Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2015

Commitments and Contingencies.

Commitments and Contingencies

8. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

            We are involved from time-to-time in various legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business, including, but not limited to, commercial disputes, environmental matters, and litigation in connection with transactions including acquisitions and divestitures. We believe that such litigation, claims and administrative proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or our results of operations. We record a liability when a loss is considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated.

            In May 2010, Opry Mills sustained significant flood damage. Insurance proceeds of $50 million have been funded by the primary insurer and remediation and restoration work has been completed. The property re-opened March 29, 2012. The excess insurance carriers (those providing coverage above $50 million) denied our claim under the policy for additional proceeds (of up to $150 million) to pay further amounts for restoration costs and business interruption losses. In the first quarter of 2015, summary judgment was granted in our favor, concluding that up to $150 million of additional coverage is available under our excess insurance policy for this claim. In July and August 2015, trial on the damages portion of our claim was completed and the jury entered a verdict for damages in the amount of $204.1 million (inclusive of the $50.0 million previously paid by the primary carrier). The court has also ruled that we are entitled to recover prejudgment interest and legal fees paid to our lender's counsel, all in amounts to be determined by the court. We will continue our efforts through the conclusion of the pending litigation to recover our losses, including consequential damages, under the excess insurance policies for Opry Mills and we believe recovery is probable, but no assurances can be made that our efforts to recover these funds will be successful.

Guarantees of Indebtedness

            Joint venture debt is the liability of the joint venture and is typically secured by the joint venture property, which is non-recourse to us. As of September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, the Operating Partnership guaranteed joint venture related mortgage indebtedness of $346.6 million and $223.5 million, respectively (of which we have a right of recovery from our joint venture partners of $104.0 million and $78.7 million, respectively). Mortgages guaranteed by us are secured by the property of the joint venture which could be sold in order to satisfy the outstanding obligation and which has an estimated fair value in excess of the guaranteed amount.

Concentration of Credit Risk

            Our U.S. Malls, Premium Outlets, and The Mills rely heavily upon anchor tenants to attract customers; however, anchor retailers do not contribute materially to our financial results as many anchor retailers own their spaces. All material operations are within the United States and no customer or tenant accounts for 5% or more of our consolidated revenues.