Item 1. Business.
Company Overview
Life Time Fitness, Inc. ("Life Time") is The Healthy Way of Life Company. We help organizations, communities and individuals achieve their total health objectives, athletic aspirations and fitness goals by engaging in their areas of interest, or discovering new passions, both inside and outside of Life Time's distinctive, resort-like sports, professional fitness, family recreation and spa destinations, most of which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our Healthy Way of Life approach enables our customers to achieve success by providing the best places, people and programs of exceptional quality and value. As of March 2, 2015, we operated 113 centers under the LIFE TIME FITNESS® and LIFE TIME ATHLETIC® brands primarily in suburban locations in 32 major markets in the United States and Canada.
We believe our centers provide a desirable and unique experience for our members, resulting in a high number of memberships per center. We directly operate and manage all of our centers both to optimize and deliver the high-quality member experience we expect. Of our 113 centers, we consider 92 to be of our large format design. Among these 92 centers, we consider 67 to be of our current model design. Although the size and design of our centers may vary, our business strategy, member-focused approach and core operating processes generally remain consistent across our centers. Our current model centers target 6,500 to 10,500 memberships by offering, on average, 114,000 square feet of multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation, spa amenities and programs and services in a resort-like environment.
The breadth of our programs allows us to help members achieve their goals while connecting and engaging them in their areas of passion. By offering best-in-class programming - both inside and outside of our centers - along with a trained and certified team of Life Time employees who lead each program, we help members achieve their goals. Life Time programs include a wide range of interest areas, such as group fitness, yoga, swimming, running, racquetball, squash, tennis, Pilates, martial arts, kids activities and camps, adult activities and leagues, rock
climbing, cycling, basketball, personal training, weight loss and nutrition initiatives, spa, medi-spa and chiropractic services. Life Time program offerings may vary by location.
Our offerings also include our proprietary line of nutritional products and supplements, and our award-winning magazine, Experience Life®. We also operate an Athletic Events division, which offers more than 75 events each year, including running, cycling and triathlon events from entry-level to ultra-endurance. Additionally, we offer a portfolio of health programs and assessments to members at our centers as well as employees of corporate clients, along with partnerships with health insurance companies, with the goal of further extending our Healthy Way of Life products, programs, services and brand.
Our corporate headquarters are located at 2902 Corporate Place, Chanhassen, Minnesota 55317, and our telephone number is (952) 947-0000. Our principal website is lifetimefitness.com. The information contained on our websites is not a part of this annual report.
Our History
Our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Bahram Akradi, opened the first Life Time Fitness center in 1992 with an unwavering commitment to our members and their experiences with us. From the design of our centers, to the amenities and services we provide, to the sheer breadth of programming and events we deliver, everything we do is driven from the member point of view. For example, our company has never required long-term member contracts, instead preferring to offer month-to-month agreements that provide members flexibility, while maintaining clear focus on delivering unparalleled programs and value in an effort to earn their business each and every day.
At Life Time, our mission is clear. We provide an educational, entertaining, friendly and inviting, functional and innovative experience that meets the health and fitness needs of the entire family. Over the course of more than two decades, Life Time has raised the standards in the health club industry significantly while also pioneering the creation of a new comprehensive health and wellness industry we call Healthy Way of Life. Through this, we aim to deliver best-in-class programs that help organizations, communities and individuals achieve their total health objectives, athletic aspirations and fitness goals by engaging in their areas of passion. Life Time is well positioned to help them do so by providing the best programs, best people and best places to deliver exceptional experiences, quality and value.
We were incorporated in 1990 as a Minnesota corporation under the name FCA, Ltd., and subsequently registered to use the name of Life Time Fitness in 1992. We then officially changed our corporate name to Life Time Fitness, Inc. in 1998. In 2004, we completed our initial public offering. Our stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (Ticker: LTM).
Our Competitive Strengths
We offer comprehensive programs and services.
The breadth of our programs allows us to connect and engage members in their areas of passion. Unlike many traditional health clubs or gyms, which typically offer little more than rooms with equipment, most Life Time destinations offer an expansive selection of premium amenities and services; comprehensive programming with dedicated spaces; a large team of certified professionals, service and operations employees; and hundreds of pieces of best-in-class cardiovascular and resistance equipment and free-weights. Many of the premium amenities and services are included in the standard membership dues.
We offer a value proposition that encourages membership loyalty.
The broad range of amenities, programs and services we offer exceeds that of most other health and fitness center alternatives available to consumers. We offer different types of membership plans for individuals, couples and families including Access and Non-Access memberships. Our Non-Access membership option is for members who do not access the center, but still want to maintain certain member benefits. Our typical monthly Access membership dues range from $45 to $160 per month for an individual membership and from $75 to $340 per month for a couple
or family membership. Our typical Non-Access dues are $10 to $20 per month for an individual, couple or family membership. The majority of our memberships include the primary member’s children under the age of 12 at a modest per child monthly cost. In addition, for children under the age of 12, we offer Life Time Kids Academy, at select locations, which includes more in-depth, skills-based programming focused on activity, learning and fitness. At December 31, 2014, this program was in 20 clubs, and offers monthly dues between $20 and $90 per month. We provide the majority of our members with a variety of services with their membership, including group fitness classes and fitness assessments, towel and locker service and an online subscription to our award-winning magazine, Experience Life®. Our membership plans include initial 14-day money back guarantees and are month-to-month, cancelable by giving up to 60 days 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 generally are situated in easily accessible areas and centrally located among the residential, business and shopping districts of the surrounding community. Many members have access to more than one center in markets where we operate more than one location, as well as across our network of centers in the U.S. and Canada. We design, build 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 use our centers with little or no waiting time, even at peak hours and when centers 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 café services.
We have an established and profitable economic model.
Our center-level economic model has been regularly refined and is both based and dependent on driving membership growth by ramping memberships and optimizing membership mix and pricing after a new center is opened, as well as retaining the dues stream and maintaining tight expense control once the center matures. Since our first center opened in 1992, we have opened and operated over 100 centers, each of which utilizes this economic model. In 2014, this economic model resulted in revenue growth of 7.0%, with revenue of $1.3 billion and EBITDA growth of 6.4%, with EBITDA of $374.3 million and an EBITDA margin of 29.0%. EBITDA is a non-GAAP, non-cash measure which consists of net income plus interest expense, net, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. Additional details related to EBITDA are provided in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
We have a disciplined and sophisticated site selection and development process.
We have developed a disciplined and sophisticated process to evaluate metropolitan markets in which to build or lease new centers, as well as evaluate specific sites for potential centers within those markets. This multi-step process is based upon applying our proven successful experience and analysis generated from profiles of our existing centers to the market's potential base, including physical geography, drive patterns, demographics, cultural and competitive information. We continue to modify the analysis based upon the performance of our centers including newer centers as they mature. A formal business plan is developed for each proposed new center and the plan must pass multiple stages of approval by our management team and the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors. By utilizing a wholly owned construction subsidiary, LTF Construction Company, LLC (“Life Time Construction”) that builds and remodels our centers as well as an in-house architectural team that designs and produces construction drawings, we maintain maximum flexibility over the design process of our centers as well as control over the cost and timing of the construction process.
Our Growth Strategy
Our growth strategy is driven by three primary elements:
Build and acquire new centers.
We intend to expand our base of centers, primarily through new center development as well as opportunistic acquisition. Our new center expansion will focus on strategic locations which we believe will generate higher average dues, higher in-center revenue per membership and higher revenue per square foot. These locations typically represent our Life Time Athletic centers, which include our Onyx and Diamond membership plans. In 2014, we opened six large format centers that we designed and constructed, all of which are Life Time Athletic centers. We expect to open six centers in 2015, five of which are Life Time Athletic centers and all of which are currently under construction. A rollforward of our center growth is as follows:
(1) In 2012, we acquired the Racquet Club of the South, a tennis facility in the Atlanta market, which we rebranded as Life Time Athletic Peachtree Corners. In 2011, we acquired nine centers from Lifestyle Family Fitness ("LFF") in Indiana, North Carolina and Ohio. In 2010, we acquired one center in Texas.
(2) In 2014, we closed one small, leased Minneapolis center and transferred all member programming and equipment to our other Minneapolis centers. In 2010, the lease expired on our 85,630 square foot center in St. Paul, Minnesota which opened in 1997. We closed the center and transferred its memberships to our surrounding locations.
Grow membership dues and in-center revenue.
We focus on growing our membership dues through membership retention and loyalty, optimizing dues through price and mix, and adding new memberships. We expect to continue driving in-center revenue both by introducing new products and services and by expanding our marketing and affinity programs to introduce more members to our products and services.
Grow membership dues. We focus on growing our membership dues through member retention and loyalty initiatives. We focus on optimizing our membership dues through price increases and by improving the mix of our memberships. Our membership dues mix can be improved by increasing the number of members covered under a membership (for instance, an individual to a couple membership, or a couple to a family membership). A member may also upgrade a membership to a higher plan level (for example, from Gold to Platinum).
In order to achieve and maintain our membership and dues goals, we focus on membership retention, demographics, center usage and membership trends, and employ marketing programs to effectively communicate our value proposition to existing and prospective members. We also offer a subscription option, referred to as a Non-Access membership, for members who do not access the center, but still want to maintain certain member benefits.
Grow in-center revenue. In 2014, revenue from the sale of in-center products, programming and services grew $35.4 million, or 9.4%, to $411.0 million and we increased in-center revenue per membership from $545 to $597. Our programming and services include personal training, spa, café and other member offerings. We focus on growing in-
center revenues by getting more members involved in or using our current product and service portfolio, continually introducing new products and services and by marketing our in-center businesses.
Grow ancillary businesses revenue.
Our ancillary businesses include athletic events, media and health programs. These businesses help build the LIFE TIME FITNESS® brand, differentiate our program offerings and support our membership base.
We produce athletic events for members and non-members, both inside and outside our centers. The primary focus has been on endurance activities, including running, cycling and triathlon. Our events range from entry level to ultra endurance events and draw from local, regional, national and international markets. We also acquired and operate a race registration and timing business.
Through our media business, we provide our partners with reach to sought-after consumers through a range of print and digital media, including our award-winning Experience Life® magazine and event sponsorships.
Our health and weight loss programs are expanding as we seek to serve both businesses and individuals with an array of differentiated health, wellness, fitness, weight loss and nutrition solutions. As we do so, we also are creating opportunities to expand the reach of our destinations, programs and services to new members while also growing our subscription-based model to include new types of memberships with limited or no regular center access.
Revenue from ancillary businesses grew $7.1 million, or 14.4%, to $56.7 million, which was due primarily to our January 2014 acquisition of several major-market athletic events.
Our Centers
Size and Location
Our centers have evolved since inception. All 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.
Of our 113 centers as of December 31, 2014, 92 are of our large format design and 67 of those conform to our current model center design. Our distinctive format is designed to provide efficient and inviting spaces that are conducive to the wide range of healthy way of life programming we deliver and that accommodate each center’s targeted capacity. Our current model centers generally target 6,500 to 10,500 memberships and our other large format centers generally target 3,500 to 10,500 memberships. This targeted capacity is designed to maximize the member experience based upon our historical understanding of membership usage, facility layout, the number of individual, couple and family memberships and pricing.
Generally, the main differences between our large format centers and those that are of the current model design are that our current model centers generally include an outdoor aquatics park, larger indoor aquatics area, larger gymnasium, up to three additional studios and enhanced spa and café spaces. We believe that all of our large format centers serve as all-in-one sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa destinations. The following table provides the number and average square footage of our large format centers:
Center Environment
Our centers generally combine modern architecture and decor with best-in-class amenities. Most of our current model and large format centers are freestanding buildings designed with open architecture and naturally illuminated atriums that create a spacious, inviting atmosphere. With finishes such as limestone floors, wood lockers and granite countertops, our centers are 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 of the entire center. 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.
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:
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 who service and maintain our equipment. In addition, we have large-screen televisions in several areas of the center.
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, we have tennis facilities at 22 locations with professional instruction.
Fitness Services for Individuals and Groups. On average, we employ 25 personal trainers in a current model center. Our personal trainers are skilled in assessing and formulating effective individual and group exercise programs. Our personal training program aims to improve the long-term health and fitness of our members and be considered a
leader 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 a member service.
We offer many different programs featuring our certified professional personal trainers including:
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One-on-One Sessions - We offer sessions in which an individual member meets directly with a personal trainer to help him or her achieve healthy way of life goals, including losing weight, gaining weight/muscle mass, or specific event training.
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Group Sessions - We offer small group (two to four members) and large group (typically eight to 12 members) training sessions to help members achieve their healthy way of life goals with others.
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Assessments - We offer various health and fitness assessments for a detailed view of total health including metabolic cardiovascular testing, metabolic profile assessments and lab testing.
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Weight Loss -We offer weight loss and management programs, such as the Life Time 90-Day Weight Loss Challenge, Transformational Challenge and various other programs as an opportunity for members to receive education, training and motivation that helps them set and achieve their health and fitness goals, and keep their overall health programs on track.
Fitness Programs and Classes. Our centers offer fitness programs, including group fitness classes and health and fitness training seminars on subjects ranging from 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 yoga and Pilates as well as a studio dedicated to indoor cycling. On average, we offer 85 group fitness classes per week at each current model center, including, for example, indoor cycling, strength training, cardio conditioning, dance, circuit training and yoga classes. These classes are generally included with membership. The volume and variety of activities at each center allows members to enjoy the center, whether participating in personalized activities or with other members in group activities.
LifeCafe. Our large format centers feature an on-site, full-service, chef-driven LifeCafe, which offers an all-natural menu with an abundance of organic, preservative- and cage-free offerings. In keeping with our commitment to provide members with healthy, all-natural food, a broad menu of made-to-order and pre-prepared breakfast, lunch and dinner items offer better ingredients - free of artificial flavors, artificial colors, artificial preservatives, artificial sweeteners, trans fats and bleached flour. Customers can enjoy the convenience of dining indoors, ordering items to go or selecting pre-made 'grab and go' meals. Additionally, they may take advantage of our outdoor poolside bistro at each of our current model centers and certain of our other large format centers. LifeCafes also typically offer our line of nutritional products and supplements, third-party nutritional products, exercise accessories and personal care products.
LifeSpa. Our current model centers and almost all of our other large format centers also feature a LifeSpa, which is a full-service salon and spa. Each in-center LifeSpa offers hair, body, skin care and massage therapy services, customized to each client’s individual needs. We also offer medi-spa services in select locations. Each LifeSpa is located in a separate, self-contained area that provides a relaxing and rejuvenating environment.
LifeClinic Chiropractic. In select locations, LifeClinic Chiropractic services are provided by third-party licensed chiropractors. LifeClinic Chiropractic offers an innovative, non-invasive form of soft tissue and joint treatment.
Child Centers. Nearly all of our centers offer on-site child centers for children from three months through 11 years of age as part of a monthly fee per child. Child center services are available for up to two hours per child per day while members use our centers. During this time, children ages one to five years can participate in enrichment programs, such as music, movement and arts and crafts while children ages six to 11 years can participate in Kids Play, which includes gym and rock wall activities. The child center features a computer center, separate infant and toddler playrooms and numerous children's activities. We hire employees that are dedicated to working in the child centers to provide children with an enjoyable experience.
Additional Programs. All of our large format centers offer a variety of additional programs for children, which may include birthday parties, summer and school break camps, rock wall climbing activities, parents' night out, sports and fitness classes and swimming lessons. For adults, we offer a variety of sports leagues and interest-driven clubs.
Memberships
We define a membership in two ways: Access memberships and Non-Access memberships or other subscriptions. As of December 31, 2014, we had 809,445 memberships, comprised of 683,530 Access memberships and 125,915 Non-Access memberships. As of December 31, 2014, we had 1,464,928 members, an average of 1.8 members per membership.
Access Membership Plans. We offer a variety of convenient month-to-month memberships with no long-term contracts. Our members may pay a one-time joining fee, which includes an initiation fee and an administrative fee, and receive an initial 14-day money back guarantee. In this document, we refer to the total cost to join as an enrollment fee. Within each Access membership, we define a singular membership as one individual, couple or family (for example, a family of three people would be considered one membership). We currently offer five Access membership levels, including Bronze, Gold, Platinum, Onyx and Diamond. Within Access membership levels, a member may purchase full access to only one club or, with an elite membership, access to all clubs at that membership level and below (for example, Platinum membership holders may access all Platinum, Gold and Bronze centers). Depending on the center classification, a member is required to have a minimum membership level (for example, a Platinum-designated center requires a Platinum membership at minimum). A member may hold a higher level membership than the center designation should they want access to additional centers, guest privileges and additional amenities, programs and services. Offered memberships vary by location. Decisions of center designation are made on a center-by-center basis and are dependent on the market presence, demographic nature, population density, initial investment in the center and available services and amenities.
All Access memberships, regardless of level, typically include 24-hour access, locker and towel service, group fitness classes and Member Advantage (an offering that provides discounts on purchases from national and local businesses for Life Time members).
Part of the Access membership plan offering at most centers is a junior membership. Children under the age of 12 qualify for a junior membership, with dues of $10 to $90 per month, depending on the center. The junior membership provides access to the child center, pools and gymnasiums at designated times. In addition, we have added a new offering also for children under the age of 12 - Life Time Kids Academy - which includes more in-depth programming focused on activity, learning, and fitness. At December 31, 2014, this program is in 20 clubs and is priced between $20 and $90 per month. We do not count junior memberships or Life Time Kids Academy memberships as incremental reported memberships since they are already part of the Access membership. We also have occasionally offered other membership plans aimed to attract niche members.
The following table compares our different Access membership plans as of December 31, 2014:
(1) Does not include the cost of junior memberships or Life Time Kids Academy memberships.
From time to time we change a club's designation, for example, from Bronze to Gold. Our clubs by membership type are as follows:
Non-Access Memberships and Other Subscription Plans. Non-Access memberships are $10 to $20 per month, whether an individual, couple or a family. Non-access members have access to myLT.com, which includes Member Advantage and interest-area content, a subscription to Experience Life® magazine and the ability to resume Access membership without paying enrollment fees. In the future, we may develop and implement other membership or subscription plans that will not have full access to the centers. These types of memberships will be included in this category of Non-Access and other subscription plans.
Usage
Our centers are generally open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We typically experience the highest level of member activity at a center between 8:00 a.m. to noon and 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Our centers are appropriately staffed during peak and non-peak hours to provide each member with a positive experience. We have introduced a number of initiatives focused on getting our members more involved and connected with the goal of higher membership usage and increased member satisfaction. The following table reports our usage statistics:
New Center Site Selection and Construction
Site Selection. Our management devotes significant time and resources to analysis of each prospective site (including both undeveloped land and existing facilities available for lease) on the basis of facts. We look at the physical geography of the site, the highway patterns and drive times, demographics within primary and secondary trade areas as well as cultural and competitive information. We focus mainly on markets that will allow us to operate multiple centers that create certain efficiencies in marketing and branding activities, but we select each site based on whether that site and trade area can support an individual center.
After we identify a potential site and determine that it is a viable site, we develop a business plan for a center on that site. This requires analysis from several functional areas of management as well as approval from the Finance Committee of our Board of Directors. We believe that our disciplined, structured process reduces the potential for developing a site that the market cannot support.
Design and Construction. Our wholly owned subsidiary, Life Time Construction, provides us with architecture and design services, millwork fabrication and construction management. With approximately 140 employees, this subsidiary is dedicated solely to the design and construction of each new center and the remodel of existing and acquired centers.
We have developed a series of prototypical plans and specifications that can be easily adapted to each specific site. Project architects along with our construction management teams monitor quality and oversee the construction progress throughout the development of each new center.
Life Time Construction's management teams provide on-site supervision, as well as administrative services, such as permitting, purchasing, project accounting and safety administration, for each new site and remodel. The construction management teams qualify subcontractors, bid each component of our projects to ensure cost-effective pricing, and monitor cost progress for the duration of the project. By using similar materials at each center, we not only maintain a consistent look and feel, but we are also able to maximize buying power and leverage economies of scale in purchasing.
Through Life Time Construction we are able to maximize 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 costs are capitalized as a part of the overall initial investment in the new center or the remodel. Any remaining unallocated costs are recognized as an expense in the period incurred. Because this subsidiary performed services solely for us, we have not recognized any revenue or profit related to Life Time Construction's operations.
Marketing and Sales
Overview of Marketing. Our in-house marketing and creative design agency is responsible for promoting and differentiating the Life Time Healthy Way of Life brand so as to attract, connect and engage existing and new customers to our centers, products and services. Our marketing and creative design initiatives focus on our comprehensive, healthy lifestyle-oriented approach of helping people set and achieve their health and fitness goals by participating in activities that interest them - and helping them to identify new areas of passion - both inside and outside of our healthy way of life destinations. In turn, these efforts further engage existing members in our ancillary business areas and generate new consumer leads for our membership sales force. Our in-house marketing and creative design agency integrates four key areas, including member acquisition and retention, media planning and analysis, creative development and production, and web, digital and social media. By delivering centralized marketing and creative design services to our centers and ancillary businesses, we bring proven, experienced, consistent and innovative strategic planning, creative design, member experience and production to our existing and new markets in an efficient and effective manner.
Overview of Sales. We have trained, commissioned member engagement advisors (sales team) in each center who are responsible for member acquisition and retention. Our member engagement advisors are responsible for prospecting potential members, setting up personalized visits and tours of our centers, and highlighting relevant programs, services and amenities that align with expressed member interests and goals. The member engagement advisors inspire action on the part of prospective members to get started on their healthy way of life and ensure they are connected to our programs and professionals. The member engagement advisors also serve as a primary relationship manager for new members through consistent engagement and timely follow up. During the pre-opening and grand opening phases described below, we have up to 12 member engagement managers on staff at a center. As the center matures, we reduce the number of member engagement advisors on staff to between six and eight.
Pre-Opening Phase. We generally begin selling memberships up to five months prior to a center's scheduled opening. We market to prospective members 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.
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 campaign culminates with households in a strategically designated trade area - based on local access considerations, housing density and travel patterns - receiving targeted advertising. Simultaneously, new members receive special invitations to post-grand-opening activities designed to assist them in their orientation to the center.
Membership Growth Phase. After the grand opening phase, marketing activities and costs generally 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 aim to keep membership levels stable and grow other in-center services. Marketing plans for each center are formulated on an annual basis and reviewed monthly by marketing and center-level sales employees. At monthly intervals, a comprehensive situation analysis is performed and adjustments are implemented, as necessary, to ensure sales and retention objectives are meeting the goals of the center's business plan.
Ongoing Member Retention Phase. When a new member joins, we initiate a comprehensive connectivity and engagement process aimed at helping them to achieve their total health objectives, athletic aspirations and fitness goals by engaging in their areas of passion. We are in the position to help them achieve this by providing the best places, people and programs of exceptional quality and value. We have created dozens of specific interest areas, along with connectivity programs, including, but not limited to, our dedicated member website, myLT.com; our periodic offerings of various athletic and social events; access to national and local Member Advantage discounts; and access to myLT Buck$, a member loyalty or rewards program. We focus on proactive member retention activities that we believe deliver a better member experience and fewer members requesting to cancel their membership.
Leveraging the LIFE TIME Brand
We continue to build our brand nationally and internationally through expansion of our portfolio of centers, by delivering high-quality products and services in the area of athletic events and media and by offering comprehensive health programs that focus on the Healthy Way of Life.
Centers. As of March 2, 2015, we operated 113 centers in 32 major markets in the United States and Canada under the LIFE TIME FITNESS® and LIFE TIME ATHLETIC® brands. Today, we provide consumers with the highest quality, most comprehensive health and fitness destinations featuring a resort-like atmosphere and amenities, and comprehensive health and fitness experience. Each space within our centers is carefully designed to be inviting, functional, innovative and inspiring. Our destinations are complemented by a large, trained and certified team of professionals who uphold a common objective: helping our customers achieve their total health objectives, athletic aspirations and fitness goals. Moreover, we operate some twenty different businesses within our destinations, each deliberately designed to meet all of the sports, health, fitness, recreation and entertainment needs of the most discerning consumer - all under one roof. These boutique-like, interest-driven programs help ensure that our customers are able to achieve success by participating in the activities that match their areas of passion. In both existing and new markets, our centers provide a powerful reinforcement of the unique and differentiated Healthy Way of Life brand, programs, products and services we deliver to individuals, communities and organizations.
Athletic Events and Media. We produce athletic events for members and non-members, both inside and outside our centers. The primary focus has been on endurance activities, including running, cycling and triathlon. In 2014, we produced more than 75 events, serving approximately 200,000 participants. Our events range from entry level to ultra endurance events and draw from local, regional, national and international markets. Our larger events include triathlons such as the New York City Triathlon and the Chicago Triathlon, as well as the iconic Leadville Trail 100® event series. In addition, we own and manage the Life Time Tri Pro Series, which connects seven of the most prominent international distance triathlon events in the United States. We produce events primarily in markets in which we operate centers, including themed runs such as the Torchlight 5K Run, Turkey Day 5K and Commitment
Day 5KSM. We also produce indoor triathlons in many of our centers, which are geared towards introducing members to the sport of triathlon.
Through our media business, we provide our partners with reach to sought-after consumers through a range of print and digital media, including our award-winning Experience Life® magazine and event sponsorships.
Comprehensive Health Programs. Our health, fitness and weight loss programs are expanding as we seek to serve both businesses and individuals with an array of differentiated health, wellness, fitness, weight loss and nutrition solutions. As we do so, we also are creating opportunities to expand the reach of our destinations, programs and services to new members, while also growing our subscription-based model to include new types of memberships with limited or no regular center access.
Our Employees
Our current model centers are staffed with an average of 250 full-time and part-time employees. Approximately 10 center employees are in management positions, typically including a general manager, member services department head, operations department head, member engagement manager and personal training department head to ensure a well-managed facility and motivated work force.
All center team members are required to participate in a training and certification program that is specifically designed to promote a friendly and inviting environment with each member interaction while upholding a consistent standard of performance across all of our centers. Team members also receive ongoing mentoring and continuing education, and annually a re-certification is required before any team member is permitted to work or to advance to other positions within our company. Additionally, our personal trainers, registered dietitians, massage therapists, group fitness instructors and cosmetologists are required to maintain a professional license or one of their industry’s top certifications.
As of February 19, 2015, we had approximately 24,600 employees, including approximately 17,300 part-time employees. We are not a party to a collective bargaining agreement with any of our employees. Although we experience turnover of non-management employees, historically we have not experienced difficulty in obtaining adequate replacement employees. In general, we believe relations with our employees are good.
Information Systems
In addition to our standard operating and administrative systems, we use an integrated 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 easily collect and process information. Our system enables us to, among other things, enroll new members with an electronic membership agreement, capture 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 also have a customer relationship management system to enhance our marketing campaigns and management oversight regarding daily sales and marketing activities.
Competition
We consider the following groups to be the primary industry participants in the health and wellness industry:
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health club operators, including 24 Hour Fitness Worldwide, Inc., Equinox Holdings, Inc., LA Fitness International, LLC, Town Sports International, Inc. and Gold's Gym;
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the YMCA and similar non-profit organizations;
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physical fitness and recreational facilities established by local governments, hospitals and businesses;
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local salons, cafés and businesses offering similar ancillary services;
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exercise and small fitness clubs, and studios, including Anytime Fitness, Curves International and Snap Fitness;
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racquet, tennis and other athletic clubs;
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amenity and condominium clubs;
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country clubs;
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online personal training and fitness coaching;
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the home-use fitness equipment industry;
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athletic event operators and related suppliers; and
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providers of wellness and other healthy way of life orientated products and services.
The health and wellness industry is highly competitive. While competition in the industry varies from market to market, it may be impacted by various factors, including the breadth and price of membership offerings and other products and services, the flexibility of membership options, the overall quality of the offering, name or brand recognition and economies of scale. We believe that our comprehensive product offering and focus on services, amenities and value provide us with a distinct competitive advantage, positioning us well in the health and wellness industry.
Government Regulation
Our operations and business practices are subject to regulation at federal, state and local levels, including consumer protection regulation related to our advertising, marketing, and sales efforts; health and safety regulation and licensing requirements related to our café, spa, aquatics, child care and ancillary health and fitness-related products and services; and regulation related to the collection, use and security of personal information about our members, guests and purchasers.
With respect to the health and fitness industry specifically, state statutes regulate the sale and terms of our membership contracts. State statutes often require that we:
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include certain terms in our membership contracts, including the right to cancel a membership, in most cases, within three to 10 days after joining, and receive a refund of enrollment fees paid;
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escrow funds received from pre-opening sales or post a bond or proof of financial responsibility; and
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adhere to price or financing limitations.
Financial Information about Geographic Areas
We operate centers and offer other wellness-related offerings in the U.S. and Canada. Our race registration and timing business also has customers outside of the U.S. and Canada. Net sales by geographic area is presented by attributing revenue from our members and customers on the basis of whether the product or services are sold within the U.S. or outside of the U.S. Our revenues from members and customers within the U.S. were $1,268.7 million, $1,183.3 million and $1,111.5 million for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our revenues from members and customers in all foreign countries were $21.9 million, $22.6 million and $15.4 million in the aggregate for those same periods. Additionally, we also held net long-term assets within the U.S. of $2,516.0 million, $2,230.3 million and $1,975.6 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and outside of the U.S. of $56.9 million, $44.6 million and $41.6 million in the aggregate as of December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Seasonality of Business
Seasonal trends have an effect on our overall business. Generally, we have experienced greater membership growth at the beginning of the year. We also experience increased membership in certain centers during the summer pool season. During the summer months, we also experience a slight increase in in-center business activity with summer
programming and operating expenses due to our outdoor aquatics operations. We experience an increased level of membership attrition during the third and fourth quarters as the summer pool season ends and we enter the holiday season. This can lead to a sequential decline in memberships during those quarters.
Trademarks and Trade Names
We own several trademarks and service marks registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including, among others, LIFE TIME FITNESS®, LIFE TIME ATHLETIC®, EXPERIENCE LIFE®, MYHEALTHCHECK® and MYHEALTHSCORE®. We have also registered our logo and our LIFE TIME FITNESS Triathlon logo. We also registered the “LIFE TIME FITNESS” mark in certain foreign countries.
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 website is lifetimefitness.com. We make available through our website, free of charge, 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 decline, especially at those centers 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 engage existing members and 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 in mature centers or that could prevent us from increasing membership and in-center service revenue at newer centers where membership is generally not yet at a targeted capacity. These factors include changing desires and behaviors of consumers, 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 our trade areas, advances in medical care that lead to less interest in health and fitness activities, and a decline in the public’s interest in health and fitness as well as social fears such as terror or health threats which could reduce the desire to be in a concentrated public venue. In order to increase membership levels, we may from time to time offer lower membership rates and enrollment fees. In addition, we anticipate that most of our future centers will target higher income members than we have historically targeted. We may not be successful in optimizing price and mix or in adding new memberships in these new centers, and our growth in membership dues in these future centers may suffer as a result. Any decrease in our average dues, reduction in enrollment fees or higher membership acquisition costs may adversely impact our operating margins.
We rely heavily on our credit facility and our ability to access additional capital. If we are not able to access our credit facility, obtain additional capital or refinance existing debt, our ability to operate our business and pursue our growth strategy may be impaired.
As of December 31, 2014, we had total consolidated indebtedness of $1,200.9 million, of which $567.3 million was floating rate debt, consisting principally of obligations under term notes that are secured by certain of our properties, borrowings under our credit facility that are secured by certain personal property, mortgage notes that are secured by certain of our centers, and obligations under capital leases.
The credit markets generally and our level of indebtedness could have important consequences to us, including the following:
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Our ability to obtain the appropriate levels of capital for working capital purposes or to finance the development and construction of new centers or acquisitions may limit our growth strategy and future business opportunities;
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A significant portion of our debt has a variable rate of interest, which increases our vulnerability to interest rate fluctuations;
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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, which may reduce the funds that would otherwise be available for our operations or to pursue our growth strategy and future business opportunities;
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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; and
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We may be more highly leveraged than our competitors, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage including in the event of an economic downturn.
In addition to the amount of indebtedness outstanding as of December 31, 2014, we had access to an additional $448.7 million under our credit facility. We also have the ability to incur new debt, subject to limitations under our existing credit facility 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, and we may have to change our growth strategies as a consequence.
Finally, if cash from available sources is insufficient or unavailable, 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 dilution or the new equity securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of common stock.
Any inability to access our existing credit facility, to raise additional capital when required or with favorable terms, or to repay scheduled indebtedness at maturity could have an adverse effect on our business plans and operating results.
If we fail to properly maintain the integrity of our data or to strategically implement, upgrade or consolidate existing information systems, our reputation and business could be adversely affected.
We increasingly use electronic means to interact with our customers and collect, maintain and store individually identifiable information, including, but not limited to, personal financial information and health-related information. Despite the security measures we have in place to ensure compliance with applicable laws and rules, our facilities and systems, and those of our third-party service providers, may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of cyber terrorism, vandalism or theft, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming and/or human errors or other similar events. Additionally, the collection, maintenance, use, disclosure and disposal of individually identifiable data by our businesses are regulated at the federal and state levels as well as by certain financial industry groups, such as the Payment Card Industry organization. Federal, state and financial industry groups may also consider from time to time new privacy and security requirements that may apply to our businesses. Compliance with evolving privacy and security laws, requirements, and regulations may result in cost increases due to necessary systems changes, new limitations or constraints on our business models and the development of new administrative processes. They also may impose further restrictions on our collection, disclosure and use of individually identifiable information that are housed in one or more of our databases. Noncompliance with privacy laws, financial industry group requirements or a security breach involving the misappropriation, loss or other unauthorized disclosure of personal, sensitive and/or confidential information, whether by us or by one of our vendors, could have adverse effects on our business, operations, reputation and financial condition, including decreased revenue; fines and penalties; increased financial processing fees; compensatory, statutory, punitive or other damages; adverse
actions against our licenses to do business; and injunctive relief whether by court or consent order. Like other large companies, we have, from time to time, experienced threats to our data and systems, including malware and computer virus attacks, unauthorized access, systems failures and disruptions, none of which have had an impact on our business, results of operation or financial condition and none of which have required us to provide formal notification to any parties.
Our planned growth could place strains on our management, employees, information systems and internal controls which may adversely impact our business.
Over the past several years, we have experienced growth in our business activities and operations, including an increase in the number of our centers, development of new businesses and acquisitions of other businesses. Our past expansion has placed, and our planned accelerated future expansion may 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, legal, human resources, risk management, marketing, sales and operations functions. These processes are time-consuming and expensive, increase management responsibilities and divert management attention.
Our business could be adversely affected by strong competition in the highly competitive health and wellness industry.
We compete with the following industry participants: other health and fitness centers; physical fitness and recreational facilities established by non-profit organizations, governments, hospitals, and businesses; local salons, cafés and businesses offering similar ancillary services; exercise and small fitness clubs and studios and other boutique fitness offerings; racquet, tennis and other athletic clubs; amenity and condominium clubs; country clubs; online personal training and fitness coaching; the home-use fitness equipment industry; athletic event operators and related suppliers; and providers of wellness and other healthy way of life orientated products and services. 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 and collect membership fees without paying taxes, thereby allowing them to charge lower prices. Furthermore, due to the increased number of low cost health club and fitness center alternatives, we may face increased competition during periods if we increase our price, discretionary spending declines or unemployment remains high. This competition may limit our ability to attract and retain members.
We may incur significant costs in the development and implementation of new businesses with no guarantee of success.
In order to remain competitive and expand our business, we have developed, and expect to continue to develop, in-center and ancillary businesses. We may incur significant costs in the development of these businesses, some of which may be outside of our core competency. In addition, we cannot guarantee that these businesses will be successful and contribute to earnings.
We may be unable to successfully acquire suitable businesses or, if we do acquire them, the acquisition may disrupt our business, we may be unable to successfully integrate the business into our own, or the acquired assets may be subject to impairment, all of which may have an adverse effect on our performance.
In order to remain competitive and to expand our business, we have acquired, and expect to continue to acquire, complementary businesses and centers. In the future, we may not be able to find suitable acquisition candidates. If we do find suitable candidates, we may not be able to conduct effective due diligence or acquire the businesses on favorable terms or at all. We may also have to incur debt or issue equity securities to pay for any acquisition, which could adversely affect our financial results or dilute our shareholders.
If we do acquire other businesses, integrating the business into our own may place significant demands on our administrative, operational, financial and other resources and may require significant management time, which may disrupt our other businesses. Our ability to acquire and integrate larger or more significant companies is unproven.
In addition, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be able to successfully integrate any acquired, or to be acquired, business into our own business or achieve any goals relating to the acquisition.
Additionally, as we have acquired other businesses, we have recorded assets, liabilities and intangible assets at fair value at the time of acquisition. If the fair value of the long-lived assets or intangible assets were determined to be lower than the carrying value, the assets would be subject to impairment, which could adversely affect our financial results.
We expect our investments in future centers in high demographic areas to be above historical average. We cannot guarantee the level of return will meet our expectations, and our financial results may be adversely affected.
As we increase our numbers of centers, our current focus is on higher demographic locations, which typically require higher costs of land, increased construction costs, and amenities and features within the new centers that represent the Life Time Athletic centers, which include the Onyx and Diamond membership plans. The higher gross invested capital at these centers will require higher operating margins and higher net income per center to produce the level of return we expect. Failure to provide this level of return could adversely affect our financial results.
If our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer leaves our company for any reason, it could have an adverse effect on our business.
Our growth and development to date have been driven by the services of Bahram Akradi, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Executive Officer and founder. We do not have any employment or non-competition agreement with Mr. Akradi. In addition, Mr. Akradi may be able to exert disproportionate influence over us because of the significant consequence of his departure.
If we fail to comply with any of the covenants in our financing documents, we may not be able to access our existing credit facility, and we may face an accelerated obligation to repay our indebtedness.
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. 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 facility, require us to pay higher levels of interest or accelerate our obligations to repay our indebtedness.
If we are unable to identify and acquire suitable sites for 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.
We may incur rising costs related to construction of new centers and maintenance of our existing centers. If we are not able to pass these cost increases through to our members, our financial results may be adversely affected.
Our centers require significant upfront and ongoing 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, but higher costs in regions where we are opening new centers may be difficult to offset in the short term.
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.
At March 2, 2015, we operated multiple centers in several metropolitan areas, including 23 in the Minneapolis/St. Paul market, nine in the Chicago market, eight in the Dallas market, seven in the Detroit market, six in each of the
Atlanta and Houston markets and five in each of the Phoenix and greater New York markets, with future 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 employees and hire additional highly qualified employees, we may not be able to successfully manage our businesses 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 employees. Competition for such employees 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 adversely affect our operating efficiency and consolidated financial results.
The opening of new centers may negatively impact our operating margins. In addition, the opening of new centers in existing markets may negatively impact our same-center revenues.
A 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.
We currently operate centers in 25 states and one Canadian province. We plan to open six new large format centers in 2015, three of which are in existing markets. Opening new centers in existing markets may attract some memberships away from other centers in those markets, thereby leading to diminished revenue and profitability. 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.
Delays in new center openings could have an adverse effect on our growth.
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 employees;
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securing access to labor and materials necessary to develop and construct our centers;
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delays due to material shortages, labor issues, weather conditions or other acts of God, discovery of contaminants, accidents, deaths or injunctions; and
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general economic conditions.
We could be subject to claims related to construction or operation of our centers and off-premises activities and events which could have a negative effect on our financial conditions and results of operations.
Use of our centers and participation in off-premises activities and events pose potential health or safety risks to members or guests through exertion and use of our equipment, swimming pools, rock climbing walls, waterslides, endurance events and other facilities and services. Claims may be asserted against us for injury or death suffered by someone using our facilities, services, activities and events, including a minor child. We could also face claims in connection with our construction and remodel of our centers. While we carry insurance generally applicable to such claims, we face exposure for losses within any self-insured retention or for uninsured damages.
We could also face claims for economic or other damages by members, guests or employees, including consumer protection, wage and hour, health club contract, or other statutory or common law claims arising from our business operations. Such claims may be uninsured.
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.
Our operations are subject to various federal and state laws and regulations, including but not limited to the following:
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federal and state consumer protection laws related to the advertising, marketing and sale of our products and services;
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state statutes that regulate the sale and terms of our membership contracts;
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state and local health or safety regulations related to various center operations, such as child centers, LifeCafe, LifeSpa or Aquatics;
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federal and state regulation of ancillary health and fitness-related products and services;
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state licensing or other regulation of our service providers, such as cosmetologists, massage therapists and registered dietitians;
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federal and state laws and regulations governing privacy and security of information; and
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federal and state wage and hour or other employment related laws and regulations.
Any changes in such laws or regulations could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
We could be subject to claims related to our ancillary health and fitness-related offerings, and the value of our brand may suffer.
We offer directly or through third parties a variety of ancillary health and fitness-related products and services, such as nutritional products, blood screenings and other fitness assessments, chiropractic services, and medi-spa services. These products and services are, or may be subject to, legal and regulatory requirements. 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, or any claims against us regarding our provision of other health and fitness-related services or our relationships with third parties. Furthermore, we cannot assure you that any rights we have under indemnification provisions and/or insurance policies will be sufficient to cover any losses that might result from such claims. Any publicity surrounding such claims may negatively impact the value of our brand.
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. We may incur substantial costs and a diversion of resources as a result of such disputes, 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 a 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, LIFE TIME or other similar marks 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 large format center, is a 105,000 square foot, free-standing, three-story building that we own.
As of March 2, 2015, we operated 113 centers in 25 states and one Canadian province. We expect to open six centers in 2015 on sites we own or lease in various markets, all of which are currently under construction. The table below contains information about our open centers as of March 2, 2015:
In a few of our centers, we sublease space to third parties. The square footage figures above include those subleased areas. The square footage figures exclude areas used for tennis courts, outdoor swimming pools and outdoor play areas. These figures are approximations.
In addition to the centers listed in the table above, we also operate five facilities which we classify as satellite locations. These include a 15,640 square foot tennis-only facility that we own in Minnetonka, Minnesota, a 75,450 square foot tennis-only facility that we own in Centennial, Colorado, a 75,444 square foot tennis-only facility that we own in Plano, Texas and two leased yoga centers in the Detroit, Michigan market.
Other Property Data:
Generally, the main differences between our large format centers and those that are of the current model design are that our current model centers generally include an outdoor aquatics park, larger indoor aquatics area, larger gymnasium, up to three additional studios and enhanced LifeSpa and LifeCafe spaces. We believe that all of our large format centers serve as all-in-one sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa destinations. The other center format includes smaller or specialty centers.
Excluding renewal options, the terms of leased centers, including ground leases, expire at various dates from 2015 through 2049. The majority of our leases have renewal options and a few give us the right to purchase the property.
Item 3.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
TCPA Litigation - On April 17, 2014, a putative class action was filed against LTF Club Operations Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Life Time Fitness, Inc., in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri. On June 13, 2014, LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. removed this action to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division. On April 23, 2014, a second putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. On April 23, 2014, a third putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. On July 1, 2014, a fourth putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. On January 26, 2015, a fifth putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. These actions are collectively referred to as the “TCPA Actions” or "TCPA Litigation."
The TCPA Actions allege that we violated the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) when we, or a third party on our behalf, sent marketing text messages to plaintiffs’ cellular telephones using an automatic telephone dialing system without plaintiffs’ consent. Each plaintiff seeks certification of the class, injunctive relief,
reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and an award of damages available under the TCPA, which include actual damages and statutory damages of $500 per violation or $1,500 per violation if the violation was willful. We deny the allegations.
On October 15, 2014, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation granted our motion to transfer four of the TCPA Actions to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings (“MDL”). We have moved to transfer the fifth action, filed January 26, 2015, for consolidation in the MDL.
The parties have agreed to a class settlement of the TCPA Litigation. On February 25, 2015, plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement. The preliminary approval hearing is scheduled for March 5, 2015. We agreed to pay all costs of the settlement, including class notice, claims administration, court-awarded plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees, court-awarded service awards, and awards to class members. Class members may claim either a cash award of $100 or a membership award that lets them pick either a free three-month single Gold membership or a $250 credit toward any access membership that covers the class member. The total settlement amount, as calculated under the agreement, is subject to a minimum of $10 million and a maximum of $15 million. Depending on the total number of claims submitted and the amount of attorneys’ fees awarded, the amounts of the cash award and membership award may be adjusted up or down to bring the total settlement amount within that range. For purposes of calculating the total settlement amount, every membership award that is timely and validly claimed counts as a payment of $250 (subject to adjustment).
Because our cost to service a membership is less than the membership award, the amount of our reasonably estimable loss does not directly correspond to the amount of the total settlement amount as calculated under the agreement. Further, the amount of attorneys’ fees, the claims rate, and the mix of cash and membership awards all remain unknown at this time, and therefore, we believe our reasonably estimable loss is a range. Based on reasonable estimates of these factors, we have recorded a liability in the fourth quarter of 2014 in the amount of $4.7 million, which we believe represents the minimum amount of the range.
Other Litigation - We are also engaged in other 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 will establish reserves for matters that are probable and estimable in amounts we believe are adequate to cover reasonable adverse judgments. 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 our business will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcomes of individual matters are not predictable with assurance.
Item 4.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
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 19, 2015, the number of record holders of our common stock was approximately 472, including 10 record holders with our transfer agent.
Performance Graph
The following graph compares the annual change in the cumulative total shareholder return on our common stock from December 31, 2009 through December 31, 2014 with the cumulative total return on the NYSE Composite Index and Russell 2000 Index. The comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 31, 2009 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.
(1)
We have provided a comparison against the Russell 2000 because there is no published industry or line-of-business index for our industry and we do not have a readily definable peer group that is publicly traded.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to utilize all future earnings for the operation and expansion of our business or for share repurchases and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of our credit facility limit the amount of dividends we may pay 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 of Directors.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities in Fourth Quarter 2014
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 under our employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP") (the "ESPP Authorization"). From June 2006 through December 31, 2014, we repurchased 271,451 shares pursuant to the ESPP Authorization, of which 32,178 shares were repurchased during 2014. There were no shares repurchased in fourth quarter of 2014. As of December 31, 2014, there were 228,549 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 unissued shares of our common stock.
In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $60.0 million of our outstanding common stock from time to time (the "Stock Repurchase Authorization"). A total of 1,107,665 shares were repurchased under
this program for $50.1 million. This authorization terminated in August 2013 with the authorization of a new share repurchase program.
In August 2013, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock from time to time. During 2014, we repurchased 3,462,445 shares under this program for $166.9 million. A total of 4,109,146 shares were repurchased under this program for $197.8 million. This authorization terminated on July 22, 2014 with the authorization of a new share repurchase program.
In July 2014, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock from time to time through open market or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization to repurchase shares terminates when the aggregate repurchase amount totals $200.0 million or at the close of business on June 30, 2016, whichever occurs first. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of our common stock and the program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we did not repurchase any shares under this program. As of December 31, 2014, there was $200.0 million remaining authorized under this program.
The following table presents the repurchases of stock under the Stock Repurchase Authorization in the fourth quarter of 2014:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
(1) This amount includes shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options granted under the 2004 Plan. This amount does not include 15,459 shares that were subject to purchase under the Life Time Fitness, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan for the purchase period ended December 31, 2014.
(2) This amount includes 1,012,661 shares available for issuance pursuant to equity awards that could be granted in the future under the 2011 Plan and 1,228,549 shares available for issuance under the Life Time Fitness, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 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, 2011 and 2010 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 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 footnote 2 to our consolidated financial statements for a description of the method used to compute basic and diluted net earnings per share.
As noted in footnote 12, "Immaterial Restatement of Prior Year Financial Statements" to our consolidated financial statements, we have corrected prior periods by restating the relevant prior periods during the fourth quarter 2014. Prior period balances included in this section are presented as restated.
(1)
In-center revenue includes revenue generated at our centers from fees for personal training, group fitness training and other member activities, sales of products offered at our cafés, sales of products and services offered at our spas, tennis and renting space in certain of our centers.
(2)
Total operating expenses in 2010 includes $5.6 million (pretax) associated with performance-based restricted stock compensation expense. In June 2009, we granted performance-based restricted stock to our senior management team. In fourth quarter 2010, we determined that achieving the 2011 diluted earnings per share performance criteria required for vesting of 50% of the stock (representing 453,500 shares of restricted stock) was probable. As a result, we recognized a cumulative, non-cash performance share-based compensation expense of $5.6 million (pretax) in the quarter. Of this amount, approximately $1.2 million is reflected in center operations expense and approximately $4.4 million is reflected in general and administrative expense.
Total operating expenses in 2011 include $10.6 million (pretax) associated with non-cash performance-based restricted stock compensation expense. In fourth quarter 2011, we determined that achieving the
2012 diluted earnings per share performance criteria required for vesting of the final 50% of the stock (representing 448,000 shares of restricted stock) was probable. As a result, we recognized a cumulative, non-cash performance share-based compensation expense of $6.8 million (pretax) in the quarter, in addition to the $3.8 million (pretax) of share-based compensation expense we recognized in 2011 on the initial 50% of the grant. Of the $10.6 million amount, approximately $2.5 million is reflected in center operations expense and approximately $8.1 million is reflected in general and administrative expense.
Total operating expenses in 2012 include $2.6 million associated with performance-based restricted stock compensation expense. Of the $2.6 million, approximately $0.5 million is reflected in center operations expense and approximately $2.1 million is reflected in general and administrative expense.
Total operating expenses in 2014 include: a $4.1 million reduction of a contingent consideration liability associated with a prior acquisition and a legal accrual of $4.7 million associated with estimated damages from a Telephone Consumer Protection Act ("TCPA") action, both of which are reflected in other operating expenses; and a $3.5 million expense associated with our exploration of a conversion of our real estate assets into a Real Estate Investment Trust ("REIT") which is reflected in general and administrative expenses.
(3)
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 using the equity method.
(4)
The diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding is the weighted average number of common shares plus the assumed weighted average exercise of dilutive stock options using the treasury stock method and unvested restricted stock awards using the treasury stock method.
The following table summarizes the weighted average number of common shares for basic and diluted earnings per share computations:
(5)
Membership dues, enrollment fees and in-center revenue for a center are included in same center revenue growth - 13 month beginning on the first day of the thirteenth full calendar month of the center’s operation and are included in same center revenue growth - 37 month beginning on the first day of the thirty-seventh full calendar month of the center’s operation.
(6)
Average center revenue per Access membership is total center revenue derived from Access memberships for the period divided by the average number of Access memberships for the period, where the average number of Access memberships for the period is an average derived from dividing the sum of the total Access memberships outstanding at the beginning of the period and at the end of each month during the period by one plus the number of months in each period. Our calculation methodology changed in 2013 to include Access memberships only, and the 2010 through 2012 numbers above are recalculated under the new methodology.
(7)
Average in-center revenue per Access membership is total in-center revenue for the period divided by the average number of Access memberships for the period, where the average number of Access memberships for the period is an average derived from dividing the sum of the total Access memberships outstanding at
the beginning of the period and at the end of each month during the period by one plus the number of months in each period.
(8)
Annual attrition rate (or trailing 12 month attrition rate) is calculated as follows: total membership terminations for the trailing 12 months divided into the average beginning month total membership balance for the trailing 12 months. The annual attrition rate for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2011 includes a small positive impact due to a change in calculation methodology adopted April 1, 2010 in which we exclude potential memberships who elect to cancel during their 14-day trial as members. Our calculation methodology changed in 2013 to better reflect our business by redefining membership as either Non-Access or Access. Our attrition calculation then had total terminations in the numerator and total memberships in the denominator, and the 2010 through 2012 numbers above are recalculated under the new methodology.
(9)
EBITDA is a non-GAAP, non-cash measure which consists of net income plus interest expense, net, provision for income taxes and depreciation and amortization. EBITDAR adds rent expense to EBITDA. These terms, as we define them, may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and are not measures of performance presented in accordance with GAAP. We use EBITDA and EBITDAR as measures of operating performance. EBITDA or EBITDAR 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 and EBITDAR 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 and EBITDAR 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 and EBITDAR:
(10)
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.
(11)
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.
(12)
The square footage presented in this table reflects fitness square footage which we believe is the best metric for the efficiencies of a facility. We exclude outdoor swimming pools, outdoor play areas, tennis courts and satellite facility square footage. These figures are approximations.
(13)
EBITDA margin is the ratio of EBITDA to total revenue.
(14)
EBITDAR margin is the ratio of EBITDAR to total revenue.
(15)
Market capitalization is calculated by multiplying the year-end total common shares outstanding by the year-end stock price.
Item 7.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
As noted in footnote 12, "Immaterial Restatement of Prior Year Financial Statements" to our consolidated financial statements, we have corrected prior periods by restating the relevant prior periods during the fourth quarter 2014. Prior period balances included in this section are presented as restated.
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 March 2, 2015, we operated 113 centers primarily in residential locations across 25 states and one Canadian province under the LIFE TIME FITNESS® and LIFE TIME ATHLETIC® brands.
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 same 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 same center revenue purposes beginning on the first day of the thirteenth full calendar month after we assumed the center’s operations.
Our new center expansion focuses on strategic locations which we believe will generate higher average dues, higher in-center revenue per membership and higher revenue per square foot. These locations typically represent our Life Time Athletic centers, which includes all centers under our Onyx and Diamond membership plans, and will be located in areas with higher demographic profiles. Of the six new current format centers we plan to open in 2015, five are Life Time Athletic centers, and two of these five centers are in existing markets.
As we grow our presence in existing markets by opening new centers, we anticipate attracting some memberships away from our other existing centers in those markets, reducing revenue and initially lowering the memberships of those existing centers. However, based on the strategic locations of the new Life Time Athletic centers in existing markets, we expect most of the new Athletic center memberships will be new Life Time members.
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 may be lower in future periods than in the past. Of the six new centers we plan to open in 2015, three will be in existing markets. We do not expect operating costs of our planned new centers to be significantly higher than current centers, and we also do not expect the new centers to have a material adverse effect on the overall financial condition or results of operations of existing centers.
After two years of improved operating margins, we saw a decrease in 2014 due primarily to lower membership dues at certain of our mature centers. Although our overall membership growth rate may be less than in prior years, we expect our average dues and in-center revenue per membership to increase as a result of our focus on increasing our number of Life Time Athletic centers. We also expect center operating margin leverage at these 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 invested capital, average revenue per membership, average in-center revenue per membership and center operating expenses, with an emphasis on payroll, as a percentage of sales and same center revenue growth. We use center revenue, EBITDA 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 Access membership levels and growth of system-wide memberships; percentage center Access membership to target capacity; center Access membership usage; center Access membership mix among individual, couple and family memberships; Non-Access memberships and center attrition rates.
During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, our annual attrition rate fluctuated between 31.3% and 35.8%, resulting in the estimated average membership life remaining at 33 months during those periods. At December 31, 2014, our annual attrition rate was 35.2%, which reflects our efforts around member retention in all club types as well as our increase in the number of Diamond and Onyx level clubs we have opened in the last couple
years. Our focus on new centers has been targeted at a higher-income customer which has translated into a better retention.
We have three primary sources of revenue:
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First, our largest source of revenue is membership dues (62.8%, 63.6% and 64.6% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively) and enrollment fees (0.9%, 1.2% and 1.4% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively). We recognize revenue from monthly membership dues in the month to which they pertain.
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Second, we generate revenue within a center, which we refer to as in-center revenue or in-center businesses (31.9%, 31.1% and 30.8% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively), including fees for personal training, registered dietitians, group fitness training and other member activities, sales of products at our cafés, sales of products and services offered at our spas and tennis programs.
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Third, we have expanded the LIFE TIME FITNESS® brand into two other offerings: health, and events and media. These offerings generate revenue, which we refer to as other revenue or ancillary businesses (4.4%, 4.1% and 3.2% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively). Our health offering includes health promotion programs for members, non-members and corporations. Our events and media offerings include athletic events and related services, which includes our race registration and timing businesses, and media which includes our magazine, Experience Life®.
We have five primary sources of operating expenses:
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Center operations expenses (57.7%, 57.1% and 57.7% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively) consist primarily of salaries, commissions, payroll taxes, benefits, real estate taxes and other occupancy costs, utilities, repairs and maintenance, supplies, administrative support and communications to operate our centers.
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Advertising and marketing expenses (3.3%, 3.5% and 3.5% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively) consist of our marketing department costs and media and advertising costs to support and grow center membership levels, in-center businesses, new center openings and our ancillary businesses.
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General and administrative expenses (4.9%, 4.9% and 4.9% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively) include costs relating to our centralized support functions, such as accounting, information systems, procurement, real estate and development and member relations.
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Other operating expenses (5.2%, 5.4% and 4.6% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively) include the costs associated with our health and our events and media businesses and other corporate expenses, as well as gains or losses on our disposal of assets.
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Depreciation and amortization (11.1%, 10.1% and 10.5% of total revenue for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively) are 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.
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 and ancillary 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 location, variability in land cost, the cost of construction labor and the size or amenities of the center, including the addition of tennis facilities, an expanded gymnasium or other facilities. We perform maintenance and make improvements on our centers and equipment throughout each year.
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, probability of meeting certain performance targets, tax provisions and deferred personal training revenue. We also use estimates for calculating the amortization period for deferred enrollment fee revenue and associated direct costs, which are based on the historical estimated average membership life. 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 14 days. Enrollment fees and related direct expenses, primarily sales commissions, are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over an estimated average membership life of 33 months, which is based on historical membership experience. We review the estimated average membership life on a quarterly 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 estimated average membership life. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, our annual attrition rate fluctuated between 31.3% and 35.8%, resulting in the estimated average membership life remaining at 33 months during those periods. If the estimated average membership life had been 36 months or 30 months for the entire year ended December 31, 2014, the impact of this change in accounting estimate on our income from continuing operations and net income would have been less than $0.1 million, and the change in accounting estimate would have had no impact on our basic and diluted earnings per common share. 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 $28.7 million, $26.2 million and $20.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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, spa, café and other member services. Revenue from spa and café services and products is recognized at the point of sale to the customer. Personal training revenue received in advance of training sessions and the related commissions are deferred and recognized based on historical member usage.
Other revenue includes revenue from our health, events and media businesses. Health revenue is recognized primarily at the time the service is performed. For athletic events, revenue is generated primarily through sponsorship sales and race registration fees. Athletic event revenue and race registration revenue is recognized upon the completion of the event. Race timing revenue is recognized at the time of delivery to the customer. Media advertising revenue is recognized over the duration of the advertising placement.
Share-based compensation. We maintain share-based incentive plans, which include nonvested share awards, stock options and an ESPP. See footnote 7, Share-Based Compensation to our consolidated financial statements for a complete discussion of our share-based compensation plans.
We determine the fair value of our nonvested share awards at the date of grant using the closing market price of our stock. Performance-based restricted share awards require management to make assumptions regarding the likelihood of achieving performance goals.
In 2012, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of a total of 658,500 shares of long-term performance-based restricted stock to serve as an incentive to our management team to achieve certain cumulative diluted EPS and return on invested capital (“ROIC”) targets during performance periods that end on December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016. The cumulative diluted EPS target measures cumulative diluted EPS for each quarter during the period from April 1, 2012 to the end of the applicable performance period. These targets are $13.68 cumulative diluted EPS through 2015 and $18.96 cumulative diluted EPS through 2016. The ROIC target is measured in the last year of the applicable performance period. These targets are 8.9% for 2015 and 9.0% for 2016. If the specified
cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets are met or exceeded for the performance period ending December 31, 2015, 50% of the restricted shares will vest. If the specified cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets are met or exceeded for the performance period ending December 31, 2016, then all of the restricted shares will vest. In the event that we do not achieve the specified cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets for the performance period ending December 31, 2016, the restricted shares will be forfeited. At December 31, 2014, 565,500 shares remained outstanding under this grant and a maximum of $26.0 million could be recognized as compensation expense with respect to this grant if all cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets are met.
We currently do not believe that achievement of either the cumulative diluted EPS or the ROIC targets is currently probable, and, therefore, we did not recognize any compensation expense associated with the grant during the year ended December 31, 2014. If all of the targets had been considered probable at December 31, 2014, we would have recognized $16.8 million of non-cash performance share-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2014. If it becomes probable that the cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC performance targets will be achieved, a cumulative adjustment will be recorded and the remaining compensation expense will be recognized over the remaining performance period. The probability of reaching the targets is evaluated each reporting period.
Our ESPP provides for the sale of shares of our common stock to our employees at discounted purchase prices. The cost per share under this plan is 90% of the fair market value of our common stock on the last day of the purchase period, as defined. Compensation expense under the ESPP is based on the discount of 10% at the end of the purchase period.
A 10% change in our share-based compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 would have affected net income by approximately $0.8 million in fiscal 2014. This change would have no effect on our basic or diluted earnings per common share.
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, or the inability to recover net book value over the remaining useful life, to be our primary indicator of potential impairment. Judgments regarding existence of impairment indicators are based on factors such as operational performance (including revenue and expense growth rates), market conditions, and expected holding period of each asset. We evaluate assets for impairment at the lowest levels for which there are identifiable cash flows, which is generally at an individual center level or ancillary business. The determination of whether impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows directly related to that center, compared to the carrying value of these assets. If 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. Worsening operational performance, market conditions or change in expected holding periods of each asset may cause us to re-evaluate the assumptions used in management's analysis. If the estimate of our undiscounted future cash flows at our center level had decreased by 5%, the impact of this change in accounting estimate would not have resulted in impairment, and the change in accounting estimate would have had no impact on our net income or basic and diluted earnings per common share. Based upon our review and analysis, no impairments on long-lived assets were deemed to have occurred during 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Impairment of Goodwill and Intangible Assets. We assess the recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets on an annual basis on September 30, or more often if indicators warrant, by determining whether the fair value of each reporting unit supports its carrying value. The valuation of goodwill and intangible assets requires assumptions and estimates of many critical factors, including revenue and market growth, operating cash flows and discount rates. A significant change in the factors noted above could cause us to reduce the estimated fair value of some or all of our reporting units and recognize a corresponding impairment of our goodwill or other intangible assets in connection with a future impairment test. Adverse changes in strategy, market conditions or assumed market capitalization may result in an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets. Based upon our review and analysis, no material impairments on goodwill or intangible assets were deemed to have occurred during 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations data as a percentage of total revenue for the periods indicated:
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2013
Total revenue. Total revenue increased $84.7 million, or 7.0%, to $1,290.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 from $1,205.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Total center revenue grew $77.6 million, or 6.7%, to $1,233.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, from $1,156.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Of the $77.6 million increase in total center revenue,
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56.5% was from membership dues, which increased $43.9 million, or 5.7%, due to higher average dues. Our number of Access memberships increased 0.7% to 683,530 at December 31, 2014 from 678,619 at December 31, 2013.
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45.7% was from in-center revenue, which increased $35.4 million, or 9.4%, primarily as a result of a $17.0 million increase in personal training revenue, a $9.8 million increase in sales of our spa and café products and services and a $5.3 million increase in our member activities revenue. Average in-center revenue per Access membership increased from $545 for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $597 for the year ended December 31, 2014.
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(2.2)% was from enrollment fees, which are deferred until a center opens and recognized on a straight-line basis over our estimated average membership life. Since 2010, the estimated average membership life has been 33 months. Enrollment fees decreased $1.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 to $12.2 million. The revenue recognized from enrollment fees was lower in 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily due to lower average enrollment fees over the deferral period.
Other revenue increased $7.1 million, or 14.4%, to $56.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. This increase was primarily due to athletic events acquired in the first quarter of 2014.
Center operations expenses. Center operations expenses totaled $744.3 million, or 60.3% of total center revenue (or 57.7% of total revenue), for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $689.2 million, or 59.6% of total center revenue (or 57.1% of total revenue), for the year ended December 31, 2013. This $55.1 million increase primarily consisted of an increase of $36.7 million in additional payroll-related costs, primarily for the three centers which opened in 2013 and the six centers which opened in 2014. The increase in center operations expenses as a percent of total revenue was due primarily to centers under one year old operating at lower margins as they build their membership base coupled with lower membership dues at certain mature centers.
Advertising and marketing expenses. Advertising and marketing expenses were $42.9 million, or 3.3% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $42.7 million, or 3.5% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2013.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $63.1 million, or 4.9% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $59.0 million, or 4.9% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase is primarily due to costs of $3.5 million associated with our exploration of a conversion of our real estate assets into a REIT incurred in the second half of 2014.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses were $67.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $64.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase is primarily due to a $5.1 million increase in costs to support the athletic events acquired during the first quarter of 2014 and a legal accrual of $4.7 million associated with estimated damages from a TCPA action, partially offset by a $4.1 million reduction of a contingent consideration liability associated with a prior acquisition taken in the third quarter of 2014.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $143.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $121.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily due to the depreciation on the three new facilities opened during 2013 and the six new facilities opened in 2014.
Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net of interest income, was $42.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $30.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase of $11.5 million was primarily a result of an increase in debt levels during 2013 and 2014 to fund future center expansion, other growth initiatives and share repurchases.
Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was $73.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $78.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This $4.4 million decrease was due to a decrease in income before income taxes of $11.0 million. The effective income tax rate was 39.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to 39.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Net income. As a result of the factors described above, net income was $114.4 million, or 8.9% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $121.0 million, or 10.0% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2012
Total revenue. Total revenue increased $79.0 million, or 7.0%, to $1,205.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 from $1,126.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Total center revenue grew $65.1 million, or 6.0%, to $1,156.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, from $1,091.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Of the $65.1 million increase in total center revenue,
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60.3% was from membership dues, which increased $39.3 million, or 5.4%, due to higher average dues and increased memberships, primarily at centers open less than 37 months. Our number of Access memberships decreased 0.6% to 678,619 at December 31, 2013 from 682,621 at December 31, 2012 primarily due to our strategy to emphasize dues growth through price optimization.
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41.9% was from in-center revenue, which increased $27.3 million, or 7.8%, primarily as a result of a $15.4 million increase in personal training revenue, a $6.6 million increase in sales of our spa and café products
and services and a $4.7 million increase in our member activities revenue. Average in-center revenue per Access membership increased from $507 for the year ended December 31, 2012 to $545 for the year ended December 31, 2013.
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(2.2)% was from enrollment fees, which are deferred until a center opens and recognized on a straight-line basis over our estimated average membership life. Since 2010, the estimated average membership life has been 33 months. Enrollment fees decreased $1.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 to $13.9 million. The revenue recognized from enrollment fees was lower in 2013 as compared to 2012 primarily caused by membership sales promotions.
Other revenue increased $13.9 million, or 38.8%, to $49.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. This increase was primarily due to a $12.1 million increase in athletic events and related businesses revenue.
Center operations expenses. Center operations expenses totaled $689.2 million, or 59.6% of total center revenue (or 57.1% of total revenue), for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $648.9 million, or 59.5% of total center revenue (or 57.7% of total revenue), for the year ended December 31, 2012. This $40.3 million increase primarily consisted of an increase of $24.7 million in additional payroll-related costs to support increased memberships and in-center revenue growth at our centers. Center operations expenses decreased as a percent of total revenue due primarily to leverage provided by dues growth.
Advertising and marketing expenses. Advertising and marketing expenses were $42.7 million, or 3.5% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $39.9 million, or 3.5% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2012. These expenses increased primarily due to increased marketing activity to drive memberships and in-center businesses.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses were $59.0 million, or 4.9% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $55.7 million, or 4.9% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase of $3.3 million is primarily related to information technology initiatives to support our continued growth.
Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses were $64.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $52.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase is primarily due to growth in infrastructure and operating costs to support the $13.9 million, or 38.8%, increase in other revenue.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization was $121.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $117.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This increase was primarily due to the depreciation on the three new facilities opened during 2013.
Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net of interest income, was $30.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $30.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes was $78.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $72.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This $6.0 million increase was due to an increase in income before income taxes of $16.3 million. The effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 39.3% compared to 39.5% for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Net income. As a result of the factors described above, net income was $121.0 million, or 10.0% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2013, compared to $110.8 million, or 9.8% of total revenue, for the year ended December 31, 2012.
Interest in an Unconsolidated Affiliated Entity
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, 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 footnote 3 to our consolidated financial statements.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We use EBITDA and EBITDAR as measures of operating performance.
EBITDA and EBITDAR should not be considered substitutes 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 and EBITDAR 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 and EBITDAR are useful to an investor in evaluating our operating performance because:
•
both are widely accepted financial indicators 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 and EBITDAR in certain of our financing documents; and
•
both are 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 and/or EBITDAR:
•
as measurements of operating performance because they assist us in comparing our performance on a consistent basis;
•
in presentations to the members of our Board of Directors to enable our Board of Directors to have the same consistent measurement basis of operating performance used by management; and
•
as the basis for incentive bonuses paid to selected members of senior and center-level management.
We have provided reconciliations of EBITDA and EBITDAR to net income in the “Selected Financial Data” section.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
Historically, we have satisfied our liquidity needs through cash flow provided by operations, various debt arrangements and sales of equity. Our principal liquidity needs have included the development of new centers, debt service requirements, share repurchases and expenditures necessary to maintain and update our existing centers and associated fitness equipment and may include the acquisition and remodeling of centers we acquire from time to time, as well as acquisitions to support our in-center and ancillary businesses. We believe that we can satisfy our current and longer-term debt service obligations and capital expenditure requirements primarily with cash flow from operations, with existing available capacity of our revolver, 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.
In January 2014, we obtained a mortgage loan in the original principal amount of $80.0 million on five of our facilities. In May 2014, we amended, enlarged and extended our credit facility, from $860.0 million to $1.2 billion, previously scheduled to mature in July 2018, now scheduled to mature in May 2019. In July 2014, we obtained a mortgage loan in the original principal amount of $78.0 million on five of our facilities. We expect to use the proceeds from the amended credit facility and the mortgage financings for general corporate purposes, future center expansion and to help fund other growth initiatives.
Our business model operates with negative working capital primarily for two reasons. First, we carry minimal accounts receivable due to our members' monthly membership dues paid by electronic draft. Second, we fund the
construction of our new centers under standard arrangements with our vendors that are paid with cash flows from operations or the credit facility.
As of December 31, 2014, we had total cash and cash equivalents of $9.2 million. We also had $448.7 million available under the terms of our credit facility as of December 31, 2014.
Credit Rating. We have never had public debt. We have never requested or received a credit rating from Standard and Poor’s Rating Services or Moody’s Investor Service.
The following table summarizes our capital structure.
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $260.7 million for 2014, compared to $259.4 million for 2013. This change is primarily due to a $22.1 million increase in depreciation and amortization expense, partially offset by a decrease of $6.6 million in net income, a decrease of $6.6 million in deferred income taxes and a decrease of $9.3 million in working capital.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $259.4 million for 2013, compared to $256.6 million for 2012, driven primarily by a $10.2 million, or 9.2%, improvement in net income and a $9.2 million increase in deferred income taxes, partially offset by a $20.2 million change in operating assets caused primarily by a $14.1 million increase in accounts payable.
Investing Activities
Investing activities consist primarily of purchasing real property, constructing new centers, acquisitions 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.
Net cash used in investing activities was $444.2 million for 2014, compared to $359.8 million for 2013. The increase of $84.4 million was primarily due to an $83.3 million increase in capital expenditures, most of which relates to the purchase of two of our centers previously sold in a sale leaseback transaction in 2003.
Net cash used in investing activities was $359.8 million for 2013, compared to $251.4 million for 2012. The increase of $108.4 million was primarily due to a $124.8 million increase in capital expenditures as a result of our increasing center construction activity, partially offset by a decrease of $17.4 million in acquisitions.
Our total capital expenditures were as follows:
The following schedule reflects capital expenditures by type of expenditure:
Beginning in 2013 and continuing in 2014, we started incremental investments in space conversions or additions within existing centers designed to enhance existing members’ experiences, driving retention, and attracting new members interested in increased specialization of programming and services that align with their areas of interest.
At December 31, 2014, we had purchased the real property for four current model centers that we plan to open in 2015 and two current model centers that we plan to open after 2015, entered into ground leases for two current model centers that we plan to open in 2015 and entered into a ground lease for one current model center that we plan to open after 2015.
In 2014, we spent approximately $16.0 million in business acquisition related costs, including costs related to several major-market athletic events.
In 2013, we spent approximately $13.2 million in business acquisition related costs, including costs related to several major-market athletic events.
In 2012, we spent approximately $30.6 million in business acquisition related costs, including costs related to a race timing company that developed a radio frequency identification timing system for athletic and endurance events including run, bike and multi-sport races. We also acquired a tennis center in the Atlanta, Georgia market which we rebranded Life Time Athletic Peachtree Corners. Additionally in 2012, we acquired certain athletic events which complement our existing portfolio of athletic events.
We expect our capital expenditures to be approximately $325 to $375 million in 2015, of which we expect to incur approximately $245 to $275 million for new center construction, expansion or remodel of existing or acquired centers and other growth initiatives and approximately $80 to $100 million for maintaining existing centers and corporate initiatives. We plan to fund these capital expenditures primarily with cash flow from operations and our credit facility.
Financing Activities
Financing activities consist primarily of proceeds from long-term debt, repayments of and proceeds from our credit facility, payments on debt obligations and repurchases of common stock.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $184.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, compared to $86.3 million provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2013. The change of $98.2 million
was primarily due to an increase of $168.0 million in proceeds from our credit facility, net and an increase of $36.8 million in mortgage financing, partially offset by an increase of $104.9 million in share repurchases.
Net cash provided by financing activities was $86.3 million for 2013, compared to $5.0 million for 2012. The change of $81.3 million was primarily due to $125.0 million in mortgage financing obtained during 2013, offset by an increase of $42.9 million in share repurchases.
See footnote 4, “Long-Term Debt,” to our consolidated financial statements for a description of all of our outstanding financing arrangements.
Debt Covenants
We were in compliance in all material respects with all restrictive and financial covenants under our credit facility and loan agreements as of December 31, 2014.
Our primary financial covenants are:
(1)
The formulas for these covenants are specifically defined in the credit agreement for our credit facility and include, among other things, an add back of share-based compensation expense to EBITDAR. See footnote 4, “Long-Term Debt,” to our consolidated financial statements for more information on our credit facility.
(2)
The formula for this covenant is specifically defined in our Senior Housing Properties Trust agreement. See footnote 9, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to our consolidated financial statements for more information on this sale-leaseback transaction.
Contractual Obligations
The following is a summary of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2014:
(1)
See footnote 4, “Long-Term Debt” to our consolidated financial statements for more information.
(2)
Represents obligations for interest payments on long-term borrowings and financing lease obligations, and includes projected interest on variable-rate long-term borrowings based on interest rates as of December 31, 2014 rates.
(3)
Purchase obligations consist primarily of our contracts with construction subcontractors for the completion of the six centers under construction as of December 31, 2014, all of which we plan to open in 2015, as well as contracts for the purchase of land for centers to be opened after 2015. All construction subcontracts contain clauses that allow us to terminate any project. Therefore, we have the ability to cancel any project and, in the event of such a cancellation, we will only be obligated to pay for work actually performed up to the date of cancellation.
(4)
Other obligations consists of deferred compensation obligations and payments owed in connection with certain acquisitions. In addition to the other long-term liabilities presented in the table above, approximately $1.0 million of unrecognized tax benefits, including interest and penalties, have been recorded as liabilities, and we are uncertain as to if or when such amounts may be settled.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for us in 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We are in the process of selecting a transition method and determining the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
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, 2014, our floating rate indebtedness was approximately $567.3 million. If long-term floating interest rates were to have increased by 100 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2014, our interest costs would have increased by approximately $4.4 million. If short-term interest rates were to have increased by 100 basis points during the year ended December 31, 2014, 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, 2014.
Item 8.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands, except share data)
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
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 distinctive and large, multi-use sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and spa centers in a resort-like environment, principally in residential locations of major metropolitan areas in the United States and Canada. As of December 31, 2014, we operated 113 centers, including 23 in Minnesota, 18 in Texas, nine in Illinois, seven in Michigan, six in Georgia, North Carolina and Ohio, five in Arizona, four in Colorado and Virginia, three in Indiana and New Jersey, two in Florida, Kansas, Maryland, Nevada and New York and one each in Alabama, California, Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Utah, and one in Ontario, Canada.
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 monthly membership dues for usage from our members. We offer members month-to-month memberships and recognize as revenue the monthly membership dues in the month to which they pertain.
Generally we also receive a one-time enrollment fee (including an administrative fee) at the time a member joins. The enrollment fees are nonrefundable after 14 days. Enrollment fees and related direct expenses, primarily sales commissions, are deferred and recognized on a straight-line basis over an estimated average membership life of 33 months, which is based on historical membership experience. During the years ended December 31, 2012, 2013 and 2014, our annual attrition rate fluctuated between 31.3% and 35.8%, resulting in the estimated average membership life remaining at 33 months during those periods. At December 31, 2014, our annual attrition rate was 35.2%.
If the direct expenses related to the enrollment fees exceed the enrollment fees for any center in a month, the amount of direct expenses in excess of the enrollment fees are expensed in the current period instead of deferred over the estimated average membership life. The amount of direct expenses in excess of enrollment fees totaled $28.7 million, $26.2 million and $20.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
We provide a wide range of services at each of our centers, including personal training, spa, café and other member offerings. Revenue from spa and café services and products is recognized at the point of sale to the customer. Personal training revenue received in advance of training sessions and the related commissions are deferred and recognized based on historical member usage.
Other revenue includes revenue from our media, athletic events and related services, which includes our race registration and timing businesses, our health promotion programs and training and certification programs. Media advertising revenue is recognized over the duration of the advertising placement. For athletic events, revenue is generated primarily through sponsorship sales and race registration fees. Athletic event revenue and race registration revenue is recognized upon the completion of the event. Race timing revenue is recognized at the time of delivery to customer. Health revenue is recognized primarily at the time the service is performed.
Pre-Opening Operations - We generally operate a preview center up to five months prior to the planned opening of a center during which time memberships are sold as center construction is being 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 average membership life, beginning when the center opens. 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
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
current period instead of deferred over the estimated average membership life. The related advertising, office, rent, labor 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 as cash and cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash - We are required to keep funds in escrow accounts or on deposit at certain financial institutions related to certain of our lease and acquisition agreements. We or third parties may access the restricted cash after the occurrence of a specified event, as provided for under the respective agreements.
Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable is presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts. The rollforward of these allowances is as follows:
Center Operating Supplies and Inventories - Our operating supplies are primarily center supplies such as towels, pool chemicals and materials for our child centers and other activities. Our inventories primarily consist of spa, café and nutritional products as well as personal training products including heart rate monitors. Inventories are stated at the lower-of-cost-or-market value and are removed from the balance on a first-in-first-out basis. These balances are as follows:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets - Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist of the following:
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.
Depreciation is computed 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:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
At December 31, 2014, we had six centers under construction which we plan to open in 2015. Construction in progress, including land for future development, totaled $172.1 million at December 31, 2014 and $202.8 million at December 31, 2013.
Included in the construction in progress balances are site development costs which 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. Upon completion of a project, the site development costs are classified as property and depreciated over the useful life of the asset. Site development costs were $2.1 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Capitalized software includes our internally developed web-based systems to facilitate member enrollment and management, marketing-based website development, as well as point of sale system enhancements and our payroll, human resources and procure-to-pay software.
We capitalize interest during the construction period of our centers and this capitalized interest is included in the cost of the building. We capitalized interest of $2.8 million and $3.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Other equipment consists primarily of café, spa, playground and laundry equipment.
Acquisitions - We account for business acquisitions in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 805, Business Combinations. This standard requires the acquiring entity in a business combination to recognize all the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transaction and establishes the acquisition-date fair value as the measurement objective for all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination. Certain provisions of this standard prescribe, among other things, the determination of acquisition-date fair value of consideration paid in a business combination (including contingent consideration) and the exclusion of transaction and acquisition-related restructuring costs from acquisition accounting.
In 2014, we spent approximately $16.0 million in business acquisition related costs, including several major-market athletic events. Our preliminary purchase price allocations are as follows: $0.3 million of identifiable assets, $3.6 million of deferred revenue, $11.9 million of goodwill and $7.6 million of identifiable intangible assets. Additionally in 2014, we finalized the valuation on our 2013 acquisitions which resulted in no changes to the preliminary allocations.
In 2014, we purchased the land and building of two of our existing centers we had previously leased. The purchase was financed by borrowings from our credit facility. Since we previously operated these centers, this was accounted for as a purchase of an asset group. We allocated the purchase price to land and buildings acquired based on relative fair values as determined by independent appraisals. Previously recorded deferred rent related to these properties was treated as a reduction of the purchase price. Additionally, we reclassified unamortized leasehold improvements on these properties to the purchased assets.
In 2013, we spent approximately $13.2 million in business acquisition related costs, including several major-market athletic events. The purchase price allocations were as follows: $3.2 million of identifiable assets, $4.6 million of deferred revenue, $9.4 million of goodwill and $5.4 million of identifiable intangible assets. Additionally in 2013, we finalized the valuation on our 2012 acquisitions which resulted in an increase of $2.6 million of goodwill.
In 2012, we spent approximately $30.6 million in acquisition related costs, including a race timing company that developed a radio frequency identification timing system for athletic and endurance events including run, bike and multi-sport races. Simultaneous with that acquisition, we merged a race registration business, in which we previously owned a majority equity interest, with the race timing business. The fair values assigned to the race
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
timing company were approximately $11.2 million of identifiable intangible assets, $2.3 million of identifiable assets and $5.7 million to goodwill. We also acquired a tennis center in the Atlanta, Georgia market which we rebranded Life Time Athletic Peachtree Corners. The fair value assigned to this acquired business was approximately $4.0 million of identifiable intangible assets. We also acquired certain athletic events which complement our existing portfolio of athletic events. The fair values assigned to the athletic events was approximately $3.9 million aggregate identifiable intangible assets.
We do not present pro forma information for these acquisitions given the immateriality of their results individually and in the aggregate to our consolidated financial statements.
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, or the inability to recover net book value over the remaining useful life, 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 ancillary business. The determination of whether impairment has occurred is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows directly related to that center or ancillary 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 material impairments on operating assets were deemed to have occurred during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
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.
In August 2011, we entered into an interest rate swap contract that effectively fixed the rates paid on a total of $200.0 million of variable rate borrowings at 1.32% plus the applicable spread (which depends on our EBITDAR leverage ratio) until June 2016. We pay 1.32% and receive LIBOR on the notional amount of $200.0 million. The contract has been designated as a cash flow hedge against interest rate volatility. Changes in the fair market value of the swap contract are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax. As of December 31, 2014, the $1.4 million fair market value loss, net of tax, of the swap contract was recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders’ equity section of our consolidated balance sheets and the $2.3 million gross fair market value of the swap contract was included in long-term debt. For information regarding the swap contract, see Note 4.
On an ongoing basis, we assess whether the interest rate swap used in this hedging transaction is “highly effective” in offsetting changes in the fair value or cash flow of the hedged item by comparing the current terms of the swap and the debt to assure they continue to coincide and through an evaluation of the continued ability of the counterparty to the swap to honor its obligations under the swap. If it is determined that the derivative is not highly effective as a hedge or hedge accounting is discontinued, any change in fair value of the derivative since the last date at which it was determined to be effective would be recognized in earnings. No amounts related to ineffectiveness have been recognized in earnings for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Goodwill - The goodwill acquired during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is primarily from the acquisition of certain athletic events as well as other smaller acquisitions. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are as follows:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Goodwill has an indefinite useful life and is not amortized but instead tested for impairment annually at September 30, or more frequently if necessary. We test goodwill at the reporting unit level which is one level below the operating segment. For us, this is generally the individual center or athletic event level. Based upon our review and analysis, no material impairments were deemed to have occurred during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Intangible Assets - Intangible assets are comprised of trade names, leasehold rights, curriculum- and technology-based intangible assets and customer relationships. Intangible assets determined to have an indefinite useful life are not amortized but instead tested for impairment at least annually.
We evaluate our intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis each September 30. 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. Based upon our review and analysis, no material impairments were deemed to have occurred during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
The following table summarizes the changes in our gross intangible balance:
The leasehold rights acquired during the year ended December 31, 2014 are related to our acquisition of a ground lease for a center expected to open in 2015. The trade/brand names and customer relationships acquired during 2014 are related to the acquisition of certain athletic events.
The trade/brand names acquired during the year ended December 31, 2013 are related to the acquisition of certain athletic events. The curriculum-and technology-based intangible acquired during 2013 is related to a patent purchased for use in our race registration and timing business.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Intangible assets consisted of the following:
Leasehold rights have useful lives ranging from six to 40 years. Approximately $9.3 million of our trade/brand names have indefinite useful lives. The remaining $11.6 million of our trade/brand names have a weighted-average useful life of approximately 11 years. Curriculum- and technology-based intangibles have useful lives ranging from two to 15 years. The customer relationship intangibles have useful lives of 10 years. Amortization expense for intangible assets was $3.9 million, $2.0 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, expected amortization expense for intangible assets for each of the next five years and thereafter was as follows:
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:
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. Land held for sale is stated at the lower-of-cost or fair market value less estimated costs to sell.
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:
TCPA Litigation - On April 17, 2014, a putative class action was filed against LTF Club Operations Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Life Time Fitness, Inc., in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri. On June 13, 2014, LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. removed this action to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division. On April 23, 2014, a second putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. On April 23, 2014, a third putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. On July 1, 2014, a fourth putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. On January 26, 2015, a fifth putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. These actions are collectively referred to as the “TCPA Actions” or "TCPA Litigation."
The TCPA Actions allege that we violated the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) when we, or a third party on our behalf, sent marketing text messages to plaintiffs’ cellular telephones using an automatic telephone dialing system without plaintiffs’ consent. Each plaintiff seeks certification of the class, injunctive relief, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and an award of damages available under the TCPA, which include actual damages and statutory damages of $500 per violation or $1,500 per violation if the violation was willful. We deny the allegations.
On October 15, 2014, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation granted our motion to transfer four of the TCPA Actions to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings (“MDL”). We have moved to transfer the fifth action, filed January 26, 2015, for consolidation in the MDL.
The parties have agreed to a class settlement of the TCPA Litigation. On February 25, 2015, plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement. The preliminary approval hearing is scheduled for March 5, 2015. We agreed to pay all costs of the settlement, including class notice, claims administration, court-awarded plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees, court-awarded service awards, and awards to class members. Class members may claim either a cash award of $100 or a membership award that lets them pick either a free three-month single Gold membership or a $250 credit toward any access membership that covers the class member. The total settlement amount, as calculated under the agreement, is subject to a minimum of $10 million and a maximum of $15 million. Depending on the total number of claims submitted and the amount of attorneys’ fees awarded, the amounts of the cash award and membership award may be adjusted up or down to bring the total settlement amount within that range. For purposes of calculating the total settlement amount, every membership award that is timely and validly claimed counts as a payment of $250 (subject to adjustment).
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Because our cost to service a membership is less than the membership award, the amount of our reasonably estimable loss does not directly correspond to the amount of the total settlement amount as calculated under the agreement. Further, the amount of attorneys’ fees, the claims rate, and the mix of cash and membership awards all remain unknown at this time, and therefore, we believe our reasonably estimable loss is a range. Based on reasonable estimates of these factors, we have recorded a liability in the fourth quarter of 2014 in the amount of $4.7 million, which we believe represents the minimum amount of the range.
Other Litigation - We are also engaged in other 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 will establish reserves for matters that are probable and estimable in amounts we believe are adequate to cover reasonable adverse judgments. 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 our business will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcomes of individual matters are not predictable with assurance.
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.
We recognize, measure, present and disclose uncertain tax positions that we have taken or expect to take in our income tax returns. We recognize a tax position 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.
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, 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 diluted EPS because the option exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common share were 2,477 for both of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, and 15,540 for the year ended December 31, 2012.
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, 2014 was 39,016,499.
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 or the repurchase of shares and do not anticipate declaring or paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, the terms of our credit facility limits the amount of dividends we may pay 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 of Directors.
Share-Based Compensation - We maintain share-based incentive plans. Under applicable accounting standards, the fair value of share-based compensation is determined at the grant date and the recognition of the related expense is recorded over the period in which the share-based compensation vests.
The Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors has the authority to select the persons to receive awards and determine the type, size and terms of awards and establish objectives and conditions for earning awards, and the authority to delegate that authority. The types of awards that may be granted include incentive and non-qualified options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance awards and other types of stock-based awards. The value of restricted shares was based upon the closing price of our stock on the dates of issue. The restricted shares generally vest over periods ranging from one to four years. As of December 31, 2014, we had 1,012,661 shares available for grant.
We also have performance-based incentive plans. In June 2009 and August 2010, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of a total of 1,016,000 shares of long-term performance-based restricted stock to serve as an incentive to our senior management team to achieve certain diluted EPS targets in 2011 and 2012. A specified EPS target was achieved for fiscal 2011 and 50% of the restricted shares vested. A specified EPS target was achieved for fiscal 2012 and the remaining 50% of the restricted shares vested. The probability of reaching the targets was evaluated each reporting period. A total of $18.8 million (pretax) was recognized as compensation expense with respect to this grant.
In May, July and August 2012, the Compensation Committee approved the grant of a total of 658,500 shares of long-term performance-based restricted stock to serve as an incentive to our senior management team to achieve certain cumulative diluted EPS and return on invested capital (“ROIC”) targets during performance periods that end on December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016. The cumulative diluted EPS target measures cumulative diluted EPS for each quarter during the period from April 1, 2012 to the end of the applicable performance period. These targets are $13.68 cumulative diluted EPS through 2015 and $18.96 cumulative diluted EPS through 2016. The ROIC target is measured in the last year of the applicable performance period. These targets are 8.9% for 2015 and
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
9.0% for 2016. If the specified cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets are met or exceeded for the performance period ending December 31, 2015, 50% of the restricted shares will vest. If the specified cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets are met or exceeded for the performance period ending December 31, 2016, all of the restricted shares will vest. In the event that we do not achieve the specified cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets for the performance period ending December 31, 2016, the restricted shares will be forfeited. A maximum of $26.0 million could be recognized as compensation expense with respect to this grant if all cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets are met.
We do not believe that achievement of either the cumulative diluted EPS or the ROIC targets is currently probable, and, therefore, we did not recognize any compensation expense associated with the grant during the year ended December 31, 2014. If all of the targets had been considered probable at December 31, 2014, we would have recognized $16.8 million of non-cash performance share-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2014. If it becomes probable that the cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC performance targets will be achieved, a cumulative adjustment will be recorded and the remaining compensation expense will be recognized over the remaining performance period. The probability of reaching the targets is evaluated each reporting period.
Our employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”) provides for the sale of shares of our common stock to our employees at discounted purchase prices. The cost per share under this plan is 90% of the fair market value of our common stock on the last day of the purchase period, as defined. Compensation expense under the ESPP is based on the discount of 10% at the end of the purchase period.
For more information on our share-based compensation, see Note 7.
Fair Value Measurements - The accounting guidance establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expanded disclosures about fair value measurements. The guidance 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 guidance 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.
Fair Value Measurements on a Recurring Basis
The fair value of the interest rate swap is determined using observable current market information such as the prevailing Eurodollar interest rates, Eurodollar yield curve rates and current fair values as quoted by recognized dealers, and also includes consideration of counterparty credit risk. The following table presents the fair value of our derivative financial instrument:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis
Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis relate primarily to our tangible fixed assets, goodwill and intangible assets, which are remeasured when the derived fair value is below carrying value on our consolidated balance sheets. For these assets, we do not periodically adjust carrying value to fair value except in the event of impairment. If we determine that impairment has occurred, the carrying value of the asset would be reduced to fair value and the difference would be recorded as a loss within operating income in our consolidated statements of operations.
We had no remeasurements of such assets or liabilities to fair value during the years ended December 31, 2014 or 2013.
Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value
The carrying amounts related to cash and cash equivalents (Level 1), accounts receivable, income tax receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximate fair value due to the relatively short maturities of such instruments.
The fair value of our long-term debt and capital leases are estimated based on estimated current rates for debt with similar terms, credit worthiness and the same remaining maturities. For variable rate loans that re-price frequently, fair values are based on carrying values. The fair value of fixed rate loans is estimated based on the discounted cash flows of the loans using current market rates, which are estimated based on recent financing transactions (Level 2). The fair value estimates presented are based on information available to us as of December 31, 2014. These fair value estimates have not been comprehensively revalued for purposes of these consolidated financial statements since that date, and current estimates of fair values may differ significantly.
The following table presents the carrying value and the estimated fair value of long-term debt:
Comprehensive Income - Comprehensive income 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 $3.8 million. This difference is related to the interest rate swap contract and foreign currency translation due to expenditures for initial construction costs for the construction and operations of one open center and one center under construction, in Toronto, Canada, our first international locations. For more information on the swap contract, see Note 4.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) by Component - The following table presents information about accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component (net of tax):
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, probability of meeting certain performance targets, tax provisions and deferred personal training revenue. We also use estimates for calculating the amortization period for deferred enrollment fee revenue and associated direct costs, which are based on the historical estimated average membership life. We revise the recorded estimates when better information is available, facts change or we can determine actual amounts. These revisions can affect our consolidated operating results.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information - Decreases (increases) in operating assets and increases (decreases) in operating liabilities are as follows:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Our capital expenditures were as follows:
We made cash payments for income taxes for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $78.9 million, $71.9 million and $61.5 million, respectively.
We made cash payments for interest, net of capitalized interest, for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 of $38.4 million, $29.0 million and $29.1 million, respectively. Capitalized interest was $2.8 million, $3.3 million and $1.1 million during those same periods, respectively.
Construction accounts payable was $32.0 million at December 31, 2014 and $47.3 million at December 31, 2013.
New Accounting Pronouncements - In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard is effective for us in 2017. Early application is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We are in the process of selecting a transition method and determining the effect of the standard on our ongoing financial reporting.
3.
Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate
In December 1999, we, together with two unrelated organizations, formed an Illinois limited liability company named Bloomingdale LIFE TIME Fitness 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 share joint control of the center with our joint venture partners, 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.
In May 2011, Bloomingdale LLC financed the outstanding amount of the taxable bond indebtedness with a mortgage loan from a bank in the amount $7.3 million. As additional security for the mortgage loan, all of the members separately guaranteed one-third of the loan. As of December 31, 2014, the maximum amount of future payments under our one-third of the guarantee was $1.2 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, each of the other two members are guaranteed to receive cash distributions from Bloomingdale LLC. The amount of these aggregated distributions is, and will continue to be throughout the term of the agreement, approximately $0.7 million annually per member. A determination will be made on an annual basis regarding the distribution of any net cash flow to each of the members in addition to the guaranteed payments. We are entitled to
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
receive annual distributions once guaranteed payments and adjustment payments have been made. 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 received distributions from Bloomingdale LLC in the amount of $1.0 million, $0.9 million and $1.0 million for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
4.
Long-Term Debt and Other Financing Obligation
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)
Credit Facility
In July 2013, we entered into the Second Amendment to the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") with U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent and lender, and other lenders from time to time a party thereto, which amended and restated our prior credit agreement. The material amendments to the Credit Agreement were (i) an increase to the amount of our credit facility from $660.0 million to $760.0 million and a new $100.0 million term loan and (ii) an extension of the term of the facility to July 2018. The credit facility could be increased by an additional $240.0 million upon the exercise of an accordion feature if one or more lenders committed the additional $240.0 million. The term loan dated July 31, 2013 amortized at the rate of 5.0% of the original term loan amount on an annual basis. The facility remained floating rate with a spread over LIBOR or Prime. The spreads under the leverage-based pricing grid in the facility remained unchanged, as did the financial covenant ratio thresholds.
In May 2014, we amended and extended our Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with U.S. Bank National Association, as administrative agent and lender, and other lenders from time to time a party thereto. The material amendments to the Credit Agreement are (i) an increase to the amount of the facility from $860.0 million to $1.2 billion; and (ii) an extension of the maturity of the facility to May 30, 2019. After giving effect to the amendments, the facility consists of a $100.0 million term loan and a $1.1 billion credit facility ("credit facility"), which term loan amortizes at the rate of 5.0% on an annual basis. The credit facility may also be increased by an additional $500.0 million upon the exercise of an accordion feature if one or more lenders commit the additional $500.0 million. The spreads under the leverage-based pricing grid in the credit facility were lowered. The financial covenant ratio thresholds were unchanged.
At December 31, 2013, $510.5 million was outstanding on the credit facility at a weighted average interest rate of 2.4%. The weighted average interest rate and debt outstanding under the credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2013 was 2.5% and $411.9 million, respectively. The maximum month-end balance during the year ended December 31, 2013 was $510.5 million.
At December 31, 2014, $733.8 million was outstanding on the credit facility at a weighted average interest rate of 2.5%, plus $13.8 million related to letters of credit. The weighted average interest rate and debt outstanding under the credit facility for the year ended December 31, 2014 was 2.4% and $599.4 million, respectively. The maximum month-end balance during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $733.8 million.
Interest Rate Swap
In August 2011, 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 $200.0 million of variable rate borrowings from our credit facility at 1.32% plus the applicable spread (which depends on our EBITDAR leverage ratio) until June 2016. We pay 1.32% and receive LIBOR on the notional amount of $200.0 million. The contract was designated as a hedge against interest rate volatility. We applied this hedge to variable rate interest debt under the U.S. Bank credit facility. Changes in the fair market value of the swap contract were recorded in accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income. As of December 31, 2014, the $1.4 million fair market value loss, net of tax, of the swap contract was recorded as accumulated other comprehensive loss in the shareholders’ equity section of our consolidated balance sheets and the $2.3 million gross fair market value of the swap contract was included in long-term debt.
Mortgage Financing
In January 2007, a wholly owned subsidiary obtained a 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 2007. The mortgage financing is secured by six properties owned by the subsidiary and operated as Life Time Fitness centers. 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
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
million. As additional security for the subsidiary's obligations under this mortgage financing, the subsidiary granted a security interest in all assets owned from time to time by the subsidiary including the properties, 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, 2014, $93.4 million remained outstanding on the loan.
In January 2014, a wholly owned subsidiary obtained a mortgage loan in the original principal amount of $80.0 million from Well Fargo Bank, N.A. pursuant to a promissory note and related agreements. The mortgage financing is secured by mortgages on five properties and matures in February 2024. Interest on the amounts borrowed is 5.06% per annum, with a constant monthly debt service payment of $0.5 million. As of December 31, 2014, $78.1 million remained outstanding on the loan.
In July 2014, a wholly owned subsidiary obtained a mortgage loan in the original principal amount of $78.0 million from ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company pursuant to a promissory note and related agreements. The mortgage financing is secured by five properties and matures in August 2027. Interest on the amounts borrowed is 4.70% per annum, with a constant monthly debt service payment of $0.7 million. As of December 31, 2014, $76.5 million remained outstanding on the loan.
In connection with the purchase of six previously leased Life Time Fitness centers, in December 2011 a wholly owned subsidiary assumed a securitized commercial mortgage-backed loan dated December 2006 in the original principal amount of $80.0 million from the landlord. The assumed amount of the loan was $72.1 million and matures in December 2016. Interest on the loan is 5.75% per annum, with a constant monthly debt service payment of $0.5 million. The loan is secured by mortgages on the six properties purchased by the subsidiary and certain other tangible and intangible property of the subsidiary. Also in connection with the purchase and financing, our wholly owned subsidiary assumed the lease agreement previously executed in June of 2006 between the landlord and another of our wholly owned subsidiaries as tenant of the six properties. Our subsidiaries may not terminate the lease or transfer their interests in the properties except as permitted under the loan and lease agreements. We guarantee the obligations of our subsidiary as tenant under the lease. As of December 31, 2014, $66.1 million remained outstanding on the loan.
In February 2013, a wholly-owned subsidiary obtained a mortgage loan in the original principal amount of $75.0 million from ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company pursuant to a promissory note and related agreements. The mortgage financing is secured by five properties and matures in March 2023. Interest on the amounts borrowed is 4.45% per annum, with a constant monthly debt service payment of $0.8 million. As of December 31, 2014, $64.2 million remained outstanding on the loan.
In August 2013, a wholly owned subsidiary obtained a mortgage loan in the original principal amount of $50.0 million from ING Life Insurance and Annuity Company pursuant to a promissory note and related agreements. The mortgage financing is secured by three properties and matures in September 2026. Interest on the amounts borrowed is 4.48% per annum, with a constant monthly debt service payment of $0.4 million. As of December 31, 2014, $46.4 million remained outstanding on the loan.
In May 2009, we financed one Minnesota center using an obligation bearing interest at a rate of 7.10%, to be reset in May 2014 and May 2019 using the five-year LIBOR swap rate plus 4.50%, with a 6.00% floor, and amortized over a 20-year period. This obligation is due in full in May 2024. As security for the obligation, we have granted a mortgage on this center. At December 31, 2014, $2.2 million was outstanding.
Variable Rate Demand Notes
In July 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 in July 2033, bear interest at a variable rate that is adjusted weekly.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
The interest rate at December 31, 2014 was 0.2%. 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. The letter of credit expires in June 2023 but can be renewed at GECC’s option. If GECC declines to renew the letter of credit in 2023, the Company will either need to pay off the balance of the notes or find a suitable replacement letter of credit. In connection with the letter of credit, 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 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. As of December 31, 2014, $31.2 million remained outstanding on the notes.
Aggregate annual future maturities of long-term debt (excluding capital leases) at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
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, 2014, the present value of the future minimum lease payments due under the lease amounted to $4.6 million.
In March 2007, we entered into a ground lease which ran through October 2048 for our Loudoun County, Virginia center. Pursuant to the terms of the lease which qualified as a capital lease, we had an option to purchase the land by giving notice during the fifth or tenth lease year. At December 31, 2013, our intention was to give notice and purchase the land during 2014; therefore the entire amount of the capital lease was in current maturities of long-term debt at that time. We purchased the land in August 2014.
The following is a summary of property recorded under capital leases:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Future minimum lease payments and the present value of net minimum lease payments on capital leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
Financing Lease Obligation
In September 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.
Prior to the filing of our 2014 annual report on Form 10-K, we determined we had inappropriately classified this transaction as an operating lease rather than accounting for the lease under the financing method. We concluded that the fixed price renewal options create a continuing involvement which requires the accounting under the financing method. See Note 12 for more information on the prior period impacts.
Under the financing method, we do not recognize any of the sale proceeds received from the lessor that contractually constitutes a payment to acquire the Properties. Instead, we treat such sale proceeds received as financing capital and accordingly record the proceeds as a long-term debt obligation in the consolidated balance sheets. We allocate the leaseback payments made to the lessor between interest expense and a reduction to the long-term debt obligation. Interest on the financing obligation is calculated using our incremental borrowing rate at the inception of the arrangement on the outstanding financing obligation. We determined our incremental borrowing rate by reference to the interest rates that we would have obtained in the financial markets to borrow amounts equal to the financing lease obligation over a term similar to the Lease term.
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, 2014, future minimum annual payments for each of the next five years and thereafter are as follows:
5.
Potential Spin-Off of Real Estate Assets through a Real Estate Investment Trust
On August 25, 2014, we announced that our Board of Directors and senior management team have initiated a process to explore a potential conversion of real estate assets into a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT). The Board of Directors continue to review strategic alternatives, including the exploration of a conversion of real estate assets into a REIT.
In connection with our evaluation of a REIT conversion, our Board of Directors adopted a shareholder rights plan to prohibit ownership of more than 9.8% of our outstanding shares. The rights will expire upon the earlier of August 21, 2015, or the first business day after the closing of the proposed REIT conversion.
6.
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 tax effect of other comprehensive income or additional paid-in capital items.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
The reconciliation between our effective tax rate on income before income taxes 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 net deferred tax liability are as follows:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
The following is a reconciliation of the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits:
Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 are $1.0 million, $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, 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 $0.1 million during 2014 and in total, as of December 31, 2014, had recognized a liability for penalties and interest of $0.1 million. During 2013, we accrued penalties and interest of $0.1 million and in total, as of December 31, 2013 had recognized a liability for penalties and interest of $0.1 million. During 2012, we accrued penalties and interest of $0.1 million and in total, as of December 31, 2012, had recognized a liability for penalties and interest of $0.1 million.
We do not anticipate that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease in the next 12 months.
We are subject to taxation in the U.S., Canada and various states. Our tax years 2011, 2012 and 2013 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 2011.
We have an income tax net operating loss carryforward related to our Canada operations of approximately $2.9 million, which expires in 18 years.
We consider the undistributed earnings of our foreign subsidiaries as of December 31, 2014 to be indefinitely reinvested and, accordingly, no U.S. income taxes have been provided thereon. As of December 31, 2014, the amount of cash associated with indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings was approximately $0.8 million. We have not, nor do we anticipate the need to, repatriate funds to the U.S. to satisfy domestic liquidity needs arising in the ordinary course of business, including liquidity needs associated with our domestic debt service requirements.
7.
Share-Based Compensation
Stock Option and Incentive Plans
The 2004 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2004 Plan") originally reserved 3,500,000 shares of our common stock for issuance. In 2009, our shareholders authorized an additional 1,750,000 shares. The types of awards that could be granted under the 2004 Plan included incentive and non-qualified options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance awards and other types of stock-based awards. We use the term “restricted shares” to define nonvested shares granted to employees, whereas applicable accounting guidance reserves that term for fully vested and outstanding shares whose sale is contractually or governmentally prohibited for a specified period of time. In connection with approval of the 2004 Plan, our Board of Directors approved a resolution to cease making additional grants under prior stock option and incentive plans. The restricted shares generally vest over periods ranging from one to four years. As of December 31, 2014, we had granted a total of 1,929,665 options to purchase common stock under the 2004 Plan, of which options to purchase 59,110 shares were outstanding. We also granted a total of 3,294,359 restricted shares under the 2004 Plan, of which
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
61,350 restricted shares were unvested. In connection with approval of the 2011 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2011 Plan"), as discussed below, our Board of Directors approved a resolution to cease making additional grants under the 2004 Plan.
The 2011 Plan reserved 2,500,000 shares of our common stock for issuance. Under the 2011 Plan, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors administers the 2011 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 2011 Plan include incentive and non-qualified options to purchase shares of common stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares, restricted share units, performance awards and other types of stock-based awards. Eligible participants under the 2011 Plan included our officers, employees, non-employee directors and consultants. Each award agreement specifies 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. The restricted shares generally vest over periods ranging from one to four years. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we granted 460,152 restricted shares under the 2011 Plan. The value of the restricted shares was based upon the closing price of our stock on the dates of issue which ranged from $47.05 to $54.47 during 2014. As of December 31, 2014, we had granted a total of 1,906,364 restricted shares under the 2011 Plan, of which 1,258,096 restricted shares were unvested. As of December 31, 2014, 1,012,661 shares remain available for grant under the 2011 Plan.
Total share-based compensation expense, which includes stock option expense and restricted stock expense, included in our consolidated statements of operations was as follows:
Summary of Restricted Stock Activity
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
During the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, we issued 460,152 shares, 363,106 shares and 1,052,466 shares of restricted stock, respectively, with an aggregate fair value of $20.8 million, $15.4 million and $49.8 million, respectively. The fair market value of restricted shares that became vested during the year ended December 31, 2014 was $13.5 million. The total value of 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. As of December 31, 2014, there was $24.1 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to restricted stock that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.2 years.
Special 2009 Long-Term Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant
In June 2009 and August 2010, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved the grant of a total of 1,016,000 shares of long-term performance-based restricted stock to serve as an incentive to our senior management team to achieve certain diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) targets in 2011 and 2012. A specified diluted EPS target was achieved for fiscal 2011 and consequently, 50% of the then-outstanding restricted shares (representing 453,500 shares of restricted stock) vested. A specified diluted EPS target was achieved for fiscal 2012 and consequently, the remaining restricted shares (representing 448,000 shares of restricted stock) vested.
In fourth quarter 2010, we determined that achieving the 2011 diluted EPS targets required for vesting of 50% of the restricted shares was probable. As a result, we recognized a cumulative, non-cash performance share-based compensation expense of $5.6 million in fourth quarter 2010 and an additional $3.9 million in 2011. In fourth quarter 2011, we determined that achieving the 2012 diluted EPS targets required for vesting of the remaining restricted shares was probable. As a result, we recognized a cumulative, non-cash performance share-based compensation expense of $6.8 million in fourth quarter 2011 and $2.6 million in 2012. All of the vested restricted shares were included in our share count at December 31, 2013 and 2014.
Special 2012 Long-Term Performance-Based Restricted Stock Grant
In May, July and August 2012, the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors approved the grant of a total of 658,500 shares of long-term performance-based restricted stock to serve as an incentive to our senior management team to achieve certain cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets during performance periods that end on December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016. These shares are included in the overall number of 1,052,466 restricted shares granted during the year ended December 31, 2012. At December 31, 2014, 565,500 shares remained outstanding under this grant.
The Compensation Committee set the cumulative diluted EPS targets at 1.5 times the compound annual growth rate under our then-current long range plan and the ROIC targets at 1.1 times the ROIC under our then-current long range plan. The following are the performance metrics underlying the targets:
A maximum of $26.0 million could be recognized as compensation expense under this grant if all cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets are met. We do not believe that achievement of either the cumulative diluted EPS or the
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
ROIC targets is currently probable, and, therefore, we did not recognize any compensation expense associated with the grant during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
If it becomes probable that the cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC performance targets will be achieved, a cumulative adjustment will be recorded and the remaining compensation expense will be recognized over the remaining performance period. If all of the targets had been considered probable at December 31, 2014, we would have recognized $16.8 million of non-cash performance share-based compensation expense during the year ended December 31, 2014. The probability of reaching the targets is evaluated each reporting period. If we later determined that it is no longer probable that the minimum cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC performance targets for the grants will be met, no further compensation expense would be recognized and any previously recognized compensation expense would be reversed. In the event that we do not achieve the specified cumulative diluted EPS and ROIC targets for the performance period ending December 31, 2016, the restricted shares will be forfeited. None of these shares were included in our total diluted share count at December 31, 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Summary of Stock Option Activity
No stock options have been granted since 2007. As of December 31, 2014, there was no unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, and all outstanding stock options were vested.
The aggregate intrinsic values in the table above represent the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between our closing stock price at each year end and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders, had all option holders exercised their options on December 31 of each year presented above. The intrinsic value changes based on the fair market value of our stock. Total intrinsic value of options exercised during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $4.0 million, $1.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
Our net cash proceeds from the exercise of stock options were $2.9 million, $1.7 million and $2.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The excess income tax benefit realized from stock option exercises was $1.3 million, $5.9 million and $8.5 million, respectively, for those same periods. This tax benefit is presented as a financing cash inflow with a corresponding offset included in cash flows from operating activities.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Our ESPP provides for the sale of up to 1,500,000 shares of our common stock to our employees at discounted purchase prices. The cost per share under this plan is 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 2014 under the ESPP began January 1, 2014 and ended June 30, 2014. The second purchase period began July 1, 2014 and ended December 31, 2014. Compensation expense under the ESPP, which was $0.1 million for each of 2014, 2013 and 2012, is based on the discount of 10% at the end of the purchase period. In 2014, $1.6 million was withheld from employees for the purpose of purchasing shares under the ESPP. There were 1,228,549 shares of common stock available for purchase under the ESPP as of December 31, 2014.
Share Repurchase Plans
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 issued under our ESPP. During 2014, we repurchased 32,178 shares for $1.5 million. As of December 31, 2014, there were 228,549 remaining shares authorized to be repurchased for this purpose.
In August 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $60.0 million of our outstanding common stock from time to time. A total of 1,107,665 shares were repurchased under this program for $50.1 million. This authorization terminated in August 2013 with the authorization of a new share repurchase program.
In August 2013, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock from time to time. During 2014, we repurchased 3,462,445 shares under this program for $166.9 million. A total of 4,109,146 shares were repurchased under this program for $197.8 million. This authorization terminated on July 22, 2014 with the authorization of a new share repurchase program.
In July 2014, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to $200.0 million of our outstanding common stock from time to time through open market or privately negotiated transactions. The authorization to repurchase shares terminates when the aggregate repurchase amount totals $200.0 million or at the close of business on June 30, 2016, whichever occurs first. The share repurchase program does not obligate us to repurchase any dollar amount or number of shares of our common stock and the program may be extended, modified, suspended or discontinued at any time. During the year ended December 31, 2014, we did not repurchase any shares under this program. As of December 31, 2014, there was $200.0 million remaining authorized under this program.
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. Each of the centers has similar economic characteristics, services, product offerings and customers, and in-center revenues are derived primarily from services to our members. Each of the other ancillary products and services either directly or indirectly, through advertising or branding, complement the operations of the centers. Our chief operating decision maker uses EBITDA as the primary measure of operating segment performance. Our chief operating decision maker is our Chief Executive Officer.
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, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
9.
Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Commitments - We lease certain property under operating and financing leases, which require us to pay maintenance, insurance and other expenses in addition to annual rentals. The minimum annual payments under all noncancelable leases at December 31, 2014 are as follows:
Rent expense under operating leases was $33.6 million, $33.3 million and $31.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, 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 a straight-line basis over the life of the lease.
Sale-Leaseback Transactions - In 2003, we financed two of our Michigan centers pursuant to the terms of a sale-leaseback transaction that qualified as an operating lease. Pursuant to the terms of the lease, we agreed to lease the centers for a period of 20 years, however we purchased the centers in June 2014.
In August 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
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
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 net worth of at least $200.0 million. At December 31, 2014, the future minimum lease payments due under the lease amounted to $151.8 million.
We account for the sale-leaseback transactions as operating leases. The gains we recognized upon completion of the sale-leaseback transactions, a total of $4.1 million, have been deferred and are being recognized over the lease term. At December 31, 2014, $2.8 million remains to be recognized.
Purchase Commitments - We contract in advance for land purchases and construction services and materials, among other things. The purchase commitments were $164.8 million, $142.7 million and $93.8 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
TCPA Litigation - On April 17, 2014, a putative class action was filed against LTF Club Operations Company, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Life Time Fitness, Inc., in the Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri. On June 13, 2014, LTF Club Operations Company, Inc. removed this action to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Eastern Division. On April 23, 2014, a second putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota. On April 23, 2014, a third putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. On July 1, 2014, a fourth putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota. On January 26, 2015, a fifth putative class action was filed against Life Time Fitness, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. These actions are collectively referred to as the “TCPA Actions” or "TCPA Litigation."
The TCPA Actions allege that we violated the federal Telephone Consumer Protection Act (“TCPA”) when we, or a third party on our behalf, sent marketing text messages to plaintiffs’ cellular telephones using an automatic telephone dialing system without plaintiffs’ consent. Each plaintiff seeks certification of the class, injunctive relief, reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, and an award of damages available under the TCPA, which include actual damages and statutory damages of $500 per violation or $1,500 per violation if the violation was willful. We deny the allegations.
On October 15, 2014, the United States Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation granted our motion to transfer four of the TCPA Actions to the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota for coordinated or consolidated pretrial proceedings (“MDL”). We have moved to transfer the fifth action, filed January 26, 2015, for consolidation in the MDL.
The parties have agreed to a class settlement of the TCPA Litigation. On February 25, 2015, plaintiffs filed a motion for preliminary approval of the settlement. The preliminary approval hearing is scheduled for March 5, 2015. We agreed to pay all costs of the settlement, including class notice, claims administration, court-awarded plaintiffs’ attorneys’ fees, court-awarded service awards, and awards to class members. Class members may claim either a cash award of $100 or a membership award that lets them pick either a free three-month single Gold membership or a $250 credit toward any access membership that covers the class member. The total settlement amount, as calculated under the agreement, is subject to a minimum of $10 million and a maximum of $15 million. Depending on the total number of claims submitted and the amount of attorneys’ fees awarded, the amounts of the cash award and membership award may be adjusted up or down to bring the total settlement amount within that range. For purposes of calculating the total settlement amount, every membership award that is timely and validly claimed counts as a payment of $250 (subject to adjustment).
Because our cost to service a membership is less than the membership award, the amount of our reasonably estimable loss does not directly correspond to the amount of the total settlement amount as calculated under the agreement. Further, the amount of attorneys’ fees, the claims rate, and the mix of cash and membership awards all
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
remain unknown at this time, and therefore, we believe our reasonably estimable loss is a range. Based on reasonable estimates of these factors, we have recorded a liability in the fourth quarter of 2014 in the amount of $4.7 million, which we believe represents the minimum amount of the range.
Other Litigation - We are also engaged in other 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 will establish reserves for matters that are probable and estimable in amounts we believe are adequate to cover reasonable adverse judgments. 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 our business will not have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Such matters are subject to many uncertainties, and the outcomes 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 $2.7 million, $2.3 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Letters of Credit - As of December 31, 2014, we had $13.8 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 and commercial liability insurance. Such letters of credit are secured by the collateral under our senior secured credit facility. As of December 31, 2014, no amounts had been drawn on any of these irrevocable standby letters of credit.
As of December 31, 2014, we had posted bonds totaling $21.9 million related to construction activities and operational licensing.
Guarantee - In May 2011, Bloomingdale LLC borrowed $7.3 million from a bank. Each of the members separately guaranteed one-third of the outstanding loan amount. As of December 31, 2014, the maximum amount of future payments under our one-third of the guarantee was $1.2 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.
10.
Related Party Transactions
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 100% interest. We paid rent pursuant to this lease of $0.5 million, $0.6 million and $0.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The terms of the lease were negotiated by one of our independent directors on behalf of our company and were reviewed and approved by a majority of our independent and disinterested directors. Our Board of Directors, with assistance from a third-party expert, determined that the terms of the lease were at market rates.
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.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
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 made matching contributions of $0.1 million to this plan during fiscal 2014. Any contributions to this plan vest to each participant according to their years of service with us. At December 31, 2014, $6.5 million had been deferred and is being held on behalf of the employees. This amount is reflected as an other long-term liability on the balance sheet.
12.
Immaterial Restatement of Prior Year Financial Statements
Prior to the filing of our 2014 annual report on Form 10-K, we determined we had inappropriately classified a 2008 sale-leaseback transaction as an operating lease rather than accounting for the lease under the financing method, as the agreement did not transfer all of the other risks and rewards of ownership due to our continuing involvement with the property. We determined the error to be immaterial to the financial statement for all respective prior periods. The impact of these corrections to the 2013 and 2012 consolidated financial statements is summarized below.
The following changes have been made to our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
The following changes have been made to our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of December 31, 2013:
The following changes have been made to our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
The impact of the corrections on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 include decreases to net income totaling $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The impact of the corrections on the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 include decreases to net income totaling $0.7 million and $0.8 million, respectively, and a $3.0 million correction to retained earnings as of January 1, 2012.
The notes to the consolidated financial statements have been corrected to give effect to these items.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Table amounts in thousands, except share and per share data)
13.
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
The following is a condensed summary of actual quarterly results of operations:
(1)
We define gross profit as total center revenue less center operations expenses.
(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.
Chanhassen, MN
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Life Time Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these 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, 2014 and 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, 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, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated March 2, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
[s] DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 2, 2015
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Life Time Fitness, Inc.
Chanhassen, MN
We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Life Time Fitness, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 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, 2014, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) 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, 2014 and our report dated March 2, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
[s] DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 2, 2015
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, 2014, 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, 2014. 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 (2013). Based on management's assessment and those criteria, they believe that, as of December 31, 2014, 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, 2014, 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, 2014.
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 quarter ended December 31, 2014 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 May 21, 2015 (the “Proxy Statement”), which will be filed with the SEC pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after December 31, 2014. 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 March 2, 2015:
Name
Age
Position
Bahram Akradi
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer
Eric J. Buss
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Jeffrey G. Zwiefel
Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Tami A. Kozikowski
Executive Vice President, LifeSpa and Chief Administrative Officer
Jess R. Elmquist
Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Life Time University
Erik A. Lindseth
Senior Vice President and General Counsel
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. In December 2009, Mr. Akradi was appointed President of our company; a position he also held from 1992 through December 2007. Mr. Akradi has over 30 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.
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. In December 2010, Mr. Buss transitioned from the General Counsel and Secretary positions, and became responsible for the company’s media division in addition to his other responsibilities as an Executive Vice President. In August 2013, Mr. Buss transitioned from his role overseeing the media division and other businesses and administrative functions to support the finance function with the announcement of our former Chief Financial Officer's planned retirement. Mr. Buss was then appointed as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2014. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Buss was an associate with the law firm of Faegre & Benson LLP (now Faegre Baker Daniels) from 1996 to August 1999. Prior to beginning his legal career, Mr. Buss was employed by Arthur Andersen LLP.
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. Mr. Zwiefel was named Executive Vice President of Operations in 2008, and Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations in October 2011. In October 2013, Mr. Zwiefel was named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Zwiefel has over 24 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.
Tami A. Kozikowski joined our company in August 2012 as Executive Vice President, Real Estate and Development. In November 2014, Ms. Kozikowski transitioned from this role to Executive Vice President, LifeSpa and Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Kozikowski was Chief Development Officer of Advance Auto Parts, a leading automotive aftermarket retailer from June 2009 to December 2011. From November 2007 to February 2009 she served as Senior Vice President, Merchandising for Best Buy Co., Inc., a specialty retailer of consumer electronics, office products, appliances and software, where she was responsible for Best Buy’s appliance, music, movies and gaming businesses. Prior to that, she served in other senior leadership operational roles with Best Buy Co., Inc., including Senior Vice President of Services (Geek Squad) Operations from August 2006 to November 2007, Senior Vice President Retail Support/Operations from March 2004 to August 2006 and Senior Vice President, Real Estate and Property Management.
Jess R. Elmquist joined our company in June 2005 as Senior Director of Life Time University. Mr. Elmquist previously led our company’s corporate sales division from 1997 to 2001. In April 2008, Mr. Elmquist was named Vice President of Life Time University, and named Senior Vice President of Life Time University in November 2010. Mr. Elmquist was then appointed Executive Vice President, Human Resources and Life Time University, in November 2013. He has over 17 years of comprehensive experience leading teams, training and certification while supporting the human resources function nationwide in Life Time’s expansion. Prior to joining Life Time in 1997, Mr. Elmquist worked in the Minnesota public school system for six years. Mr. Elmquist has a B.A. in Education.
Erik A. Lindseth joined our company as Associate General Counsel in 2006. Mr. Lindseth was then promoted to Vice President and General Counsel in 2010. Since that time, Mr. Lindseth has led Life Time’s legal team in handling or managing all legal matters for the company, from club development and construction to business operations. In February 2014, Mr. Lindseth was promoted to Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Before joining Life Time, Mr. Lindseth served as an Assistant Attorney General with the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office from 1999 to 2006 and worked in private practice with Faegre & Benson LLP (now Faegre Baker Daniels) from 1995 to 1999. Mr. Lindseth received his law degree from Harvard Law School, and bachelor of arts degrees in speech and political science from Drake University.
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 “Securities Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners 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 Registered 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, 2014 and 2013
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
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:
#
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, 2015.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC.
By:
/s/ Bahram Akradi
Bahram Akradi
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on March 2, 2015 by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant in the capacities indicated.
LIFE TIME FITNESS, INC.
By:
/s/ Bahram Akradi
Bahram Akradi
Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer and Director)
By:
/s/ Eric J. Buss
Eric J. Buss
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
By:
/s/ John M. Hugo
John M. Hugo
Senior Vice President and Corporate Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)
Directors
Giles H. Bateman *
Jack W. Eugster *
Guy C. Jackson *
John K. Lloyd *
Martha A. Morfitt *
John B. Richards *
Joseph S. Vassalluzzo *
* Eric J. Buss, 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.
By:
/s/ Eric J. Buss
Eric J. Buss, Attorney-in-Fact