Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Principles of Consolidation – NNN’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of each of the respective majority owned and controlled affiliates, including transactions whereby NNN has been determined to be the primary beneficiary in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance included in Consolidation. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated. NNN applies the equity method of accounting to investments in partnerships and joint ventures that are not subject to control by NNN due to the significance of rights held by other parties.

NNN consolidates certain joint venture development entities based upon either NNN being the primary beneficiary of the respective variable interest entity or NNN having a controlling interest over the respective entity. NNN eliminates significant intercompany balances and transactions and records a noncontrolling interest for its other partners’ ownership percentage.

Real Estate Portfolio

Real Estate Portfolio – NNN records the acquisition of real estate at cost, including acquisition and closing costs. The cost of properties developed by NNN includes direct and indirect costs of construction, property taxes, interest and other miscellaneous costs incurred during the development period until the project is substantially complete and available for occupancy. For the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, NNN recorded $1,629,000, $1,369,000 and $1,540,000, respectively, in capitalized interest during development.

Purchase Accounting for Acquisition of Real Estate Subject to a Lease – In accordance with the FASB guidance on business combinations, the fair value of the real estate acquired with in-place leases is allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and tenant improvements, and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and the value of in-place leases, based in each case on their fair values. Acquisition and closing costs incurred on the acquisition of real estate with an in-place lease is expensed as incurred and recorded as real estate acquisition costs.

The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired leased property is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land, building and tenant improvements based on the determination of the fair values of these assets.

In allocating the fair value of the identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, above-market and below-market in-place lease values are recorded as other assets or liabilities based on the present value (using an interest rate which reflects the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between (i) the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to the in-place leases, and (ii) management’s estimate of fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining term of the lease, including the probability of renewal periods. The capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental income over the remaining terms of the respective leases. The capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to rental income over the initial term unless the Company believes that it is likely that the tenant will renew the option whereby the Company amortizes the value attributable to the renewal over the renewal period.

The aggregate value of other acquired intangible assets, consisting of in-place leases, is measured by the excess of (i) the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting existing in-place leases to market rental rates over (ii) the estimated fair value of the property as-if-vacant, determined as set forth above. The value of in-place leases exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases is amortized to expense over the remaining non-cancelable periods of the respective leases. If a lease were to be terminated prior to its stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease would be written off. The value of tenant relationships is reviewed on individual transactions to determine if future value was derived from the acquisition.

Intangible assets and liabilities consisted of the following as of December 31 (in thousands):



	2014		2013
Intangible lease assets (included in Other assets):
Value of above market in-place leases, net	$	11,751	$	11,803
Value of in-place leases, net	65,770		58,456
Intangible lease liabilities (included in Other liabilities):
Value of below market in-place leases, net	29,162		28,708

NNN's real estate is generally leased to tenants on a net lease basis, whereby the tenant is responsible for all operating expenses relating to the Property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs and capital expenditures. The leases are accounted for using either the operating or the direct financing method. Such methods are described below:

Operating method – Properties with leases accounted for using the operating method are recorded at the cost of the real estate. Revenue is recognized as rentals are earned and expenses (including depreciation) are charged to operations as incurred. Buildings are depreciated on the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Leasehold interests are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of their respective leases. When scheduled rentals vary during the lease term, income is recognized on a straight-line basis so as to produce a constant periodic rent over the term of the lease. Accrued rental income is the aggregate difference between the scheduled rents which vary during the lease term and the income recognized on a straight-line basis.

Direct financing method – Properties with leases accounted for using the direct financing method are recorded at their net investment (which at the inception of the lease generally represents the cost of the Property). Unearned income is deferred and amortized into income over the lease terms so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on NNN’s net investment in the leases.

Real Estate – Held For Sale – Real estate held for sale is not depreciated and is recorded at the lower of cost or fair value, less cost to sell.

Impairment – Real Estate – Based upon certain events or changes in circumstances, management periodically assesses its Property Portfolio for possible impairment whenever the carrying value of the asset, including accrued rental income, may not be recoverable through operations. Events or circumstances that may occur include significant changes in real estate market conditions and the ability of NNN to re-lease or sell properties that are currently vacant or become vacant. Management evaluates whether an impairment in carrying value has occurred by comparing the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges), including the residual value of the real estate, with the carrying value of the individual asset. If an impairment is indicated, a loss will be recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its estimated fair value.

Real Estate Dispositions – When real estate is disposed of, the related cost, accumulated depreciation or amortization and any accrued rental income for operating leases and the net investment for direct financing leases are removed from the accounts, and gains and losses from the dispositions are reflected in income. Gains from the disposition of real estate are generally recognized using the full accrual method in accordance with the FASB guidance included in Real Estate Sales, provided that various criteria relating to the terms of the sale and any subsequent involvement by NNN with the real estate sold are met. Lease termination fees are recognized when the related leases are cancelled and NNN no longer has a continuing involvement with the former tenant.

Valuation of Mortgages, Notes and Accrued Interest

Valuation of Mortgages, Notes and Accrued Interest – The reserve allowance related to the mortgages, notes and accrued interest is NNN’s best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses. The reserve allowance is determined on an individual note basis in reviewing any payment past due for over 90 days. Any outstanding amounts are written off against the reserve allowance when all possible means of collection have been exhausted.

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate and Commercial Mortgage Residual Interest

Investment in an Unconsolidated Affiliate – NNN accounted for its investment in an unconsolidated affiliate under the equity method of accounting. In September 2007, NNN entered into a joint venture, NNN Retail Properties Fund I LLC (the “NNN Crow JV”) with an affiliate of Crow Holdings Realty Partners IV, L.P., which is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. During September 2012, NNN Crow JV sold all of its assets and paid off its bank term loan as of December 31, 2012. NNN Crow JV was formally dissolved in April 2013.

Commercial Mortgage Residual Interests, at Fair Value – Commercial mortgage residual interests, classified as available for sale, are reported at their estimated market values with unrealized gains and losses reported as other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. NNN recognizes the excess of all cash flows attributable to the commercial mortgage residual interests estimated at the acquisition/transaction date over the initial investment (the accretable yield) as interest income over the life of the beneficial interest using the effective yield method. Losses are considered other than temporary valuation impairments if and when there has been a change in the timing or amount of estimated cash flows, exclusive of changes in interest rates, that leads to a loss in value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents – NNN considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and money market accounts. Cash equivalents are stated at cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

Cash accounts maintained on behalf of NNN in demand deposits at commercial banks and money market funds may exceed federally insured levels or may be held in accounts without any federal insurance or any other insurance or guarantee. However, NNN has not experienced any losses in such accounts.

Valuation of Receivables

Valuation of Receivables – NNN estimates the collectibility of its accounts receivable related to rents, expense reimbursements and other revenues. NNN analyzes accounts receivable and historical bad debt levels, tenant credit-worthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. In addition, tenants in bankruptcy are analyzed and estimates are made in connection with the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition claims.

Debt Costs

Debt Costs – Debt costs incurred in connection with NNN’s $650,000,000 line of credit and mortgages payable have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the respective loan commitment using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. Debt costs incurred in connection with the issuance of NNN’s notes payable have been deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the respective debt obligation using the effective interest method.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition – Rental revenues for properties under construction commence upon completion of construction of the leased asset and delivery of the leased asset to the tenant. Rental revenues for non-development real estate assets are recognized when earned in accordance with the FASB guidance included in Leases, based on the terms of the lease of the leased asset.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share – Earnings per share have been computed pursuant to the FASB guidance included in Earnings Per Share. The guidance requires classification of the Company’s unvested restricted share units which contain rights to receive nonforfeitable dividends, as participating securities requiring the two-class method of computing earnings per share. Under the two-class method, earnings per common share are computed by dividing the sum of distributed earnings to common stockholders and undistributed earnings allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In applying the two-class method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and participating securities based on the weighted average shares outstanding during the period.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – NNN has made an election to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), and related regulations. NNN generally will not be subject to federal income taxes on amounts distributed to stockholders, providing it distributes 100 percent of its REIT taxable income and meets certain other requirements for qualifying as a REIT. For each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, NNN believes it has qualified as a REIT. Notwithstanding NNN’s qualification for taxation as a REIT, NNN is subject to certain state taxes on its income and real estate.

NNN and its taxable REIT subsidiaries have made timely TRS elections pursuant to the provisions of the REIT Modernization Act. A taxable REIT subsidiary is able to engage in activities resulting in income that previously would have been disqualified from being eligible REIT income under the federal income tax regulations. As a result, certain activities of NNN which occur within its TRS entities are subject to federal and state income taxes (See Note 13). All provisions for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements are attributable to NNN’s taxable REIT subsidiaries and to the Orange Avenue Mortgage Investments, Inc. ("OAMI"), a majority owned and controlled subsidiary, built-in-gain tax liability.

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method as required by the FASB guidance included in Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the temporary differences based on estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement – NNN’s estimates of fair value of financial and non-financial assets and liabilities are based on the framework established in the fair value accounting guidance. The framework specifies a hierarchy of valuation inputs which was established to increase consistency, clarity and comparability in fair value measurements and related disclosures. The guidance describes a fair value hierarchy based upon three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value, two of which are considered observable and one that is considered unobservable. The following describes the three levels:


•	Level 1 – Valuation is based upon quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.


•	Level 2 – Valuation is based upon inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in markets that are not active or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.


•	Level 3 – Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market. These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates of assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Valuation techniques include option pricing models, discounted cash flow models and similar techniques.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) – The following table outlines the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (dollars in thousands):



	Gain or Loss on Cash Flow Hedges ⁽¹⁾				Gains and Losses on Commercial Mortgage Residual Interests ⁽²⁾				Gains and Losses on Available-for-Sale Securities					Total
Beginning balance, December 31, 2012	$	(5,693	)		$	3,244			$	67				$	(2,382	)

Other comprehensive income (loss)	(3,141		)		511				69					(2,561		)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net earnings	438			⁽³⁾	—		⁽⁴	⁾	—			⁽⁵	⁾	438
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,703		)		511				69					(2,123		)
Ending balance, December 31, 2013	(8,396		)		3,755				136					(4,505		)

Other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,312		)		875				111					(5,326		)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net earnings	1,129			⁽³⁾	163		⁽⁴	⁾	(119		)	⁽⁵	⁾	1,173
Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,183		)		1,038				(8		)			(4,153		)
Ending balance, December 31, 2014	$	(13,579	)		$	4,793			$	128				$	(8,658	)

⁽¹⁾Additional disclosure is included in Note 15 – Derivatives.

⁽²⁾Additional disclosure is included in Note 20 – Fair Value Measurements.

⁽³⁾Reclassifications out of other comprehensive income are recorded in Interest Expense on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. There is no income tax expense (benefit) resulting from this reclassification.

⁽⁴⁾ Reclassifications out of other comprehensive income are recorded in Impairment on the Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. There is no income tax expense (benefit) resulting from this reclassification.

⁽⁵⁾ Reclassifications out of other comprehensive income are recorded in Other Income on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. There is no income tax expense (benefit) resulting from this reclassification.

New Accounting Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements – In July 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2013-11, "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." The objective of the amendments in this update is to eliminate the diversity in practice of financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The provisions of the update are that an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented, with certain exceptions, in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward. The amendments in this update are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2013-11 did not have a significant impact on NNN's financial position or results of operations.

In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposal of Components of an Entity,” effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2014. Under ASU 2014-08, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations are to be presented as discontinued operations. NNN has elected early adoption of ASU 2014-08. This requires the Company to continue to classify any Property disposal or Property classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2013 as discontinued operations prospectively. Therefore, the revenues and expenses related to these properties are presented as discontinued operations as of December 31, 2014. The Company did not classify any additional properties as discontinued operations subsequent to December 31, 2013. The adoption of ASU 2014-08 did not have a significant impact on NNN’s financial position or results of operations. The adoption of this standard resulted in the operations of certain current year dispositions were no longer classified as discontinued operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period. The core principle of ASU 2014-09, is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Certain contracts are excluded from ASU 2014-09, including lease contracts within the scope of the FASB guidance included in Leases. NNN is currently evaluating to determine the potential impact, if any, the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, "Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718)," effective for annual periods and interim periods within those periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments require that a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the requisite service period be treated as a performance condition. NNN is currently evaluating to determine the potential impact, if any, the adoption of ASU 2014-12 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The amendments in this update provide guidance in GAAP about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. NNN is currently evaluating to determine the potential impact, if any, the adoption of ASU 2014-15 will have on footnote disclosures.

In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)." Entities commonly raise capital by issuing different classes of shares, including preferred stock, that entitle the holders to certain preferences and rights over the other shareholders. The specific terms of those shares may include conversion rights, redemption rights, voting rights, and liquidation and dividend payment preferences, among other features. One or more of those features may meet the definition of a derivative under GAAP. Shares that include such embedded derivative features are referred to as hybrid financial instruments. The objective of this update is to eliminate the use of different methods in practice and thereby reduce existing diversity under GAAP in the accounting for hybrid financial instruments issued in the form of a share. The amendments are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. NNN is currently evaluating to determine the potential impact, if any, the adoption of ASU 2014-16 will have on its financial position and results of operations.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates – Additional critical accounting policies of NNN include management’s estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Additional critical accounting policies include management’s estimates of the useful lives used in calculating depreciation expense relating to real estate assets, purchase price allocation, the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets, including the commercial mortgage residual interests, the recoverability of the deferred income taxes, and the collectibility of receivables from tenants, including accrued rental income. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Correction of Immaterial Errors

Correction of Immaterial Errors – During the year ended December 31, 2012, NNN identified certain immaterial errors related to deferred tax assets and the related valuation allowance. In 2009, NNN incurred a loss on foreclosure and impairment charges associated with acquiring the operations of one of its lessees. The properties and operations were transferred to taxable REIT subsidiaries upon foreclosure. Certain charges associated with the acquisition and impaired properties should have been recorded in NNN’s qualified REIT subsidiaries prior to the properties’ transfer to the taxable REIT subsidiary group. Deferred tax assets associated with the book charges of $10,350,000 in 2009 were inappropriately recorded in the taxable REIT subsidiary group. A valuation allowance for the full amount of the deferred tax assets was also recorded in 2009. In the year ended December 31, 2012, NNN decreased deferred tax assets and the related valuation allowance by $10,350,000 each to correct the error.

NNN further reviewed its conclusions in previous periods, commencing in 2009, with respect to the realizability of the remaining deferred tax assets. Upon further review, NNN determined that its available sources of income supported realizability of all but $3,104,000 of its gross deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2009, 2010 and 2011. As a result, NNN determined that it had previously understated its deferred income tax benefit in the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 by $3,121,000 and $3,372,000, respectively, and understated its net deferred tax assets by $6,493,000 as of December 31, 2011 and 2010, in its financial statements. NNN corrected this in the year ended December 31, 2012 by reversing the valuation allowance and recording an income tax benefit of $6,493,000. NNN reviewed the impact of correcting the prior period errors in 2012 as well as its impact on prior periods in accordance with SAB Topics 1.M and 1.N and determined that the misstatements did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations, trends in earnings, or cash flows for any of the periods presented.

Furthermore, NNN determined in the year ended December 31, 2012 that its available sources of income supported realizability of all of its gross deferred tax assets. In 2012, NNN reversed the remaining valuation allowance and recorded an income tax benefit of $1,178,000.

Reclassification

Reclassification – Certain items in the prior year’s consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.