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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Upon acquisitions of real estate, the Company assesses whether the transaction should be accounted for as an asset acquisition or as a business combination by applying a screen to determine whether the integrated set of assets and activities acquired meets the definition of a business. Acquisitions of integrated sets of assets and activities that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. The Company’s acquisitions of real estate or in-substance real estate generally will not meet the definition of a business because substantially all of the fair value is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets (i.e. land, buildings, and related intangible assets) or because the acquisition does not include a substantive process in the form of an acquired workforce or an acquired contract that cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort or delay.

The Company assesses the fair value of acquired tangible and intangible assets (including land, buildings, tenant improvements, “above-” and “below-market” leases, leasing and assumed financing origination costs, acquired in-place leases, other identified intangible assets and assumed liabilities) and allocates the purchase price to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land and buildings as if vacant. The Company assesses fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize discount and/or capitalization rates that it deems appropriate, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions.

The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property considers the value of the property as if it were vacant. The Company also considers an allocation of purchase price of other acquired intangibles, including acquired in-place leases that may have a customer relationship intangible value, including (but not limited to) the nature and extent of the existing relationship with the tenants, the tenants’ credit quality and expectations of lease renewals. Based on its acquisitions to date, the Company’s allocation to customer relationship intangible assets has been immaterial.

The Company records acquired “above-” and “below-market” leases at their fair values (using a discount rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) equal to the difference between (1) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and (2) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for each corresponding in-place lease, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease for above-market leases and the initial term plus the term of any below-market fixed rate renewal options for below-market leases. Acquired “above-” and “below-market” lease values have been reflected within Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets and Other Liabilities, respectively, in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. Other intangible assets acquired include amounts for in-place lease values that are based on the Company’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease. Factors to be considered include estimates of carrying costs during hypothetical expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions, and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, the Company includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rentals at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, depending on local market conditions. In estimating costs to execute similar leases, the Company considers leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses.

Management reviews its long-lived assets for impairment following the end of each quarter and when there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of an asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The evaluation of anticipated cash flows is subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding anticipated hold periods, future occupancy, future rental rates, future capital requirements, discount rates and capitalization rates that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. Because cash flows on properties considered to be “long-lived assets to be held and used” are considered on an undiscounted basis to determine whether an asset has been impaired, the Company’s established strategy of holding properties over the long term directly decreases the likelihood of recording an impairment loss. If the Company’s strategy changes or market conditions otherwise dictate an earlier sale date, an impairment loss may be recognized and such loss could be material. If the Company determines that an impairment has occurred, the affected assets must be reduced to their fair value.

Guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 360 “Property Plant and Equipment” (“ASC 360”) requires that qualifying assets and liabilities and the results of operations that have been sold, or otherwise qualify as “held for sale,” be presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the property operations are expected to be eliminated and the Company will not have significant continuing involvement following the sale. Discontinued operations presentation applies only to disposals representing a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results (e.g., a disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, a

major equity method investment or other major parts of an entity). The components of the property’s net income that are reflected as discontinued operations include the net gain (or loss) upon the disposition of the property held for sale, operating results, depreciation and interest expense (if the property is subject to a secured loan). The Company generally considers assets to be “held for sale” when the transaction has been approved by Boston Properties, Inc.’s Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, and there are no known significant contingencies relating to the sale, such that a sale of the property within one year is considered probable. Following the classification of a property as “held for sale,” no further depreciation is recorded on the assets, and the asset is written down to the lower of carrying value or fair market value, less cost to sell.

Real estate is stated at depreciated cost. A variety of costs are incurred in the acquisition, development and leasing of properties. The cost of buildings and improvements includes the purchase price of property, legal fees and other acquisition costs. The Company capitalizes acquisition costs that it incurs to effect an asset acquisition and expenses acquisition costs that it incurs to effect a business combination, including legal, due diligence and other closing related costs. Costs directly related to the development of properties are capitalized. Capitalized development costs include interest, internal wages, property taxes, insurance, and other project costs incurred during the period of development. After the determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of the project that benefited from the investment. Determination of when a development project commences and capitalization begins, and when a development project is substantially complete and held available for occupancy and capitalization must cease, involves a degree of judgment. The Company’s capitalization policy on development properties follows the guidance in ASC 835-20 “Capitalization of Interest” and ASC 970 “Real Estate-General.” The costs of land and buildings under development include specifically identifiable costs.

Capitalized costs include pre-construction costs necessary to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. The Company begins the capitalization of costs during the pre-construction period, which it defines as activities that are necessary for the development of the property. The Company considers a construction project as substantially complete and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year from cessation of major construction activity. The Company ceases capitalization on the portion (1) substantially completed, (2) occupied or held available for occupancy, and capitalizes only those costs associated with the portion under construction or (3) if activities necessary for the development of the property have been suspended. Interest costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were approximately $54.9 million, $65.8 million and $61.1 million, respectively. Salaries and related costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were approximately $10.4 million, $12.5 million and $13.2 million, respectively.

Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Significant betterments are capitalized. When assets are sold or retired, their costs and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts with the resulting gains or losses reflected in net income or loss for the period.

The Company computes depreciation and amortization on properties using the straight-line method based on estimated useful asset lives. The Company allocates the acquisition cost of real estate to its components and depreciates or amortizes these assets (or liabilities) over their useful lives. The amortization of acquired “above-” and “below-market” leases and acquired in-place leases is recorded as an adjustment to revenue and depreciation and amortization, respectively, in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows:



Land improvements		25 to 40 years
Buildings and improvements		10 to 40 years
Tenant improvements		Shorter of useful life or terms of related lease
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment		3 to 7 years

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. The majority of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents are held at major commercial banks which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit of $250,000.

Cash Held in Escrows

Escrows include amounts established pursuant to various agreements for security deposits, property taxes, insurance and other costs. Escrows also include cash held by qualified intermediaries for possible investments in like-kind exchanges in accordance with Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended (the “Code”), in connection with sales of the Company’s properties.

Investments in Securities

The Company accounts for investments in equity securities at fair value, with gains or losses resulting from changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings. The Company maintains deferred compensation plans that are designed to allow officers and non-employee directors of Boston Properties, Inc. to defer a portion of the officer’s current income or the non-employee director’s current compensation on a pre-tax basis and receive a tax-deferred return on these deferrals based on the performance of specific investments selected by the officer or non-employee director. The Company’s obligation under the plans is that of an unsecured promise to pay the deferred compensation to the plan participants in the future. At December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company had maintained approximately $36.7 million and $28.2 million, respectively, in separate accounts, which are not restricted as to their use. The Company recognized gains (losses) of approximately $6.4 million, $(1.9) million and $3.7 million on its investments in the accounts associated with the Company’s deferred compensation plans during the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Tenant and Other Receivables and Notes Receivables

Tenant and Other Receivables

Tenant and other accounts receivable, other than accrued rents receivable, are expected to be collected within one year.

Notes Receivable

The Company accounts for notes receivable at their unamortized cost, net of any unamortized deferred fees or costs, premiums or discounts and an allowance for loan losses (see “New Accounting Pronouncements Issued but not yet Adopted—Financial Instruments - Credit Losses”). Loan fees and direct costs associated with loans originated by the Company are deferred and amortized over the term of the note as interest income.

Deferred Charges

Deferred charges include leasing costs and certain financing fees. Leasing costs include acquired intangible in-place lease values and direct and incremental fees and costs incurred in the successful negotiation of leases, including brokerage and other costs which have been deferred and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. Unamortized leasing costs are charged to expense upon the early termination of the lease. Fully amortized deferred leasing costs are removed from the books upon the expiration of the lease. The Company did not capitalize any external legal costs and internal leasing salaries and related costs for the year ended December 31, 2019 (see “New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted—Leases”). Internal leasing salaries and related costs capitalized for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 were approximately $5.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively. Financing fees included in deferred charges consist of external fees and costs incurred to obtain the Company’s revolving facility and if applicable, the delayed draw facility and construction financing arrangements where there are not sufficient amounts outstanding. Such financing costs have been deferred and are being amortized over the terms of the respective financing and included within interest expense. Unamortized financing costs are charged to expense upon the early repayment or significant modification of the financing. Fully amortized deferred financing costs are removed from the books upon the maturity of the debt.

External fees and costs incurred to obtain mortgage financings and unsecured senior notes have been deferred and are presented as direct deductions from the carrying amounts of the corresponding debt liability. Such financing costs are being amortized over the terms of the respective financing and included within interest expense. Unamortized financing costs are charged to expense upon the early repayment or significant modification of the financing.

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

The Company consolidates VIEs in which it is considered to be the primary beneficiary. VIEs are entities in which the equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their endeavors without additional financial support or that the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have substantive participating rights. The primary beneficiary is defined by the entity having both of the following characteristics: (1) the power to direct the activities that, when taken

together, most significantly impact the variable interest entity’s performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive the returns from the variable interest entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. For ventures that are not VIEs, the Company consolidates entities for which it has significant decision making control over the ventures’ operations. The Company’s judgment with respect to its level of influence or control of an entity involves the consideration of various factors including the form of the Company’s ownership interest, its representation in the entity’s governance, the size of its investment (including loans), estimates of future cash flows, its ability to participate in policy making decisions and the rights of the other investors to participate in the decision making process and to replace the Company as manager and/or liquidate the venture, if applicable. The Company’s assessment of its influence or control over an entity affects the presentation of these investments in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In addition to evaluating control rights, the Company consolidates entities in which the outside partner has no substantive kick-out rights to remove the Company as the managing member.

Accounts of the consolidated entity are included in the accounts of the Company and the noncontrolling interest is reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as a component of equity or in temporary equity between liabilities and equity. Investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are recorded initially at cost, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings and cash contributions and distributions. Any difference between the carrying amount of these investments on the balance sheet and the underlying equity in net assets is amortized as an adjustment to equity in earnings of unconsolidated joint ventures over the life of the related asset. Under the equity method of accounting, the net equity investment of the Company is reflected within the Consolidated Balance Sheets, and the Company’s share of net income or loss from the joint ventures is included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. The joint venture agreements may designate different percentage allocations among investors for profits and losses; however, the Company’s recognition of joint venture income or loss generally follows the joint venture’s distribution priorities, which may change upon the achievement of certain investment return thresholds. The Company may account for cash distributions in excess of its investment in an unconsolidated joint venture as income when the Company is not the general partner in a limited partnership and when the Company has neither the requirement nor the intent to provide financial support to the joint venture. The Company classifies distributions received from equity method investees within its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows using the nature of the distribution approach, which classifies the distributions received on the basis of the nature of the activity or activities of the investee that generated the distribution as either a return on investment (classified as cash inflows from operating activities) or a return of investment (classified as cash inflows from investing activities). The Company’s investments in unconsolidated joint ventures are reviewed for impairment periodically and the Company records impairment charges when events or circumstances change indicating that a decline in the fair values below the carrying amounts has occurred and such decline is other-than-temporary. The evaluation of fair value is subjective and is based in part on assumptions regarding future occupancy, future rental rates, future capital requirements, discount rates and capitalization rates that could differ materially from actual results in future periods. The ultimate realization of the investment in unconsolidated joint ventures is dependent on a number of factors, including the performance of each investment and market conditions. The Company will record an impairment charge if it determines that a decline in the fair value below the carrying amount of an investment in an unconsolidated joint venture is other-than-temporary.

To the extent that the Company contributed assets to a joint venture, the Company’s investment in the joint venture was recorded at the Company’s cost basis in the assets that were contributed to the joint venture. To the extent that the Company’s cost basis is different than the basis reflected at the joint venture level, the basis difference is amortized over the life of the related asset and included in the Company’s share of equity in net income of the joint venture. In accordance with the provisions of ASC 610-20 “Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets” (“ASC 610-20”), the Company will recognize a full gain on both the retained and sold portions of real estate contributed or sold to a joint venture by recognizing its new equity method investment interest at fair value.

Revenue Recognition

In general, the Company commences lease/rental revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. Contractual lease/rental revenue is reported on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective leases. The impact of the straight-line rent adjustment increased revenue by approximately $58.4 million, $51.9 million and $54.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, as the revenue recorded exceeded amounts billed. Accrued rental income, as reported on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, represents cumulative lease/rental income earned in excess of rent payments received pursuant to the terms of the individual lease agreements. The Company maintains an allowance against accrued rental income for future potential tenant credit losses. The credit assessment is based on the

estimated accrued rental income that is recoverable over the term of the lease. The Company also maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required rent payments. The computation of this allowance is based on the tenants’ payment history and current credit status, as well as certain industry or geographic specific credit considerations. If the Company’s estimates of collectability differ from the cash received, then the timing and amount of the Company’s reported revenue could be impacted. The credit risk is mitigated by the high quality of the Company’s existing tenant base, reviews of prospective tenants’ risk profiles prior to lease execution and consistent monitoring of the Company’s portfolio to identify potential problem tenants.

In accordance with ASC 805, the Company recognizes acquired in-place “above-” and “below-market” leases at their fair values as rental revenue over the original term of the respective leases. The impact of the acquired in-place “above-” and “below-market” leases increased revenue by approximately $20.9 million, $23.8 million and $23.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The following table summarizes the scheduled amortization of the Company’s acquired “above-” and “below-market” lease intangibles for each of the five succeeding years (in thousands).



	Acquired Above-Market Lease Intangibles		Acquired Below-Market Lease Intangibles
2020	$	5,440	$	10,673
2021	3,054		6,455
2022	357		5,699
2023	183		5,558
2024	135		4,043

Recoveries from tenants, consisting of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs, are recognized as revenue in the period during which the expenses are incurred (see “New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted—Leases”). The Company recognizes these reimbursements on a gross basis, as the Company obtains control of the goods and services before they are transferred to the tenant. The Company also receives reimbursements of payroll and payroll related costs from unconsolidated joint venture entities and third party property owners in connection with management services contracts which the Company reflects on a gross basis instead of on a net basis as the Company has determined that it is the principal and not the agent under these arrangements in accordance with the guidance in ASC 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”).

The Company’s parking revenue is derived primarily from monthly and transient daily parking. In addition, the Company has certain lease arrangements for parking accounted for under the guidance in ASC 842 “Leases” (“ASC 842”). The monthly and transient daily parking revenue falls within the scope of ASC 606 and is accounted for at the point in time when control of the goods or services transfers to the customer and the Company’s performance obligation is satisfied.

The Company’s hotel revenue is derived from room rentals and other sources such as charges to guests for telephone service, movie and vending commissions, meeting and banquet room revenue and laundry services. Hotel revenue is recognized as the hotel rooms are occupied and the services are rendered to the hotel customers.

The Company earns management and development fees. Development and management services revenue is earned from unconsolidated joint venture entities and third-party property owners. The Company determined that the performance obligations associated with its development services contracts are satisfied over time and that the Company would recognize its development services revenue under the output method evenly over time from the development commencement date through the substantial completion date of the development management services project due to the stand-ready nature of the contracts. Significant judgments impacting the amount and timing of revenue recognized from the Company’s development services contracts include estimates of total development project costs from which the fees are typically derived and estimates of the period of time until substantial completion of the development project, the period of time over which the development services are required to be performed. The Company recognizes development fees earned from unconsolidated joint venture projects equal to its cost plus profit to the extent of the third party partners’ ownership interest. Property management fees are recorded and earned based on a percentage of collected rents at the properties under management, and not on a straight-line basis, because such fees are contingent upon the collection of rents.

Gains on sales of real estate are recognized pursuant to the provisions included in ASC 610-20. Under ASC 610-20, the Company must first determine whether the transaction is a sale to a customer or non-customer. The Company typically sells real estate on a selective basis and not within the ordinary course of its business and therefore expects that its sale transactions will not be contracts with customers. The Company next determines whether it has a controlling financial interest in the property after the sale, consistent with the consolidation model in ASC 810 “Consolidation” (“ASC 810”). If the Company determines that it does not have a controlling financial interest in the real estate, it evaluates whether a contract exists under ASC 606 and whether the buyer has obtained control of the asset that was sold. The Company recognizes a full gain on sale of real estate when the derecognition criteria under ASC 610-20 have been met.

Earnings Per Share and Earnings Per Common Unit

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted for undistributed earnings (if any) of certain securities issued by Boston Properties Limited Partnership, by the weighted average number of shares of Common Stock outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from shares issuable in connection with awards under stock-based compensation plans, including upon the exercise of stock options, and securities of Boston Properties Limited Partnership that are exchangeable for Common Stock.

Earnings Per Common Unit

Basic earnings per common unit is computed by dividing net income available to common unitholders, as adjusted for undistributed earnings (if any) of certain securities issued by Boston Properties Limited Partnership, by the weighted average number of common units outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common unit reflects the potential dilution that could occur from units issuable in connection with awards under Boston Properties, Inc.’s stock-based compensation plans, including upon the exercise of stock options, and conversion of preferred units of Boston Properties Limited Partnership.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, escrows, receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other assets and liabilities are reasonable estimates of their fair values because of the short maturities of these instruments.

The Company follows the authoritative guidance for fair value measurements when valuing its financial instruments for disclosure purposes. Boston Properties Limited Partnership determines the fair value of its unsecured senior notes using market prices. The inputs used in determining the fair value of Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s unsecured senior notes is categorized at a Level 1 basis (as defined in ASC 820 “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures” (“ASC 820”)) due to the fact that it uses quoted market rates to value these instruments. However, the inputs used in determining the fair value could be categorized at a Level 2 basis (as defined in ASC 820) if trading volumes are low. The Company determines the fair value of its related party note receivable, note receivable and mortgage notes payable using discounted cash flow analysis by discounting the spread between the future contractual interest payments and hypothetical future interest payments on note receivables / mortgage debt based on current market rates for similar securities. In determining the current market rates, the Company adds its estimates of market spreads to the quoted yields on federal government treasury securities with similar maturity dates to its debt. The inputs used in determining the fair value of the Company’s related party note receivable, note receivable, and mortgage notes payable are categorized at a Level 3 basis (as defined in ASC 820) due to the fact that the Company considers the rates used in the valuation techniques to be unobservable inputs. To the extent that there are outstanding borrowings under the unsecured line of credit or unsecured term loan, the Company utilizes a discounted cash flow methodology in order to estimate the fair value. To the extent that credit spreads have changed since the origination, the net present value of the difference between future contractual interest payments and future interest payments based on the Company’s estimate of a current market rate would represent the difference between the book value and the fair value. The Company’s estimate of a current market rate is based upon the rate, considering current market conditions and Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s specific credit profile, at which it estimates it could obtain similar borrowings. To the extent there are outstanding borrowings, this current market rate is estimated and therefore would be primarily based upon a Level 3 input (see “New Accounting Pronouncements Issued but not yet Adopted—Fair Value Measurement”).

Because the Company’s valuations of its financial instruments are based on these types of estimates, the actual fair values of its financial instruments may differ materially if the Company’s estimates do not prove to be accurate, and the Company’s estimated fair values for these instruments as of the end of the applicable reporting period are not necessarily indicative of estimated or actual fair values in future reporting periods. The following table presents the aggregate carrying value of the Company’s related party note receivable, note receivable, mortgage notes payable, net, unsecured senior notes, net, unsecured line of credit and unsecured term loan, net and the Company’s corresponding estimate of fair value as of December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 (in thousands):



	December 31, 2019				December 31, 2018
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Related party note receivable	$	80,000	$	81,931	$	80,000	$	80,000
Note receivable	15,920		14,978		19,468		19,468
Total	$	95,920	$	96,909	$	99,468	$	99,468

Mortgage notes payable, net	$	2,922,408	$	2,984,956	$	2,964,572	$	2,903,925
Unsecured senior notes, net	8,390,459		8,826,375		7,544,697		7,469,338
Unsecured line of credit	—		—		—		—
Unsecured term loan, net	498,939		500,561		498,488		500,783
Total	$	11,811,806	$	12,311,892	$	11,007,757	$	10,874,046

The Company uses interest rate swap agreements to manage its interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves. To comply with the provisions of ASC 820, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. Although the Company determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with its derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and its counterparties. The Company assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and determined that the credit valuation adjustments were not significant to the overall valuation of its derivatives. As a result, the Company has determined that its derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

Derivative instruments and hedging activities require management to make judgments on the nature of its derivatives and their effectiveness as hedges. These judgments determine if the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments are reported in the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of net income or as a component of comprehensive income and as a component of equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. While management believes its judgments are reasonable, a change in a derivative’s effectiveness as a hedge could materially affect expenses, net income and equity. The Company accounts for both the effective and ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of a derivative in other comprehensive income (loss) and subsequently reclassifies the fair value of the derivative to earnings over the term that the hedged transaction affects earnings and in the same line item as the hedged transaction within the statements of operations.

Stock-Based Employee Compensation Plans

At December 31, 2019, the Company has a stock-based employee compensation plan. The Company accounts for the plan under the guidance in ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”), which revised the fair value based method of accounting for share-based payment liabilities, forfeitures and modifications of stock-based awards and clarified previous guidance in several areas, including measuring fair value, classifying an award as equity or as a liability and attributing compensation cost to reporting periods.

Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates include such items as depreciation and allowances for doubtful accounts. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Lessee, Leases

For leases in which the Company is the lessee (generally ground leases), on January 1, 2019, the Company recognized a right-of-use asset and a lease liability of approximately $151.8 million and $199.3 million, respectively. The lease liability was equal to the present value of the minimum lease payments in accordance with Topic ASC 840. In addition, the Company did not know the rate implicit in any of its ground leases that were classified as operating leases, and accordingly used the Company’s incremental borrowing rate (“IBR”) to determine the net present value of the minimum lease payments.

In order to determine the IBR, the Company utilized a market-based approach to estimate the incremental borrowing rate for each individual lease. The approach required significant judgment. Therefore, the Company utilized different data sets to estimate base IBRs via an analysis of the following weighted-components:


•	the interpolated rates from yields on outstanding U.S. Treasury issuances for up to 30 years and for years 31 and beyond, longer-term publicly traded educational institution debt issued by high credit quality educational institutions with maturity dates up to 2116,


•	observable mortgage rates spread over U.S. Treasury issuances, and


•	unlevered property yields and discount rates.

The Company then applied adjustments to account for considerations related to term and interpolated the IBR.

The Company has four non-cancelable ground lease obligations, which were classified as operating leases, with various initial term expiration dates through 2114. The Company recognizes ground rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the respective ground lease agreements. None of the amounts disclosed below for these ground leases contain variable payments, extension options or residual value guarantees. One of the ground leases does have an extension option. However, lease payments for this ground lease are based on fair market value and as such have not been included in the analysis below.

Lessor, Leases

ASU 2018-11 provides lessors a practical expedient to not separate nonlease components from the associated lease component if certain criteria stated above are met for each class of underlying assets. The guidance in Topic 842 defines “underlying asset” as “an asset that is the subject of a lease for which a right to use that asset has been conveyed to a lessee. The underlying asset could be a physically distinct portion of a single asset.” Based on the above guidance, the Company considers real estate assets as a class of underlying assets and will not be further delineating it into specific uses of the real estate asset as the risk profiles are similar in nature.

Lease components are elements of an arrangement that provide the customer with the right to use an identified asset. Nonlease components are distinct elements of a contract that are not related to securing the use of the leased asset and revenue is recognized in accordance with ASC 606. The Company considers common area maintenance (CAM) and service income associated with tenant work orders to be nonlease components because they represent delivery of a separate service but are not considered a cost of securing the identified asset. In the case of the Company’s business, the identified asset would be the leased real estate (office, retail or residential).

The Company assessed and concluded that the timing and pattern of transfer for nonlease components and the associated lease component are the same. The Company determined that the predominant component was the lease component and as such its leases will continue to qualify as operating leases and the Company has made a policy election to account for and present the lease component and the nonlease component as a single component in the revenue section of the Consolidated Statements of Operations labeled Lease. Prior to the adoption of Topic 842, nonlease components had been included within Recoveries from Tenants Revenue, Parking and Other Revenue and Development and Management Services Revenue on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In addition, under ASU 2016-02, lessors will only capitalize incremental direct leasing costs. As a result, starting January 1, 2019, the Company no longer capitalizes non-incremental legal costs and internal leasing wages. These costs are expensed as incurred. The expensing of these items is included within General and Administrative Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

Leases

General Adoption

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-02, which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease for accounting purposes is effectively a financed purchase of the leased asset by the lessee. This classification will determine whether the lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to the prior guidance in ASC 840 -“Leases” (“Topic 840”). ASU 2016-02 requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to Topic 840 for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. ASU 2016-02 supersedes previous leasing standards.

On July 30, 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements” (“ASU 2018-11”), that (1) simplifies transition requirements for both lessees and lessors by adding an option that permits an organization to apply the transition provisions of the new standard at its adoption date instead of at the earliest comparative period presented in its financial statements and (2) allows lessors to elect, as a practical expedient, by class of underlying asset, to not separate nonlease components from the associated lease component and, instead, to account for those components as a single component if the nonlease components otherwise would be accounted for under the revenue guidance in ASC 606 that was adopted on January 1, 2018, and both of the following are met:

(1) the timing and pattern of transfer of the nonlease component(s) and associated lease components are the same; and

(2) the lease component, if accounted for separately, would be classified as an operating lease.

If the nonlease component or components associated with the lease component are the predominant component of the combined component, an entity is required to account for the combined component in accordance with ASC 606.

The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 and ASU 2018-11 effective January 1, 2019. For purposes of transition, the Company elected the practical expedient package, which has been applied consistently to all of its leases, but did not elect the hindsight practical expedient. The practical expedient package did not require the Company to reassess the following: (i) whether an expired or existing contract meets the definition of a lease; (ii) the lease classification at the adoption date for existing leases; and (iii) whether costs previously capitalized as initial direct costs would continue to be amortized. This allows the Company to continue to account for its ground leases as operating leases. However, as of January 1, 2019, any new or modified ground leases may be classified as financing leases unless they meet certain conditions. The Company also elected to apply the transition provisions as of the adoption date, January 1, 2019, and not change its comparative statements. The Company recorded an adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings related to initial direct costs that, as of January 1, 2019, had not started to amortize and are no longer allowed to be capitalized in accordance with ASU 2016-02, totaling approximately $3.9 million to Dividends in Excess of Earnings of Boston Properties, Inc. and Partners’ Capital of Boston Properties Limited Partnership, approximately $0.4 million to Noncontrolling interests - Common Units of Boston Properties, Inc. and Noncontrolling Interest - Redeemable Partnership Units of Boston Properties Limited Partnership and $70,000 to Noncontrolling Interests - Property Partnerships of Boston Properties, Inc. and Noncontrolling Interests in Property Partnerships of Boston Properties Limited Partnership on the corresponding Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company made the policy election, when it is the lessee, to not apply the revenue recognition requirements of Topic 842 to short-term leases. This policy election is made by class of underlying assets and as described below, the Company considers real estate to be a class of underlying assets, and will not be further delineating it into specific uses of the real estate asset as the risk profiles are similar in nature. The Company will recognize the lease payments in net income on a straight-line basis over the lease term.

Lease payments from operating leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases. The cumulative difference between lease revenue recognized under this method and the contractual lease payment terms is recorded as deferred rent receivable on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company reviews its trade accounts receivable, including its straight-line rent receivable, related to base rents, straight-line rent, expense reimbursements and other revenues for collectability. The Company analyzes its accounts receivable, customer creditworthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the collectability of the lessee’s total accounts receivable balance on a lease-by-lease basis. In addition, tenants in bankruptcy are analyzed and considerations are made in connection with the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition claims. If a lessee’s accounts receivable balance is considered uncollectible, the Company will write-off the receivable balances associated with the lease to Lease revenue and cease to recognize lease income, including straight-line rent, unless cash is received. If the Company subsequently determines that it is probable it will collect substantially all the remaining lessee’s lease payments under the lease term, the Company will then reinstate the straight-line balance, adjusting for the amount related to the period when the lease payments were considered not probable. The Company’s reported net earnings are directly affected by management’s estimate of the collectability of its trade accounts receivable.

In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, “Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842” (“ASU 2018-01”), which provides an optional transition practical expedient to not evaluate, under Topic 842, existing or expired land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under the leases guidance in Topic 840. An entity that elects this practical expedient should evaluate new or modified land easements under Topic 842 beginning at the date that the entity adopts Topic 842. An entity that does not elect this practical expedient should evaluate all existing or expired land easements in connection with the adoption of the new lease requirements in Topic 842 to assess whether they meet the definition of a lease. The effective date and transition requirements for ASU 2018-01 are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in ASU 2016-02. The Company adopted ASU 2018-01 on January 1, 2019.

Lessee


•	the interpolated rates from yields on outstanding U.S. Treasury issuances for up to 30 years and for years 31 and beyond, longer-term publicly traded educational institution debt issued by high credit quality educational institutions with maturity dates up to 2116,


•	observable mortgage rates spread over U.S. Treasury issuances, and


•	unlevered property yields and discount rates.

The Company then applied adjustments to account for considerations related to term and interpolated the IBR.

The Company has four finance lease obligations with various initial term expiration dates through 2094, see Note 3.

The following table provides lease cost information for the Company’s operating and finance leases for the year ended December 31, 2019 (in thousands):



Lease costs
Operating lease costs	$	14,573
Finance lease costs
Amortization of right of use asset (1)	$	29
Interest on lease liabilities (2)	$	47

_______________

(1)

The finance leases relate to either land, buildings or assets that remain in development. For land leases classified as finance leases because of a purchase option that the Company views as an economic incentive, the Company follows its existing policy and does not depreciate land because it is assumed to have an indefinite life. For all other finance leases, the Company would amortize the right of use asset over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the lease term. If the finance lease relates to a property under development, the amortization of the right of use asset may be eligible for capitalization. For assets under development, depreciation may commence once the asset is placed in-service and depreciation would be recognized in accordance with the Company’s policy.


(2)	Three of the finance leases relate to assets under development and as such, the entire interest amount was capitalized.

The following table provides other quantitative information for the Company’s operating and finance leases as of December 31, 2019:



	December 31, 2019
Other information
Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years)
Operating leases	51
Finance leases	71
Weighted-average discount rate
Operating leases	5.7	%
Finance leases	6.2	%

The following table provides a maturity analysis for the Company’s future contractual minimum lease payments to be made by the Company as of December 31, 2018, under non-cancelable ground leases which expire on various dates through 2114:



Years Ending December 31,	(in thousands)
2019	$	11,425
2020	18,425
2021	25,310
2022	8,894
2023	9,084
Thereafter	567,232

The following table provides a maturity analysis for the Company’s future minimum lease payments, as of December 31, 2018, related to the four capital leases, through 2036:



Years Ending December 31,	(in thousands)
2019	$	1,441
2020	12,682
2021	2,123
2022	1,253
2023	944
Thereafter	73,241
Total expected minimum lease payments	91,684
Interest portion	(27,497		)
Present value of expected net minimum lease payments	$	64,187

The following table provides a maturity analysis for the Company’s lease liabilities related to its operating and finance leases as of December 31, 2019 (in thousands):



	Operating			Finance
2020	$	10,050		$	834
2021	24,973			5,960
2022	18,041			10,208
2023	10,322			9,708
2024 (1)	9,277			48,518
Thereafter	557,954			1,383,242
Total lease payments	630,617			1,458,470
Less: interest portion	(430,437		)	(1,234,428		)
Present value of lease payments	$	200,180		$	224,042

_______________


(1)	Finance lease payments in 2024 include approximately $38.7 million related to a purchase option that the Company is reasonably certain it will exercise.

Lessor

The Company leases primarily Class A office, retail and residential space to tenants. These leases may contain extension and termination options that are predominately at the sole discretion of the tenant, provided certain conditions are satisfied. In a few instances, the leases also contain purchase options, which would be exercisable at fair market value. Also, certain of the Company’s leases include rental payments that are based on a percentage of the tenant sales in excess of contractual amounts.

The following table summarizes the components of lease revenue recognized during the year ended December 31, 2019 included within the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands):



Lease Revenue
Fixed contractual payments	$	2,261,260
Variable lease payments	496,754
	$	2,758,014

The Company’s properties are leased to tenants under operating leases with initial term expiration dates ranging from 2020 to 2049. For the future contractual lease payments to be received by the Company, refer to Note 12.

New Accounting Pronouncements Issued but not yet Adopted

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date by replacing the current incurred loss impairment methodology with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-19, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses” (“ASU 2018-19”). ASU 2018-19 clarifies that receivables arising from operating leases are not within the scope of ASC 326-20, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measured at Amortized Cost,” which addresses financial assets measured at amortized cost basis, including net investments in leases arising from sales-type and direct financing leases. Instead, impairment of receivables arising from operating leases should be accounted for in accordance with ASC 842. ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2018-19 are effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2018-19 are applicable to the Company with respect to (1) certain of its accounts receivable, except for amounts arising from operating leases accounted for under ASC 842, (2) its related party note receivable, (3) its note receivable and (4) certain of its off-balance sheet credit exposures. The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2018-19 effective January 1, 2020 using the modified retrospective approach. The

adoption of ASU 2016-13 and ASU 2018-19 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value Measurement

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 is intended to improve the effectiveness of disclosures required by entities regarding recurring and nonrecurring fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-13 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Derivatives and Hedging

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-16, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes” (“ASU 2018-16”). ASU 2018-16 permits the use of the overnight index swap rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) to be used as a U.S. benchmark interest rate for purposes of applying hedge accounting under ASC 815. ASU 2018-16 is effective for the Company, which has already adopted ASU 2017-12, for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and is required to be adopted on a prospective basis for qualifying new or re-designated hedging relationships entered into on or after the date of adoption. The adoption of ASU 2018-16 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Consolidation

In October 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-17, “Consolidation (Topic 810): Targeted Improvements to Related Party Guidance for Variable Interest Entities” (“ASU 2018-17”). ASU 2018-17 is intended to improve the accounting when considering indirect interests held through related parties under common control for determining whether fees paid to decision makers and service providers are variable interests. ASU 2018-17 is effective for the Company for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2018-17 will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Equity Offering Costs

Underwriting commissions and offering costs have been reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in capital.

Treasury Stock

Boston Properties, Inc.’s share repurchases are reflected as treasury stock utilizing the cost method of accounting and are presented as a reduction to consolidated stockholders’ equity.

Dividends

Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of dividends to stockholders, will differ from income reported for financial reporting purposes due to the differences for federal income tax purposes in the treatment of gains/losses on the sale of real property, revenue and expense recognition, compensation expense, and in the estimated useful lives and basis used to compute depreciation.

Income Taxes

Boston Properties, Inc. has elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, commencing with its taxable year ended December 31, 1997. As a result, it generally will not be subject to federal corporate income tax on its taxable income that is distributed to its stockholders. A REIT is subject to a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it currently distribute at least 90% of its annual taxable income (with certain adjustments). Boston Properties, Inc.’s policy is to distribute at least 100% of its taxable income. Accordingly, the only provision for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements relates to Boston Properties, Inc.’s consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries. Boston Properties, Inc.’s taxable REIT subsidiaries did not have significant tax provisions or deferred income tax items. Boston Properties, Inc. has no uncertain tax positions recognized as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Company owns a hotel property that it leases to one of its taxable REIT subsidiaries and that is managed by Marriott International, Inc. The hotel taxable REIT subsidiary, a wholly owned subsidiary of Boston Properties Limited Partnership, is the lessee pursuant to the lease for the hotel property. As lessor, Boston Properties Limited Partnership is entitled to a percentage of gross receipts from the hotel property. Marriott International, Inc. continues to manage the hotel property under the Marriott name and under terms of a management agreement. The hotel taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to tax at the federal and state level and, accordingly, Boston Properties, Inc. has recorded a tax provision in its Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Certain entities included in Boston Properties, Inc.’s consolidated financial statements are subject to certain state and local taxes. These taxes are recorded as operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.

Boston Properties Limited Partnership

Income Taxes

The partners are required to report their respective share of Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s taxable income or loss on their respective tax returns and are liable for any related taxes thereon. Accordingly, the only provision for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements relates to Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries. Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s taxable REIT subsidiaries did not have significant tax provisions or deferred income tax items. Boston Properties Limited Partnership has no uncertain tax positions recognized as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The Company owns a hotel property which is managed through a taxable REIT subsidiary. The hotel taxable REIT subsidiary, a wholly owned subsidiary Boston Properties Limited Partnership, is the lessee pursuant to the lease for the hotel property. As lessor, Boston Properties Limited Partnership is entitled to a percentage of gross receipts from the hotel property. Marriott International, Inc. continues to manage the hotel property under the Marriott name and under terms of a management agreement. The hotel taxable REIT subsidiary is subject to tax at the federal and state level and, accordingly, Boston Properties Limited Partnership has recorded a tax provision in its Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017.

Certain entities included in Boston Properties Limited Partnership’s consolidated financial statements are subject to certain state and local taxes. These taxes are recorded as operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated financial statements.