that are probable and estimable in amounts we believe are adequate to cover reasonable adverse judgments not covered by insurance. Based upon the information available to us and discussions with legal counsel, it is our opinion that the outcome of the various legal actions and claims that are incidental to the our business will not have a material adverse impact on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows; however, such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of individual matters are not predictable with assurance.
401(k) Savings and Investment Plan - We offer a 401(k) savings and investment plan (the 401(k) Plan) to substantially all full-time employees who have at least six months of service and are at least 21 years of age. We made discretionary contributions to the 401(k) Plan in the amount of $1.5 million, $1.5 million and $1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Letters of Credit - As of December 31, 2008, the Company had $8.9 million in irrevocable standby letters of credit outstanding, which were issued primarily to certain insurance carriers to guarantee payments of deductibles for various insurance programs, such as workers’ compensation, commercial liability insurance, and as security for our indebtedness to Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America. Such letters of credit are secured by the collateral under the Company’s senior secured credit facility. As of December 31, 2008, no amounts had been drawn on any of these irrevocable standby letters of credit.
As of December 31, 2008, the Company had posted bonds totaling $18.5 million related to construction activities and operational licensing.
10. Related Party Transactions
We leased various fitness and office equipment from third party equipment vendors for use at the center in Bloomingdale, Illinois. We then sublet this equipment to Bloomingdale LLC. The terms of the sublease were such that Bloomingdale LLC was charged the equivalent of the debt service for the use of the equipment. In 2007, the equipment was fully paid off and the leases expired, thus we did not charge Bloomingdale LLC in 2008. We charged Bloomingdale LLC $0.4 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
In May 2001, we completed a transaction to sell and simultaneously lease back one of our Minnesota centers. We did not recognize any material gain or loss on the sale of the center. The purchaser and landlord in such transaction is an entity composed of four individuals, one of whom was the former president of a wholly owned subsidiary. We paid rent pursuant to the lease of $0.9 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006.
In October 2003, we leased a center located within a shopping center that is owned by a general partnership in which our chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer has a 50% interest. In December 2003, we and the general partnership executed an addendum to this lease whereby we leased an additional 5,000 square feet of office space on a month-to-month basis within the shopping center, which we terminated effective January 1, 2007. We paid rent pursuant to this lease of $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
In May 2008, we hired a construction company to complete an excavation project on the remodel of one of our centers. Our chairman of the board of directors and chief executive officer owns 100% of the interests in such construction company. The total cost of the project was $0.7 million, of which $0.3 million was paid by us to the construction company in 2008, and the balance was paid in 2009.
11. Executive Nonqualified Plan
During fiscal 2006, we implemented the Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan of Life Time Fitness, a non-qualified deferred compensation plan. This plan was established for the benefit of our highly compensated employees, which our plan defines as our employees whose projected compensation for the upcoming plan year would meet or exceed the IRS limit for determining highly compensated employees. This unfunded, non-qualified deferred compensation plan allows participants the ability to defer and grow income for retirement and significant expenses in addition to contributions made to our 401(k) Plan.
All highly compensated employees eligible to participate in the Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan of Life Time Fitness, including but not limited to our executives, may elect to defer up to 50% of their annual base salary and/or annual bonus earnings to be paid in any coming year. The investment choices available to participants under the non-qualified deferred compensation plan are of the same type and risk categories as those offered under our 401(k) Plan and may be modified or changed by the participant or us at any time. Distributions can be paid out as in-service payments or at retirement. Retirement benefits can be paid out as a lump sum or in annual installments over a term of up to 10 years. We may, but do not currently plan to, make matching contributions and/or discretionary contributions to this plan. If we did make contributions to this plan, the contributions would vest to each
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
participant according to their years of service with us. At December 31, 2008, $1.0 million had been deferred and is being held on behalf of the employees. This amount is reflected as an other liability on the balance sheet.
12. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following is a condensed summary of actual quarterly results of operations for 2008 and 2007:
(1)
Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2008 include expenses totaling $5.0 million associated with plans to slow the development of new centers. These expenses include severance costs, lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments in connection with assets held for sale and write-offs associated with land development cancelled in the fourth quarter of 2008.
(2)
See Note 2 for discussion on the computation of earnings per share.
(3)
The basic and diluted earnings per share by quarter include the impact of rounding within each quarter.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Life Time Fitness, Inc.:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Life Time Fitness, Inc. (a Minnesota corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Life Time Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2008, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 25, 2009
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Life Time Fitness, Inc.:
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Life Time Fitness, Inc. (a Minnesota Corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2008, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company’s board of directors, management, and other personnel 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. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2008 of the Company and our report dated February 25, 2009 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 25, 2009
Quarterly Results (Unaudited)
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including the timing of new center openings and related expenses, timing of price increases for enrollment fees and membership dues and general economic conditions.
In the past, our pre-opening costs, which primarily consist of compensation and related expenses, as well as marketing, have varied significantly from quarter to quarter, primarily due to the timing of center openings. In addition, our compensation and related expenses as well as our operating costs in the beginning of a center’s operations are greater than what can be expected in the future, both in aggregate dollars and as a percentage of membership revenue. Accordingly, the volume and timing of new center openings in any quarter have had, and are expected to continue to have, an impact on quarterly pre-opening costs, compensation and related expenses and occupancy and real estate costs. Due to these factors, results for a quarter may not indicate results to be expected for any other quarter or for a full fiscal year.
(1)
Total operating expenses in the fourth quarter of 2008 include expenses totaling $5.0 million associated with plans to slow the development of new centers. These expenses include severance costs, lower-of-cost-or-market adjustments in connection with assets held for sale and write-offs associated with land development cancelled in the fourth quarter of 2008.
(2)
The basic and diluted earnings per share by quarter include the impact of rounding within each quarter.
(3)
EBITDA consists of net income plus interest expense, net, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. This term, as we define it, may not be comparable to a similarly titled measure used by other companies and is not a measure of performance presented in accordance with GAAP. We use EBITDA as a measure of operating performance. EBITDA should not be considered as a substitute for net income, cash flows provided by operating activities, or other income or cash flow data prepared in accordance with GAAP. The funds depicted by EBITDA are not necessarily available for discretionary use if they are reserved for particular capital purposes, to maintain debt covenants, to service debt or to pay taxes. Additional details related to EBITDA are provided in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
(4)
The data being presented includes the center owned by Bloomingdale LLC.
The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA:
Item 9.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of December 31, 2008, an evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of these disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in applicable rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a and 15d - 15f under the Exchange Act. Our internal control system is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and board of directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•
Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company;
•
Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and
•
Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control - Integrated Framework. Based on management’s assessment and those criteria, they believe that, as of December 31, 2008, we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting.
Our independent registered public accounting firm has audited the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008, as stated in the Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, appearing under Item 8, which expresses an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) and 15d-15(d) of the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B.
Item 9B. Other Information.
None.
PART III
Certain information required by Part III is incorporated by reference from our definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on April 23, 2009 (the “Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2008. Except for those portions specifically incorporated in this Form 10-K by reference to our Proxy Statement, no other portions of the Proxy Statement are deemed to be filed as part of this Form 10-K.
Item 10.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
Incorporated into this item by reference is the information under “Election of Directors - Directors and Director Nominees,” “Election of Directors - Committees of Our Board of Directors,” “Election of Directors - Code of Business Conduct and Ethics” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” in our Proxy Statement.
The following table sets forth the name, age and positions of each of our executive officers as of February 27, 2009:
Bahram Akradi founded our company in 1992 and has been a director since our inception. Mr. Akradi was elected Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors in May 1996. Mr. Akradi has over 25 years of experience in Healthy Way of Life initiatives. From 1984 to 1989, he led U.S. Swim & Fitness Corporation as its co-founder and Executive Vice President. Mr. Akradi was a founder of the health and fitness Industry Leadership Council.
Michael J. Gerend was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer upon joining our company in March 2003, and was promoted to President in December 2007. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Gerend was President and Chief Executive Officer of Grand Holdings, Inc., doing business as Champion Air, the largest dedicated provider of charter airlift in the airline industry, from July 1998 to January 2003. Mr. Gerend also held senior management positions at Northwest Airlines, Inc. from April 1991 to December 1997.
Michael R. Robinson was elected Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer upon joining our company in March 2002. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Robinson was most recently Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Next Generation Network, Inc., a digital video advertising company, from April 2000 to March 2002. Prior to April 2000, Mr. Robinson spent approximately 17 years with Honeywell International, Inc., a diversified technology and manufacturing company, where he held senior management positions from 1994 to March 2000. From 1995 to 1997, Mr. Robinson held the position of Vice President of Investor Relations and he was responsible for financial communications with investors and other third parties. From 1997 to 2000, he was the Vice President of Finance, Logistics and Supply for Europe, the Middle East and Africa where he managed accounting, finance, tax and treasury functions.
Eric J. Buss joined our company in September 1999 as Vice President of Finance and General Counsel. Mr. Buss was elected Secretary in September 2001 and was named Senior Vice President of Corporate Development in December 2001 and Executive Vice President in August 2005. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Buss was an associate with the law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP from 1996 to August 1999. Prior to beginning his legal career, Mr. Buss was employed by Arthur Andersen LLP.
Scott C. Lutz joined our company in May 2008 as Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Lutz served as Senior Vice President of New Business Development and Marketing at Best Buy Co., Inc., a position he held since 2006. Mr. Lutz has also held executive management roles at leading packaged goods companies, including Procter & Gamble, General Mills and ConAgra. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of 8th Continent L.L.C., a General Mills-DuPont health and wellness joint venture.
Mark L. Zaebst joined our company in January 1996 as Director, Real Estate, and was named Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development, in December 2001 and Executive Vice President in March 2006. Mr. Zaebst has over 20 years of experience in the health and fitness industry. Mr. Zaebst was instrumental in assisting Mr. Akradi in the creation, expansion and day-to-day operations of U.S. Swim & Fitness Corporation until 1991, at which time he started a career in real estate.
Jeffrey G. Zwiefel joined our company in December 1998 as Vice President, Health Enhancement Division and became Vice President of Fitness, Training and New Program Development in January 2004. Mr. Zwiefel was named Senior Vice President, Life Time University in March 2005, and named Senior Vice President, Operations in June 2008. Mr. Zwiefel has 23 years of comprehensive and diverse experience in the health, fitness and wellness industry. Prior to joining our company in 1999, Mr. Zwiefel worked for over nine years with NordicTrack, Inc. where he served most recently as Vice President, Product Development. Mr. Zwiefel has a M.S. in exercise physiology
Item 11.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
Incorporated into this item by reference is the information under “Election of Directors and “Executive Compensation” in our Proxy Statement.
Item 12.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
Incorporated into this item by reference is the information under “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and “Security Ownership of Principal Shareholders and Management” in our Proxy Statement.
Item 13.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
Incorporated into this item by reference is the information under “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions” and “Election of Directors - Director Independence” in our Proxy Statement.
Item 14.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.
Incorporated into this item by reference is the information under “Ratification of Independent Public Accounting Firm - Fees” in our Proxy Statement.
PART IV
Item 15.
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.
(a) Documents filed as Part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K:
1. Consolidated Financial Statements:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2008 and 2007
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2008, 2007 and 2006
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
2. Financial Statement Schedules:
The information required by Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts is provided in Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other schedules are omitted because they are not required.
(b) Exhibits:
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2004 (File No. 001-32230).
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.4 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on May 21, 2004.
Specimen of common stock certificate.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to Amendment No. 4 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on June 23, 2004.
10.1#
FCA, Ltd. 1996 Stock Option Plan.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.2#
LIFE TIME FITNESS, Inc. 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended and restated.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.3
Form of Promissory Note made in favor of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.4
Schedule of terms to Form of Promissory Note made in favor of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.5
Open-End Leasehold Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixtures Filing Statement made by LTF USA Real Estate, LLC for the benefit of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.6
Form of Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement made for the benefit of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.7
Schedule of terms to Form of Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement made for the benefit of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.8
Form of Second Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement made for the benefit of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.9
Schedule of terms to Form of Second Mortgage, Assignment of Leases and Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing Statement made for the benefit of Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.10
Lease Agreement dated as of September 30, 2003, by and between LT Fitness (DE) QRS 15-53, Inc., as landlord, and Life Time Fitness, Inc., as tenant.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.11
Series A Stock Purchase Agreement dated May 7, 1996, including amendments thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.12
Series B Stock Purchase Agreement dated December 8, 1998, including amendments thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.13
Series C Stock Purchase Agreement dated August 16, 2000, including amendments thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.14
Series D Stock Purchase Agreement dated July 19, 2001, including amendments thereto.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement of Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on March 19, 2004.
10.15
Operating Agreement of Life Time, BSC Land, DuPage Health Services Fitness Center - Bloomingdale L.L.C. dated December 1, 1999 by and between the Registrant, Bloomingdale Sports Center Land Company and Central DuPage Health.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Form S-1 (File No. 333-113764), filed with the Commission on May 21, 2004.
10.16#
Amended and Restated Life Time Fitness, Inc. 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (effective as of April 24, 2008).
Incorporated by reference to Appendix B to the Registrant’s proxy statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (File No. 001-32230), filed with the Commission on March 6, 2008.
10.17#
Form of Executive Employment Agreement.
Filed Electronically.
10.18#
Form of Incentive Stock Option for 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Registrant’s Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-32230).
10.19#
Form of Non-Incentive Stock Option Agreement for 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-32230).
10.20#
2008 Key Executive Incentive Compensation Plan.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated March 14, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.21
Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of May 31, 2007, among the Company, U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent and lead arranger, J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. and Royal Bank of Canada, as co-syndication agents, BMO Capital Markets, as documentation agent, and the banks party thereto from time to time.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2007 (File No. 001-32230).
10.22
Security Agreement, dated as of April 15, 2005, among the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated April 15, 2005 (File No. 001-32230).
10.23#
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Employee) for 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-32230).
10.24#
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement (Non-Employee Director) for 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Form10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-32230).
10.25
Lease Agreement with Well-Prop (Multi) LLC dated July 26, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 (File No. 001-32230).
10.26
Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement with Well-Prop (Multi) LLC dated July 26, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 (File No. 001-32230).
10.27
Purchase and Sale Agreement with Well-Prop (Multi) LLC dated July 26, 2006.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2006 (File No. 001-32230).
10.28#
Form of 2006 Restricted Stock Agreement (Executive) for 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan with performance-based vesting component.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-32230).
10.29#
Form of 2007 Restricted Stock Agreement (Executive) for 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan with performance-based vesting component.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated March 14, 2007 (File No. 001-32230).
10.30#
Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 (File No. 001-32230).
10.31
Loan Agreement dated January 24, 2007 among LTF CMBS I, LLC, the Company and Goldman Sachs Commercial Mortgage Capital, L.P.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated January 24, 2007 (File No. 001-32230).
10.32
Lease Agreement dated January 24, 2007 among LTF CMBS I, LLC and LTF Club Operations Company, Inc.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated January 24, 2007 (File No. 001-32230).
10.33
Guaranty of the Loan Agreement dated January 24, 2007 for the benefit of Goldman Sachs Commercial Mortgage Capital, L.P. executed by the Company.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated January 24, 2007 (File No. 001-32230).
10.34
Lease Guaranty dated January 24, 2007 for the benefit of LTF CMBS I, LLC executed by the Company.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated January 24, 2007 (File No. 001-32230).
10.35
Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of January 24, 2008, among the Company, U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent and lead arranger, J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc. and Royal Bank of Canada, as co-syndication agents, BMO Capital Markets, as documentation agent, and the banks party thereto from time to time.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.37 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 (File No. 001-32230).
10.36#
Form of 2008 Restricted Stock Agreement (Executive) for 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan with performance-based vesting component.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated March 14, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.37#
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement issued to Bahram Akradi.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 8-K dated March 14, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.38#
Life Time Fitness, Inc. Executive Cash Bonus Plan.
Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to the Registrant’s proxy statement for its 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (File No. 001-32230), filed with the Commission on March 6, 2008.
10.39
Indenture of Trust between LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC, as Borrower, and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as Trustee for the LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC $34,235,000 Variable Rate Demand Notes, Series 2008, dated as of June 1, 2008.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.40
Reimbursement Agreement among General Electric Capital Corporation, GE Government Finance, Inc., and LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC for the LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC $34,235,000 Variable Rate Demand Notes, Series 2008, dated as of June 1, 2008.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.41
Lease Agreement between LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC and LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. dated as of June 13, 2008 (Chanhassen, MN - Headquarters).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.42
Lease Agreement between LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC and LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. dated as of June 13, 2008 (Overland Park, KS).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.43
Lease Guaranty and Negative Pledge Agreement dated as of June 1, 2008 by Life Time Fitness, Inc. in favor of LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.44
Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Filing dated as of June 1, 2008 by LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC in favor of General Electric Capital Corporation (Chanhassen, MN).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.45
Mortgage, Security Agreement, Assignment of Leases and Rents and Fixture Filing dated as of June 1, 2008 by LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC in favor of General Electric Capital Corporation (Overland Park, KS).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.46
Subordination, Attornment and Lessee-Lessor Estoppel Agreement dated as of June 1, 2008 by and among LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC, LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. and General Electric Capital Corporation (Chanhassen, MN).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.47
Subordination, Attornment and Lessee-Lessor Estoppel Agreement dated as of June 1, 2008 by and among LTF Real Estate VRDN I, LLC, LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. and General Electric Capital Corporation (Overland Park, KS).
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.48
Purchase and Sale Agreement by and among Life Time Fitness, Inc. and LTF Real Estate Company, Inc., as Seller, and Senior Housing Properties Trust, as Purchaser, dated as of August 21, 2008.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.49
Lease Agreement dated as of August 21, 2008 by and among SNH LTF Properties LLC, as Landlord, and LTF Real Estate Company, Inc., as Tenant.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.50
Guaranty Agreement dated as of August 21, 2008 by Life Time Fitness, Inc. for the benefit of SNH LTF Properties LLC.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.51
Lease Agreement between LT FIT (AZ-MD) LLC (an affiliate of W.P. Carey & Col, LLC), as Landlord, and LTF Real Estate Company, Inc., as Tenant dated September 26, 2008.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.52
Guaranty and Suretyship Agreement dated as of September 26, 2008 made by Life Time Fitness, Inc. to LT FIT (AZ-MD) LLC.
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2008 (File No. 001-32230).
10.53
Form of Omnibus Amendment to Loan Documents with Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America dated November 10, 2008.
Filed Electronically.
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
Filed Electronically.
Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
Filed Electronically.
Powers of Attorney
Filed Electronically.
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Executive Officer.
Filed Electronically.
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification by Principal Financial and Officer.
Filed Electronically.
Section 1350 Certifications.
Filed Electronically.
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Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, Life Time Fitness, Inc. has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on March 2, 2009.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC.
By: /s/ Bahram Akradi
Name: Bahram Akradi
Title: Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer and Director)
By: /s/ Michael R. Robinson
Name: Michael R. Robinson
Title: Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By: /s/ John M. Hugo
Name: John M. Hugo
Title: Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on March 2, 2009 by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated.
*
Michael R. Robinson, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this document on behalf of each of the above-named officers and/or directors of the Registrant pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons.