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 commercial square footage or multi-family units 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. For asset acquisitions, the Company allocates the purchase price to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their relative fair values. The Company records goodwill or a gain on bargain purchase (if any) if the net assets acquired/liabilities assumed differ from the purchase consideration of a business combination 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 values of in-place leases are amortized to expense over the remaining initial terms of the respective leases. The values of tenant relationship intangibles are amortized to expense over the anticipated life of the relationships or leases.

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, depending on the type of property, may include reviewing low leased percentages, significant near-term lease expirations, current and historical operating and/or cash flow losses, construction cost overruns and/or other factors, including those 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 over its estimated holding period is less than the carrying value of the property. If there are different possible scenarios for a property, the Company will take a probability weighted approach to estimating future cash flow scenarios. To the extent impairment has occurred, the impairment loss is 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 and estimated fair values for each property are based on a number of assumptions, including but not limited to estimated holding periods, market capitalization rates and discount rates, if applicable. For developable land holdings, an

estimated per-unit market value assumption is also considered based on development rights for the land. 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.

Real Estate Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

When 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 (as identified by their disposal groups) to be held for sale when the transaction has received appropriate corporate authority, it is probable to be sold within the following 12 months, and there are no significant contingencies relating to a sale. If, in management’s opinion, the estimated net sales price, net of selling costs, of the disposal groups which have been identified as held for sale is less than the carrying value of the assets, a valuation allowance (which is recorded as unrealized losses on disposition of rental property) is established. In the absence of an executed sales agreement with a set sales price, management’s estimate of the net sales price may be based on a number of assumptions, including but not limited to the Company’s estimates of future and stabilized cash flows, market capitalization rates and discount rates, if applicable. For developable land, an estimated per-unit market value assumption is also considered based on development rights for the land. In addition, the Company classifies assets held for sale or sold as discontinued operations if the disposal groups represent a strategic shift that will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. For any disposals qualifying as discontinued operations, the assets and their results are presented in discontinued operations in the financial statements 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 an asset previously classified as held for sale, the asset is reclassified as held and used. An asset that is reclassified is measured and recorded individually at the lower of (a) its carrying value before the asset was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation (amortization) expense that would have been recognized had the asset 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 Ventures           

The 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.

If the venture subsequently makes distributions and the Company does not have an implied or actual commitment to support the operations of the venture, the Company will not record a basis less than zero, rather such amounts will be recorded as equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures. 

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 including but not limited to estimates of future and stabilized cash flows, market capitalization rates and discount rates, if applicable. These assumptions are 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 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 Equivalents                

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

Deferred Financing Costs        

Costs 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 $4,625,000, $5,028,000 and $4,612,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. If a financing obligation is extinguished early, any unamortized deferred financing costs are written off and included in gains (losses) from extinguishment of debt. Included in gain(loss) from extinguishment of debt, net, of $1.6 million, $(10.8) million (of which $1.8 million loss pertained to properties classified as discontinued operations) and $ (0.4) million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were unamortized deferred financing costs which were written off (as non-cash transactions) amounting to $0.4 million, $0.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively.

Deferred Leasing Costs/Leasing Personnel Costs             

Costs incurred in connection with successfully executed commercial and residential leases were 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 were 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 was capitalized and amortized, and included in deferred charges, goodwill and other assets, net, was approximately zero, $3,463,000 and $3,146,000 for the years ended, December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Upon the adoption of ASC 842 on January 1, 2019, the Company no longer capitalizes such costs, and includes such costs in Leasing personnel costs in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations, which amounted to $2,261,000 for the year ended December 31, 2019.

Goodwill                     

Goodwill 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. The Company determined that its goodwill, with a balance of $2.9 million, was not impaired at December 31, 2019 after management performed its impairment tests.

Derivative Instruments                

The 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 Recognition                

Revenue from leases includes fixed base rents under leases, which are 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 revenue from leases over the remaining terms of the respective leases, and the capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to revenue from leases over the remaining initial terms plus the terms of any below-market fixed-rate renewal options of the respective leases.

The Company elected a practical expedient for its rental properties (as lessor) to avoid separating non-lease components that otherwise would need to be accounted for under the recently-adopted revenue accounting guidance (such as tenant reimbursements of property operating expenses) from the associated lease component since (1) the non-lease components have the same timing and pattern of transfer as the associated lease component and (2) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease; this enables the Company to account for the combination of the lease component and non-lease components as an operating lease since the lease component is the predominant component of the combined components.   

Due to the Company’s adoption of the practical expedient discussed above to not separate non-lease component revenue from the associated lease component, the Company is aggregating revenue from its lease components and non-lease components (comprised predominantly of tenant operating expense reimbursements) into the line entitled “Revenue from leases.” 

Revenue from leases also includes reimbursements and recoveries from tenants 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 13: 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.

Hotel income includes all revenue earned from hotel properties.

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

All bad debt expense is being recorded as a reduction of the corresponding revenue account starting on January 1, 2019. Management performs a detailed review of amounts due from tenants for collectability, based on factors affecting the billings and status of individual tenants. The factors considered by management in determining which individual tenant’s revenues are affected 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 bad debt write-off’s requires management to exercise judgment about the timing, frequency and severity of collection losses, which affects the revenue recorded.

Income and Other Taxes                

The General Partner has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “IRS Code”). As a REIT, the General Partner generally will not be subject to corporate federal income tax on net income that it currently distributes to its shareholders, provided that the General Partner 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 General Partner retains and does not distribute any net capital gains, the General Partner will be required to pay federal, state and local taxes, as applicable, on such net capital gains at the rate applicable to capital gains of a corporation.

The Operating Partnership is a partnership, and, as a result, all income and losses of the partnership are allocated to the partners for inclusion in their respective tax returns. Accordingly, no provision or benefit for income taxes has been made in the accompanying financial statements.

As of December 31, 2019, the estimated net basis of the rental property for federal income tax purposes was lower than the net assets as reported in the Operating Partnership’s financial statements by approximately $529,160,000. The Operating Partnership’s taxable income for the year ended December 31, 2019 was estimated to be approximately $71,151,000 and for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 was approximately $82,106,000 and $97,037,000, respectively. The differences between book income and taxable

income primarily result from differences in depreciation expenses, the recording of rental income, differences in the deductibility of interest expense and certain other expenses for tax purposes, differences in revenue recognition and the rules for tax purposes of a property exchange.

The General Partner has elected to treat certain of its corporate subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”). In general, a TRS of the General Partner 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 General Partner 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.

The deferred tax asset balance at December 31, 2019 amounted to $9.8 million which has been fully reserved through a valuation allowance. New tax reform legislation enacted in late 2017 reduced the corporate tax rate to 21 percent, effective January 1, 2018.  Consequently, the Company’s deferred tax assets were re-measured to reflect the reduction in the future U.S. corporate income tax rate as of the enactment date.  As a result, the Company recorded a decrease related to its deferred tax assets of $5.3 million and a decrease to the associated valuation allowance of $5.3 million at December 31, 2017. If the General Partner fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, the Company will be subject to federal income 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 December 31, 2019, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are generally from the year 2015 forward.

Earnings Per Share or Unit                        

The Company presents both basic and diluted earnings per share or unit (“EPS or EPU”). Basic EPS or EPU excludes dilution and is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders or unitholders by the weighted average number of shares or units outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS or EPU 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 or EPU from continuing operations amount. Shares or units whose issuance is contingent upon the satisfaction of certain conditions shall be considered outstanding and included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU as follows (i) if all necessary conditions have been satisfied by the end of the period (the events have occurred), those shares or units 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 or units included in diluted EPS or EPU shall be based on the number of shares or units, 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 or units 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 or units shall be included in the denominator of diluted EPS or EPU as of the beginning of the period (or as of the date of the grant, if later).

Dividends and Distributions Payable                       

The dividends and distributions payable at December 31, 2019 represents dividends payable to common shareholders (90,595,197 shares) and distributions payable to noncontrolling interests unitholders of the Operating Partnership (9,488,794 common units and 1,949,601 vested and unvested LTIP units), for all such holders of record as of January 3, 2020 with respect to the fourth quarter 2019. The fourth quarter 2019 common stock dividends and unit distributions of $0.20 per common share (total of $18.1 million), common unit (total of $1.9 million), and LTIP unit (total of $0.4 million), were approved by the General Partner’s Board of Directors on December 17, 2019 and paid on January 10, 2020.

The dividends and distributions payable at December 31, 2018 represents dividends payable to common shareholders (90,320,408 shares) and distributions payable to noncontrolling interests unitholders of the Operating Partnership (10,174,285 common units and 1,762,170 LTIP units) for all such holders of record as of January 3, 2019 with respect to the fourth quarter 2018. The fourth quarter 2018 common stock dividends and unit distributions of $0.20 per common share (total of $18.1 million), common unit (total of $2.0 million) and LTIP unit (total of $0.4 million) were approved by the General Partner’s Board of Directors on December 11, 2018

and paid on January 11, 2019.

The Company has determined that the $0.80 dividend per common share paid during the year ended December 31, 2019 represented 100 percent capital gain; the $0.80 dividend per common share paid during the year ended December 31, 2018 represented approximately 47 percent ordinary income and approximately 53 percent capital gain and the $0.70 dividend per common share paid during the year ended December 31, 2017 represented 100 percent ordinary income.

Costs Incurred For Stock Issuances                    

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

Stock Compensation            

The 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”), performance share units, 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 $8,161,000, $6,894,000 and $7,447,000 for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)           

Other 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.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests                     

The Company evaluates the terms of the partnership units issued in accordance with the FASB’s Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity guidance. Units which embody an unconditional obligation requiring the Company to redeem the units for cash after a specified or determinable date (or dates) or upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely within the control of the issuer are determined to be contingently redeemable under this guidance and are included as Redeemable noncontrolling interests and classified within the mezzanine section between Total liabilities and Stockholders’ equity on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The carrying amount of the redeemable noncontrolling interests will be changed by periodic accretions, so that the carrying amount will equal the estimated future redemption value at the redemption date.

Fair Value Hierarchy                    

The 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:

Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets that are unadjusted and accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities;

Level 2: Quoted prices for identical assets and liabilities in markets that are inactive, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or financial instruments for which significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals and

Level 3: Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

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.