Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2023

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation – NNN’s unaudited condensed 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”) Accounting Standards Codifications ("ASC") guidance included in Topic 810, Consolidation. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Real Estate Portfolio and Impairment

Real Estate Portfolio – NNN records the acquisition of real estate at cost, including acquisition and closing costs. The cost of Properties developed or funded by NNN includes direct and indirect costs of construction, property taxes, interest, third-party costs and other miscellaneous costs incurred during the development period until the project is substantially complete and available for occupancy. NNN recorded $2,374,000 and $547,000 in capitalized interest during the development period for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, of which $1,248,000 and $273,000 was recorded during the quarters ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

Purchase Accounting for Acquisition of Real Estate – In accordance with the FASB guidance on business combinations, consideration for the real estate acquired is allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and tenant improvements, and, if applicable, to identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases and the value of in-place leases, as applicable, based on their respective fair values.

The fair value estimate is sensitive to significant assumptions, such as establishing a range of relevant market assumptions for land, building and rent and where the acquired property falls within that range. These market assumptions for land, building and rent use the most relevant comparable properties for an acquisition. The final value relies upon ranking comparable properties' attributes from most to least similar.

The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired 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 their fair values.

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 and the renewal option terms if it is probable that the tenant will exercise options. 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 lease for an option term 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 valued by comparing the purchase price paid for a property after adjusting for existing in-place leases to the estimated fair value of the property as-if-vacant, determined as set forth above. This intangible asset 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 in that period. The value of tenant relationships is reviewed on individual transactions to determine if future value was derived from the acquisition.

Lease Accounting

Lease Accounting – NNN records its leases on the Property Portfolio in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). In addition, NNN records right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities as lessee under operating leases in accordance with ASC 842.

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 on the Property Portfolio are predominantly classified as operating leases and are accounted for as follows:

Operating method – Properties with leases accounted for using the operating method are recorded at the cost of the real estate and depreciated on the straight-line method over their estimated remaining useful lives, which generally range from 20 to 40 years for buildings and improvements and 15 years for land improvements. Leasehold interests are amortized on the straight-line method over the terms of their respective leases. Revenue is recognized as rentals are earned and expenses (including depreciation) are charged to operations as incurred. 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.

Collectability – In accordance with ASC 842, NNN reviews the collectability of its rental income on an ongoing basis. NNN considers collectability indicators when analyzing accounts receivable (and accrued rent) and historical bad debt levels, tenant credit-worthiness and current economic trends, all of which assists in evaluating the probability of outstanding and future rental income collections and the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. In addition, tenants in bankruptcy are analyzed and considerations are made in connection with the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition bankruptcy claims.

When NNN deems the collection of rental income from a tenant not probable, uncollected previously recognized rental revenue and any related accrued rent are reversed as a reduction to rental income and, subsequently, any rental income is only recognized when cash receipts are received. At this point, a tenant is deemed cash basis for accounting purposes.

As a result of the review of lease payments collectability, NNN recorded a write-off of $348,000 of outstanding receivables and related accrued rent for certain tenants reclassified to cash basis for accounting purposes during the nine months ended September 30, 2023. No such outstanding receivables and related accrued rent were written off during the nine months ended September 30, 2022.

The following table summarizes those tenants classified as cash basis for accounting purposes as of September 30:

	2023			2022
Number of tenants		8			8
Cash basis tenants as a percent of:
Total Properties		4.8	%		5.2	%
Total annual base rent(1)		6.9	%		7.1	%
Total gross leasable area		6.4	%		6.8	%

(1) Based on annualized base rent for all leases in place for each respective period.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, NNN recognized $44,368,000 and $46,631,000, respectively, of rental income from certain tenants classified as cash basis for accounting purposes, of which $14,281,000 and $15,346,000 was recognized during the quarters ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.

NNN includes an allowance for doubtful accounts in rental income on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

Right-Of-Use ("ROU") Assets and Operating Lease Liabilities – In accordance with ASC 842, NNN records ROU assets and operating lease liabilities as lessee under operating lease.

NNN is a lessee for three ground lease arrangements and for its headquarters office lease. NNN recognizes a ROU asset (recorded in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets) and an operating lease liability (recorded in other liabilities on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets) for the present value of the minimum lease payments. NNN uses its estimated incremental borrowing rate, which is derived from information available at the lease commencement date, in determining the present value of the lease payments. NNN gives consideration to the Company's debt issuances, as well as, publicly available data for secured instruments with similar characteristics when calculating its incremental borrowing rates.

In January 2023, NNN amended its headquarters office lease and extended the lease term until March 31, 2034. The amendment resulted in an increase in the ROU asset and operating lease liability of approximately $6,401,000.

Real Estate - Held for Sale

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. On a quarterly basis, the Company evaluates its Properties for held for sale classification based on specific criteria as outlined in FASB ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment, including management’s intent to commit to a plan to sell the asset. NNN anticipates the disposition of Properties classified as held for sale to occur within 12 months. At September 30, 2023, NNN had no properties classified as held for sale. At December 31, 2022, NNN had recorded real estate held for sale of $786,000 (two properties) in real estate portfolio on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. The two properties classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2022 were sold during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.

Real Estate Dispositions – When real estate is disposed, the related cost, accumulated depreciation or amortization and any accrued rental income from operating leases and the net investment from 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 FASB ASC Topic 610-20, Other Income – Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets ("ASC 610-20"), provided that various criteria relating to the terms of the sale and any subsequent involvement by NNN with the real estate sold are met.

Impairment – Real Estate – NNN periodically assesses its long-lived real estate assets for possible impairment whenever certain events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. These indicators include, but are not limited to: changes in real estate market conditions, the ability of NNN to re-lease properties that are currently vacant or become vacant, properties reclassified as held for sale, persistent vacancies greater than one year, and properties leased to tenants in bankruptcy. Management evaluates whether an impairment in carrying value has occurred by comparing the estimated future cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges), and the residual value of the real estate, with the carrying value of the individual asset. The future undiscounted cash flows are primarily driven by estimated future market rents. Future cash flow estimates are sensitive to the assumptions made by management regarding future market rents, which are affected by expectations about future market and economic conditions. 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. NNN's Properties are leased primarily to retail tenants under long-term net leases and primarily held for investment. Generally, NNN’s Property leases provide for initial terms of 10 to 20 years, with cash flows provided over the entire term.

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments – FASB ASC Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses, requires entities to estimate an expected lifetime credit loss on financial assets ranging from short-term trade accounts receivable to long-term financings. The guidance requires a lifetime credit loss expected at inception and requires pooling of assets, which share similar risk characteristics. NNN is required to evaluate current economic conditions, as well as make future expectations of economic conditions. In addition, the measurement of the expected credit loss is over the asset’s contractual term.

NNN held mortgages receivable, including accrued interest, of $1,114,000 and $1,530,000 included in other assets on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, net of $71,000 and $98,000 allowance for credit loss, respectively. NNN measures the allowance for credit loss based on the fair value of the collateral and the historical collectability trend analysis over 15 years.

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.

Restricted Cash and Cash Held in Escrow

Restricted Cash and Cash Held in Escrow – Restricted cash and cash held in escrow include (i) cash proceeds from the sale of assets held by qualified intermediaries in anticipation of the acquisition of replacement properties in tax-free exchanges under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), (ii) cash that has been placed in escrow for the future funding of construction commitments, or (iii) cash that is not immediately available to NNN. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, NNN held $21,126,000 and $4,273,000, respectively, in escrow and other restricted accounts

Debt Costs

Debt Costs – Line of Credit Payable – Debt costs incurred in connection with NNN's $1,100,000,000 unsecured revolving line of credit have been deferred and are being amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan commitment using the straight-line method, which approximates the effective interest method. NNN has recorded debt costs associated with the Credit Facility (as defined below) as an asset, in debt costs on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Debt Costs – Notes Payable – 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. NNN had debt costs of $42,595,000 and $38,145,000, included in notes payable on the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $13,621,000 and $11,693,000, respectively.

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 ASC 842, based on the terms of the lease of the leased asset. 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. Lease termination fees are recognized when collected subsequent to the related lease that is cancelled and NNN no longer has continuing involvement with the former tenant with respect to that property.

The core principle of FASB Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), 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 ASC 842. NNN determined the key revenue stream impacted by ASU 2014-09 is gain on disposition of real estate reported on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. In accordance with ASU 2014-09, NNN evaluates any separate contracts or performance obligations to determine proper timing and/or amount of revenue recognition, as well as transaction price allocation.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share – Earnings per share have been computed pursuant to the FASB guidance included in FASB ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share. The guidance requires classification of the Company’s unvested restricted share units, which carry 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.

The following table is a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator used in the computation of basic and diluted earnings per common share using the two-class method (dollars in thousands):

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2023			2022			2023			2022
Basic and Diluted Earnings:
Net earnings available to NNN’s common stockholders	$	106,787		$	88,421		$	295,658		$	243,964
Less: Earnings allocated to unvested restricted shares		(171	)		(135	)		(448	)		(471	)
Net earnings used in basic and diluted earnings per share	$	106,616		$	88,286		$	295,210		$	243,493
Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Weighted average number of shares outstanding		182,424,814			177,881,613			182,092,117			176,510,417
Less: Unvested restricted shares		(290,458	)		(246,116	)		(268,713	)		(292,433	)
Less: Unvested contingent restricted shares		(736,083	)		(734,711	)		(702,441	)		(675,628	)
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in      basic earnings per share		181,398,273			176,900,786			181,120,963			175,542,356
Other dilutive securities		323,194			466,924			339,659			451,551
Weighted average number of shares outstanding used in      diluted earnings per share		181,721,467			177,367,710			181,460,622			175,993,907

Income Taxes

Income Taxes – NNN has made an election to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, and related regulations. NNN generally will not be subject to federal income taxes on income it distributes to stockholders, providing it distributes 100 percent of its REIT taxable income and meets certain other requirements for qualifying as a REIT. As of September 30, 2023, NNN believes it has qualified as a REIT. Notwithstanding NNN’s qualification for taxation as a REIT, NNN is subject to certain state and local income, franchise and excise taxes.

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 FASB ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. 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) – The following table outlines the changes in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands):

	Gain (Loss) on Cash Flow Hedges(1)
Beginning balance, December 31, 2022	$	(12,582	)
Reclassifications from accumulated other comprehensive income to net earnings		1,843		(2)
Ending balance, September 30, 2023	$	(10,739	)

(1) Additional disclosure is included in "Note 5 – Notes Payable and Derivatives".

(2) Recorded in interest expense on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

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 which are required to prepare the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Significant accounting policies include management’s estimates of the purchase accounting for acquisition of real estate, the recoverability of the carrying value of long-lived assets and management's evaluation of the probability of outstanding and future lease payment collections. Estimates are sensitive to evaluations by management about current and future expectations of market and economic conditions. Actual results could differ from those estimates.