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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Out of Period Adjustment

The Company recorded $1.2 million of impairment charges during the quarter ended December 31, 2016, which should have been recorded in the consolidated financial statements for the three-month period ended March 31, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2017. Management concluded that this misstatement was not material to any prior period, nor was it material to the consolidated financial statements as of and for the twelve-month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. 

Reclassifications and Adoption of New Accounting Guidance

Through the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company included $0.6 million of income tax benefit in general and administrative expenses. During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company began disaggregating the income tax provision/benefit in the consolidated statements of operations. As a result, in the statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2017 the Company reclassified $0.6 million of net income tax benefit out of general and administrative expenses into the “Income tax (provision) benefit” caption in the consolidated statements of operations to provide comparative presentation.

During the first quarter of 2018, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2016-18, which requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts described as restricted cash or cash equivalents. Beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statement of cash flows should include restricted cash, cash equivalents and amounts described as restricted cash or cash equivalents. The guidance does not define restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. As of December 31, 2018, December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had $0.4  million, $1.3  million and $0.7 million of restricted cash, respectively, on its consolidated balance sheets within the caption “Other assets.” As a result of the adoption of this ASU, restricted cash balances are included with cash and cash equivalents balances as of the beginning and end of each period presented in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Separate line items reconciling changes in restricted cash balances to the changes in cash and cash equivalents will no longer be presented within the operating and investing sections of the consolidated statements of cash flows. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-18, for the twelve-months ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 operating cash flows increased by $1.3 million and $0.7 million, respectively, which is reflected within the change in other assets caption.

In accordance with ASC 360, and in response to the SEC’s “Disclosure Update and Simplification” release effective November 5, 2018, the Company reclassified gains and losses resulting from wholly owned real estate dispositions from the “Other income (expense)” section to the “Operating income” section within its consolidated statements of operations. As a result, in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company reclassified the following amounts to the “Operating income” section:

Caption

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Net gain on disposition of real estate

 

$

2,932

 

 

$

31,657

 

 

$

116,983

 

Net gain on sale of undepreciated real estate

 

 

3,040

 

 

 

953

 

 

 

9,232

 

Total gain on sale of real estate

 

$

5,972

 

 

$

32,610

 

 

$

126,215

 

 

Principles of Consolidation

The Company consolidates variable interest entities (“VIEs”) in which it is considered to be the primary beneficiary. VIEs are entities in which the equity investors do not have sufficient equity at risk to finance their endeavors without additional financial support or that the holders of the equity investment at risk do not have a controlling financial interest. The primary beneficiary is defined by the entity having both of the following characteristics: (i) the power to direct those matters that most significantly impact the activities of the VIE and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. For entities that the Company has the obligations to fund losses, its maximum exposure to loss is not limited to the carrying amount of its investments.  

When an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company consolidates entities for which it has significant decision making control over the entity’s operations. The Company’s judgement with respect to its level of influence or control of an entity involves consideration of various factors including the form of the Company’s ownership interest, its representation in the entity’s governance, the size of its investment (including loans), estimates of future cash flows, its ability to participate in policy making decisions and the rights of the other investors to participate in the decision making process and to replace the Company as manager and/or liquidate the venture, if applicable. The Company’s assessment of its influence or control over an entity affects the presentation of these investments in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. In addition to evaluating control rights, the Company consolidates entities in which the outside partner has no substantive kick-out rights to remove the Company as managing member. The portion of the consolidated entities that are not owned by the Company is presented as noncontrolling interest as of and during the periods consolidated. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

The Company continuously assesses its determination of the primary beneficiary for each entity and assesses reconsideration events that may cause a change in the original determinations.

As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, the Company included in its consolidated balance sheets consolidated VIEs having total assets of $414.3 million and $412.9 million, respectively, and total liabilities of $254.1 million and $250.4 million, respectively.  

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management makes significant estimates regarding revenue, valuation of real estate and related intangible assets and liabilities, impairment of long-lived assets, impairment of investments in Real Estate Ventures allowance for doubtful accounts, variable employee compensation, deferred costs and contingencies.

Operating Properties

Operating properties are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The value of operating properties reflects their purchase price or development cost. Acquisition costs related to business combinations are expensed as incurred, whereas the costs related to asset acquisitions are capitalized as incurred. Costs incurred for the renovation and betterment of an operating property are capitalized to the Company’s investment in that property. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Purchase Price Allocation

For acquisitions of real estate or in-substance real estate that are accounted for as business combinations, we recognize the assets acquired (including the intangible value of acquired above- or below-market leases, acquired in-place leases and tenant relationship values), liabilities assumed, noncontrolling interests, and previously existing ownership interests at fair value as of the acquisition date. Any excess (deficit) of the consideration transferred relative to the fair value of the net assets acquired is accounted for as goodwill (bargain purchase gain). Acquisition costs related to business combinations are expensed as incurred.

Acquisitions of real estate and in-substance real estate that do not meet the definition of a business are accounted for as asset acquisitions. The accounting model for asset acquisitions is similar to the accounting model for business combinations except that the acquisition consideration (including acquisition costs) is allocated to the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed on a relative fair value basis. As a result, asset acquisitions do not result in recognition of goodwill or a bargain purchase gain. Additionally, because the accounting model for asset acquisitions is a cost accumulation model, preexisting interests in the acquired assets, if any, are not remeasured to fair value but continue to be accounted for at their historical cost. Direct acquisition costs are capitalized if an asset acquisition is probable. If we determine that an asset acquisition is no longer probable, no new costs are capitalized and all capitalized costs that are not recoverable are written off. The Company adopted ASU 2017-01 – Business Combinations as of January 1, 2017, which amended the definition of a business.

The purchase price is allocated to the acquired assets and assumed liabilities, including land and buildings, as if vacant based on highest and best use for the acquired assets. The Company assesses and considers fair value of the operating properties based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize discount and/or capitalization rates that it deems appropriate, as well as available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known and anticipated trends, and market and economic conditions.

The Company allocates the purchase price of properties considered to be business combinations and asset acquisitions to net tangible and identified intangible assets acquired based on fair values. Above-market and below-market in-place lease values for acquired properties are recorded 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) the Company’s estimate of the fair market lease rates for the corresponding in-place leases, measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the lease (including the below market fixed renewal period, if applicable). Capitalized above-market lease values are amortized as a reduction of rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases. Capitalized below-market lease values are amortized as an increase to rental income over the remaining non-cancelable terms of the respective leases, including any below market fixed-rate renewal option periods that are considered probable.

Other intangible assets also include in-place leases based on the Company’s evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant’s lease and the Company’s overall relationship with the respective tenant. The Company estimates the cost to execute leases with terms similar to the remaining lease terms of the in-place leases, including leasing commissions, legal and other related expenses. This intangible asset is amortized to expense over the remaining term of the respective leases and any fixed-rate bargain renewal periods. Company estimates of value are made using methods similar to those used by independent appraisers or by using independent

appraisals. Factors considered by the Company in this analysis include an estimate of the carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, the Company includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rents at market rates during the expected lease-up periods, which primarily range from four to twelve months. The Company also considers information obtained about each property as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence, marketing and leasing activities in estimating the fair value of the tangible and intangible assets acquired. The Company also uses the information obtained as a result of its pre-acquisition due diligence as part of its consideration of the accounting standard governing asset retirement obligations and when necessary, will record a conditional asset retirement obligation as part of its purchase price. The Company also evaluates tenant relationships on a tenant-specific basis. On most of the Company’s acquisitions, this intangible has been deemed immaterial, in which case no related intangible asset value is assigned.

In the event that a tenant terminates its lease, the unamortized portion of each intangible, including in-place lease values and tenant relationship values, is charged to expense and market rate adjustments (above or below) is recorded to revenue.

The Company records development acquisitions that do not meet the accounting criteria to be accounted for as business combinations at the purchase price paid. Costs directly associated with development acquisitions accounted for as asset acquisitions are capitalized as part of the cost of the acquisition.

Depreciation and Amortization

The costs of buildings and improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method based on the following useful lives: buildings and improvements (5 to 55 years) and tenant improvements (the shorter of (i) the life of the asset, 1 to 16 years, or (ii) the lease term).

Construction-in-Progress

Project costs directly associated with the development and construction of a real estate project are capitalized as construction-in-progress. Construction-in-progress also includes costs related to ongoing tenant improvement projects. In addition, interest, real estate taxes and other expenses that are directly associated with the Company’s development activities are capitalized until the property is placed in service. Interest expense is capitalized using the Company’s weighted average interest rate. Internal direct costs are capitalized to projects in which qualifying expenditures are being incurred. Internal direct construction costs totaling $7.0 million in 2018, $6.1 million in 2017, $6.7 million in 2016 and interest totaling $3.6 million in 2018, $3.1 million in 2017, and $10.9 million in 2016 were capitalized related to the development of certain properties and land holdings.

During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, the Company’s internal direct construction costs are comprised entirely of capitalized salaries.  The following table shows the amount of compensation costs (including bonuses and benefits) capitalized for the years presented (in thousands):

 

 

December 31,

 

 

2018

 

 

2017

 

 

2016

 

Development

$

3,185

 

 

$

4,390

 

 

$

3,182

 

Redevelopment

 

968

 

 

 

319

 

 

 

144

 

Tenant Improvements

 

2,811

 

 

 

1,354

 

 

 

3,391

 

Total

$

6,964

 

 

$

6,063

 

 

$

6,717

 

 

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets

The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment following the end of each quarter using cash flow projections and estimated fair values for each of its properties where events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company updates leasing and other assumptions regularly, paying particular attention to properties where there is an event or change in circumstances that indicates an impairment in value. Additionally, the Company considers strategic decisions regarding the future development plans for property under development and other market factors. For long-lived assets to be held and used, the Company analyzes recoverability based on the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the operations and eventual disposition of the assets over, in most cases, a 10-year hold period. If there is significant possibility that the Company will dispose of assets earlier, it analyzes the recoverability using a probability weighted analysis of the undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated from the operations and eventual disposition of each asset using various probable hold periods. If the recovery analysis indicates that the carrying value of the tested property is not recoverable, the property is written down to its fair value and an impairment loss is recognized. In such case, an impairment loss is recognized in the amount of the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. If and when the Company’s plans change, it revises its recoverability analysis to use cash flows expected from operations and eventual disposition of each asset using hold periods that are consistent with its revised plans.

Estimated cash flows used in such analysis are based on the Company’s plans for the property and its views of market economic conditions. The estimates consider factors such as current and future rental rates, occupancies for the tested property and comparable

properties, estimated operating and capital expenditures and recent sales data for comparable properties; most of these factors are derived from market data obtained from real estate leasing and brokerage firms and the Company’s direct experience with the properties and their markets.

Assets Held for Sale

The Company generally considers assets to be “held for sale” when the transaction has been approved by its Board of Trustees, or by officers vested with authority to approve the transaction, and there are no known significant contingencies relating to the sale of the property within one year of the consideration date and the consummation of the transaction is otherwise considered probable. When a property is designated as held for sale, the Company stops depreciating the property and estimates the property’s fair value, net of selling costs. If the determination is made that the estimated fair value, net of selling costs, is less than the net carrying value of the property, an impairment loss is recognized, reducing the net carrying value of the property to estimated fair value less selling costs. For periods in which a property is classified as held for sale, the Company classifies the assets and liabilities, as applicable, of the property as “held for sale” on the consolidated balance sheet for such periods.

The relevant accounting guidance for impairments requires that qualifying assets and liabilities and the results of operations that have been sold, or otherwise qualify as “held for sale,” be presented as discontinued operations in all periods presented if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. The components of the property’s net income that is reflected as discontinued operations include the net gain (or loss) upon the disposition of the property held for sale, operating results, depreciation and interest expense (if the property is subject to a secured loan).

 

Impairment of Land Held for Development

When demand for build-to-suit office space declines and the ability to sell land held for development deteriorates, or other market factors indicate possible impairment in the recoverability of land held for development, it is reviewed for impairment by comparing its fair value to its carrying value. If the estimated sales value is less than the carrying value, the carrying value is written down to its estimated fair value.  

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company maintains cash equivalents in money market accounts with financial institutions in excess of insured limits, but believes this risk is mitigated by only investing in or through major financial institutions. The Company does not invest its available cash balances in money market funds, as such available cash balances are appropriately reflected as cash and cash equivalents on the consolidated balance sheets.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists of cash held as collateral to provide credit enhancement for the Company’s mortgage debt, cash for property taxes, capital expenditures and tenant improvements. Escrows also include cash held by qualified intermediaries for possible investments in like-kind exchanges in accordance with Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code in connection with sales of the Company’s properties. Restricted cash is included in the “Other assets” caption in the consolidated balance sheets.

Accounts Receivable and Accrued Rent Receivable

Generally, leases with tenants are accounted for as operating leases. Minimum lease payments under tenant leases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related lease. The cumulative difference between lease revenue recognized under the straight-line method and contractual lease payment terms are recorded as “Accrued rent receivable, net” on the consolidated balance sheets. Included in current tenant receivables are tenant reimbursements which are comprised of amounts recoverable from tenants for common area maintenance expenses and certain other recoverable expenses that are recognized as revenue in the period in which the related expenses are incurred. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, no tenant represented more than 10% of accounts receivable and accrued rent receivable.

Tenant receivables and accrued rent receivables are carried net of the allowances for doubtful accounts of $1.7 million and $11.3 million in 2018, respectively, and $3.5 million and $13.6 million in 2017, respectively. The tenant receivables allowance is an estimate based on two calculations that are combined to determine the total amount reserved. First, the Company evaluates specific accounts where it has determined that a tenant may have an inability to meet its financial obligations. In these situations, the Company uses its judgment, based on the facts and circumstances, and records a specific reserve for that tenant against amounts due to reduce the receivable to the amount that the Company expects to collect. These reserves are reevaluated and adjusted as additional information becomes available. Second, a reserve is established for all tenants based on a range of percentages applied to receivable aging categories for tenant receivables. For accrued rent receivables, the Company considers the results of the evaluation of specific accounts and also considers other factors including assigning risk factors to different industries based on its tenants Standard Industrial

Classification (SIC). The accrued rent receivable allowance percentages are also based on historical collection and write-off experience adjusted for current market conditions, which requires management’s judgments.

Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures

Under the equity method, investments in unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures are recorded initially at cost and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings, contributions, distributions and impairments. For Real Estate Ventures that are constructing assets to commence planned principal operations, the Company capitalizes interest expense to the extent that it is recoverable using the Company’s weighted average interest rate of consolidated debt and its investment balance as a basis. Planned principal operations commence when a property is available to lease and at that point in time, the Company ceases capitalizing interest to its investment basis. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, the Company did not capitalize any interest expense. During the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company capitalized interest expense of $0.4 million and $1.9 million.

On a periodic basis, management also assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures may be other than temporarily impaired. An investment is impaired only if the value of the investment, as estimated by management, is less than the carrying value of the investment and the decline is other than temporary. To the extent that an impairment has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the fair value of the investment, as estimated by management. Management is required to make significant judgements about the fair value of its ownership interests to determine if an impairment exists. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third party appraisals.

When the Company acquires an interest in or contributes assets to a real estate venture project, the difference between the Company’s cost basis in the investment and the value of the real estate venture or asset contributed is amortized over the life of the related assets, intangibles and liabilities and such adjustment is included in the Company’s share of equity in income of unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures. For purposes of cash flow presentation, distributions from unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures are presented as part of operating activities when they are considered as a return on investments. The Company elected, in connection with its adoption of ASU 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (ASU 2016-15) during the fourth quarter of 2016, to continue to account for distributions in excess of the Company’s share in the cumulative unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures’ earnings as return of investments and present as investing activities on the Company’s cash flow statements. The Company’s historical accounting treatment was consistent with this election.

Deferred Costs

Costs incurred in connection with property leasing are capitalized as deferred leasing costs. Deferred leasing costs consist primarily of leasing commissions and internal leasing costs that are amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the respective lease which generally ranges from 1 to 16 years. Management re-evaluates the remaining useful lives of leasing costs as economic and market conditions change.

Notes Receivable

The Company accounts for notes receivable on its balance sheet at amortized cost, net of allowance for loan losses. Interest income is recognized over the term of the notes receivable and is calculated based on the terms of the contractual terms of each note agreement.

Notes receivable are placed on nonaccrual status when management determines, after considering economic and business conditions and collection efforts, that the loans are impaired or collection of interest is doubtful. Uncollectible interest previously accrued is recognized as bad debt expense. Interest income on nonaccrual loans is recognized only to the extent that cash payments are received.

On June 26, 2018, the Company provided a $44.4 million mortgage loan with a 4.0% stated interest rate and maturing on June 25, 2023, to Brandywine 1919 Ventures, an unconsolidated real estate venture in which the Company holds a 50% ownership interest, and recorded a note receivable of $44.4 million. Additionally, a note receivable was given to an unaffiliated third party during the third quarter of 2016 to facilitate its acquisition and development of an industrial facility located in Pennsauken, New Jersey. The Company evaluated its investments in the notes receivable under ASC 310, “Receivables” and determined that the loans were provided at market terms and the Company does not participate in the residual profits of the unaffiliated third parties. Accordingly, the investments, totaling $47.8 million as of December 31, 2018 and $3.5 million as of December 31, 2017, have been classified on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as notes receivable within the “Other assets” caption on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Deferred Financing Costs

Costs incurred in connection with debt financing are capitalized as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the debt, except for costs capitalized related to the Company’s revolving credit facility, which are capitalized within the “Deferred costs, net” caption on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Deferred financing costs are charged to interest expense over the terms of the related debt agreements. Deferred financing costs consist primarily of loan fees which are amortized over the related loan term on a basis that

approximates the effective interest method. Deferred financing costs are accelerated, when debt is extinguished, as part of the “Interest expense-amortization of deferred financing costs” caption within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Original issue discounts are recognized as part of the gain or loss on extinguishment of debt, as appropriate.  

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). Under Topic 606, revenue is recognized when a customer obtains control of promised goods or services and is recognized at an amount that reflects the consideration expected to be received in exchange for such goods or services. In addition, Topic 606 requires disclosure of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers.

The Company adopted Topic 606 in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective method. This adoption, which required the Company to evaluate incomplete contracts as of January 1, 2018, related to the Company’s point of sale revenue, management, leasing and development fee arrangements and other sundry income. The Company’s analysis of incomplete contracts resulted in no cumulative effect adjustment to the consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations presented in its consolidated financial statements. Results for reporting periods beginning after January 1, 2018 are presented under Topic 606. The new guidance provides a unified model to determine how revenue is recognized. To determine the proper amount of revenue to be recognized, the Company performs the following steps: (i) identify the contract with the customer, (ii) identify the performance obligations within the contract, (iii) determine the transaction price, (iv) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations and (v) recognize revenue when (or as) a performance obligation is satisfied.

The following is a summary of revenue earned by the Company’s reportable segments (see Note 17, “Segment Information,” for further information) during the twelve-month period ended December 31, 2018 (in thousands):

 

Twelve-month period ended

 

 

December 31, 2018

 

 

Philadelphia CBD

 

 

Pennsylvania Suburbs

 

 

Metropolitan Washington, D.C.

 

 

Austin, Texas

 

 

Other

 

 

Corporate (a)

 

 

Total

 

Base rent

$

164,369

 

 

$

118,628

 

 

$

80,858

 

 

$

21,757

 

 

$

8,400

 

 

$

(1,964

)

 

$

392,048

 

Straight-line rent

 

11,867

 

 

 

2,851

 

 

 

(1,577

)

 

 

116

 

 

 

201

 

 

 

(449

)

 

 

13,009

 

Point of sale

 

23,528

 

 

 

258

 

 

 

1,062

 

 

 

521

 

 

 

230

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

25,599

 

   Total rents

 

199,764

 

 

 

121,737

 

 

 

80,343

 

 

 

22,394

 

 

 

8,831

 

 

 

(2,413

)

 

 

430,656

 

Tenant reimbursements

 

51,572

 

 

 

14,440

 

 

 

3,519

 

 

 

10,736

 

 

 

2,832

 

 

 

(474

)

 

 

82,625

 

Termination fees

 

192

 

 

 

1,435

 

 

 

136

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,763

 

Third party management fees, labor reimbursement and leasing

 

855

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

5,793

 

 

 

5,455

 

 

 

4,951

 

 

 

5,478

 

 

 

22,557

 

Other income

 

4,334

 

 

 

642

 

 

 

517

 

 

 

80

 

 

 

143

 

 

 

1,028

 

 

 

6,744

 

Total revenue

$

256,717

 

 

$

138,279

 

 

$

90,308

 

 

$

38,665

 

 

$

16,757

 

 

$

3,619

 

 

$

544,345

 

(a)

Corporate includes intercompany eliminations necessary to reconcile to consolidated Company totals.

Rental Revenue

The Company owns, operates and manages commercial real estate. The Company’s primary source of revenue is leases which fall under the scope of Leases (Topic 840). Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases from the later of the date of the commencement of the lease or the date of acquisition of the property subject to existing leases.  The straight-line rent adjustment increased revenue by approximately $10.4 million in 2018, $24.9 million in 2017 and $26.3 million in 2016. Deferred rents on the balance sheet represent rental revenue received prior to their due dates and amounts paid by the tenant for certain improvements considered to be landlord assets that will remain as the Company’s property at the end of the tenant’s lease term. The amortization of the amounts paid by the tenant for such improvements is calculated on a straight-line basis over the term of the tenant’s lease and is a component of straight-line rental income and increased revenue by $1.8 million in 2018, $2.2 million in 2017 and $2.1 million in 2016. Lease incentives, which are included as reductions of rental revenue in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Lease incentives decreased revenue by $1.5 million in 2018, $1.8 million in 2017 and $2.0 million in 2016.

In addition, the Company’s rental revenue is impacted by the Company’s determination of whether improvements to the properties, whether made by the Company or by the tenant, are landlord assets. The determination of whether an improvement is a landlord asset requires judgment.  In making this judgment, the Company’s primary consideration is whether the improvement would be utilizable by another tenant upon move out of the improved space by the then-existing tenant. If the Company has funded an improvement that it determines not to be landlord assets, then it treats the cost of the improvement as a lease incentive. If the tenant has funded the improvement that the Company determines to be landlord assets, then the Company treats the costs of the improvement as deferred

revenue and amortizes this cost into revenue over the lease term. For certain leases, the Company makes significant assumptions and judgments in determining the lease term, including assumptions when the lease provides the tenant with an early termination option. The lease term impacts the period over which the Company determines and records minimum rents and also impacts the period over which the Company amortizes lease-related costs.

No tenant represented greater than 10% of the Company’s rental revenue in 2018, 2017 or 2016.

Point of Sale Revenue

Point of sale revenue consists of parking, restaurant and flexible stay revenue from the Company’s hotel operations. Point of sale service obligations are performed daily, and the customer obtains control of those services simultaneously as they are performed. Accordingly, revenue is recorded on an accrual basis as it is earned, coinciding with the services that are provided to the Company’s customers.

Tenant Reimbursements

The Company’s leases also typically provide for tenant reimbursement of a portion of common area maintenance expenses and other operating expenses to the extent that a tenant’s pro rata share of expenses exceeds a base year level set in the lease or to the extent that the tenant has a lease on a triple net basis.

The Company also contracts with third-party vendors and suppliers for goods and services to fulfill certain of the Company’s obligations to tenants. The Company is reimbursed by tenants for these goods and services in the period that the expenses are incurred based on the terms of the lease agreements with each tenant.

Recoveries from tenants, consisting of amounts due from tenants for common area maintenance expenses, real estate taxes and other recoverable costs are recognized as revenue in the period during which the expenses are incurred.

Tenant reimbursements are recognized and presented in accordance with accounting guidance which requires that these reimbursements be recorded on a gross basis because the Company is generally the primary obligor with respect to the goods and services the purchase of which gives rise to the reimbursement obligation; because the Company has discretion in selecting the vendors and suppliers; and because the Company bears the credit risk in the event they do not reimburse the Company. The Company also receives payments from third parties for reimbursement of a portion of the payroll and payroll-related costs for certain of the Company’s personnel allocated to perform services for third parties and reflects these payments on a gross basis.

Termination Fees

The Company recognizes fees received for lease terminations as revenue and writes off against such revenue any deferred rents receivable. The resulting net amount is the net revenue from the early termination of the leases. When a tenant's lease for space in a property is terminated early but the tenant continues to lease such space under a new or modified lease in the property, the net revenue from the early termination of the lease is recognized evenly over the remaining life of the new or modified lease in place on that property, unless the Company cannot determine that collectability of the lease termination revenue is reasonably assured.

Third party management fees, labor reimbursement and leasing

The Company performs property management services for third-party property owners of real estate that consist of: (i) providing leasing services, (ii) property inspections, (iii) repairs and maintenance monitoring, and (iv) financial and accounting oversight. For these services, the Company earns management fees monthly, which are based on a fixed percentage of each managed property’s financial results, and is reimbursed for the labor costs incurred by its property management employees as services are rendered to the property owners. The Company determined that control over the services is passed to its customers simultaneously as performance occurs. Accordingly, management fee revenue is earned as the services are provided to the Company’s customers.

Lease commissions are earned when the Company, as a broker for the third party property owner, executes a lease agreement with a tenant. Based on the terms of the Company’s lease commission contracts, it determined that control is transferred to the customer upon execution of each lease agreement. The Company’s lease commissions are earned based on a fixed percentage of rental income generated for each executed lease agreement and there is no variable income component.

Development fee revenue is earned through two different sources: (i) the Company performs development services for third parties as an agent and earns fixed development fees based on a percentage of construction costs incurred over the construction period, and (ii) the Company acts as a general contractor on behalf of one of its managed real estate ventures. The Company acts as the principal construction company for the real estate ventures and records gross revenue as it provides construction services based on the quantifiable construction outputs.

In applying the cost based output method of revenue recognition, the Company uses the actual costs incurred relative to the total estimated costs to determine its progress towards contract completion and to calculate the corresponding gross revenue and gross profit to recognize. For any costs that do not contribute to satisfying the Company’s performance obligations, it excludes such costs

from its output methods of revenue recognition as the amounts are not reflective of transferring control of the outputs to the customer. The use of estimates in this calculation involves significant judgment.

The Company receives leasing commission income, property management fees and third party development fees. Leasing commission income is earned based on a percentage of gross rental income upon a tenant signing a lease with a third party lessor. Property management fees are recorded and earned based on a percentage of collected rents at the properties under management, and not on a straight-line basis because such fees are contingent upon the collection of rents. The Company records development fees on a percentage of completion basis.

As of December 31, 2018, the Company has $1.5 million of accounts receivable associated with the Company’s third party management contracts.

Other Income

Other income primarily consists of sundry revenue earned for services provided to tenants. Sundry revenues are recognized simultaneously with the services provided to the Company’s tenants.

Nonfinancial Assets

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05 (“ASU 2017-05”) to provide guidance for recognizing gains and losses from the transfer of nonfinancial assets and in-substance nonfinancial assets in contracts with non-customers, unless other specific guidance applies. The standard requires a company to derecognize nonfinancial assets once it transfers control of a distinct nonfinancial asset or distinct in substance nonfinancial asset. Additionally, when a company transfers its controlling interest in a nonfinancial asset, but retains a noncontrolling ownership interest, the company is required to measure any noncontrolling interest it receives or retains at fair value. The guidance requires companies to recognize a full gain or loss on the transaction. The Company adopted ASU 2017-05 in the first quarter of 2018 using the modified retrospective method. This adoption requires the Company to analyze incomplete contracts related to property dispositions previously accounted for under ASC 360-20 and to determine whether such arrangements had any forms of continuing involvement that may have affected the revenue or profit recognition of the transactions, including arrangements with prohibited forms of continuing involvement. The Company evaluated the following incomplete contracts to determine if the revenue recognition pattern was affected by ASU 2017-05:

Garza Land Sales

On July 1, 2016, the Company acquired 34.6 acres of land located in Austin, Texas known as the Garza Ranch, for a purchase price of $20.6 million. As of December 31, 2018, the Company sold three parcels containing 8.4 acres, 1.7 acres and 6.6 acres to three unaffiliated third parties. Two of the land parcels were sold to third party developers on January 30, 2017 and April 28, 2017 and the third land parcel was sold to a third party on March 16, 2018. In connection with the agreements of sale, the Company entered into a development agreement and related completion guarantee to construct certain infrastructure improvements to the land. These improvement costs were included in the sale price of each land parcel. Due to the completion guarantee, the Company did not transfer control to the buyers of the land parcels and recognition of the sale was deferred until the improvements were substantially complete. The cash received at settlement was recorded in the “Deferred income, gains and rent” caption on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

During the three-month period ended June 30, 2018, the infrastructure improvements were substantially completed. As a result, the Company transferred control of the land parcels to the buyers and recognized the land sales. Accordingly, during the three-month period ended June 30, 2018, the Company applied the cash proceeds received from the settlements of each parcel and recognized an aggregate $2.8 million gain. During the quarter ended December 31, 2018, the Company recognized an additional $0.2 million  gain.

The following table details the gain on sale for each land parcel, as of December 31, 2018 (dollars, in thousands):

Disposition Date

 

Property/Portfolio Name

 

Location

 

Number of Parcels

 

 

Acres

 

 

Sales Price

 

 

Net Proceeds on Sale

 

 

Gain on Sale

 

March 16, 2018

 

Garza Ranch - Office

 

Austin, TX

 

 

1

 

 

 

6.6

 

 

$

14,571

 

 

$

14,509

 

 

$

1,515

 

April 28, 2017

 

Garza Ranch - Multifamily

 

Austin, TX

 

 

1

 

 

 

8.4

 

 

 

11,800

 

 

 

11,560

 

 

 

1,311

 

January 30, 2017

 

Garza Ranch - Hotel

 

Austin, TX

 

 

1

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

 

3,500

 

 

 

3,277

 

 

 

192

 

Total Dispositions

 

 

 

 

 

 

3

 

 

 

16.7

 

 

$

29,871

 

 

$

29,346

 

 

$

3,018

 

Based on the facts and circumstances, revenue recognition under ASU 2017-05 coincides with the Company’s conclusion under ASC 360-20, and as a result, no cumulative effect adjustment to the consolidated financial statements was necessary as a result of implementing the guidance for the sale of nonfinancial assets.

Marine Piers Sublease Interest Sale

On March 15, 2017, the Company sold its sublease interest in the Piers at Penn’s Landing (the “Marine Piers”), which includes leasehold improvements containing 181,900 net rentable square feet, and a marina, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for an aggregate sales price of $21.4 million. On the closing date, the buyer paid $12.0 million in cash and the Company received cash proceeds of $11.2 million, after closing costs and prorations. The $9.4 million balance of the purchase price is due on (a) January 31, 2020, in the event that the tenant at the Marine Piers does not exercise an option it holds to extend the term of the sublease or (b) January 15, 2024, in the event that the tenant does exercise the option to extend the term of the sublease. In accordance with ASU 2017-05, the Company determined that it is appropriate to recognize the sale of the sublease interest in the Marine Piers and to defer the amount of the pending payment due from the buyer because the Company cannot determine the collectability of the remaining $9.4 million balance due under the purchase and sale agreement. The net book value of the Marine Piers was $4.7 million, resulting in a gain on sale of $6.5 million. The remaining gain on sale of $9.4 million arising from the pending payment will be recognized at the earlier of: (i) the time that the Company determines collection of the deferred payment is probable or (ii) on the second purchase price installment date. Based on the facts and circumstances, revenue recognition under ASU 2017-05 coincides with the Company’s previous conclusion under ASC 360-20, and therefore no restatement of the consolidated financial statements is necessary as a result of implementing the guidance for the sale of nonfinancial assets.

Subaru National Training Center

On December 3, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to construct an 83,000 square foot build-to-suit service center (the “Subaru NSTC Development”) on land parcels owned by the Company for Subaru as the single tenant. Concurrently, Subaru entered into an 18-year lease for the service center. The lease was classified as a direct finance lease within the “Other assets” caption on the consolidated balance sheets. The lease contained a purchase option, which allowed Subaru to purchase the property at the commencement of the lease, or five years subsequent to inception, at depreciated cost. During the third quarter of 2018, the lease commenced and Subaru exercised its purchase option for the Subaru NSTC Development. In connection with the lease, the Company recognized $1.6 million in interest income during the twelve months ended December 31, 2018, in accordance with accounting guidance for direct finance leases. On December 21, 2018, the Company sold its interest in the Subaru NSTC Development to Subaru for a gross sales price of $45.3 million. The Company received $44.9 million in cash proceeds, after closing costs and prorations.

Income Taxes

Parent Company

The Parent Company has elected to be treated as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). In order to continue to qualify as a REIT, the Parent Company is required to, among other things, distribute at least 90% of its annual REIT taxable income to its shareholders and meet certain tests regarding the nature of its income and assets. As a REIT, the Parent Company is not subject to federal and state (in states that follow federal rules) income taxes with respect to the portion of its income that meets certain criteria and is distributed annually to its shareholders. Accordingly, a nominal provision for federal and state (as applicable) income taxes is included in the accompanying consolidated financial statements with respect to the operations of the Parent Company. The Parent Company intends to continue to operate in a manner that allows it to meet the requirements for taxation as a REIT. If the Parent Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, it will be subject to federal and state (as applicable) income taxes and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for the four subsequent tax years. The Parent Company is subject to certain local income taxes. Provision for federal income taxes is recorded in the income tax provision line item and state and local income taxes have been included in operating expenses in the Parent Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The tax basis of the Parent Company’s assets was $3.3 billion and $3.1 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

The Parent Company is subject to a 4% federal excise tax if sufficient taxable income is not distributed within prescribed time limits. The excise tax equals 4% of the annual amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) 85% of the Parent Company’s ordinary income and (b) 95% of the Parent Company’s net capital gain exceeds cash distributions and certain taxes paid by the Parent Company. No excise tax was incurred in 2018, 2017 or 2016.

The Parent Company has elected to treat several of its subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”). A TRS is subject to federal, state and local income tax. In general, a TRS may perform non-customary services for tenants, hold assets that the Parent Company, as a REIT, cannot hold directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. The Company’s taxable REIT subsidiaries did not have significant tax provisions or deferred income tax items as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017.

During January 2017, the Company placed into service the hotel operations at FMC Tower. In order for the income from hotel property investments to constitute “rents from real property” for purposes of the gross income tests required by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for REIT qualification, the income the Company earns cannot be derived from the operation of hotels.  Therefore, the Operating Partnership leases our hotel property to its wholly owned taxable REIT subsidiary, BDN Management Inc. (the “BDNM TRS”). The BDNM TRS in turn engages a third-party eligible independent contractor to manage the hotel. The BDNM TRS is consolidated into the Company’s financial statements.

Legislation commonly known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”) was signed into law on December 22, 2017. The TCJA makes significant changes to the U.S. federal income tax rules for taxation of individuals and corporations (including REITs), generally effective for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017.

Operating Partnership

In general, the Operating Partnership is not subject to federal and state income taxes, and accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been made in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The partners of the Operating Partnership are required to include their respective share of the Operating Partnership’s profits or losses in their respective tax returns. The Operating Partnership’s tax returns and the amount of allocable partnership profits and losses are subject to examination by federal and state taxing authorities. If such examination results in changes to the Operating Partnership profits or losses, then the tax liability of the partners would be changed accordingly.

The tax basis of the Operating Partnership’s assets was $3.3 billion and $3.1 billion for the years ended December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

The Operating Partnership may elect to treat a subsidiary REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code, if applicable. Each subsidiary REIT would be required to meet the requirements for treatment as a REIT under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code. If a subsidiary REIT fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, that subsidiary REIT would be subject to federal and state income taxes and would not be able to qualify as a REIT for the four subsequent taxable years. Also, each subsidiary REIT would be subject to certain local income taxes.

The Operating Partnership has elected to treat several of its subsidiaries as TRSs, which are subject to federal, state and local income tax.

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders, as adjusted for unallocated earnings, if any, of certain securities, by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted EPS reflects the potential dilution that could occur from common shares issuable in connection with awards under share-based compensation plans, including upon the exercise of stock options, and conversion of the noncontrolling interests in the Operating Partnership.  Anti-dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation.

Earnings Per Unit

Basic earnings per unit is computed by dividing net income available to common unitholders, as adjusted for unallocated earnings, if any, of certain securities issued by the Operating Partnership, by the weighted average number of common unit equivalents outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per unit reflects the potential dilution that could occur from units issuable in connection with awards under share-based compensation plans, including upon the exercise of stock options. Anti-dilutive units are excluded from the calculation.

Share-Based Compensation Plans

The Parent Company maintains a shareholder-approved equity-incentive plan known as the Amended and Restated 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”). The 1997 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Parent Company’s Board of Trustees. Under the 1997 Plan, the Compensation Committee is authorized to award equity and equity-based awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted shares and performance-based shares. On May 18, 2017, an additional 2,663,886 awards were authorized for issuance, bringing the total authorized awards to 6,500,000. As of December 31, 2018, 429,434 awards had been granted, 1,295,740 awards were cancelled as a result of stock options that expired during 2018, leaving 7,366,306 awards available for future issuance under the 1997 Plan, which included 964,359 awards for options and share appreciation rights.

The Company incurred share-based compensation expense of $7.6 million during 2018, of which $1.6 million was capitalized as part of the Company’s review of employee salaries eligible for capitalization. The Company incurred share-based compensation expense of $6.3 million and $5.6 million during 2017 and 2016, of which $1.2 million and $1.0 million, respectively, were also capitalized. The expensed amounts are included in general and administrative expense on the Company’s consolidated income statement in the respective periods.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is recorded in accordance with the provisions of the accounting standard for comprehensive income. The accounting standard establishes standards for reporting comprehensive income and its components in the financial statements. Comprehensive income includes the effective portions of changes in the fair value of derivatives.

Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

The Company accounts for its derivative instruments and hedging activities in accordance with the accounting standard for derivative and hedging activities. The accounting standard requires the Company to measure every derivative instrument (including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts) at fair value and record them on the balance sheet as either an asset or liability. See disclosures below related to the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures.

For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are reported in other comprehensive income while the ineffective portions are recognized in earnings.

The Company actively manages its ratio of fixed-to-floating rate debt. To manage its fixed and floating rate debt in a cost-effective manner, the Company, from time to time, enters into interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges, under which it agrees to exchange various combinations of fixed and/or variable interest rates based on agreed upon notional amounts.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company estimates the fair value of its derivatives in accordance with the accounting standard for fair value measurements and disclosures. The accounting standard defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. It also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The standard describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value. Financial assets and liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based on the inputs to the valuation techniques as follows:

 

Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access;

 

Level 2 inputs are inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, which are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs may include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, as well as inputs that are observable for the asset or liability (other than quoted prices), such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals; and

 

Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, which is typically based on an entity’s own assumptions, as there is little if any, related market activity or information.

In instances where the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

Non-financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a non-recurring basis include non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value in a purchase price allocation and the impairment.  The fair values assigned to the Company's purchase price allocations primarily utilize Level 3 inputs. The fair value assigned to the long-lived assets and equity method investments for which there was impairment recorded utilize Level 3 inputs.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-19, which clarifies that operating lease receivables are not within the scope of ASC 326-20 and should instead be accounted for under the new leasing standard, ASC 842. The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company has evaluated the impact of this new guidance and determined that it will have an immaterial impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-07 that aligns the accounting for share-based payment awards issued to employees and nonemployees. Under previously issued GAAP guidance, the accounting for nonemployee share-based payments differed from that applied to employee awards, particularly with regard to the measurement date and the impact of performance conditions. Under the revised guidance, the existing employee guidance will apply to nonemployee share-based transactions (as long as the transaction is not effectively a form of financing), with the exception of specific guidance related to the attribution of compensation cost. The cost of nonemployee awards will continue to be recorded as if the grantor had paid cash for the goods or services. In addition, the contractual term will be able to be used in lieu of an expected term in the option-pricing model for nonemployee awards. Changes to the accounting for nonemployee awards include:

 

Equity-classified share-based payment awards issued to nonemployees will now be measured on the grant date, instead of the previous requirement to remeasure the awards through the performance completion date. 

 

Compensation cost associated with the award will be recognized when achievement of the performance condition is probable, rather than upon achievement of the performance condition. 

 

The current requirement to reassess the classification (equity or liability) for nonemployee awards upon vesting will be eliminated, except for awards in the form of convertible instruments.

 

The revised guidance also clarifies that any share-based payment awards issued to customers should be evaluated under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers.

The amendments in this update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within that fiscal year. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than an entity’s adoption date of Topic 606. Adoption of this ASU has no impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12 to simplify the application of hedge accounting guidance and improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity’s risk management activities in its financial statements. In addition, ASU 2017-12 requires an entity to present the earnings effect of the hedging instrument in the same income statement line item in which the earnings effect of the hedged item is reported. The transition guidance provides companies with the option of early adopting the new standard using a modified retrospective transition method in any interim period after issuance of the update or requires adoption for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. This adoption method requires companies to recognize the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance as an adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income with a corresponding adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year that an entity adopts the update. Adoption of this standard has no impact on the Company’s financial statements.  

In June 2016, the FASB issued guidance that changes how entities measure credit losses for most financial assets and certain other instruments that are not measured at fair value through net income. The guidance replaces the current incurred loss model with an expected loss approach, resulting in more timely recognition of such losses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted after December 2018. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of this new guidance and determined that the adoption of the guidance will have an impact on the Company’s estimation of its allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company has not quantified the impact that this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

Leasing Standard

In February 2016, the FASB issued guidance (“ASU-2016-02”) modifying the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e., lessees and lessors). The new standard requires lessees to apply a dual approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, respectively. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for in the same manner as operating leases today. The new standard requires lessors to account for leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. The guidance supersedes previously issued guidance under ASC Topic 840 “Leases.”

The lease ASU requires the use of the modified retrospective transition method and does not allow for a full retrospective approach. However, it provides two options for application of the modified retrospective transition method:

 

Under the first option, the ASU requires the application of the standard to all leases that exist at or commence after, January 1, 2017 (the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the 2019 financial statements), with a cumulative adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings on January 1, 2017, for the effect of applying the standard at the date of initial applications, and restatement of the amounts presented prior to January 1, 2019.

 

Under the second option, an entity may elect a package of practical expedients, which allows for the following:

 

o

An entity need not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases;

 

o

An entity need not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases; and

 

o

An entity need not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases.

This package of practical expedients is available as a single election that must be consistently applied to all existing leases at the date of adoption. Lessors that adopt this package are not expected to reassess expired or existing leases at the date of initial application, which is January 1, 2017, under the ASU. This option enables entities to account for their existing leases for the remainder of the respective lease terms following previous accounting guidance, which eliminates the need to calculate a cumulative adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company elected to adopt this practical expedient to implement ASC 842.

In addition, there is a practical expedient that allows the Company to use hindsight when determining the lease term and assessing the fair value of right of use assets. After considering its impact, the Company has decided not to elect the hindsight expedient as part of the application of the modified retrospective transition method. The Company did not adopt the hindsight practical expedient.

Furthermore, in July 2018, the FASB adopted an amendment to the package of practical expedients that provides an optional transition method to make January 1, 2019 the initial application date of the ASU, rather than January 1, 2017. Entities that elect both the package of practical expedients and the optional transitional method will apply the new lease ASU prospectively, to leases commencing or modified after January 1, 2019, and will not be required to apply the disclosures under the new lease ASU to comparative periods. The Company elected to adopt this practical expedient and will only evaluate leases that commenced or are modified subsequent to January 1, 2019.

In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-01 to address the accounting treatment of land easements within the context of ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2018-01 provides an optional transition practical expedient to not evaluate under Topic 842 existing or expired land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under the current leases guidance in Topic 840. An entity that elects this practical expedient should evaluate new or modified land easements under Topic 842 beginning at the date that the entity adopts Topic 842. An entity that does not elect this practical expedient should evaluate all existing or expired land easements in connection with the adoption of the new lease requirements in Topic 842 to assess whether they meet the definition of a lease. The Company adopted this ASU and will evaluate land easements entered into subsequent to January 1, 2019

In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, an amendment to the lease ASU that will allow lessors to elect, as a practical expedient, not to allocate the total consideration to lease and nonlease components based on their relative standalone selling prices. This practical expedient will allow lessors to elect a combined single lease component presentation if: (i) the timing and pattern of the revenue recognition of the combined single lease component is the same, and (ii) the related lease component and, the combined single lease component would be classified as an operating lease. Nonlease components that do not meet the criteria of this practical expedient will be accounted for under the new revenue recognition ASU. The Company adopted this practical expedient and has determined that lease and nonlease components pattern of recognition is the same. As result, lease and nonlease components will be disclosed as a single lease component.

In December 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-20, an amendment to the lease ASU that will allow lessors to elect to not evaluate whether certain sales taxes and other similar taxes are lessor costs or lessee costs. Instead, those lessors will account for those costs as if they are lessee costs. A lessor making this election will exclude, from the consideration in the contract and from variable payments not included in the consideration in the contract, all collections from lessees of taxes within the scope of the election and will provide certain disclosures. Lessors will allocate certain variable payments to the lease and nonlease components when the changes in facts and circumstances on which the variable payment is based occur. After the allocation, the amount of variable payments allocated to the lease components will be recognized as income in profit or loss in accordance with Topic 842, while the amount of variable payments allocated to nonlease components will be recognized in accordance with other Topics, such as Topic 606. The Company has elected to adopt this ASU.

The guidance is effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The ASU is expected to have the following impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements:

 

Under ASC 842 as a lessor, the Company evaluated its leases and determined that the lease and nonlease components have the same timing and pattern of recognition. As a result, all lease revenue and related tenant reimbursement revenue earned by the Company will be reported within the “Rents” caption of its consolidated statement of operations.

 

Under ASC 842 as lessor, the Company is required to record bad debt expense as a reduction of revenue. The Company’s bad debt expense was previously recorded within the operating expense caption on its consolidated statement of operations.

 

ASC 842 is expected to impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements as the Company has land lease arrangements for which it is the lessee. Based on the Company’s evaluation, it expects to record lease liabilities and right of use assets in the amount of $22.4 million. Additionally, operating expenses are expected increase because of ground rent expense for certain of its CPI indexed ground leases will be recognized on a straight-line basis under the new guidance.

 

The Company evaluated a ground lease at one of its real estate ventures and determined that under ASC 842, its equity in income will decrease annually for its share of additional ground rent expense recorded under ASC 842.

 

The Company will expense additional costs related to leasing efforts under ASC 842 compared to the previous GAAP because certain activities performed by personnel involved in the leasing process will no longer be considered incremental costs to execute a lease agreement. Based on the Company’s analysis, leasing expenses will increase for the year ended December 31, 2019, as internal costs and leasing pursuit costs will be expensed as incurred under ASC 842.

 

The impact of ASC 842 to the Company’s Real Estate Ventures is similar to the items described above.