Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Trust, its corporate subsidiaries, and all entities in which the Trust has a controlling interest or has been determined to be the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”). The equity interests of other investors are reflected as noncontrolling interests or redeemable noncontrolling interests. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. We account for our interests in joint ventures, which we do not control, using the equity method of accounting.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, referred to as “GAAP,” requires management to make estimates and assumptions that in certain circumstances affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and revenues and expenses. These estimates are prepared using management’s best judgment, after considering past, current and expected events and economic conditions. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable

Our leases with tenants are classified as operating leases. Substantially all such leases contain fixed escalations which occur at specified times during the term of the lease. Base rents are recognized on a straight-line basis from when the tenant controls the space through the term of the related lease, net of valuation adjustments, based on management’s assessment of credit, collection and other business risk. Percentage rents, which represent additional rents based upon the level of sales achieved by certain tenants, are recognized at the end of the lease year or earlier if we have determined the required sales level is achieved and the percentage rents are collectible. Real estate tax and other cost reimbursements are recognized on an accrual basis over the periods in which the related expenditures are incurred. For a tenant to terminate its lease agreement prior to the end of the agreed term, we may require that they pay a fee to cancel the lease agreement. Lease termination fees for which the tenant has relinquished control of the space are generally recognized on the termination date. When a lease is terminated early but the tenant continues to control the space under a modified lease agreement, the lease termination fee is generally recognized evenly over the remaining term of the modified lease agreement.

We make estimates of the collectability of our accounts receivable related to minimum rents, straight-line rents, expense reimbursements and other revenue. Accounts receivable is carried net of this allowance for doubtful accounts. Our determination as to the collectability of accounts receivable and correspondingly, the adequacy of this allowance, is based primarily upon evaluations of individual receivables, current economic conditions, historical experience and other relevant factors. The allowance for doubtful accounts is increased or decreased through bad debt expense. Accounts receivable are written-off when they are deemed to be uncollectible and we are no longer actively pursuing collection. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, our allowance for doubtful accounts was $11.7 million and $12.4 million, respectively.

In some cases, primarily relating to straight-line rents, the collection of accounts receivable extends beyond one year. Our experience relative to unbilled straight-line rents is that a portion of the amounts otherwise recognizable as revenue is never billed to or collected from tenants due to early lease terminations, lease modifications, bankruptcies and other factors. Accordingly, the extended collection period for straight-line rents along with our evaluation of tenant credit risk may result in the nonrecognition of a portion of straight-line rental income until the collection of such income is reasonably assured. If our evaluation of tenant credit risk changes indicating more straight-line revenue is reasonably collectible than previously estimated and realized, the additional straight-line rental income is recognized as revenue. If our evaluation of tenant credit risk changes indicating a portion of realized straight-line rental income is no longer collectible, a reserve and bad debt expense is recorded. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, accounts receivable include approximately $72.7 million and $66.1 million, respectively, related to straight-line rents.

Real Estate

Land, buildings and improvements are recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives range generally from 35 years to a maximum of 50 years on buildings and major improvements. Minor improvements, furniture and equipment are capitalized and depreciated over useful lives ranging from 2 to 20 years. Maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are charged to operations as incurred. Tenant improvements are capitalized and depreciated over the life of the related lease or their estimated useful life, whichever is shorter. If a tenant vacates its space prior to contractual termination of its lease, the undepreciated balance of any tenant improvements are written off if they are replaced or have no future value. In 2015, 2014 and 2013, real estate depreciation expense was $156.5 million, $155.7 million and $147.7 million, respectively, including amounts from real estate sold and assets under capital lease obligations.

Sales of real estate are recognized only when sufficient down payments have been obtained, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and we have no significant continuing involvement. The application of these criteria can be complex and requires us to make assumptions. We believe these criteria were met for all real estate sold during the periods presented.

Our methodology of allocating the cost of acquisitions to assets acquired and liabilities assumed is based on estimated fair values, replacement cost and/or appraised values. When we acquire operating real estate properties, the purchase price is allocated to land, building, improvements, leasing costs, intangibles such as in-place leases, assumed debt, if any, and to current assets and liabilities acquired, if any. The value allocated to in-place leases is amortized over the related lease term and reflected as rental income in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. We consider qualitative and quantitative factors in evaluating the likelihood of a tenant exercising a below market renewal option and include such renewal options in the calculation of in-place lease value when we consider these to be bargain renewal options. If the value of below market lease intangibles includes renewal option periods, we include such renewal periods in the amortization period utilized. If a tenant vacates its space prior to contractual termination of its lease, the unamortized balance of any in-place lease value is written off to rental income.

Transaction costs related to the acquisition of a business, such as broker fees, transfer taxes, legal, accounting, valuation, and other professional and consulting fees, are expensed as incurred and included in “general and administrative expenses” in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The acquisition of an operating shopping center typically qualifies as a business. For asset acquisitions not meeting the definition of a business, transaction costs are capitalized as part of the acquisition cost.

When applicable, as lessee, we classify our leases of land and building as operating or capital leases. We are required to use judgment and make estimates in determining the lease term, the estimated economic life of the property and the interest rate to be used in determining whether or not the lease meets the qualification of a capital lease and is recorded as an asset.

We capitalize certain costs related to the development and redevelopment of real estate including pre-construction costs, real estate taxes, insurance, construction costs and salaries and related costs of personnel directly involved. Additionally, we capitalize interest costs related to development and redevelopment activities. Capitalization of these costs begin when the activities and related expenditures commence and cease when the project is substantially complete and ready for its intended use at which time the project is placed in service and depreciation commences. Additionally, we make estimates as to the probability of certain development and redevelopment projects being completed. If we determine the development or redevelopment is no longer probable of completion, we expense all capitalized costs which are not recoverable.

We review for impairment on a property by property basis. Impairment is recognized on properties held for use when the expected undiscounted cash flows for a property are less than its carrying amount at which time the property is written-down to fair value. Properties held for sale are recorded at the lower of the carrying amount or the expected sales price less costs to sell.
Effective January 1, 2014, we adopted ASU 2014-08, “Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity,” which amended the definition of a discontinued operation to include only the disposal of a component of an entity that represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major impact on an entity's operations and financial results. The properties we have sold subsequent to January 1, 2014 do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation and thus, the results of those disposals are included in "income from continuing operations." Prior to January 1, 2014, the sale or disposal of a “component of an entity” was treated as discontinued operations. The operating properties sold by us prior to January 1, 2014 typically met the definition of a component of an entity and as such the revenues and expenses associated with sold properties were reclassified to discontinued operations for all periods presented.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We define cash and cash equivalents as cash on hand, demand deposits with financial institutions and short term liquid investments with an initial maturity, when purchased, under three months. Cash balances in individual banks may exceed the federally insured limit by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”). At December 31, 2015, we had $18.1 million in excess of the FDIC insured limit.

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

Prepaid expenses and other assets consist primarily of lease costs, prepaid property taxes and acquired above market leases. Capitalized lease costs are direct costs incurred which were essential to originate a lease and would not have been incurred had the leasing transaction not taken place and include third party commissions and salaries and related costs of personnel directly related to time spent obtaining a lease. Capitalized lease costs are amortized over the life of the related lease. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of its lease, the unamortized balance of any previously capitalized lease costs are written off.

Debt Issuance Costs

Costs related to the issuance of debt instruments are capitalized and are amortized as interest expense over the estimated life of the related issue using the straight-line method which approximates the effective interest method. If a debt instrument is paid off prior to its original maturity date, the unamortized balance of debt issuance costs are written off to interest expense or, if significant, included in “early extinguishment of debt.”

Derivative Instruments

At times, we may use derivative instruments to manage exposure to variable interest rate risk. We generally enter into interest rate swaps to manage our exposure to variable interest rate risk and treasury locks to manage the risk of interest rates rising prior to the issuance of debt. We enter into derivative instruments that qualify as cash flow hedges and do not enter into derivative instruments for speculative purposes.

The interest rate swaps associated with our cash flow hedges are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis. We assess effectiveness of our cash flow hedges both at inception and on an ongoing basis. The effective portion of changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps associated with our cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into interest expense as interest is incurred on the related variable rate debt; within the next twelve months, we expect to reclassify an estimated $2.9 million as an increase to interest expense. Our cash flow hedges become ineffective if critical terms of the hedging instrument and the debt instrument do not perfectly match such as notional amounts, settlement dates, reset dates, calculation period and LIBOR rate. In addition, we evaluate the default risk of the counterparty by monitoring the credit worthiness of the counterparty. When ineffectiveness exists, the ineffective portion of changes in fair value of the interest rate swaps associated with our cash flow hedges is recognized in earnings in the period affected. Hedge ineffectiveness did not impact earnings in 2015, 2014 or 2013, and we do not anticipate it will have a significant effect in the future.

See Note 8 for additional disclosures relating to our two existing interest rate swap agreements.

Mortgage Notes Receivable

We have made certain mortgage loans that, because of their nature, qualify as loan receivables. At the time the loans were made, we did not intend for the arrangement to be anything other than a financing and did not contemplate a real estate investment. We evaluate each investment to determine whether the loan arrangement qualifies as a loan, joint venture or real estate investment and the appropriate accounting thereon. Such determination affects our balance sheet classification of these investments and the recognition of interest income derived therefrom. On some of the loans we receive additional interest, however, we never receive in excess of 50% of the residual profit in the project, and because the borrower has either a substantial investment in the project or has guaranteed all or a portion of our loan (or a combination thereof), the loans qualify for loan accounting. The amounts under these arrangements are presented as mortgage notes receivable at December 31, 2015 and 2014.

Mortgage notes receivable are recorded at cost, net of any valuation adjustments. Interest income is accrued as earned. Mortgage notes receivable are considered past due based on the contractual terms of the note agreement. On a quarterly basis, we evaluate the collectability of each mortgage note receivable based on various factors which may include payment history, expected fair value of the collateral securing the loan, internal and external credit information and/or economic trends. A loan is considered impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due under the existing contractual terms. When a loan is considered impaired, the amount of the loss accrual is calculated by comparing the carrying amount of the mortgage note receivable to the present value of expected future cash flows. Since all of our loans are collateralized by either a first or second mortgage, the loans have risk characteristics similar to the risks in owning commercial real estate.

Share Based Compensation

We grant share based compensation awards to employees and trustees typically in the form of restricted common shares, common shares, and options. We measure stock based compensation expense based on the grant date fair value of the award and recognize the expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is typically the vesting period. See Note 15 for further discussion regarding our share based compensation plans and policies.

Variable Interest Entities

Certain entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties or in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest qualify as VIEs. VIEs are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

We have evaluated our investments in certain joint ventures including our real estate partnership with affiliates of a discretionary fund created and advised by Clarion Partners as of December 31, 2015 and determined that these joint ventures do not meet the requirements of a variable interest entity and, therefore, consolidation of these ventures is not required. These investments are accounted for using the equity method. See Note 19 for additional information regarding our January 13, 2016 acquisition of Clarion's 70% interest in this partnership. We have also determined that our hotel joint venture at our Pike & Rose project does not meet the requirement of a variable interest entity and have accounted for our related investment using the equity method. We have evaluated our mortgage loans receivable and determined that entities obligated under the mortgage loans are not VIEs for all periods presented. Our equity method investment balances and mortgage notes receivable are presented separately in our consolidated balance sheets.

On October 16, 2006, we acquired the leasehold interest in Melville Mall under a 20 year master lease. Additionally, we loaned the owner of Melville Mall $34.2 million secured by a second mortgage on the property. On June 3, 2014, we repaid the third party mortgage loan, and effectively became the first mortgage lender on the property. We have an option to purchase the shopping center on or after October 16, 2021 for a price of $5.0 million plus the assumption/repayment of the first and second mortgages. If we fail to exercise our purchase option, the owner of Melville Mall has a put option which would require us to purchase Melville Mall in 2023 for $5.0 million and the assumption of the owner’s mortgage debt. We have determined that this property is held in a variable interest entity for which we are the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, beginning October 16, 2006, we consolidated this property and its operations. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, net real estate assets related to Melville Mall included in our consolidated balance sheets are approximately $65.0 million and $61.9 million, respectively.

In conjunction with the acquisition of Darien Shopping Center, we entered into a Reverse Section 1031 like-kind exchange agreement with a third party intermediary. The exchange agreement was for a maximum of 180 days and allowed us, for tax purposes, to defer gains on sale of other properties sold within this period. From April 3, 2013 to September 10, 2013, the third party intermediary was the legal owner of the property, although we controlled the activities that most significantly impacted the property, retained all of the economic benefits and risks associated with the property, and were the primary beneficiary. Accordingly, effective April 3, 2013, we consolidated Darien Shopping Center and its operations even during the period it was held by a third party intermediary.

We determined the joint venture that owns Plaza El Segundo is a variable interest entity for which we are the primary beneficiary. We are the managing member and own 48.2% of the entity. We control the significant operating decisions, consequently having the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact economic performance of the VIE, and have the obligation to absorb the majority of the losses and receive the majority of the benefits. Therefore, the entity is consolidated in our financial statements as of December 30, 2011. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, net real estate assets related to Plaza El Segundo included in our consolidated balance sheets are approximately $172.2 million and $178.1 million, respectively, and mortgages payable (net of unamortized premium) of $178.3 million and $180.3 million, respectively. Plaza El Segundo's creditors do not have recourse to our general credit. Our maximum exposure to loss is approximately $19.5 million.

On January 1, 2014 we entered into an agreement to acquire the interest of one of the noncontrolling interest holders in The Grove at Shrewsbury in 2015. The entity that held this interest was a variable interest entity for which we were the primary beneficiary. As of December 31, 2014, net real estate assets related to this entity's interest in The Grove at Shrewsbury included in our consolidated balance sheet were approximately $15.7 million, and a mortgage payable (net of unamortized premium) of $7.4 million. On February 25, 2015, we acquired the interest of the noncontrolling interest holder for $8.8 million. As this noncontrolling interest was mandatorily redeemable, it was classified as a liability and was included in "other liabilities and deferred credits" on the accompanying December 31, 2014 consolidated balance sheet.

We have determined the joint venture that owns CocoWalk and other partial interests in buildings in the Coconut Grove neighborhood of Miami, Florida, is a variable interest entity for which we are the primary beneficiary. We own an 80% common interest of the entity, as well as a preferred interest. We control the significant operating decisions, consequently having the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact economic performance of the entity, and have the obligation to absorb the majority of the losses and receive the majority of the benefits. Therefore, the entity is consolidated in our financial statements as of May 4, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, net real estate assets related to CocoWalk included in our consolidated balance sheets are approximately $97.2 million. Our maximum exposure to loss is approximately $88.8 million.

We have determined the joint venture that owns The Shops at Sunset Place is a variable interest entity for which we are the primary beneficiary. We own an 85% common interest of the entity. We control the significant operating decisions, consequently having the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact economic performance of the entity, and have the obligation to absorb the majority of the losses and receive the majority of the benefits. Therefore, the entity is consolidated in our financial statements as of October 1, 2015. As of December 31, 2015, net real estate assets related to The Shops at Sunset Place included in our consolidated balance sheets are approximately $115.8 million, and the entity has a mortgage payable (net of unamortized premium) of $75.9 million. Our maximum exposure to loss is approximately $35.5 million.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

We have certain noncontrolling interests that are redeemable for cash upon the occurrence of an event that is not solely in our control and therefore are classified outside of permanent equity. We adjust the carrying amounts of these noncontrolling interests that are currently redeemable to redemption value at the balance sheet date. Adjustments to the carrying amount to reflect changes in redemption value are recorded as adjustments to additional paid-in capital in shareholders' equity. These amounts are classified within the mezzanine section of the consolidated balance sheets.

The following table provides a rollforward of the redeemable noncontrolling interests:



	Year Ended
	December 31,
	2015			2014
	(In thousands)
Beginning balance	$	119,053		$	104,425
Net income	3,423			3,452
Distributions & Redemptions	(4,286		)	(3,714		)
Contributions	12			5,858
Change in redemption value	19,114			9,032
Ending balance	$	137,316		$	119,053

Income Taxes

We operate in a manner intended to enable us to qualify as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. A REIT that distributes at least 90% of its taxable income to its shareholders each year and meets certain other conditions is not taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to its shareholders. Therefore, federal income taxes on our taxable income have been and are generally expected to be immaterial. We are obligated to pay state taxes, generally consisting of franchise or gross receipts taxes in certain states. Such state taxes also have not been material.

We have elected to treat certain of our subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries, which we refer to as a TRS. In general, a TRS may engage in any real estate business and certain non-real estate businesses, subject to certain limitations under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). A TRS is subject to federal and state income taxes. Our TRS activities have not been material.

With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no material unrecognized tax benefits. While we currently have no material unrecognized tax benefits, as a policy, we recognize penalties and interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.

Segment Information

Our primary business is the ownership, management, and redevelopment of retail and mixed-use properties. We review operating and financial information for each property on an individual basis and therefore, each property represents an individual operating segment. We evaluate financial performance using property operating income, which consists of rental income, other property income and mortgage interest income, less rental expenses and real estate taxes. No individual property constitutes more than 10% of our revenues or property operating income and we have no operations outside of the United States of America. Therefore, we have aggregated our properties into one reportable segment as the properties share similar long-term economic characteristics and have other similarities including the fact that they are operated using consistent business strategies, are typically located in major metropolitan areas, and have similar tenant mixes.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-01, "Income Statement - Extraordinary and Unusual Items." ASU 2015-01 eliminates the concept, and related presentation and disclosure requirements, of an extraordinary item. The presentation and disclosure guidance for items that are unusual in nature or occur infrequently will be retained and will be expanded to include those items that are both unusual in nature and infrequently occurring. ASU 2015-01 is effective for us in the first quarter of 2016 and is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, "Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis." ASU 2015-02 modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable or voting interest entities, eliminates the presumption that the general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, modifies the consolidation analysis for reporting entities that are involved in variable interest entities, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that operate as registered money market funds. ASU 2015-02 is effective for us in the first quarter of 2016, and is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, "Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs." ASU 2015-03 requires debt issuance costs related to a debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability, rather than classified as an asset. Recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs are not affected. Subsequently, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-15, "Presentation and Subsequent Measurement of Debt Issuance Costs Associated with Line-of-Credit Arrangements," which allows an entity to present the costs related to securing a line-of- credit arrangement as an asset, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings. ASU 2015-03 and ASU 2015-15 are effective for us in the first quarter of 2016 and are not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers the effective date of ASU 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers," which will now be effective for us in the first quarter of 2018. We are currently assessing the impact of this standard to our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, "Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments." ASU 2015-16 requires that, if the initial accounting for the business combination is incomplete as of the end of the reporting period in which the acquisition occurs, the acquirer records provisional amounts based on information available at the acquisition date. The acquirer would then adjust these amounts in the current period, as it obtains more information about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date. Under the current guidance, an acquirer must revise comparative information on the income statement and balance sheet for any prior periods affected. ASU 2015-16 is effective for us in the first quarter of 2016, and is not expected to have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements.