2.    SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES



Rental

PropertyRental properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Costs directly related to the acquisition, development and construction of rental properties are capitalized.  Acquisition–related costs are expensed as incurred.  Capitalized development and construction costs include pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development and construction costs, interest, property taxes, insurance, salaries and other project costs incurred during the period of development.  Capitalized development and construction salaries and related costs approximated $0.6 million and $1.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Included in total rental property is construction, tenant improvement and development in-progress of $144.9 million and $88.7 million as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred; major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.  Fully-depreciated assets are removed from the accounts.



The Company considers a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the substantial completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity (as distinguished from activities such as routine maintenance and cleanup).  If portions of a rental project are substantially completed and occupied by tenants, or held available for occupancy, and other portions have not yet reached that stage, the substantially completed portions are accounted for as a separate project.  The Company allocates costs incurred between the portions under construction and the portions substantially completed and held available for occupancy, primarily based on a percentage of the relative square footage of each portion, and capitalizes only those costs associated with the portion under construction.



Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.  The estimated useful lives are as follows:





Upon acquisition of rental property, the Company estimates the fair value of acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities assumed, generally consisting of the fair value of (i) above and below market leases, (ii) in-place leases and (iii) tenant relationships.  The Company allocates the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their fair values.  The Company records goodwill or a gain on bargain purchase (if any) if the net assets acquired/liabilities assumed exceed the purchase consideration of a transaction.  In estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired, the Company considers information obtained about each property as a result of its due diligence and marketing and leasing activities, and utilizes various valuation methods, such as estimated cash flow projections utilizing appropriate discount and capitalization rates, estimates of replacement costs net of depreciation, and available market information.  The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. 



Above-market and below-market lease values for acquired properties are initially recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the remaining initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases. The capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of base rental revenue over the remaining terms of the respective leases, and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to base rental revenue over the remaining initial terms plus the terms of any below-market fixed rate renewal options of the respective leases.



Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values and tenant relationship values, which are based on management’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and the Company’s overall relationship with the respective tenant.  Factors to be considered by management in its analysis of in-place lease values include an estimate of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases.  In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions.  In estimating costs to execute similar leases, management considers leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.  Characteristics considered by management in valuing tenant relationships include the nature and extent of the Company’s existing business relationships with the tenant, growth prospects for developing new business with the tenant, the tenant’s credit quality and expectations of lease renewals.  The value of in-place leases are amortized to expense over the remaining initial terms of the respective leases.  The value of tenant relationship intangibles are amortized to expense over the anticipated life of the relationships.



On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the Company’s rental properties held for use may be impaired.  In addition to identifying any specific circumstances which may affect a property or properties, management considers other criteria for determining which properties may require assessment for potential impairment.  The criteria considered by management include reviewing low leased percentages, significant near-term lease expirations, recently acquired properties, current and historical operating and/or cash flow losses, near-term mortgage debt maturities or other factors that might impact the Company’s intent and ability to hold the property.  A property’s value is impaired only if management’s estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property.  To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying value of the property over the fair value of the property.  The Company’s estimates of aggregate future cash flows expected to be generated by each property are based on a number of assumptions.  These assumptions are generally based on management’s experience in its local real estate markets and the effects of current market conditions.  The assumptions are subject to economic and market uncertainties including, among others, demand for space, competition for tenants, changes in market rental rates, and costs to operate each property.  As these factors are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter management’s assumptions, the future cash flows estimated by management in its impairment analyses may not be achieved, and actual losses or impairments may be realized in the future.    



Rental Property

Held for SaleWhen assets are identified by management as held for sale, the Company discontinues depreciating the assets and estimates the sales price, net of selling costs, of such assets.  The Company generally considers assets to be held for sale when the transaction has received appropriate corporate authority, and there are no significant contingencies relating to the sale.   If, in management’s opinion, the estimated net sales price, net of selling costs, of the assets which have been identified as held for sale is less than the net book value of the assets, a valuation allowance is established. 

 

If circumstances arise that previously were considered unlikely and, as a result, the Company decides not to sell a property previously classified as held for sale, the property is reclassified as held and used.  A property that is reclassified is measured and recorded individually at the lower of (a) its carrying value before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held and used, or (b) the fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. 



Investments in

Unconsolidated

Joint VenturesThe Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting.  The Company applies the equity method by initially recording these investments at cost, as Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures, subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions.  The outside basis portion of the Company’s joint ventures is amortized over the anticipated useful lives of the underlying ventures’ tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed.  Generally, the Company would discontinue applying the equity method when the investment (and any advances) is reduced to zero and would not provide for additional losses unless the Company has guaranteed obligations of the venture or is otherwise committed to providing further financial support for the investee.    If the venture subsequently generates income, the Company only recognizes its share of such income to the extent it exceeds its share of previously unrecognized losses.

 

On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures may be impaired.  An investment is impaired only if management’s estimate of the value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary.  To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying value of the investment over the value of the investment.  The Company’s estimates of value for each investment (particularly in real estate joint ventures) are based on a number of assumptions that are subject to economic and market uncertainties including, among others, demand for space, competition for tenants, changes in market rental rates, and operating costs.  As these factors are difficult to predict and are subject to future events that may alter management’s assumptions, the values estimated by management in its impairment analyses may not be realized, and actual losses or impairment may be realized in the future.  See Note 4: Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures. 

  

Cash and Cash

EquivalentsAll highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents. 

 

Deferred

Financing CostsCosts incurred in obtaining financing are capitalized and amortized over the term of the related indebtedness.  Deferred financing costs are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt liability to which they relate, except deferred financing costs related to the revolving credit facility, which are presented in Deferred charges, goodwill and other assets.  In all cases, amortization of such costs is included in interest expense and was $1,169,000 and $953,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  If a financing obligation is extinguished early, any unamortized deferred financing costs are written off and included in gains (losses) from early extinguishment of debt.  No such unamortized costs were written off for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

Deferred

Leasing CostsCosts incurred in connection with commercial leases are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases and included in depreciation and amortization.  Unamortized deferred leasing costs are charged to amortization expense upon early termination of the lease.  Certain employees of the Company are compensated for providing leasing services to the Properties.  The portion of such compensation related to commercial leases, which is capitalized and amortized, was approximately  $780,000 and $970,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

GoodwillGoodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination. Goodwill is allocated to various reporting units, as applicable.  Each of the Company’s segments consists of a reporting unit. Goodwill is not amortized.  Management performs an annual impairment test for goodwill during the fourth quarter and between annual tests, management evaluates the recoverability of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of goodwill may not be fully recoverable.  In its impairment tests of goodwill, management first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value.  If, based on this assessment, management determines that the fair value of the reporting unit is not less than its carrying value, then performing the additional two-step impairment test is unnecessary. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its fair value, an impairment charge is recognized. 

 

Derivative

InstrumentsThe Company measures derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts, at fair value and records them as an asset or liability, depending on the Company’s rights or obligations under the applicable derivative contract.  For derivatives designated and qualifying as fair value hedges, the changes in the fair value of both the derivative instrument and the hedged item are recorded in earnings.  For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portions of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income (“OCI”) and are subsequently reclassified into earnings when the hedged item affects earnings. Changes in fair value of derivative instruments not designated as hedging and ineffective portions of hedges are recognized in earnings in the affected period. 

 

Revenue

RecognitionBase rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases.  Unbilled rents receivable represents the cumulative amount by which straight-line rental revenue exceeds rents currently billed in accordance with the lease agreements.



Above-market and below-market lease values for acquired properties are initially recorded based on the present value (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the remaining initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed-rate renewal options for below-market leases.  The capitalized above-market lease values for acquired properties are amortized as a reduction of base rental revenue over the remaining terms of the respective leases, and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to base rental revenue over the remaining initial terms plus the terms of any below-market fixed-rate renewal options of the respective leases. 



Escalations and recoveries from tenants are received from tenants for certain costs as provided in the lease agreements.  These costs generally include real estate taxes, utilities, insurance, common area maintenance and other recoverable costs.  See Note 14: Tenant Leases. 



Real estate services revenue includes property management, development, construction and leasing commission fees and other services, and payroll and related costs reimbursed from clients.  Fee income derived from the Company’s unconsolidated joint ventures (which are capitalized by such ventures) are recognized to the extent attributable to the unaffiliated ownership interests. 



Parking income includes income from parking spaces leased to tenants and others. 



Other income includes income from tenants for additional services arranged for by the Company and income from tenants for early lease terminations.

 

Allowance for

Doubtful AccountsManagement performs a detailed review of amounts due from tenants to determine if an allowance for doubtful accounts is required based on factors affecting the collectability of the accounts receivable balances. The factors considered by management in determining which individual tenant receivable balances, or aggregate receivable balances, require a collectability allowance include the age of the receivable, the tenant’s payment history, the nature of the charges, any communications regarding the charges and other related information. Management’s estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts requires management to exercise significant judgment about the timing, frequency and severity of collection losses, which affects the allowance and net income. 

 

Income and

Other TaxesThe Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”).  As a REIT, the Company generally will not be subject to corporate federal income tax (including alternative minimum tax) on net income that it currently distributes to its shareholders, provided that the Company satisfies certain organizational and operational requirements including the requirement to distribute at least 90 percent of its REIT taxable income (determined by excluding any net capital gains) to its shareholders.  If and to the extent the Company retains and does not distribute any net capital gains, the Company will be required to pay federal, state and local taxes on such net capital gains at the rate applicable to capital gains of a corporation.  The Company has elected to treat certain of its corporate subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”).  In general, a TRS of the Company may perform additional services for tenants of the Company and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business (except for the operation or management of health care facilities or lodging facilities or the providing to any person, under a franchise, license or otherwise, rights to any brand name under which any lodging facility or health care facility is operated).  A TRS is subject to corporate federal income tax.   The Company has conducted business through its TRS entities for certain property management, development, construction and other related services, as well as to hold a joint venture interest in a hotel and other matters. 



As of March 31, 2016, the Company had a deferred tax asset related to its TRS activity with a balance of approximately $23.4 million which has been fully reserved for through a valuation allowance.  If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, the Company will be subject to federal income tax (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) on its taxable income at regular corporate tax rates.  The Company is subject to certain state and local taxes.



Pursuant to the amended provisions related to uncertain tax provisions of ASC 740, Income Taxes, the Company recognized no material adjustments regarding its tax accounting treatment.  The Company expects to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions, if any, as income tax expense, which is included in general and administrative expense.



In the normal course of business, the Company or one of its subsidiaries is subject to examination by federal, state and local jurisdictions in which it operates, where applicable.  As of March 31, 2016, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are generally from the year 2011 forward.

 

Earnings

Per ShareThe Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”).  Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period.  Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock, where such exercise or conversion would result in a lower EPS from continuing operations amount.  Shares whose issuance is contingent upon the satisfaction of certain conditions shall be considered outstanding and included in the computation of diluted EPS as follows (i) if all necessary conditions have been satisfied by the end of the period (the events have occurred), those shares shall be included as of the beginning of the period in which the conditions were satisfied (or as of the date of the grant, if later) or (ii) if all necessary conditions have not been satisfied by the end of the period, the number of contingently issuable shares included in diluted EPS shall be based on the number of shares, if any, that would be issuable if the end of the reporting period were the end of the contingency period (for example, the number of shares that would be issuable based on current period earnings or period-end market price) and if the result would be dilutive. Those contingently issuable shares shall be included in the denominator of diluted EPS as of the beginning of the period (or as of the date of the grant, if later).



Dividends and

Distributions

PayableThe dividends and distributions payable at March 31, 2016 represents dividends payable to common shareholders (89,638,337 shares) and distributions payable to noncontrolling interest unitholders of the Operating Partnership (10,499,844 common units and 657,373 LTIP units) for all such holders of record as of April 5, 2016 with respect to the first quarter 2016.  The first quarter 2016 common stock dividends and unit distributions of $0.15 per common share and unit were approved by the Board of Directors on March 8, 2016 and paid on April 15, 2016.  



The dividends and distributions payable at December 31, 2015 represents dividends payable to common shareholders (89,584,008 shares) and distributions payable to noncontrolling interest common unitholders of the Operating Partnership (10,516,844 common units) for all such holders of record as of January 6, 2016 with respect to the fourth quarter 2015.  The fourth quarter 2015 common stock dividends and common unit distributions of $0.15 per common share and unit were approved by the Board of Directors on December 8, 2015 and paid on January 15, 2016.  



Costs Incurred

For Stock

IssuancesCosts incurred in connection with the Company’s stock issuances are reflected as a reduction of additional paid‑in capital.



Stock

CompensationThe Company accounts for stock compensation in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation.  These provisions require that the estimated fair value of restricted stock (“Restricted Stock Awards”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance share units (“PSUs”), long-term incentive plan awards and stock options at the grant date be amortized ratably into expense over the appropriate vesting period.  The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $785,000 and $313,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.     



Other

Comprehensive

IncomeOther comprehensive income (loss) includes items that are recorded in equity, such as effective portions of derivatives designated as cash flow hedges or unrealized holding gains or losses on marketable securities available for sale. 



Fair Value

HierarchyThe standard Fair Value Measurements specifies a hierarchy of valuation techniques based upon whether the inputs to those valuation techniques reflect assumptions other market participants would use based upon market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs).  The following summarizes the fair value hierarchy:





In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy.  In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.



Discontinued

OperationsIn April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance related to the reporting of discontinued operation and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity.  This guidance defines a discontinued operation as a component or group of components disposed or classified as held for sale and represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and final result; the guidance states that a strategic shift could include a disposal of a major geographical area of operations, a major line of business, a major equity method investment or other major parts of an entity.  The guidance also provides for additional disclosure requirements in connection with both discontinued operations and other dispositions not qualifying as discontinued operations.  The guidance is effective for all companies for annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014.  The guidance applies prospectively to new disposals and new classifications of disposal groups as held for sale after the effective date.  All entities could early adopt the guidance for new disposals (or new classifications as held for sale) that had not been reported in financial statements previously issued or available for issuance.    The Company elected to early adopt this standard effective with the interim period beginning January 1, 2014.    Prior to January 1, 2014, properties identified as held for sale and/or disposed of were presented in discontinued operations for all periods presented. 



Impact Of

Recently-Issued

Accounting

StandardsIn May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition model requiring a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount reflecting the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In adopting ASU 2014-09, companies may use either a full retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. Additionally, this guidance requires improved disclosures regarding the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.  ASU 2014-09 is effective for the first interim period within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted for periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. 



In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about the entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide certain disclosures when it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ended December 31, 2016 and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2014-15 is not expected to materially impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, modifying the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee.  This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight line basis over the term of the lease, respectively.  A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification.  Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for in the same manner as operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The guidance is expected to impact the consolidated financial statements as the Company has certain operating and land lease arrangements for which it is the lessee.  The guidance supersedes previously issued guidance under ASC Topic 840 “Leases.” The guidance is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted.  The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.



In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, which eliminates a requirement for the retroactive adjustment on a step by step basis of the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings as if the equity method had been effective during all previous periods that the investment had been held when an investment qualifies for equity method accounting due to an increase in the level of ownership or degree of influence. The cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee is to be added to the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and the equity method of accounting should be adopted as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. This guidance is to be applied on a prospective basis and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-07 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. 



 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, intended to simplify various aspects related to how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements. The new guidance allows for entities to make an entity-wide accounting policy election to either estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest or account for forfeitures when they occur. In addition, the guidance allows employers to withhold shares to satisfy minimum statutory tax withholding requirements up to the employees’ maximum individual tax rate without causing the award to be classified as a liability. The guidance also stipulates that cash paid by an employer to a taxing authority when directly withholding shares for tax-withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period. Early adoption is permitted in any interim or annual period, with any adjustments reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of ASU 2016-09 will have on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.