Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

v2.3.0.15
Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
 9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Rental Property
Rental
Property
Rental properties are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization.  Costs directly related to the acquisition, development and construction of rental properties are capitalized. Pursuant to the Company's adoption of ASC 805, Business Combinations, effective January 1, 2009, 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.  Included in total rental property is construction, tenant improvement and development in-progress of $30,948,000 and $65,990,000 as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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, 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:

Leasehold interests
Remaining lease term
Buildings and improvements
5 to 40 years
Tenant improvements
The shorter of the term of the
 
related lease or useful life
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
5 to 10 years

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 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 term 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 impairment may be realized in the future.
Rental Property Held For Sale And Discontinued Operations
Rental Property
  
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.  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 6: 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 Ventures
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.

 
ASC 810, Consolidation, provides guidance on the identification of entities for which control is achieved through means other than voting rights ("variable interest entities" or "VIEs") and the determination of which business enterprise, if any, should consolidate the VIE (the "primary beneficiary").  Generally, the consideration of whether an entity is a VIE applies when either (1) the equity investors (if any) lack one or more of the essential characteristics of a controlling financial interest, (2) the equity investment at risk is insufficient to finance that entity's activities without additional subordinated financial support or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportionate to their economic interests and the activities of the entity involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with a disproportionately small voting interest.

 
 
On January 1, 2010, the Company adopted the updated provisions of ASC 810, which amends FIN 46(R) to require ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity.  Additionally, ASC 810 amends FIN 46(R) to eliminate the quantitative approach previously required for determining the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, which was based on determining which enterprise absorbs the majority of the entity's expected losses, receives a majority of the entity's expected residual returns, or both.  ASC 810 amends certain guidance in Interpretation 46(R) for determining whether an entity is a variable interest entity.  Also, ASC 810 amends FIN 46(R) to require enhanced disclosures that will provide users of financial statements with more transparent information about an enterprise's involvement in a variable interest entity.  The enhanced disclosures are required for any enterprise that holds a variable interest in a variable interest entity.  The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact to these financial statements.  See Note 4: Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures for disclosures regarding the Company's 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 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 Equivalents
Cash and Cash
  
Equivalents
All highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.
Marketable Securities
Marketable
Securities
The Company classifies its marketable securities among three categories: held-to-maturity, trading and available-for-sale.  Unrealized holding gains and losses relating to available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and reported as other comprehensive income (loss) in equity until realized.  A decline in the market value of any held-to-maturity marketable security below cost that is deemed to be other than temporary results in a reduction in the carrying amount to fair value.  Any impairment would be charged to earnings and a new cost basis for the security established.

The fair value of the marketable securities is determined using level I inputs under ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures.  Level I inputs represent quoted prices available in an active market for identical investments as of the reporting date.
Deferred Financing Costs
Deferred
Financing                     Costs
Costs 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 $584,000 and $646,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $1,752,000 and $2,021,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Deferred Leasing Costs
Deferred
Leasing Costs
Costs 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 $1,099,000 and $872,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $3,135,000 and $2,728,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Derivative Instruments
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
Recognition
Base rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases.  Unbilled rents receivable represents the 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 terms of the lease for above-market leases and the remaining initial terms plus the terms 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 13: 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 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, facilities management, leasing commission fees and other services, and payroll and related costs reimbursed from clients.  Other income includes income from parking spaces leased to tenants, income from tenants for additional services arranged for by the Company and income from tenants for early lease terminations.
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts
Allowance for
Doubtful Accounts
Management 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 Taxes
 Income and
Other Taxes
The 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, 2011, the tax years that remain subject to examination by the major tax jurisdictions under the statute of limitations are generally from the year 2006 forward.
Earnings Per Share
Earnings
  
Per Share
The 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.
Dividends And Distributions Payable
Dividends and
  
Distributions
Payable
The dividends and distributions payable at September 30, 2011 represents dividends payable to preferred shareholders (10,000 shares) and common shareholders (87,142,004 shares), and distributions payable to noncontrolling interest common unitholders of the Operating Partnership (12,771,105 common units) for all such holders of record as of October 5, 2011 with respect to the third quarter 2011.  The third quarter 2011 preferred stock dividends of $50.00 per share, common stock dividends and common unit distributions of $0.45 per common share and unit were approved by the Board of Directors on September 14, 2011.  The common stock dividends and common unit distributions payable were paid on October 11, 2011.  The preferred stock dividends payable were paid on October 17, 2011.

The dividends and distributions payable at December 31, 2010 represents dividends payable to preferred shareholders (10,000 shares) and common shareholders (79,605,542 shares), and distributions payable to noncontrolling interest common unitholders of the Operating Partnership (13,007,668 common units) for all such holders of record as of January  5, 2011 with respect to the fourth quarter 2010.  The fourth quarter 2010 preferred stock dividends of $50.00 per share, common stock dividends and common unit distributions of $0.45 per common share and unit were approved by the Board of Directors on December 7, 2010.  The common stock dividends, common unit distributions and preferred stock dividends payable were paid on January 14, 2011.
Costs Incurred For Stock Issuances
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
Stock
  
Compensation
The Company accounts for stock options and restricted stock awards granted prior to 2002 using the intrinsic value method prescribed in the previously existing accounting guidance on accounting for stock issued to employees.  Under this guidance, compensation cost for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the quoted market price of the Company's stock at the date of grant over the exercise price of the option granted.  Compensation cost for stock options is recognized ratably over the vesting period.  The Company's policy is to grant options with an exercise price equal to the quoted closing market price of the Company's stock on the business day preceding the grant date.  Accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized under the Company's stock option plans for the granting of stock options made prior to 2002.  Restricted stock awards granted prior to 2002 are valued at the vesting dates of such awards with compensation cost for such awards recognized ratably over the vesting period.

In 2002, the Company adopted the provisions of ASC 718, Compensation-Stock Compensation.  In 2006, the Company adopted the amended guidance, which did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position and results of operations.  These provisions require that the estimated fair value of restricted stock ("Restricted Stock Awards") and stock options at the grant date be amortized ratably into expense over the appropriate vesting period.  The Company recorded restricted stock expense of $690,000 and $626,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and $2,070,000 and $1,869,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
Other Comprehensive Income
Other
  
Comprehensive
  
Income
Other comprehensive income (loss) includes items that are recorded in equity, such as unrealized holding gains or losses on marketable securities available for sale.