Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
12 Months Ended | ||||||||||||||||||
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Dec. 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies The preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the balance sheet and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Real Estate Properties Real estate properties comprise all tangible assets we hold for rent or development. Real property is recognized at cost less accumulated depreciation. Third party costs related to asset acquisitions are capitalized. Development, re-development and certain costs directly related to the improvement of real properties are capitalized. Maintenance and repair expenses are charged to expense as incurred. When we acquire properties, we allocate the purchase price to numerous tangible and intangible components. Our process for determining the allocation to these components requires many estimates and assumptions, including the following: (1) determination of market land, rental, discount and capitalization rates; (2) estimation of leasing and tenant improvement costs associated with the remaining term of acquired leases; (3) assumptions used in determining the in-place lease and if-vacant value including the rental rates, period of time that it would take to lease vacant space and estimated tenant improvement and leasing costs; (4) renewal probabilities; and (5) allocation of the if-vacant value between land and building. A change in any of the above key assumptions can materially change not only the presentation of acquired properties in our consolidated financial statements but also our reported results of operations. The allocation to different components affects the following: • the amount of the purchase price allocated among different categories of assets and liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets; and the amount of costs assigned to individual properties in multiple property acquisitions; • where the amortization of the components appear over time in our consolidated statements of operations. Allocations to above- and below-market leases are amortized into rental revenue, whereas allocations to most of the other tangible and intangible assets are amortized into depreciation and amortization expense. As a REIT, this is important to us since much of the investment community evaluates our operating performance using non-GAAP measures such as Funds From Operations, the computation of which includes rental revenue but does not include depreciation and amortization expense; and • the timing over which the items are recognized as revenue or expense in our consolidated statements of operations. For example, for allocations to the as-if vacant value, the land portion is not depreciated and the building portion is depreciated over a longer period of time than the other components (generally 40 years). Allocations to above- and below-market leases and in-place lease value are amortized over significantly shorter timeframes, and if individual tenants’ leases are terminated early, any unamortized amounts remaining associated with those tenants are written off upon termination. These differences in timing can materially affect our reported results of operations. Tenant improvements are capitalized in real property when we own the improvement. When we are required to provide improvements under the terms of a lease, we determine whether the improvements constitute landlord assets or tenant assets. If the improvements are considered landlord assets, we capitalize the cost of the improvements and recognize depreciation expense associated with such improvements over the shorter of the useful life of the assets or the term of the lease and recognize any payments from the tenant as rental revenue over the term of the lease. If the improvements are considered tenant assets, we defer the cost of improvements funded by us as a lease incentive asset and amortize it as a reduction of rental revenue over the term of the lease. Our determination of whether improvements are landlord assets or tenant assets also may affect when we commence revenue recognition in connection with a lease. In determining whether improvements constitute landlord or tenant assets, we consider numerous factors including: whether the improvements are unique to the tenant or reusable by other tenants; whether the tenant is permitted to alter or remove the improvements without our consent or without compensating us for any lost fair value; whether the ownership of the improvements remains with us or remains with the tenant at the end of the lease term; and whether the economic substance of the lease terms is properly reflected. We capitalize pre-development costs incurred in pursuit of new development opportunities for which we currently believe future development is probable. Additionally, we capitalize interest expense, real estate taxes and direct and indirect project costs (including related compensation and other indirect costs) associated with properties, or portions thereof, undergoing construction, development and redevelopment activities. In capitalizing interest expense, if there is a specific borrowing for the property undergoing construction, development and redevelopment activities, we apply the interest rate of that borrowing to the average accumulated expenditures that do not exceed such borrowing; for the portion of expenditures exceeding any such specific borrowing, we apply our weighted average interest rate on unsecured borrowings to the expenditures. We continue to capitalize costs while construction, development or redevelopment activities are underway until the building is substantially complete and ready for its intended use, at which time rental income recognition can commence and rental operating costs, real estate taxes, insurance, and other subsequent carrying costs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation of an asset begins when it is available for use and is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives. Each period, depreciation is charged to expense and credited to the related accumulated depreciation account. A used asset acquired is depreciated over its estimated remaining useful life, not to exceed the life of a new asset. Range of useful lives for depreciable assets are as follows:
We regularly evaluate whether events or changes in circumstances have occurred that could indicate an impairment in the value of long-lived assets. If there is an indication that the carrying value of an asset is not recoverable, we estimate the projected undiscounted cash flows to determine whether an asset may be impaired. We determine the amount of any impairment loss by comparing the historical carrying value to estimated fair value. We estimate fair value through an evaluation of recent financial performance and projected discounted cash flows using standard industry valuation techniques. Fair value estimates are made as of a specific point in time, are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgement. In addition to consideration of impairment upon the events or changes in circumstances described above, we regularly evaluate the remaining lives of our long-lived assets. If we change our estimate of the remaining lives, we allocate the carrying value of the affected assets over their revised remaining lives. From time to time, natural disasters or other loss events may result in damage or destruction to our assets. In these instances, any loss on involuntary conversion is recognized as Depreciation and amortization in our Consolidated Statements of Operations in the period in which the damage occurred. Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash equivalents on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets include all cash and liquid investments that mature three months or less from when they were purchased. Cash equivalents are reported at cost, which approximates fair value. We maintain our cash in bank accounts in amounts that may exceed federally insured limits at times. We have not experienced any losses in these accounts and believe that we are not exposed to significant credit risk because our accounts are deposited with major financial institutions. Restricted Cash Restricted cash on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets consists of amounts escrowed for future real estate taxes, insurance, capital expenditures and debt service, as required by certain of our mortgage debt agreements or lease agreements. Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Venture We analyze each real estate venture to determine whether the entity should be consolidated. If it is determined that an entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) in which we have a variable interest, we assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of the VIE to determine whether it should be consolidated. We are not the primary beneficiary of an entity when we do not have voting control, lack the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance or other partners have substantive participatory rights, we do not have the obligation to absorb losses or we do not have the right to receive returns from the VIE that could potentially be significant. If we determine that the entity is not a VIE, then we base our consolidation assessment on whether we have a controlling financial interest in the entity. Management uses its judgment when determining if we are the primary beneficiary of, or have a controlling financial interest in, an entity in which we have a variable interest. Factors considered in determining whether we have the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance include voting rights, involvement in day-to-day capital and operating decisions, and the extent of our involvement in the entity. We use the equity method of accounting for investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures when we have significant influence but do not control the entity. Under the equity method, we record our investment in "Investment in unconsolidated real estate venture" on our Consolidated Balance Sheets and our proportionate share of earnings or losses, pursuant to the terms of the joint venture agreement as these may change depending on returns, in "Income from unconsolidated real estate venture" in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations. We classify distributions received from equity method investees within our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows using the nature of distribution approach. Under this method, cash flows generated from the operations of an unconsolidated real estate venture are classified as a return on investment (cash inflow from operating activities) and cash flows from property sales, debt refinancing or sales of our investments are classified as a return of investment (cash inflow from investing activities). We earn revenue from asset management services to our unconsolidated real estate venture. These fees are determined following the terms specific to each arrangement. We account for this revenue gross of our ownership interest in the respective real estate venture and recognize such revenue as "Asset management income" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations when earned. Our proportionate share of related expense is recognized in "Income from unconsolidated real estate venture". Periodically, we assess whether there are any indicators, including underlying property operating performance and general market conditions, that the value of our investment may be impaired. We consider an investment in a real estate venture impaired if we determine that its fair value is less than the net carrying value of the investment on an other-than-temporary basis. If our analysis indicates that there is an other-than-temporary impairment related to the investment in a particular real estate venture, the carrying value of the venture will be adjusted to an amount that reflects the estimated fair value of the investment. Rent Receivable and Accounts Receivable Rent receivable and Accounts receivable on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets include accrued rental income and other tenant accounts receivable, respectively. We accrue rental and other tenant income earned, but not yet received, in accordance with GAAP. Deferred Costs Deferred financing fees and debt issuance costs include costs incurred in obtaining debt that are capitalized and are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the associated debt liability that is not a line-of-credit arrangement on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Deferred financing fees and debt issuance costs related to line-of-credit arrangements are presented as an asset in Prepaid expenses and other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The deferred financing fees and debt issuance costs are amortized through interest expense over the life of the respective loans on a basis which approximates the effective interest method. Any unamortized amounts upon early repayment of debt are written off in the period of repayment as a loss on extinguishment of debt. Fully amortized deferred financing fees and debt issuance costs are removed from the books upon maturity of the underlying debt. Deferred offering costs include certain legal, accounting and other third-party fees that are directly associated with in-process equity financings until such financings are consummated. After consummation of the equity financing, these costs are recorded as a reduction to capital. Should the equity no longer be considered probable of being consummated, the deferred offering costs would be expensed immediately as a charge to Corporate general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. Deferred leasing commissions include commissions, compensation costs of leasing personnel for those leases which commenced prior to the adoption of Accounting Standards Codification Topic 842, Leases (“ASC 842”) on January 1, 2019, and other direct and incremental costs incurred to obtain new tenant leases as well as to renew existing tenant leases and are presented in Prepaid expenses and other assets on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Leasing commissions are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the related leases upon lease commencement using the straight-line method. If a lease terminates prior to the expiration of its initial term, any unamortized costs related to the lease are accelerated into amortization expense. Changes in leasing commissions are presented in the cash flows from operating activities section of the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Interest Rate Swaps Our primary objective in using interest rate derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swaps as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable- rate amounts from a counterparty in exchange for our making fixed- rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount. Derivatives are used to hedge the cash flows associated with interest rates on existing debt as well as future debt. We recognize derivatives as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet at fair value. We defer the effective portion of changes in fair value of the designated cash flow hedges to accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”) or loss (“AOCL”) and reclassify such deferrals to interest expense as interest expense is recognized on the hedged forecasted transitions. We recognize the ineffective portion of the change in fair value of interest rate derivatives directly in interest expense. When an interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, we recognize changes in fair value of the hedge previously deferred to AOCI or AOCL, along with any changes in fair value occurring thereafter, through earnings. We do not use interest rate derivatives for trading or speculative purposes. We manage counterparty risk by only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other risk factors. We use standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models, replacement cost and termination cost in computing the fair value of derivatives at each balance sheet date. We made an accounting policy election to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a gross basis by counterparty portfolio. Please refer to Note 6 for more information pertaining to interest rate derivatives. Fair Value Measurements Accounting standards define fair value as the exit price, or the amount that would be received upon sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The standards also establish a hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value that maximizes the use of observable inputs and minimizes the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that the most observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based on market data obtained from sources independent of us. Unobservable inputs are inputs that reflect our assumptions about the factors market participants would use in valuing the asset or liability developed based upon the best information available in the circumstances. The hierarchy of these inputs is broken down into three levels: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. Categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is most significant to the fair value measurement. Recurring fair value measurements The fair values of our interest rate swaps are 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 and implied volatilities in such interest rates. While we 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 us and our counterparties. We have determined that the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments made to its derivative contracts, which determination was based on the fair value of each individual contract, was not significant to the overall valuation. As a result, all of our derivatives held as of December 31, 2022 and 2021 were classified as Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, other assets and accounts payable and accrued expenses are reasonable estimates of fair values because of the short maturities of these instruments. Please refer to Note 7 for more information pertaining to fair value measurements. Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue consists primarily of lump sum reimbursements made by tenants to us for landlord improvements in excess of a tenant improvement allowance. Lump sum reimbursements are recorded as Deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized over the life of the lease through Rental income. Deferred revenue also includes rent received in advance, which is recognized within Rental income once earned. Non-Controlling Interests Non-controlling interests relate to the common units of the Operating Partnership not owned by us. Unitholders receive a distribution per unit equivalent to the dividend per share of our common stock. Pursuant to ASC 810 with respect to the accounting and reporting for non-controlling interest changes and changes in ownership interest of a subsidiary, changes in parent’s ownership interest when the parent retains controlling interest in the subsidiary should be accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amount of the non-controlling interest shall be adjusted to reflect the change in its ownership interest in the subsidiary, with the offset to equity attributable to us. Revenue Recognition Rental income includes base rents paid by each tenant in accordance with its lease agreement conditions. We recognize rental income on a straight-line basis over the lease term of each lease. For acquisitions of existing buildings, we recognize rental income from leases already in place coincident with the date of property closing. Lease incentives are recorded as a deferred asset and amortized as a reduction of revenue on a straight-line basis over the respective lease term. Above- and below-market leases are amortized into rental income over the terms of the respective leases. Further, Rental income includes certain tenant reimbursement income (real estate taxes, operating expenses, utility usage, and other reimbursements), which are accrued as variable lease payments in the same periods as the related expenses are incurred in accordance with ASC 842 which we adopted on January 1, 2019. Tenant reimbursement income includes revenue from tenant construction projects. When revenue and costs for such projects can be estimated with reasonable accuracy, we recognize a percentage of the total estimated revenue on a project based on the cost of services provided on the project as of a point in time relative to the total estimated costs on the project (percentage of completion method). When these criteria do not apply to a project, we recognize revenue from that project using the completed contract method. Fully reimbursed income was included within Tenant reimbursements and associated expenses were included in Property operating expenses within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Other income includes income on the associated tenant reimbursement construction projects, parking income and other miscellaneous income. Asset management income includes revenue from asset management services to our unconsolidated real estate venture. The asset management fees are earned by us for managing properties owned by related parties. The asset management fees are based upon contractual rates applied to actively invested capital, with fee income recognized on a monthly basis. The fees are recognized as a single performance obligation comprised of a series of distinct services related to property operations. We believe the overall services provided by asset management activities have the same pattern of performance over the term of the agreement. We account for this revenue gross of our ownership interest in the respective real estate venture and recognize such revenue as "Asset management income" in our Consolidated Statements of Operations when earned. Our proportionate share of related expense is recognized in "Income from unconsolidated real estate venture." Sales of Properties We recognize gains from sales of consolidated interests in properties to non-customer third parties when we have transferred control of such interests. Income Taxes We believe that we have operated and have been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with our taxable year ended December 31, 2015. So long as we qualify as a REIT, we generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our net income that we distribute to our stockholders. To maintain our qualification as a REIT, we are required under the Code to distribute at least 90% of our REIT taxable income (without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding net capital gains) to our stockholders and meet certain other requirements. If we fail to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, we will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on our taxable income at regular corporate rates. Even if we qualify as a REIT, we will be subject to certain U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and property, and on taxable income that we do not distribute to our stockholders. In addition, we may provide services that are not customarily provided by a landlord, hold properties for sale and engage in other activities (such as a management business) through Taxable REIT Subsidiaries (“TRSs”) and the income of those subsidiaries will be subject to U.S. federal income tax at regular corporate rates. For the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we did not incur any material tax liability associated with any of the above. We do not anticipate any potential expense related to uncertain tax positions as we closely monitor our REIT compliance, do not have any prohibited transactions related to property sales, and the states in which we operate do not subject us to withholding tax requirements. Stock Based Compensation We grant equity-based compensation awards to its officers, employees and non-employee directors in the form of restricted shares of common stock and long-term incentive plan units in the Operating Partnership (“LTIP units”). See Note 8 for further discussion of restricted shares of common stock and LTIP units. The restricted shares of common stock and LTIP units issued to officers, employees, and non-employee directors vest over a period of time as determined by our board of directors at the date of grant. We recognize compensation expense for non-vested restricted shares of common stock and LTIP units granted to officers, employees and non-employee directors on a straight-line basis over the requisite service and/or performance period based upon the fair market value of the shares on the date of grant, as adjusted for forfeitures. Earnings Per Share of Common Stock Amount Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income available to Easterly Government Properties, Inc. by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, excluding the weighted average number of unvested restricted shares. Diluted earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period plus other potentially dilutive securities such as unvested restricted shares, LTIP units, and shares issuable under forward sales agreements. Unvested restricted shares and LTIP units are considered participating securities which require the use of the two-class method for the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share. Segments We manage our operations as a single segment for the purposes of assessing performance and making operating decisions. All revenue has been generated and all tangible assets are held in the United States. Reclassifications Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements In December 2022, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-06, Deferral of the Sunset Date of Topic 848 (“ASU 2022-06”) which was issued to defer the sunset date of Reference Rate Reform (topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform to December 31, 2024. ASU 2022-06 is effective immediately for all companies. ASU 2022-06 will have no impact on our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022. |