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 $1.9 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $3.7 million and $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Included in total rental property is construction, tenant improvement and development in-progress of $44.9 million and $107.6 million (which included costs related to two properties placed in service during the nine months ended September 30, 2013) as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, 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 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 amount 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.

 

As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company’s consolidated real estate joint ventures in which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary have total real estate assets of $210.6 million and $198.3 million, respectively, mortgages of $79.4 million and $77.1 million, respectively, and other liabilities of $16.6 million and $16.5 million, respectively. 

 

Rental Property

Held for Sale and

Discontinued

OperationsWhen 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.  If, in management’s opinion, the estimated net sales price 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.  Properties identified as held for sale and/or disposed of are presented in discontinued operations for all periods presented.  See Note 7: Discontinued Operations. 

 

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 amount 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 extend 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 amount of the investment over the value of the investment.  The Company’s estimates of value for each investment (particularly in commercial 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 a 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. Amortization of such costs is included in interest expense and was $954,000 and $673,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $2,379,000 and $1,945,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  If a financing obligation is extinguished early, any unamortized deferred financing costs are written off and included in gains (loss) on early extinguishment of debt. Such unamortized costs which were written off amounted to $156,000 and zero for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $156,000 and $370,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.    

 

 

Deferred

Leasing CostsCosts incurred in connection with 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, which is capitalized and amortized, approximated $962,000 and $1,156,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $3,168,000 and $3,312,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

GoodwillGoodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and intangible assets acquired in a business combination.  Management performs an annual impairment test for goodwill during the fourth quarter.  Additionally, management evaluates the recoverability of goodwill whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of goodwill may not be fully recoverable.

 

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.  Construction services revenue includes fees earned and reimbursements received by the Company for providing construction management and general contractor services to clients.  Construction services revenue is recognized on the percentage of completion method.  Using this method, profits are recorded on the basis of our estimates of the overall profit and percentage of completion of individual contracts.  A portion of the estimated profits is accrued based upon estimates of the percentage of completion of the construction contract.  This revenue recognition method involves inherent risks relating to profit and cost estimates.  Real estate services revenue includes property management, development 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.  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 periodically performs a detailed review of amounts due from tenants to determine if accounts receivable balances are impaired based on factors affecting the collectability of those balances.  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 to its shareholders.  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.  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 September 30, 2013, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are generally from the year 2008 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 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 September 30, 2013 represents dividends payable to common shareholders (87,766,758 shares) and distributions payable to noncontrolling interest common unitholders of the Operating Partnership (11,987,175 common units) for all such holders of record as of October 3, 2013 with respect to the third quarter 2013.  The third quarter 2013 common stock dividends and common unit distributions of $0.30 per common share and unit were approved by the Board of Directors on September 12, 2013.  The common stock dividends and common unit distributions payable were paid on October 11, 2013.  

 

The dividends and distributions payable at December 31, 2012 represents dividends payable to common shareholders (87,537,250 shares) and distributions payable to noncontrolling interest common unitholders of the Operating Partnership (12,141,836 common units) for all such holders of record as of January 4, 2013 with respect to the fourth quarter 2012.  The fourth quarter 2012 common stock dividends and common unit distributions of $0.45 per common share and unit were approved by the Board of Directors on December 3, 2012.  The common stock dividends and common unit distributions payable were paid on January 11, 2013.

 

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”), TSR-based Performance Shares and stock options (if any) at the grant date be amortized ratably into expense over the appropriate vesting period.  The Company recorded stock compensation expense of $755,000 and $579,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and $2,402,000 and $1,971,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively. 

 

Other

Comprehensive 

IncomeOther comprehensive income (loss) includes items that are recorded in equity, such as unrealized holding gains or losses on marketable securities available for sale.  There was no difference in other comprehensive income to net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012,  and no accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2013 and 2012.