Innovative Financing Strategies Create Operational Cashflow during COVID-19

CONTACT: Tara Perkins, AVP | 203-418-9049 | [email protected]

 FAIRFIELD, CT– HJ Sims (Sims), a privately held investment bank and wealth management firm founded in 1935, is pleased to announce the closing of a number of financings utilizing innovative financing strategies to create operational cashflow and advantageous results for senior living organizations.  

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the 2017 TCJA) had an enormous impact on the municipal bond market with the elimination of advance refundings. In 2018, Sims identified alternative strategies in the absence of advance refundings. Strategies included (1) Cinderella bank-held bonds, (2) taxable fixed rate advanced refundings, (3) forward refundings and (4) tender offers.

 

The use of Cinderella Bonds aims to secure an advance refunding that is at first taxable and converts to tax-exempt when permitted. It was applied to the financing of Marshes of Skidaway Island (The Marshes) in GA. In 2020, Sims approached The Marshes noting that a bank-placed Cinderella refinancing of outstanding fixed rate bonds would provide significant savings. Sims successfully closed the $47.1 million financing in December 2020, saving approximately $1.14 million annually and $15.36 million, in the aggregate, through a bank financing.

 

Westminster Communities of Florida, the largest provider of life plan communities in the State of FL, employed Sims to utilize a taxable fixed rate advance refunding of bonds issues to acquire Glenmoor after its successful turnaround. Sims analyzed bank-held and fixed rate bond advanced refundings, with a rapidly growing taxable fixed rate bond market. Westminster proceeded with a taxable advanced refunding and tax-exempt new money issuance to fund upcoming capital projects. Sims procured strong investor interest in the successful $107,360,000 transaction, achieving superior execution.

 

A Forward Refunding approach was utilized with Peconic Landing at Southold (Peconic) in NY. This strategy utilizes tax-exempt fixed rate bonds priced on a present-day basis, but not delivered and “closed” until ninety days prior to the call date of the refunded bonds. In 2019, Sims discussed potential refunding of Peconic’s bonds. The elimination of tax-exempt advance refundings meant immediate access to the tax-exempt market wasn’t possible, and the current BBB- rating made access to the taxable bond market impractical. Sims helped facilitate a forward refunding, securing pricing on a 20-year term on the refunding in late 2019 and saving Peconic $300,000+ in annual debt service with the ultimate settlement occurring in November 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

A Tender Offer financing was implemented for the MD Obligated Group of Asbury Communities (Asbury). In 2018, Asbury MD Obligated Group’s capital stack was comprised of outstanding bonds placed directly with an institutional investor without an optional call feature and with a balloon payment. Sims negotiated an exchange of the bonds at a purchase price for a new series of bonds, extending the amortization, providing additional years of repayment and reducing the overall debt burden.

 

The 2017 TCJA changed the borrowing landscape for 501(c)(3) organizations. As the new administration and Congress identify and implement their fiscal policies, the Sims’ Financed Right® approach will ensure Sims will continue to assist clients in navigating the ever-changing market landscape, as we monitor market response to new laws and update the industry of developments and trends.

 

To learn details about each strategy, read the Sims Perspective, click here.

 

ABOUT HJ SIMS: Founded in 1935, HJ Sims is a privately held investment bank and wealth management firm. Headquartered in Fairfield, CT, Sims has nationwide investment banking, private wealth management and trading locations. Member FINRA, SIPC. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.  Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter,  Instagram.

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HJ Sims Successfully Underwrites Pavilion Project and Refinancing for John Knox Village in Pompano Beach

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             

November 23, 2020

CONTACT: Tara Perkins, AVP | 203-418-9049 | [email protected]

HJ Sims Successfully Underwrites Pavilion Project and Refinancing for John Knox Village in Pompano Beach

FAIRFIELD, CT– HJ Sims (Sims), a privately held investment bank and wealth management firm founded in 1935, is pleased to announce the successful closing of an October 2020 refinancing and capital projects financing in the amount of $77,605,000 for John Knox Village (JKV), a life plan community for age- and income-qualified residents in Pompano Beach, FL.

JKV sought assistance in restructuring its capital stack while issuing additional debt to develop amenity spaces to serve existing and attract new residents to the potential Westlake Tower expansion. JKV was seeking financing options for a new community pavilion, including dining facilities and related amenities, a new lake, various parking spaces and a new central energy plant (Pavilion Project). Sims was ultimately engaged by JKV as the COVID-19 pandemic was declared.

Sims provided multiple financing scenarios to analyze considering the volatility of the bond market and bank lending environment, which ultimately led to the selection of long-term fixed rate bonds for the 2020 financing. Working alongside JKV’s board, management and financial advisor, Sims prepared JKV for the Fitch-review process as they sought a material increase in their debt, ultimately retaining their Fitch A- credit rating with a negative outlook.

Sims priced the JKV Series 2020 Bonds during a week of near record volume, surpassing expectations and executing on a majority 4.000% or lower coupon structure to minimize the debt service burden. Sims also worked alongside JKV and its legal counsel to modernize certain aspects of JKV’s existing master trust indenture, providing additional flexibility for JKV in anticipation of the potential Westlake Tower expansion. The final pricing increased maximum annual debt service by just over $2.5 million for over $58 million in new long-term debt. The Series 2020 Bond issuance, as underwritten by Sims, is expected to provide a stable platform upon which JKV may continue to grow as it nears its fifth decade of service.

“Modernizing a Life Plan Community is a stressful endeavor on its own. Adding the stress of financial markets, budgets, forecasting and legal documents can be overwhelming for governance, management and residents. A good financing team is the key to wading through these waters. HJ Sims built a strong financing team, and broke down a complicated process into easily understood digestible parts. The results left this Community the ability to afford the facility, which will position John Knox Village as continued market leaders of senior lifestyle for generations. Working with Aaron and Melissa has been a pleasure; they are part of my team and I expect to continue to use their counsel in the future. I would recommend this firm highly,” said Bruce Chittenden, CFO, JKV.

Financed Right® Solutions—Aaron Rulnick: 301-424-9135, [email protected] |

Melissa Messina: 203.418.9014, [email protected].   

ABOUT HJ SIMS: Founded in 1935, HJ Sims is a privately held investment bank and wealth management firm. Headquartered in Fairfield, CT, Sims has nationwide investment banking, private wealth management and trading locations. Member FINRA, SIPC. Testimonials may not be representative of another client’s experience. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter,  Instagram.

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An Exclusive Investment Opportunity: John Knox Village

**This financing has been successfully closed. Please contact you advisor for any potential secondary market opportunities.**

$72,480,000*
City of Pompano Beach, Florida
Tax-exempt Revenue and Revenue Refunding Municipal Bonds
Series 2020
(John Knox Village)

HJ Sims is pleased to serve as the sole underwriter for John Knox Village of Florida, Inc. (John Knox) is a 501(c)(3) corporation incorporated and existing under the laws of the State of Florida. John Knox owns and operates a Life Plan Community (LPC) located on approximately 65 acres in the City of Pompano Beach, Broward County, Florida. John Knox has grown from a small retirement community, consisting of a three-story building and 24 triplexes surrounding a lake, to the second largest CCRC in the State, and is comprised of 654 independent living units with various common areas; 62 assisted living units and associated common areas; and 194-bed skilled nursing suites (total 912 units).https://hjsims.com/johnknoxvillage

About the Bonds

  • Series 2020
    • $72,480,000*
    • Rated “A- Negative Outlook“ by Fitch Ratings
    • Tax-exempt from Federal Income Tax
    • Minimum denominations $5,000

 Use of Proceeds

  • Campus improvements, including the development of a community pavilion that houses a performing arts center, dining and other amenities
    • $41.5mm in project costs
      • $36.16mm in Pavilion Project costs
      • $5.4mm reimbursement in capital expenditures previously incurred
    • Refunding of $19.075mm in outstanding Series 2010 Bonds
    • Repayment of $12.2mm Line of Credit
    • Fund 20 months’ of Capitalized Interest
    • Fund a Debt Service Reserve

Security

  • Revenue Pledge
  • First Mortgage
  • Debt Service Reserve Fund

Key Financial Covenants

  • Debt Service Coverage Ratio – 1.10x tested on an annual basis
  • Days Cash on Hand – 100 days tested on an annual basis
  • Additional Debt Test
  • Limitations on Transfers

We are currently accepting indications of interest for these tax-exempt revenue bonds with an expected pricing week of October 19, 2020, and anticipated settlement week of October 26, 2020. For more information including risks, please read the Preliminary Official Statement in its entirety. If you have interest in purchasing these bonds, please contact your HJ Sims financial advisor, as soon as possible or call 877.577.3364.

LEARN MORE
877.577.3364

*Subject to change

No dealer, broker, salesperson, or other person has been authorized to give any information or to make any representation other than those contained in the Preliminary Official Statement and, if given or made, such other information or representation should not be relied upon as having been authorized by the Issuer, the Borrower, or the Underwriters. The information set forth herein has been obtained from the Issuer, Borrower, and other sources that are believed to be reliable, but is not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness by, and is not construed as a representation of, the Underwriters. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Under no circumstances shall this constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Any offering or solicitation will be made only to investors pursuant to the Preliminary Official Statement, which should be read in its entirety. Investments involve risk including the possible loss of principal. HJ Sims is a member of FINRA and SIPC, and is not affiliated with John Knox Village.

HJ Sims Participates in the MoneyShow Virtual Expo

Tools for entirement®

The HJ Sims team experienced a successful first-time appearance as speakers at this year’s MoneyShow Virtual Expo, September 15-17. The event theme was Investment Strategies and featured thousands of attendees over the three-day run.

Our Test Your Stress: How in the World Is Your Portfolio? presentation highlighted HJ Sims Tools for entirement® and the strategic methods in which HJ Sims’ financial advisors can test client portfolios against dozens of world events, including economic, political and financial scenarios.

Our team was comprised of Geoffrey von der Linden, Senior Vice President; Eugene Chyzowych, Senior Vice President; and Joshua Davison, CIMA®, Director of Investments.

Additionally, HJ Sims hosted a dynamic virtual booth, including our videos, biographies, and foundational information about us and our rich 85+ year history.

We look forward to speaking at the next MoneyShow Virtual Expo in October for accredited investors.

Register for MoneyShow Virtual Expo October, featuring HJ Sims

Register

HJ Sims is a SEC registered Broker-Dealer, a member of FINRA, SIPC and is affiliated and under common ownership and control with a state registered investment advisor: Herbert J. Sims Capital Management, Inc. (HJSCM). Some HJ Sims financial professionals are dually registered as investment advisors with HJSCM and may therefore provide advice on HJSCM managed accounts. This material has been prepared and is distributed solely for informational purposes and is not a solicitation or an offer to buy or sell any security or instrument or to participate in any trading or investment strategy. September 2020.