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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2023
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies 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. 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. All transaction costs incurred during the reporting period were capitalized since our acquisitions were classified as asset acquisitions (excluding the CPA:18 Merger).
 
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 the value of 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. Under the cost approach, the fair value of real estate is based on estimated costs to construct a vacant building with similar characteristics. Under the income approach, we use either the discounted cash flow method or the direct capitalization method. For the discounted cash flow method, the fair value of real estate is determined (i) 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 market rental rates, and applying a selected capitalization rate. For the direct capitalization method, the fair value of real estate is determined (i) by the stabilized estimated net operating income for each property in the portfolio and (ii) a selected capitalization rate.

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;
market rents, growth factors of rents, and market lease term;
capitalization rates to be applied to an estimate of market rent at the beginning and/or the end of the market lease term;
the marketing period necessary to put a lease in place;
carrying costs during the marketing period; and
leasing commissions and tenant improvement allowances.

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 generally 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 and industry standards. Different estimates of remaining economic life will affect the depreciation expense that is recorded.

Purchase Price Allocation of Intangible Assets and Liabilities — For acquired properties that do not qualify as sale-leaseback transactions, 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 or 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. When we enter into sale-leaseback transactions with above- or below-market leases, the intangibles
will be accounted for as loan receivables or prepaid rent liabilities, respectively. 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 determine these values using our estimates or by relying in part upon third-party valuations 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.

For acquired properties with tenants in place, we record in-place lease intangible assets based on the estimated value ascribed to the avoidance of costs of leasing the properties for the remaining primary in-place lease terms. 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 valuations. We amortize the value of in-place lease intangibles to depreciation and amortization 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. If a lease is amended, we will determine whether the economics of the amended lease continue to support the existence of the above- or below-market lease intangibles.

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 certain business combinations was attributed to the Real Estate segment which comprises one reporting unit. In the event we dispose of a property or an investment that constitutes a business under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“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 for a business, 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.

Financing Arrangements — In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, Receivables and ASC 842, Leases, real estate assets acquired through a sale-leaseback transaction are accounted for as a financing arrangement if the investment does not meet the criteria for sale-leaseback accounting. We record such investments within Net investments in finance leases and loans receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. Rent payments from these investments are included within Income from finance leases and loans receivable on the consolidated statements of income.

Impairments
 
Real Estate 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, vacancies, an upcoming lease expiration, a tenant with credit difficulty, the termination of a lease by a tenant, or a likely disposition of the property.
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.

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.

Assets Held for Sale We generally classify real estate assets that are subject to operating leases as held for sale when we have entered into a contract to sell the property, all material due diligence requirements have been satisfied, we received a non-refundable deposit, 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 will continue to review the property for subsequent changes in the fair value, and may recognize an additional impairment charge, if warranted.

Equity Method Investments We evaluate our equity method investments 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 as described in Real Estate 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.
 
Goodwill — We evaluate goodwill for possible impairment at least annually or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. Such a triggering event within our Investment Management segment depended on the timing and form of liquidity events for the Managed Programs (Note 4, Note 5). To identify any impairment, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. This assessment is used as a basis to determine whether it is necessary to calculate reporting unit fair values. If necessary, we calculate the estimated fair value of the Investment Management reporting unit by utilizing a discounted cash flow analysis methodology and available net asset values. We calculate the estimated fair value of the Real Estate reporting unit by utilizing our market capitalization and the aforementioned fair value of the Investment Management segment. Impairments, if any, will be the difference between the reporting unit’s fair value and carrying amount, not to exceed the carrying amount of goodwill.

Credit Losses

The allowance for credit losses, which is recorded as a reduction to Net investments in finance leases and loans receivable on our consolidated balance sheets, is measured on a pool basis by credit ratings (Note 7), using a probability of default method based on the lessees’ respective credit ratings, the expected value of the underlying collateral upon its repossession, and our historical loss experience related to other direct financing leases. Included in our model are factors that incorporate forward-looking information. If we determine that a finance lease no longer shares risk characteristics with other finance leases in the pool, we evaluate the finance lease for expected credit losses on an individual basis. Allowance for credit losses is included in our consolidated statements of income within Other gains and (losses).
Other Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation Our consolidated financial statements reflect all of our accounts, including those of our controlled subsidiaries. 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.

When we obtain an economic interest in an entity, we evaluate the entity to determine if it should be deemed a 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. The liabilities of these VIEs are non-recourse to us and can only be satisfied from each VIE’s respective assets.

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, we considered 21 and 16 entities to be VIEs, respectively, of which we consolidated 15 and 11, respectively, as we are considered the primary beneficiary. The following table presents a summary of selected financial data of the consolidated VIEs included in our consolidated balance sheets (in thousands):
December 31,
20232022
Land, buildings and improvements — net lease and other$237,858 $590,390 
Land, buildings and improvements — operating properties39,422 143,390 
Net investments in finance leases and loans receivable595,524 144,103 
In-place lease intangible assets and other40,650 72,070 
Above-market rent intangible assets6,828 33,634 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization(23,580)(176,379)
Total assets947,509 843,500 
Non-recourse mortgages, net$59,715 $132,950 
Below-market rent and other intangible liabilities, net32 18,891 
Total liabilities101,047 199,633 

At December 31, 2023 and 2022, our six and five unconsolidated VIEs, respectively, included our interests in (i) three unconsolidated real estate investments, 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) and (ii) two unconsolidated investments in equity securities, which we accounted for as investments in shares of the entities at fair value. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the net carrying amount of our investments in these entities was $729.8 million and $693.4 million, respectively, and our maximum exposure to loss in these entities was limited to our investments. In addition, we have a variable interest in NLOP, which we also deem a VIE, as of December 31, 2023, due to our guarantee of a non-recourse mortgage loan with approximately $19 million principal balance outstanding as of December 31, 2023 encumbering a property that was derecognized in the Spin-Off (Note 3); we do not expect to have to perform under this guarantee. Should we have to perform, the Separation and Distribution Agreement (as defined in Note 3) includes an indemnification provision, for which we could recover any amounts paid under the guarantee.
Leases

As a Lessee: Right-of-use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments under the lease. We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at contract inception and determine the classification of the lease at commencement. Operating and financing lease ROU assets and lease liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. We do not include renewal options in the lease term when calculating the lease liability unless we are reasonably certain we will exercise the option. Variable lease payments are excluded from the ROU assets and lease liabilities and are recognized in the period in which the obligation for those payments is incurred. Our variable lease payments consist of increases as a result of the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) or other comparable indices, taxes, and maintenance costs. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Below-market ground lease intangible assets and above-market ground lease intangible liabilities are included as a component of ROU assets. See Note 6 for additional disclosures on the presentation of these amounts in our consolidated balance sheets.

The implicit rate within our operating leases is generally not determinable and, as a result, we use our incremental borrowing rate at the lease commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. The determination of our incremental borrowing rate requires judgment. We determine our incremental borrowing rate for each lease using estimated baseline mortgage rates. These baseline rates are determined based on a review of current mortgage debt market activity for benchmark securities across domestic and international markets, utilizing a yield curve. The rates are then adjusted for various factors, including level of collateralization and lease term.

As a Lessor: We combine non-lease components (lease arrangements that include common area maintenance services) with related lease components (lease revenues), since both the timing and pattern of transfer are the same for the non-lease component and related lease component, the lease component is the predominant component, and the lease component would otherwise be classified as an operating lease. For (i) operating lease arrangements involving real estate that include common area maintenance services and (ii) all real estate arrangements that include real estate taxes and insurance costs, we present these amounts within lease revenues in our consolidated statements of income. We record amounts reimbursed by the lessee in the period in which the applicable expenses are incurred, if the reimbursements are deemed collectible.

Net investments in sales-type leases are accounted for under ASC 842, Leases. Upon lease commencement or lease modification, we assess lease classification to determine whether the lease should be classified as an operating, direct financing, or sales-type lease. If the lease is determined to be a sales-type lease, we record a net investment in the lease, which is equal to the sum of the lease payments receivable and the unguaranteed residual value, discounted at the rate implicit in the lease. Any difference between the fair value of the asset and the net investment in the lease is considered a gain on sale of real estate and recognized upon execution of the lease.

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

Amounts due from affiliates are now included within Other assets, net in the consolidated balance sheets. Previously, such amounts were included within Due from affiliates in the consolidated balance sheets.

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.
Restricted Cash — Restricted cash primarily consists of security deposits and amounts required to be reserved pursuant to lender agreements for debt service, capital improvements, and real estate taxes. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets to the consolidated statements of cash flows (in thousands):
December 31,
202320222021
Cash and cash equivalents
$633,860 $167,996 $165,427 
Restricted cash (a)
58,111 56,145 52,523 
Total cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash
$691,971 $224,141 $217,950 
__________
(a)Restricted cash is included within Other assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets.

Real Estate and Operating Real Estate We carry land, buildings, and improvements at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize costs that extend the useful life of properties or increase their value, while we expense maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the lives of the respective assets as incurred.

Gain/Loss on Sale We recognize gains and losses on the sale of properties when the transaction meets the definition of a contract, criteria are met for the sale of one or more distinct assets, and control of the properties is transferred.

Internal-Use Software Development Costs and Cloud Computing Arrangements 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. 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. Cloud computing arrangement costs follow the internal-use software accounting guidance to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as assets or expense as incurred. Capitalized internal-use software development costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the software’s estimated useful life, which is three to seven years. Capitalized implementation costs related to a service contract will be amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement beginning when the component of the hosting arrangement is ready for its intended use. 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, our investment in shares of Lineage Logistics (a cold storage REIT) (Note 10), our investment in shares of Guggenheim Credit Income Fund (“GCIF”) (Note 10), and office lease ROU assets in Other assets, net. We include derivative liabilities, amounts held on behalf of tenants, operating lease liabilities, and deferred revenue in Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities.

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.

Substantially all of our leases provide for either scheduled rent increases, periodic rent adjustments based on formulas indexed to changes in the 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 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 6). We record leases accounted for under the direct financing method as a net investment in direct financing leases (Note 7). 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 from contracts under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers is recognized when, or as, control of promised goods or services is transferred to customers, in an amount that reflects the consideration we expect to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. At contract inception, we assess the services promised in our contracts with customers and identify a performance obligation for each promise to transfer to the customer a good or service (or bundle of goods or services) that is distinct. To identify the performance obligations, we consider all of the services promised in the contract regardless of whether they are explicitly stated or are implied by customary business practices. ASC 606 does not apply to our lease revenues, which constitute a majority of our revenues, but primarily applies to revenues generated from our hotel operating properties and our Investment Management segment.

Revenue from contracts for our Real Estate segment primarily represented hotel operating property revenues of $76.2 million, $12.0 million, and $7.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022, and 2021, respectively, generated from 13 hotels located in the United States (12 of which were reclassified from net leases to operating properties in the first quarter of 2023 (Note 6); eight of these properties were sold during year ended December 31, 2023 (Note 17)).

Such operating property revenues are primarily comprised of revenues from room rentals and from food and beverage services at our hotel operating properties during those years. We identified a single performance obligation for each distinct service. Performance obligations are typically satisfied at a point in time, at the time of sale, or at the rendering of the service. Fees are generally determined to be fixed. Payment is typically due immediately following the delivery of the service.

Revenue Recognition, Investment Management Operations — We earn asset management revenue in connection with providing services to the Managed Programs and NLOP. We earn asset management revenue from property management, leasing, and advisory services performed.

We earn other advisory income and reimbursements from NLOP for certain administrative services, including day-to-day management services, investor relations, accounting, tax, legal, and other administrative matters, paid in cash.

The Managed Programs reimburse us for certain personnel and overhead costs that we incur on their behalf. We record reimbursement income as the expenses are incurred, subject to limitations imposed by the advisory agreements. Revenue from contracts under ASC 606 from our Investment Management segment is discussed in Note 5.

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 or at the point of acquisition of an asset with an assumed asset retirement obligation, 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. 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 restricted share awards (“RSAs”), restricted share units (“RSUs”), and performance share units (“PSUs”) to certain employees, independent directors, and nonemployees. 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, which includes awards granted to certain nonemployees. We recognize these compensation costs for only those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service or performance period of the award. We include stock-based compensation within Additional paid-in capital in the consolidated statements of equity and Stock-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of income.
Foreign Currency Translation and Transaction Gains and Losses We have interests in international real estate investments primarily in Europe, Canada, and Japan, and the primary functional currencies for those investments are the euro, the British pound sterling, the Canadian dollar, and the Japanese yen. We perform the translation from these currencies 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 the average exchange rate during the month in which the transaction occurs. We report the gains and losses resulting from such translation as a component of other comprehensive income in equity. These translation gains and losses are released to net income (within Gain on sale of real estate, net, in the consolidated statements of 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 intercompany debt that is short-term or has scheduled principal payments, are included in the determination of net income (within Other gains and (losses) in the statements of income).

The translation impact of foreign currency transactions of a long-term nature (that is, settlement is not planned or anticipated in the foreseeable future), in which the entities involved in 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 income in equity.

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 derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges, the change in fair value of the derivative is recognized in Other comprehensive income (loss) until the hedged transaction affects earnings. Gains and losses on the cash flow hedges representing hedge components excluded from the assessment of effectiveness are recognized in earnings over the life of the hedge on a systematic and rational basis, as documented at hedge inception in accordance with our accounting policy election. Such gains and losses are recorded within Other gains and (losses) or Interest expense in our consolidated statements of income. The earnings recognition of excluded components is presented in the same line item as the hedged transactions. For derivatives designated and that qualify as a net investment hedge, the change in the fair value and/or the net settlement of the derivative is reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) as part of the cumulative foreign currency translation adjustment. Amounts are reclassified out of Other comprehensive income (loss) into earnings (within Gain on sale of real estate, net, in our consolidated statements of income) when the hedged investment is either sold or substantially liquidated. In accordance with fair value measurement guidance, counterparty credit risk is measured on a net portfolio position basis.

Income Taxes We conduct business in various states and municipalities primarily within North America and Europe, 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 foreign jurisdictions. We derive most of our REIT income from our real estate operations under our Real Estate segment. 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 and local taxes, as applicable. Prior to the CPA:18 Merger, we conducted our Investment Management operations primarily through 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. 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.

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 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.
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 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).

Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share reflects potentially dilutive securities (RSAs, RSUs, PSUs, and shares available for issuance under our Equity Forwards and ATM Forwards) using the treasury stock method, except when the effect would be anti-dilutive.

Reference Rate Reform — During the first quarter of 2023, we applied the guidance in ASC 848, Reference Rate Reform and elected the practical expedient to transition certain contracts that reference London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), including our Senior Unsecured Credit Facility (Note 12) and certain derivative instruments. The application of this guidance did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
 
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.