Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Accounting for Acquisitions

In accordance with the guidance for business combinations, we determine whether a transaction or other event is a business combination, which requires that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed constitute a business. Each business combination is then accounted for by applying the acquisition method. If the assets acquired are not a business, we account for the transaction or other event as an asset acquisition. Under both methods, we recognize the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity. In addition, for transactions that are business combinations, we evaluate the existence of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase. We capitalize acquisition-related costs and fees associated with asset acquisitions. We immediately expense acquisition-related costs and fees associated with business combinations.

Purchase Price Allocation of Tangible Assets — When we acquire properties with leases classified as operating leases, we allocate the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets and liabilities acquired based on their estimated fair values. The tangible assets consist of land, buildings, and site improvements. The intangible assets include the above- and below-market value of leases and the in-place leases, which includes a value for tenant relationships. Land is typically valued utilizing the sales comparison (or market) approach. Buildings are valued, as if vacant, using the cost and/or income approach. Site improvements are valued using the cost approach. The fair value of real estate is determined (i) primarily by reference to portfolio appraisals, which determines their values on a property level, by applying a discounted cash flow analysis to the estimated net operating income for each property in the portfolio during the remaining anticipated lease term, and (ii) by the estimated residual value, which is based on a hypothetical sale of the property upon expiration of a lease factoring in the re-tenanting of such property at estimated current market rental rates, applying a selected capitalization rate, and deducting estimated costs of sale.

Assumptions used in the model are property-specific where this information is available; however, when certain necessary information is not available, we use available regional and property-type information. Assumptions and estimates include the following:


•	a discount rate or internal rate of return;


•	the marketing period necessary to put a lease in place;


•	carrying costs during the marketing period;


•	leasing commissions and tenant improvement allowances;


•	market rents and growth factors of these rents; and


•	a market lease term and a capitalization rate to be applied to an estimate of market rent at the end of the market lease term.

The discount rates and residual capitalization rates used to value the properties are selected based on several factors, including:


•	the creditworthiness of the lessees;


•	industry surveys;


•	property type;


•	property location and age;


•	current lease rates relative to market lease rates; and


•	anticipated lease duration.

In the case where a tenant has a purchase option deemed to be favorable to the tenant, or the tenant has long-term renewal options at rental rates below estimated market rental rates, we include the value of the exercise of such purchase option or long-term renewal options in the determination of residual value.

The remaining economic life of leased assets is estimated by relying in part upon third-party appraisals of the leased assets, industry standards, and based on our experience. Different estimates of remaining economic life will affect the depreciation expense that is recorded.

Purchase Price Allocation of Intangible Assets and Liabilities — We record above- and below-market lease intangible assets and liabilities for acquired properties based on the present value (using a discount rate reflecting the risks associated with the leases acquired including consideration of the credit of the lessee) of the difference between (i) the contractual rents to be paid pursuant to the leases negotiated and in place at the time of acquisition of the properties and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rates for the property or equivalent property, both of which are measured over the estimated lease term, which includes renewal options that have rental rates below estimated market rental rates. We discount the difference between the estimated market rent and contractual rent to a present value using an interest rate reflecting our current assessment of the risk associated with the lease acquired, which includes a consideration of the credit of the lessee. Estimates of market rent are generally determined by us relying in part upon a third-party appraisal obtained in connection with the property acquisition and can include estimates of market rent increase factors, which are generally provided in the appraisal or by local real estate brokers. We measure the fair value of below-market purchase option liabilities we acquire as the excess of the present value of the fair value of the real estate over the present value of the tenant’s exercise price at the option date.

We evaluate the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and any pre-existing relationship with each tenant in determining the value of in-place lease intangibles. To determine the value of in-place lease intangibles, we consider the following:


•	estimated market rent;


•	estimated carrying costs of the property during a hypothetical expected lease-up period; and


•	current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases, including tenant improvement allowances and rent concessions.

Estimated carrying costs of the property include real estate taxes, insurance, other property operating costs, and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the market participants’ expected lease-up periods, based on assessments of specific market conditions.

We determine these values using our estimates or by relying in part upon third-party appraisals conducted by independent appraisal firms.

We amortize the above-market lease intangible as a reduction of lease revenue over the remaining contractual lease term. We amortize the below-market lease intangible as an increase to lease revenue over the initial term and any renewal periods in the respective leases. We include the value of below-market leases in Below-market rent and other intangible liabilities in the consolidated financial statements. We include the amortization of above- and below-market ground lease intangibles in Property expenses in the consolidated financial statements.

The value of any in-place lease is estimated to be equal to the acquirer’s avoidance of costs as a result of having tenants in place, that would be necessary to lease the property for a lease term equal to the remaining primary in-place lease term and the value of investment grade tenancy. The cost avoidance is derived first by determining the in-place lease term on the subject lease. Then, based on our review of the market, the cost to be borne by a property owner to replicate a market lease to the remaining in-place term is estimated. These costs consist of: (i) rent lost during downtime (i.e., assumed periods of vacancy), (ii) estimated expenses that would be incurred by the property owner during periods of vacancy, (iii) rent concessions (i.e. free rent), (iv) leasing commissions, and (v) tenant improvements allowances given to tenants. We determine these values using our estimates or by relying in part upon third-party appraisals. We amortize the value of in-place lease intangibles to expense over the remaining initial term of each lease. The amortization period for intangibles does not exceed the remaining depreciable life of the building.

If a lease is terminated, we charge the unamortized portion of above- and below-market lease values to rental income and in-place lease values to amortization expense.

Purchase Price Allocation of Debt — When we acquire leveraged properties, the fair value of the related debt instruments is determined using a discounted cash flow model with rates that take into account the credit of the tenants, where applicable, and interest rate risk. Such resulting premium or discount is amortized over the remaining term of the obligation. We also consider the value of the underlying collateral, taking into account the quality of the collateral, the credit quality of the tenant, the time until maturity and the current interest rate.

Purchase Price Allocation of Goodwill — In the case of a business combination, after identifying all tangible and intangible assets and liabilities, the excess consideration paid over the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired and assumed, respectively, represents goodwill. We allocate goodwill to the respective reporting units in which such goodwill arises. Goodwill acquired in the CPA^®:15 Merger and the CPA^®:16 Merger was attributed to the Owned Real Estate segment which comprises one reporting unit. In the event we dispose of a property that constitutes a business under GAAP from a reporting unit with goodwill, we allocate a portion of the reporting unit’s goodwill to that business in determining the gain or loss on the disposal of the business. The amount of goodwill allocated to the business is based on the relative fair value of the business to the fair value of the reporting unit. As part of purchase accounting, we record any deferred tax assets and/or liabilities resulting from the difference between the tax basis and GAAP basis of the investment in the taxing jurisdiction. Such deferred tax amount will be included in purchase accounting and may impact the amount of goodwill recorded depending on the fair value of all of the other assets and liabilities and the amounts paid.

Impairments

We periodically assess whether there are any indicators that the value of our long-lived real estate and related intangible assets, may be impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. These impairment indicators include, but are not limited to, the vacancy of a property that is not subject to a lease, an upcoming lease expiration, a tenant with credit difficulty, the termination of a lease by a tenant, or a likely disposition of the property. We may incur impairment charges on long-lived assets, including real estate, related intangible assets, direct financing leases, assets held for sale, and equity investments in real estate. We may also incur impairment charges on marketable securities and goodwill. Our policies and estimates for evaluating whether these assets are impaired are presented below.

Real Estate — For real estate assets held for investment and related intangible assets in which an impairment indicator is identified, we follow a two-step process to determine whether an asset is impaired and to determine the amount of the charge. First, we compare the carrying value of the property’s asset group to the estimated future net undiscounted cash flow that we expect the property’s asset group will generate, including any estimated proceeds from the eventual sale of the property’s asset group. The undiscounted cash flow analysis requires us to make our best estimate of market rents, residual values, and holding periods. We estimate market rents and residual values using market information from outside sources such as third-party market research, external appraisals, broker quotes, or recent comparable sales. In cases where the available market information is not deemed appropriate, we perform a future net cash flow analysis discounted for inherent risk associated with each asset to determine an estimated fair value.

As our investment objective is to hold properties on a long-term basis, holding periods used in the undiscounted cash flow analysis are generally ten years, but may be less if our intent is to hold a property for less than ten years. Depending on the assumptions made and estimates used, the future cash flow projected in the evaluation of long-lived assets and associated intangible assets can vary within a range of outcomes. We consider the likelihood of possible outcomes in determining our estimate of future cash flows and, if warranted, we apply a probability-weighted method to the different possible scenarios. If the future net undiscounted cash flow of the property’s asset group is less than the carrying value, the carrying value of the property’s asset group is considered not recoverable. We then measure the impairment loss as the excess of the carrying value of the property’s asset group over its estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of the property’s asset group is primarily determined using market information from outside sources such as broker quotes or recent comparable sales. In cases where the available market information is not deemed appropriate, we perform a future net cash flow analysis discounted for inherent risk associated with each asset to determine an estimated fair value.

Assets Held for Sale — We classify real estate assets that are subject to operating leases or direct financing leases as held for sale when we have entered into a contract to sell the property, all material due diligence requirements have been satisfied, and we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur within one year. When we classify an asset as held for sale, we compare the asset’s fair value less estimated cost to sell to its carrying value, and if the fair value less estimated cost to sell is less than the property’s carrying value, we reduce the carrying value to the fair value less estimated cost to sell. We base the fair value on the contract and the estimated cost to sell on information provided by brokers and legal counsel. We then compare the asset’s fair value (less estimated cost to sell) to its carrying value, and if the fair value, less estimated cost to sell, is less than the property’s carrying value, we reduce the carrying value to the fair value, less estimated cost to sell. We will continue to review the property for subsequent changes in the fair value, and may recognize an additional impairment charge, if warranted.

Direct Financing Leases — We review our direct financing leases at least annually to determine whether there has been an other-than-temporary decline in the current estimate of residual value of the property. The residual value is our estimate of what we could realize upon the sale of the property at the end of the lease term, based on market information and third-party estimates, where available. If this review indicates that a decline in residual value has occurred that is other-than-temporary, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the difference between the fair value and carrying amount of the residual value.

We also assess the carrying amount for recoverability and if, as a result of the decreased expected cash flows, we determine that our carrying value is not fully recoverable, we record an allowance for credit losses to reflect the change in the estimate of the future cash flows that includes rent. Accordingly, the net investment balance is written down to fair value. When we enter into a contract to sell the real estate assets that are recorded as direct financing leases, we evaluate whether we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur. If we determine that the disposition is probable, we will classify the net investment as held for sale and write down the net investment to its fair value if the fair value is less than the carrying value.

Equity Investments in the Managed Programs and Real Estate — We evaluate our equity investments in the Managed Programs and real estate on a periodic basis to determine if there are any indicators that the value of our equity investment may be impaired and whether or not that impairment is other-than-temporary. To the extent an impairment has occurred and is determined to be other-than-temporary, we measure the charge as the excess of the carrying value of our investment over its estimated fair value, which is determined by calculating our share of the estimated fair market value of the underlying net assets based on the terms of the applicable partnership or joint venture agreement. For our equity investments in real estate, we calculate the estimated fair value of the underlying investment’s real estate or net investment in direct financing lease as described in Real Estate and Direct Financing Leases above. The fair value of the underlying investment’s debt, if any, is calculated based on market interest rates and other market information. The fair value of the underlying investment’s other financial assets and liabilities (excluding net investment in direct financing leases) have fair values that generally approximate their carrying values. For certain investments in the Managed REITs, we calculate the estimated fair value of our investment using the most recently published net asset value per share of each Managed REIT multiplied by the number of shares owned.

Goodwill — We evaluate goodwill for possible impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event using a two-step process. A triggering event is an event or circumstance that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount, including sales of properties defined as businesses for which the relative size of the sold property is significant to the reporting unit, that could impact our goodwill impairment calculations. To identify any impairment, we first compare the estimated fair value of each of our reporting units with their respective carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, we do not consider goodwill to be impaired and no further analysis is required. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, we then perform the second step to determine and measure the amount of the potential impairment charge.

We calculate the estimated fair value of the Investment Management reporting unit by applying a price-to-EBITDA multiple to earnings. For the Owned Real Estate reporting unit, we calculate its estimated fair value by applying an AFFO multiple. For both reporting units, the multiples are based on comparable companies. The selection of the comparable companies to be used in our evaluation process could have a significant impact on the fair value of our reporting units and possible impairments. The testing did not indicate any goodwill impairment as each of the reporting units with goodwill had fair value that was substantially in excess of the carrying value.

For the second step, if it were required, we compare the implied fair value of the goodwill for each reporting unit with its respective carrying amount and record an impairment charge equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the implied fair value. We would determine the implied fair value of the goodwill by allocating the estimated fair value of the reporting unit to its assets and liabilities. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the amounts assigned to its assets and liabilities is the implied fair value of the goodwill.

The goodwill recorded in our Investment Management and Owned Real Estate reporting units is evaluated during the fourth quarter of every year. In connection with the CPA^®:16 Merger and the CPA^®:15 Merger, we recorded goodwill in our Owned Real Estate reporting unit. In addition, in connection with the acquisition of certain international properties, we have recorded goodwill in our Owned Real Estate reporting unit related to deferred foreign income taxes. Prior to the CPA^®:15 Merger, there was no goodwill recorded in our Owned Real Estate reporting unit.

Other Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation — Our consolidated financial statements reflect all of our accounts, including those of our controlled subsidiaries and our tenancy-in-common interest as described below. The portions of equity in consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us are presented as noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

On January 1, 2016, we adopted the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s, or FASB’s, Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, as described in the Recent Accounting Pronouncements section below, which amends the current consolidation guidance, including introducing a separate consolidation analysis specific to limited partnerships and other similar entities. When we obtain an economic interest in an entity, we evaluate the entity to determine if it should be deemed a variable interest entity, or VIE, and, if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary and are therefore required to consolidate the entity. We apply accounting guidance for consolidation of VIEs to certain entities in which the equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. Fixed price purchase and renewal options within a lease, as well as certain decision-making rights within a loan or joint-venture agreement, can cause us to consider an entity a VIE. Limited partnerships and other similar entities that operate as a partnership will be considered a VIE unless the limited partners hold substantive kick-out rights or participation rights. Significant judgment is required to determine whether a VIE should be consolidated. We review the contractual arrangements provided for in the partnership agreement or other related contracts to determine whether the entity is considered a VIE, and to establish whether we have any variable interests in the VIE. We then compare our variable interests, if any, to those of the other variable interest holders to determine which party is the primary beneficiary of the VIE based on whether the entity (i) has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We performed this analysis on all of our subsidiary entities following the guidance in ASU 2015-02 to determine whether they qualify as VIEs and whether they should be consolidated or accounted for as equity investments in an unconsolidated venture. As a result of this change in guidance, we determined that 13 entities that were previously classified as voting interest entities should now be classified as VIEs as of January 1, 2016 and therefore included in our VIE disclosures. However, there was no change in determining whether or not we consolidate these entities as we continue not to be the primary beneficiary. We elected to retrospectively adopt ASU 2015-02, which resulted in changes to our VIE disclosures. There were no other changes to our consolidated balance sheets or results of operations for the periods presented. The liabilities of these VIEs are non-recourse to us and can only be satisfied from each VIE’s respective assets.

At December 31, 2016, we considered 32 entities VIEs, 25 of which we consolidated as we are considered the primary beneficiary. The following table presents a summary of selected financial data of the consolidated VIEs included in the consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):



	December 31,
	2016		2015
Net investments in properties	$	786,379	$	890,454
Net investments in direct financing leases	60,294		61,454
In-place lease and tenant relationship intangible assets, net	182,177		214,924
Above-market rent intangible assets, net	71,852		80,901
Total assets	1,150,093		1,297,276

Non-recourse debt, net	$	406,574	$	439,285
Total liabilities	548,659		590,596

At both December 31, 2016 and 2015, our seven unconsolidated VIEs included our interests in six unconsolidated real estate investments and one unconsolidated entity among our interests in the Managed Programs, all of which we account for under the equity method of accounting. We do not consolidate these entities because we are not the primary beneficiary and the nature of our involvement in the activities of these entities allows us to exercise significant influence on, but does not give us power over, decisions that significantly affect the economic performance of these entities. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the net carrying amount of our investments in these entities was $152.9 million and $154.8 million, respectively, and our maximum exposure to loss in these entities was limited to our investments.

At December 31, 2016, we had an investment in a tenancy-in-common interest in various underlying international properties. Consolidation of this investment is not required as such interest does not qualify as a VIE and does not meet the control requirement for consolidation. Accordingly, we account for this investment using the equity method of accounting. We use the equity method of accounting because the shared decision-making involved in a tenancy-in-common interest investment provides us with significant influence on the operating and financial decisions of this investment. We also had certain investments in other wholly owned tenancy-in-common interests, which we now consolidate after we obtained the remaining interests in the CPA^®:16 Merger.

In connection with the CPA^®:16 Merger, we acquired 19 VIEs. In accordance with ASU 2015-02, we determined that seven of these entities, which were previously classified as voting interest entities, should now be classified as VIEs as of January 1, 2016 and therefore included in our VIE disclosures.

At times, the carrying value of our equity investments may fall below zero for certain investments. We intend to fund our share of the jointly owned investments’ future operating deficits should the need arise. However, we have no legal obligation to pay for any of the liabilities of such investments nor do we have any legal obligation to fund operating deficits. At December 31, 2016, none of our equity investments had a carrying value below zero.

On April 20, 2016, we formed a limited partnership, CESH I, for the purpose of developing, owning, and operating student housing properties and similar investments in Europe. CESH I commenced fundraising in July 2016 through a private placement with an initial offering of $100.0 million and a maximum offering of $150.0 million. Through August 30, 2016, the financial results and balances of CESH I were included in our consolidated financial statements, and we had collected $14.2 million of net proceeds on behalf of CESH I from limited partnership units issued in the private placement primarily to independent investors. On August 31, 2016, we determined that CESH I had sufficient equity to finance its operations and that we were no longer considered the primary beneficiary, and as a result we deconsolidated CESH I and began to account for our interest in it at fair value by electing the equity method fair value option available under U.S. GAAP. As of August 31, 2016, CESH I had assets totaling $30.3 million on our consolidated balance sheet, including $15.4 million in Cash and cash equivalents and $14.9 million in Other assets, net. In connection with the deconsolidation, we recorded offsetting amounts of $14.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 in Contributions from noncontrolling interests and Deconsolidation of affiliate in the consolidated statements of equity, and in Proceeds from limited partnership units issued by affiliate and Deconsolidation of affiliate in the consolidated statements of cash flows. We recognized a gain on deconsolidation of $1.9 million, which is included in Other income and (expenses) in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016. The deconsolidation did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. Following the deconsolidation, we continue to serve as the advisor to CESH I (Note 4).

As of December 31, 2016, CPA^®:19 – Global had not yet commenced fundraising through its registered public offering. Therefore, we included the financial activity of CPA^®:19 – Global in our consolidated financial statements and eliminated all intercompany accounts and transactions in consolidation. For the year ended December 31, 2016, the consolidated results of operations from CPA^®:19 – Global were insignificant. All assets and liabilities of CPA^®:19 – Global were insignificant as of December 31, 2016. We have decided to delay the introduction of CPA^®:19 – Global due to regulatory uncertainty surrounding the adoption of the Fiduciary Rule and the resulting impact on the market with regard to product choices, pricing, and timing, which is currently in a state of flux. As a result, there can be no assurances as to whether or when CPA^®:19 – Global’s offering will commence.

Out-of-Period Adjustments

During the second quarter of 2016, we identified and recorded out-of-period adjustments related to adjustments to prior period income tax returns. We concluded that these adjustments were not material to our consolidated financial statements for any of the current or prior periods presented. The net adjustment is reflected as a $3.0 million increase in our Provision for income taxes in the consolidated statements of income for the year ended December 31, 2016, with a net increase to Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities and Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2016.

Reclassifications — Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

On January 1, 2016, we adopted ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30) as described in the Recent Accounting Pronouncements section below. ASU 2015-03 changes the presentation of debt issuance costs, which were previously recognized as an asset and requires that they be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. As a result of adopting this guidance, we reclassified $12.6 million of deferred financing costs, net from Other assets, net to Non-recourse debt, net, Senior Unsecured Notes, net, and Senior Unsecured Credit Facility - Term Loan, net as of December 31, 2015.

Real Estate and Operating Real Estate — We carry land, buildings, and personal property at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize improvements and significant renovations that extend the useful life of the properties, while we expense replacements, maintenance, and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets as incurred.

Assets Held for Sale — We classify those assets as held for sale when we have entered into a contract to sell the property, all material due diligence requirements have been satisfied, and we believe it is probable that the disposition will occur within one year. Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of carrying value or estimated fair value, less estimated costs to sell. For the year ended December 31, 2014, the results of operations and the related gain or loss on sale of properties held for sale as of December 31, 2013 and sold during 2014, and properties we acquired in the CPA^®:16 Merger that were held for sale and sold during 2014, were included in income from discontinued operations. Prior to January 1, 2014, the results of operations and the related gain or loss on sale of properties that have been sold or that were classified as held for sale and in which we will have no significant continuing involvement are included in discontinued operations (Note 17).

In the unlikely event that we decide not to sell a property previously classified as held for sale, we reclassify the property as held and used. We measure and record a property that is reclassified as held and used at the lower of (i) its carrying amount before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held and used or (ii) the estimated fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell.

We recognize gains and losses on the sale of properties when, among other criteria, we no longer have continuing involvement, the parties are bound by the terms of the contract, all consideration has been exchanged, and all conditions precedent to closing have been performed. At the time the sale is consummated, a gain or loss is recognized as the difference between the sale price, less any selling costs, and the carrying value of the property.

Notes Receivable — For investments in mortgage notes and loan participations, the loans are initially reflected at acquisition cost, which consists of the outstanding balance, net of the acquisition discount or premium. We amortize any discount or premium as an adjustment to increase or decrease, respectively, the yield realized on these loans over the life of the loan. As such, differences between carrying value and principal balances outstanding do not represent embedded losses or gains as we generally plan to hold such loans to maturity. Our notes receivable are included in Other assets, net in the consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents — We consider all short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to cash and have a maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Items classified as cash equivalents include commercial paper and money market funds. Our cash and cash equivalents are held in the custody of several financial institutions, and these balances, at times, exceed federally insurable limits. We seek to mitigate this risk by depositing funds only with major financial institutions.

Internal-Use Software Development Costs — We expense costs associated with the assessment stage of software development projects. Upon completion of the preliminary project assessment stage, we capitalize internal and external costs associated with the application development stage, including the costs associated with software that allows for the conversion of our old data to our new system. We expense the personnel-related costs of training and data conversion. We also expense costs associated with the post-implementation and operation stage, including maintenance and specified upgrades; however, we capitalize internal and external costs associated with significant upgrades to existing systems that result in additional functionality. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software’s estimated useful life, which is three to seven years. Periodically, we reassess the useful life considering technology, obsolescence, and other factors.

Other Assets and Liabilities — We include prepaid expenses, deferred rental income, tenant receivables, deferred charges, escrow balances held by lenders, restricted cash balances, marketable securities, derivative assets, other intangible assets, corporate fixed assets, and notes receivable in Other assets, net. We include derivative liabilities, amounts held on behalf of tenants, and deferred revenue in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities. Deferred charges are costs incurred in connection with obtaining or amending our credit facility that are amortized over the terms of the debt and included in Interest expense in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred rental income is the aggregate cumulative difference for operating leases between scheduled rents that vary during the lease term, and rent recognized on a straight-line basis.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — We consider rents due under leases and payments under notes receivable to be past-due or delinquent when a contractually required rent, principal payment, or interest payment is not remitted in accordance with the provisions of the underlying agreement. We evaluate each account individually and set up an allowance when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the existing contractual terms, and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

Revenue Recognition, Real Estate Leased to Others — We lease real estate to others primarily on a triple-net leased basis, whereby the tenant is generally responsible for operating expenses relating to the property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, and improvements. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, our tenants, pursuant to their lease obligations, have made direct payment to the taxing authorities of real estate taxes of approximately $56.0 million, $57.7 million, and $59.8 million, respectively.

Substantially all of our leases provide for either scheduled rent increases, periodic rent adjustments based on formulas indexed to changes in the Consumer Price Index, or CPI, or similar indices, or percentage rents. CPI-based adjustments are contingent on future events and are therefore not included as minimum rent in straight-line rent calculations. We recognize rents from percentage rents as reported by the lessees, which is after the level of sales requiring a rental payment to us is reached. Percentage rents were insignificant for the periods presented.

For our operating leases, we record real estate at cost less accumulated depreciation; we recognize future minimum rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable lease term of the related leases and charge expenses to operations as incurred (Note 5). We record leases accounted for under the direct financing method as a net investment in leases (Note 6). The net investment is equal to the cost of the leased assets. The difference between the cost and the gross investment, which includes the residual value of the leased asset and the future minimum rents, is unearned income. We defer and amortize unearned income to income over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on our net investment in the lease.

Revenue Recognition, Investment Management Operations — We earn structuring revenue and asset management revenue in connection with providing services to the Managed Programs. We earn structuring revenue for services we provide in connection with the analysis, negotiation, and structuring of transactions, including acquisitions and dispositions and the placement of mortgage financing obtained by the Managed REITs and CESH I. We earn asset management revenue from property management, leasing, and advisory services performed. Receipt of the incentive revenue portion of the asset management revenue or performance revenue, however, was subordinated to the achievement of specified cumulative return requirements by the stockholders of those CPA^® REITs. At our option, the performance revenue could be collected in cash or shares of the CPA^® REIT (Note 4). In addition, we earn subordinated incentive and disposition revenue related to the disposition of properties. We may also earn termination revenue in connection with the termination of the advisory agreements for the Managed REITs.

We recognize all revenue as earned. We earn structuring revenue upon the consummation of a transaction and asset management revenue when services are performed. We recognize revenue subject to subordination only when the performance criteria of the Managed REIT is achieved and contractual limitations are not exceeded.

We may earn termination revenue if a liquidity event is consummated by any of the Managed REITs. As a condition of the CPA^®:16 Merger, we waived the subordinated disposition and termination fees that we would have been entitled to receive from CPA^®:16 – Global upon its liquidation pursuant to the terms of our advisory agreement with CPA^®:16 – Global (Note 4).

We are also reimbursed for certain costs incurred in providing services, including broker-dealer commissions paid and annual distribution and shareholder servicing fees incurred on behalf of the Managed Programs, marketing costs, and the cost of personnel provided for the administration of the Managed Programs. We record reimbursement income as the expenses are incurred, subject to limitations on a Managed Program’s ability to incur offering costs or limitations imposed by the advisory agreements.

Asset Retirement Obligations — Asset retirement obligations relate to the legal obligations associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition, construction, development, and/or normal operation of a long-lived asset. The fair value of a liability for an asset retirement obligation is recorded in the period in which it is incurred and the cost of such liability is recorded as an increase in the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset by the same amount. The liability is accreted each period and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the estimated remaining life of the related long-lived asset. Revisions to estimated retirement obligations result in adjustments to the related capitalized asset and corresponding liability.

In order to determine the fair value of the asset retirement obligations, we make certain estimates and assumptions including, among other things, projected cash flows, the borrowing interest rate, and an assessment of market conditions that could significantly impact the estimated fair value. These estimates and assumptions are subjective.

Depreciation — We compute depreciation of building and related improvements using the straight-line method over the estimated remaining useful lives of the properties (not to exceed 40 years) and furniture, fixtures, and equipment (generally up to seven years). We compute depreciation of tenant improvements using the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining term of the lease or the estimated useful life.

Stock-Based Compensation — We have granted stock options, restricted share awards, or RSAs, restricted share units, or RSUs, and performance share units, or PSUs, to certain employees and independent directors. Grants were awarded in the name of the recipient subject to certain restrictions of transferability and a risk of forfeiture. Stock-based compensation expense for all equity-classified stock-based compensation awards is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with current accounting guidance for share-based payments. We recognize these compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line or graded-vesting basis, as appropriate, over the requisite service period of the award. We include stock-based compensation within Additional paid-in capital in the consolidated statements of equity.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses — We have interests in real estate investments primarily in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and Australia for which the functional currency is the euro, the British pound sterling, and the Australian dollar, respectively. We perform the translation from the euro, the British pound sterling, or the Australian dollar to the U.S. dollar for assets and liabilities using current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date and for revenue and expense accounts using a weighted-average exchange rate during the year. We report the gains and losses resulting from such translation as a component of other comprehensive loss in equity. These translation gains and losses are released to net income when we have substantially exited from all investments in the related currency.

A transaction gain or loss (measured from the transaction date or the most recent intervening balance sheet date, whichever is later), realized upon settlement of a foreign currency transaction generally will be included in net income for the period in which the transaction is settled. Also, foreign currency intercompany transactions that are scheduled for settlement, consisting primarily of accrued interest and the translation to the reporting currency of short-term subordinated intercompany debt with scheduled principal payments, are included in the determination of net income.

Intercompany foreign currency transactions of a long term nature (that is, settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future), in which the entities to the transactions are consolidated or accounted for by the equity method in our consolidated financial statements, are not included in net income but are reported as a component of other comprehensive loss in equity.

Net realized gains or (losses) are recognized on foreign currency transactions in connection with the transfer of cash from foreign operations of subsidiaries to the parent company. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, we recognized net realized losses on such transactions of $3.7 million, $0.8 million, and $0.4 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments — We measure derivative instruments at fair value and record them as assets or liabilities, depending on our rights or obligations under the applicable derivative contract. Derivatives that are not designated as hedges must be adjusted to fair value through earnings. For a derivative designated and that qualified as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized in Other comprehensive loss until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a derivative’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in earnings. For a derivative designated and that qualified as a net investment hedge, the effective portion of the change in the fair value and/or the net settlement of the derivative are reported in Other comprehensive loss as part of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized directly in earnings. Amounts are reclassified out of Other comprehensive loss into earnings when the hedged investment is either sold or substantially liquidated.

We use the portfolio exception in Accounting Standards Codification, 820-10-35-18D, Application to Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities with Offsetting Positions in Market Risk or Counterparty Credit Risk, with respect to measuring counterparty credit risk for all of our derivative transactions subject to master netting arrangements.

Income Taxes — We have elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code. In order to maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required, among other things, to distribute at least 90% of our REIT net taxable income to our stockholders and meet certain tests regarding the nature of our income and assets. As a REIT, we are not subject to federal income taxes on our income and gains that we distribute to our stockholders as long as we satisfy certain requirements, principally relating to the nature of our income and the level of our distributions, as well as other factors. We believe that we have operated, and we intend to continue to operate, in a manner that allows us to continue to qualify as a REIT.

We conduct business in various states and municipalities within North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia and, as a result, we or one or more of our subsidiaries file income tax returns in the United States federal jurisdiction and various state and certain foreign jurisdictions. As a result, we are subject to certain foreign, state, and local taxes and a provision for such taxes is included in the consolidated financial statements.

We elect to treat certain of our corporate subsidiaries as TRSs. In general, a TRS may perform additional services for our tenants 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 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.

Significant judgment is required in determining our tax provision and in evaluating our tax positions. We establish tax reserves based on a benefit recognition model, which we believe could result in a greater amount of benefit (and a lower amount of reserve) being initially recognized in certain circumstances. Provided that the tax position is deemed more likely than not of being sustained, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being ultimately realized upon settlement. We derecognize the tax position when it is no longer more likely than not of being sustained.

Our earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of distributions to stockholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due primarily to differences in depreciation, including hotel properties, and timing differences of rent recognition and certain expense deductions, for federal income tax purposes. Deferred income taxes relate primarily to our TRSs and foreign properties and are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the financial reporting bases of assets and liabilities of our TRSs and their respective tax bases and for their operating loss and tax credit carryforwards based on enacted tax rates expected to be in effect when such amounts are realized or settled. However, deferred tax assets are recognized only to the extent that it is more likely than not that they will be realized based on consideration of available evidence, including tax planning strategies and other factors (Note 16).

We recognize deferred income taxes in certain of our subsidiaries taxable in the United States or in foreign jurisdictions. Deferred income taxes are generally the result of temporary differences (items that are treated differently for tax purposes than for U.S. GAAP purposes as described in Note 16). In addition, deferred tax assets arise from unutilized tax net operating losses, generated in prior years. Deferred income taxes are computed under the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between tax bases and financial bases of assets and liabilities. We provide a valuation allowance against our deferred income tax assets when we believe that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred income tax asset may not be realized. Whenever a change in circumstances causes a change in the estimated realizability of the related deferred income tax asset, the resulting increase or decrease in the valuation allowance is included in deferred income tax expense (benefit).

We derive most of our REIT income from our real estate operations under our Owned Real Estate segment. As such, our domestic real estate operations are generally not subject to federal tax, and accordingly, no provision has been made for U.S. federal income taxes in the consolidated financial statements for these operations. These operations may be subject to certain state, local, and foreign taxes, as applicable. We conduct our Investment Management operations primarily through TRSs. These operations are subject to federal, state, local, and foreign taxes, as applicable. Our financial statements are prepared on a consolidated basis including these TRSs and include a provision for current and deferred taxes on these operations.

Earnings Per Share — Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders, as adjusted for unallocated earnings attributable to the unvested RSUs and RSAs by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects potentially dilutive securities (options and PSUs) using the treasury stock method, except when the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts and the disclosure of contingent amounts in our consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). 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. ASU 2014-09 does not apply to our lease revenues, which constitute a majority of our revenues, but will apply to reimbursed tenant costs and revenues generated from our operating properties and our Investment Management business. We will adopt this guidance for our annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2018 using one of two methods: retrospective restatement for each reporting period presented at the time of adoption, or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying this guidance recognized at the date of initial application. We have not decided which method of adoption we will use. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard and have not yet determined if it will have a material impact on our business or our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810). ASU 2015-02 amends the current consolidation guidance, including modification of the guidance for evaluating whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are VIEs or voting interest entities. The guidance does not amend the existing disclosure requirements for VIEs or voting interest model entities. The guidance, however, modified the requirements to qualify under the voting interest model. Under the revised guidance, ASU 2015-02 requires an entity to classify a limited liability company or a limited partnership as a VIE unless the partnership provides partners with either substantive kick-out rights over the managing member or substantive participating rights over the entity or VIE. Please refer to the discussion in the Basis of Consolidation section above.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30). ASU 2015-03 changes the presentation of debt issuance costs, which were previously recognized as an asset, and requires that they be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. ASU 2015-03 does not affect the recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs. ASU 2015-03 is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and retrospective application is required. We adopted ASU 2015-03 on January 1, 2016 and have disclosed the reclassification of our debt issuance costs in the Reclassifications section above.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 outlines a new model for accounting by lessees, whereby their rights and obligations under substantially all leases, existing and new, would be capitalized and recorded on the balance sheet. For lessors, however, the accounting remains largely unchanged from the current model, with the distinction between operating and financing leases retained, but updated to align with certain changes to the lessee model and the new revenue recognition standard. The new standard also replaces existing sale-leaseback guidance with a new model applicable to both lessees and lessors. Additionally, the new standard requires extensive quantitative and qualitative disclosures. ASU 2016-02 is effective for U.S. GAAP public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years; for all other entities, the final lease standard will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early application will be permitted for all entities. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition of the new guidance and provides for certain practical expedients. Transition will require application of the new model at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The ASU is expected to impact our consolidated financial statements as we have certain operating office and land lease arrangements for which we are the lessee. We are evaluating the impact of the new standard and have not yet determined if it will have a material impact on our business or our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Effect of Derivative Contract Novations on Existing Hedge Accounting Relationships. ASU 2016-05 clarifies that a change in counterparty to a derivative contract, in and of itself, does not require the dedesignation of a hedging relationship. ASU 2016-05 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted and entities have the option of adopting this guidance on a prospective basis to new derivative contracts or on a modified retrospective basis. We elected to early adopt ASU 2016-05 on January 1, 2016 on a prospective basis, and there was no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Investments – Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323). ASU 2016-07 simplifies the transition to the equity method of accounting. ASU 2016-07 eliminates the requirement to apply the equity method of accounting retrospectively when a reporting entity obtains significant influence over a previously held investment. Instead the equity method of accounting will be applied prospectively from the date significant influence is obtained. The new standard should be applied prospectively for investments that qualify for the equity method of accounting in interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted, and we elected to early adopt this standard as of January 1, 2016. The adoption of this standard had no impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 amends Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718, Compensation-Stock Based Compensation to simplify various aspects of how share-based payments are accounted for and presented in the financial statements including (i) reflecting income tax effects of share-based payments through the income statement, (ii) allowing statutory tax withholding requirements at the employees’ maximum individual tax rate without requiring awards to be classified as liabilities and (iii) permitting an entity to make an accounting policy election for the impact of forfeitures on the recognition of expense. ASU 2016-09 is effective for public business entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period, with early adoption permitted.

We adopted ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017 and elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than to account for them based on an estimate of expected forfeitures. This election is to be adopted using a modified retrospective transition method, with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings. The related financial statement impact of this adjustment is not expected to be material. Depending on several factors, such as the market price of our common stock, employee stock option exercise behavior, and corporate income tax rates, the excess tax benefits associated with the exercise of stock options and the vesting and delivery of RSAs, RSUs, and PSUs could generate a significant income tax benefit in a particular interim period, potentially creating volatility in Net income attributable to W. P. Carey and basic and diluted earnings per share between interim periods. We do not expect that the impact will be material to Net income attributable to W. P. Carey and basic and diluted earnings per share on an annual basis. Under the current accounting guidance, windfall tax benefits related to stock-based compensation were approximately $6.7 million and $12.5 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and were recognized within Additional paid-in capital in our consolidated financial statements. If ASU 2016-09 had been adopted as of January 1, 2015, these amounts would have been reflected as a reduction to Provision for income taxes in those respective periods.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses. ASU 2016-13 introduces a new model for estimating credit losses based on current expected credit losses for certain types of financial instruments, including loans receivable, held-to-maturity debt securities, and net investments in direct financing leases, amongst other financial instruments. ASU 2016-13 also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities and expands the disclosure requirements regarding an entity’s assumptions, models, and methods for estimating the allowance for losses. ASU 2016-13 will be effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early application of the guidance permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-13 on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 intends to reduce diversity in practice for certain cash flow classifications, including, but not limited to (i) debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, (ii) contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, (iii) proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, and (iv) distributions received from equity method investees. ASU 2016-15 will be effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early application of the guidance permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-15 on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-17, Consolidation (Topic 810): Interests Held through Related Parties That Are under Common Control. ASU 2016-17 changes how a reporting entity that is a decision maker should consider indirect interests in a VIE held through an entity under common control. If a decision maker must evaluate whether it is the primary beneficiary of a VIE, it will only need to consider its proportionate indirect interest in the VIE held through a common control party. ASU 2016-17 amends ASU 2015-02, which we adopted on January 1, 2016, and which currently directs the decision maker to treat the common control party’s interest in the VIE as if the decision maker held the interest itself. ASU 2016-17 will be effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. ASU 2016-18 intends to reduce diversity in practice for the classification and presentation of changes in restricted cash on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents should be included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-18 will be effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-18 on our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business. ASU 2017-01 intends to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. Under the current implementation guidance in Topic 805, there are three elements of a business: inputs, processes, and outputs. While an integrated set of assets and activities, collectively referred to as a “set,” that is a business usually has outputs, outputs are not required to be present. ASU 2017-01 provides a screen to determine when a set is not a business. The screen requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired (or disposed of) is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. ASU 2017-01 will be effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt ASU 2017-01 on January 1, 2017 on a prospective basis. While our acquisitions have historically been classified as either business combinations or asset acquisitions, certain acquisitions that were classified as business combinations by us likely would have been considered asset acquisitions under the new standard. As a result, future transaction costs are more likely to be capitalized since we expect most of our future acquisitions to be classified as asset acquisitions under this new standard. In addition, goodwill that was previously allocated to businesses that were sold or held for sale will no longer be allocated and written off upon sale if future sales were deemed to be sales of assets and not businesses.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. ASU 2017-04 removes step 2 of the goodwill impairment test, which requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. A goodwill impairment will now be the amount by which a reporting unit’s carrying value exceeds its fair value, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill. All other goodwill impairment guidance will remain largely unchanged. Entities will continue to have the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if a quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 will be effective for public business entities in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years in which a goodwill impairment test is performed, with early adoption permitted. We are in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2017-04 on our consolidated financial statements.