Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of our subsidiaries, certain partially owned real estate joint ventures or partnerships and VIEs which meet the guidelines for consolidation. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Our financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP. Such statements require 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 revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. We have evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure in our consolidated financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenue is generally recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease, which generally begins the date the tenant takes control of the space. Revenue from tenant reimbursements of taxes, maintenance expenses and insurance is subject to our interpretation of lease provisions and is recognized in the period the related expense is recognized. Revenue based on a percentage of tenants’ sales is recognized only after the tenant exceeds their sales breakpoint. In circumstances where we provide a tenant improvement allowance for improvements that are owned by the tenant, we recognize the allowance as a reduction of rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Other revenue is income from contractual agreements with third parties, tenants or partially owned real estate joint ventures or partnerships, which is recognized as the related services are performed under the respective agreements.

Property

Real estate assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method, generally over estimated useful lives of 18-40 years for buildings and 10-20 years for parking lot surfacing and equipment. Major replacements where the betterment extends the useful life of the asset are capitalized, and the replaced asset and corresponding accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. All other maintenance and repair items are charged to expense as incurred.

Acquisitions of properties are accounted for utilizing the acquisition of an asset method and, accordingly, the results of operations of an acquired property are included in our results of operations from the date of acquisition. Estimates of fair values are based upon estimated future cash flows and other valuation techniques in accordance with our fair value measurements accounting policy. Fair values are used to allocate and record the purchase price of acquired property among land, buildings on an “as if vacant” basis, tenant improvements, other identifiable intangibles and any goodwill or gain on purchase. Other identifiable intangible assets and liabilities include the effect of out-of-market leases, the value of having leases in place (“as is” versus “as if vacant” and absorption costs), out-of-market assumed mortgages and tenant relationships. Depreciation and amortization is computed using the straight-line method, generally over estimated useful lives of 40 years for buildings and over the lease term which includes bargain renewal options for other identifiable intangible assets. Costs associated with the successful acquisition of an asset are capitalized as incurred.

Property also includes costs incurred in the development and redevelopment of operating properties. These properties are carried at cost, and no depreciation is recorded on these assets until rent commences or no later than one year from the completion of major construction. These costs include preacquisition costs directly identifiable with the specific project, development and construction costs, interest, insurance and real estate taxes. Indirect development costs, including salaries and benefits, travel and other related costs that are directly attributable to the development of the property, are also capitalized. The capitalization of such costs ceases at the earlier of one year from the completion of major construction or when the property, or any completed portion, becomes available for occupancy.

Property also includes costs for tenant improvements paid by us, including reimbursements to tenants for improvements that are owned by us and will remain our property after the lease expires.

Property identified for sale is reviewed to determine if it qualifies as held for sale based on the following criteria: management has approved and is committed to the disposal plan, the assets are available for immediate sale, an active plan is in place to locate a buyer, the sale is probable and expected to qualify as a completed sale within a year, the sales price is reasonable in relation to the current fair value, and it is unlikely that significant changes will be made to the sales plan or that the sales plan will be withdrawn. Upon qualification, these properties are segregated and classified as held for sale at the lower of cost or fair value less costs to sell. Our individual property disposals do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation; thus, the results of these disposals remain in income from continuing operations and any associated gains are included in gain on sale of property.

Some of our properties are held in single purpose entities. A single purpose entity is a legal entity typically established at the request of a lender solely for the purpose of owning a property or group of properties subject to a mortgage. There may be restrictions limiting the entity’s ability to engage in an activity other than owning or operating the property, assuming or guaranteeing the debt of any other entity, or dissolving itself or declaring bankruptcy before the debt has been repaid. Most of our single purpose entities are 100% owned by us and are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements.

Real Estate Joint Ventures And Partnerships

Real Estate Joint Ventures and Partnerships

To determine the method of accounting for partially owned real estate joint ventures and partnerships, management determines whether an entity is a VIE and, if so, determines which party is the primary beneficiary by analyzing whether we have both the power to direct the entity’s significant economic activities and the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses or receive potentially significant benefits. Significant judgments and assumptions inherent in this analysis include the design of the entity structure, the nature of the entity’s operations, future cash flow projections, the entity’s financing and capital structure, and contractual relationships and terms. We consolidate a VIE when we have determined that we are the primary beneficiary.

Primary risks associated with our involvement with our VIEs include the potential funding of the entities’ debt obligations or making additional contributions to fund the entities’ operations or capital activities.

Partially owned, non-variable interest real estate joint ventures and partnerships over which we have a controlling financial interest are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. In determining if we have a controlling financial interest, we consider factors such as ownership interest, authority to make decisions, kick-out rights and substantive participating rights. Partially owned real estate joint ventures and partnerships where we do not have a controlling financial interest, but have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method.

Management continually analyzes and assesses reconsideration events, including changes in the factors mentioned above, to determine if the consolidation or equity method treatment remains appropriate.

Unamortized Lease Costs, net

Lease costs represent the initial direct costs incurred in origination, negotiation and processing of a lease agreement. Such costs include outside broker commissions and other independent third party costs, as well as salaries and benefits, travel and other internal costs directly related to completing a lease and are amortized over the life of the lease on a straight-line basis. Costs related to supervision, administration, unsuccessful origination efforts and other activities not directly related to completed lease agreements are charged to expense as incurred. Also included are in place lease costs which are amortized over the life of the applicable lease terms on a straight-line basis.

Accrued Rent And Accounts Receivable, Net

Accrued Rent and Accounts Receivable, net

Receivables include base rents, tenant reimbursements and receivables attributable to the straight-lining of rental commitments. An allowance for the uncollectible portion of accrued rents and accounts receivable is determined based upon an analysis of balances outstanding, historical bad debt levels, tenant creditworthiness and current economic trends. Additionally, estimates of the expected recovery of pre-petition and post-petition claims with respect to tenants in bankruptcy are considered in assessing the collectibility of the related receivables. Management’s estimate of the collectibility of accrued rents and accounts receivable is based on the best information available to management at the time of evaluation.

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are primarily held at major financial institutions in the U.S. We had cash and cash equivalents in certain financial institutions in excess of federally insured levels. We have diversified our cash and cash equivalents amongst several banking institutions in an attempt to minimize exposure to any one of these entities. We believe we are not exposed to any significant credit risk and regularly monitor the financial stability of these financial institutions.

Restricted Deposits And Mortgage Escrows

Restricted Deposits and Mortgage Escrows

Restricted deposits and mortgage escrows consist of escrow deposits held by lenders primarily for property taxes, insurance and replacement reserves and restricted deposits that are held for a specific use or in a qualified escrow account for the purposes of completing like-kind exchange transactions.

Other Assets, Net

Other Assets, net

Other assets include an asset related to the debt service guaranty (see Note 6 for further information), tax increment revenue bonds, investments, investments held in a grantor trust, deferred tax assets, prepaid expenses, interest rate derivatives, the value of above-market leases and the related accumulated amortization, deferred debt costs associated with our revolving credit facilities and other miscellaneous receivables. Investments held in a grantor trust and investments in mutual funds are adjusted to fair value at each period with changes included in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income, respectively. The value of our investments in mutual funds approximates the cost basis. Investments held to maturity are carried at amortized cost and are adjusted using the interest method for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts. Our tax increment revenue bonds have been classified as held to maturity and are recorded at amortized cost offset by a recognized credit loss (see Note 21 for further information). Above-market leases are amortized as adjustments to rental revenues over terms of the acquired leases. Deferred debt costs, including those classified in debt, are amortized primarily on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest rate method, over the terms of the debt. Other miscellaneous receivables have a reserve applied to the carrying amount when it becomes apparent that conditions exist that may lead to our inability to fully collect on outstanding amounts due. Such conditions include delinquent or late payments on receivables, deterioration in the ongoing relationship with the borrower and other relevant factors. We would establish a reserve when expected loss conditions exist by reviewing the borrower’s ability to generate revenues to meet debt service requirements and assessing the fair value of any collateral.

Derivatives And Hedging

Derivatives and Hedging

We manage interest cost using a combination of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. To manage our interest rate risk, we occasionally hedge the future cash flows of our existing floating-rate debt or anticipated fixed-rate debt issuances, as well as changes in the fair value of our existing fixed-rate debt instruments, principally through interest rate contracts with major financial institutions. Interest rate contracts that meet specific criteria are accounted for as either a cash flow or fair value hedge.

Cash Flow Hedges of Interest Rate Risk:

Our objective in using interest rate derivatives is to add stability to interest expense and to manage our exposure to interest rate movements. To accomplish this objective, we primarily use interest rate swap contracts as part of our interest rate risk management strategy. Interest rate swap contracts designated as cash flow hedges involve the receipt of variable amounts from a counterparty in exchange for us making fixed-rate payments over the life of the agreements without exchange of the underlying notional amount.

The effective portion of changes in the fair value of derivatives designated and that qualify as cash flow hedges is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss and is subsequently reclassified into earnings in the period that the hedged forecasted transaction affects earnings. For hedges of fixed-rate debt issuances, the interest rate contracts are cash settled upon the pricing of the debt, with amounts deferred in accumulated other comprehensive loss and amortized as an increase/decrease to interest expense over the originally hedged period.

The ineffective portion of the change in fair value of the derivatives is recognized directly in earnings.

Sales Of Real Estate

Sales of Real Estate

Sales of real estate include the sale of tracts of land within a shopping center development, property adjacent to shopping centers, operating properties, newly developed properties, investments in real estate joint ventures and partnerships and partial sales to real estate joint ventures and partnerships in which we participate.

Profits on sales of real estate are not recognized until (a) a sale is consummated; (b) the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay; (c) the seller’s receivable is not subject to future subordination; and (d) we have transferred to the buyer the usual risks and rewards of ownership in the transaction, and we do not have a substantial continuing involvement with the property.

We recognize gains on the sale of real estate to joint ventures and partnerships in which we participate to the extent we receive cash from the joint venture or partnership, if it meets the sales criteria in accordance with GAAP, and we do not have a commitment to support the operations of the real estate joint venture or partnership to an extent greater than our proportionate interest in the real estate joint venture or partnership.

Impairment

Our property is reviewed for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the property, including any capitalized costs and any identifiable intangible assets, may not be recoverable.

If such an event occurs, a comparison is made of the current and projected operating cash flows of each such property into the foreseeable future, with consideration of applicable holding periods, on an undiscounted basis to the carrying amount of such property. If we determine the carrying amount is not recoverable, our basis in the property is reduced to its estimated fair value to reflect impairment in the value of the asset. Fair values are determined by management utilizing cash flow models, market capitalization rates and market discount rates, or by obtaining third-party broker or appraisal estimates in accordance with our fair value measurements accounting policy.

We review economic considerations at each reporting period, including the effects of tenant bankruptcies, the suspension of tenant expansion plans for new development projects, declines in real estate values, and any changes to plans related to our new development properties including land held for development, to identify properties where we believe market values may be deteriorating. Determining whether a property is impaired and, if impaired, the amount of write-down to fair value requires a significant amount of judgment by management and is based on the best information available to management at the time of evaluation. If market conditions deteriorate or management’s plans for certain properties change, additional write-downs could be required in the future.

Our investment in partially owned real estate joint ventures and partnerships is reviewed for impairment each reporting period. The ultimate realization is dependent on a number of factors, including the performance of each investment and market conditions. We will record an impairment charge if we determine that a decline in the estimated fair value of an investment below its carrying amount is other than temporary. There is no certainty that impairments will not occur in the future if market conditions decline or if management’s plans for these investments change.

Our investments in tax increment revenue bonds are reviewed for impairment, including the evaluation of changes in events or circumstances that may indicate that the carrying amount of the investment may not be recoverable. Realization is dependent on a number of factors, including investment performance, market conditions and payment structure. We will record an impairment charge if we determine that a decline in the value of the investment below its carrying amount is other than temporary, recovery of its cost basis is uncertain, and/or it is uncertain if the investment will be held to maturity.

Interest Capitalization

Interest is capitalized on land under development and buildings under construction based on rates applicable to borrowings outstanding during the period and the weighted average balance of qualified assets under development/construction during the period.

Income Taxes

We have elected to be treated as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. As a REIT, we generally will not be subject to corporate level federal income tax on taxable income we distribute to our shareholders. To be taxed as a REIT, we must meet a number of requirements including defined percentage tests concerning the amount of our assets and revenues that come from, or are attributable to, real estate operations. As long as we distribute at least 90% of the taxable income of the REIT (without regard to capital gains or the dividends paid deduction) to our shareholders as dividends, we will not be taxed on the portion of our income we distribute as dividends unless we have ineligible transactions.

The Tax Relief Extension Act of 1999 gave REITs the ability to conduct activities which a REIT was previously precluded from doing as long as such activities are performed in entities which have elected to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries under the IRS code. These activities include buying or developing properties with the express purpose of selling them. We conduct certain of these activities in a taxable REIT subsidiary that we have created. We calculate and record income taxes in our consolidated financial statements based on the activities in this entity. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between our carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and net operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. These are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is established for those assets when we do not consider the realization of such assets to be more likely than not.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted the Tax Act. The Tax Act makes broad and complex changes to the Internal Revenue Code including, but not limited to, (1) reducing the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%, (2) establishing a 20% deduction for REIT dividends (other than any portion that is a capital gain dividend), (3) limiting the deductibility of business interest, (4) allowing full expensing of certain qualifying property, (5) eliminating the corporate Alternative Minimum Tax (“AMT”) and changing how existing AMT credits can be realized, (6) limiting current net operating loss deductions and providing an indefinite carryforward and (7) limiting the deductibility of certain executive compensation. Management’s evaluation of deferred taxes and the associated valuation allowance includes an estimate of the impact of the Tax Act and was based on the best information available to management at the time (see Note 13 for additional information).

Additionally, GAAP prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition of a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return. A tax position may only be recognized in the consolidated financial statements if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. We believe it is more likely than not that our tax positions will be sustained in any tax examinations.

In addition, we are subject to the State of Texas business tax (“Texas Franchise Tax”), which is determined by applying a tax rate to a base that considers both revenues and expenses. Therefore, the Texas Franchise Tax is considered an income tax and is accounted for accordingly.

Share-Based Compensation

We have both share options and share awards outstanding. Since 2012, our employee long-term incentive program under our Amended and Restated 2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan grants only awards that incorporate both service-based and market-based measures for share awards to promote share ownership among the participants and to emphasize the importance of total shareholder return. The terms of each grant vary depending upon the participant's responsibilities and position within the Company. All awards are recorded at fair value on the date of grant and earn dividends throughout the vesting period; however, the dividends are subject to the same vesting terms as the award. Compensation expense is measured at the grant date and recognized over the vesting period. All share awards are awarded subject to the participant’s continued employment with us.

The share awards are subject to a three-year cliff vesting basis. Service-based and market-based share awards are subject to the achievement of select performance goals as follows:


•	Service-based awards and accumulated dividends typically vest three years from the grant date. These grants are subject only to continued employment and not dependent on future performance measures. Accordingly, if such vesting criteria are not met, compensation cost previously recognized would be reversed.

•

Market-based awards vest based upon the performance metrics at the end of a three-year period. These awards are based 50% on our three-year relative total shareholder return (“TSR”) as compared to the FTSE NAREIT U.S. Shopping Center Index. The other 50% is tied to our three-year absolute TSR, which is currently compared to an 8% hurdle. At the end of a three-year period, the performance measures are analyzed; the actual number of shares earned is determined; and the earned shares and the accumulated dividends vest. The probability of meeting the market criteria is considered when calculating the estimated fair value on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation. These awards are accounted for as awards with market criteria, with compensation cost recognized over the service period, regardless of whether the market criteria are achieved and the awards are ultimately earned and vest.

Restricted shares granted to trust managers and share awards granted to retirement eligible employees are expensed immediately. Restricted shares and share awards have the same rights of a common shareholder, including the right to vote and receive dividends, except as otherwise provided by our Management Development and Executive Compensation Committee.

Options generally expire upon the earlier of termination of employment or 10 years from the date of grant, and all restricted shares are granted at no purchase price. Our policy is to recognize compensation expense for equity awards ratably over the vesting period, except for retirement eligible amounts.

Retirement Benefit Plans

Defined Benefit Plan:

We sponsor a noncontributory cash balance retirement plan (“Retirement Plan”) under which an account is maintained for each participant. Annual additions to each participant’s account include a service credit ranging from 3%-5% of compensation, depending on years of service, and an interest credit of 4.5%. Vesting generally occurs after three years of service.

Investments of Plan Assets

Our investment policy for our plan assets has been to determine the objectives for structuring a retirement savings program suitable to the long-term needs and risk tolerances of participants, to select appropriate investments to be offered by the plan and to establish procedures for monitoring and evaluating the performance of the investments of the plan. Our overall plan objectives for selecting and monitoring investment options are to promote and optimize retirement wealth accumulation; to provide a full range of asset classes and investment options that are intended to help diversify the portfolio to maximize return within reasonable and prudent levels of risk; to control costs of administering the plan; and to manage the investments held by the plan.

The selection of investment options is determined using criteria based on the following characteristics: fund history, relative performance, investment style, portfolio structure, manager tenure, minimum assets, expenses and operation considerations. Investment options selected for use in the plan are reviewed at least on a semi-annual basis to evaluate material changes from the selection criteria. Asset allocation is used to determine how the investment portfolio should be split between stocks, bonds and cash. The asset allocation decision is influenced by investment time horizon; risk tolerance; and investment return objectives. The primary factor in establishing asset allocation is demographics of the plan, including attained age and future service. A broad market diversification model is used in considering all these factors, and the percentage allocation to each investment category may also vary depending upon market conditions. Re-balancing of the allocation of plan assets occurs semi-annually.

Defined Contribution Plans:

Effective January 1, 2012, we amended our two separate and independent nonqualified supplemental retirement plans (“SRP”) for certain employees to be defined contribution plans. These unfunded plans provide benefits in excess of the statutory limits of our noncontributory cash balance retirement plan. For active participants as of January 1, 2012, annual additions to each participant’s account include an actuarially-determined service credit ranging from 3% to 5% and an interest credit of 4.5%. Vesting generally occurs between five and 10 years of service. We have elected to use the actuarial present value of the vested benefits to which the participant was entitled if the participant separated immediately from the SRP, as permitted by GAAP.

The SRP participants' account balances, prior to January 1, 2012, were converted to a cash balance retirement plan which no longer receives service credits but continues to receive a 7.5% interest credit for active participants and a December 31, 90-day LIBOR rate plus .50% for inactive participants.

We have a Savings and Investment Plan pursuant to which eligible employees may elect to contribute from 1% of their salaries to the maximum amount established annually by the IRS. Employee contributions are matched by us at the rate of 50% for the first 6% of the employee's salary. The employees vest in the employer contributions ratably over a five-year period.

Deferred Compensation Plan

We have a deferred compensation plan for eligible employees allowing them to defer portions of their current cash salary or share-based compensation. Deferred amounts are deposited in a grantor trust, which are included in net other assets, and are reported as compensation expense in the year service is rendered. Cash deferrals are invested based on the employee’s investment selections from a mix of assets selected using a broad market diversification model.

Our deferred compensation plan was amended, effective April 1, 2016, to permit participants in this plan to diversify their holdings of our common shares six months after vesting. Thus, as of April 1, 2016, the fully vested share awards and the proportionate share of nonvested share awards eligible for diversification were reclassified from additional paid-in capital to temporary equity in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. In February 2017, the deferred compensation plan was amended to provide that participants in the plan would no longer have the right to diversify their common shares six months after vesting. Thus, the fully vested share awards and the proportionate share of nonvested share awards eligible for diversification at the amendment date were reclassified from temporary equity into additional paid-in capital in our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Deferred share-based compensation cannot be diversified, and distributions from this plan are made in the same form as the original deferral.

Fair Value Measurements

Certain financial instruments, estimates and transactions are required to be calculated, reported and/or recorded at fair value. The estimated fair values of such financial items, including debt instruments, impaired assets, acquisitions, investment securities and derivatives, have been determined using a market-based measurement. This measurement is determined based on the assumptions that management believes market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability; including, market capitalization rates, discount rates, current operating income, local economics and other factors. As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, GAAP establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (observable inputs that are classified within Levels 1 and 2 of the hierarchy) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions (unobservable inputs classified within Level 3 of the hierarchy).

Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Level 2 inputs are inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that 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 and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. 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. 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. Our 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. The fair value of such financial instruments, estimates and transactions was determined using available market information and appropriate valuation methodologies as prescribed by GAAP.

Internally developed and third party fair value measurements, including the unobservable inputs, are evaluated by management with sufficient experience for reasonableness based on current market knowledge, trends and transactional experience in the real estate and capital markets. Our valuation policies and procedures are determined by our Accounting Group, which reports to the Chief Financial Officer and the results of significant impairment transactions are discussed with the Audit Committee on a quarterly basis.

Fair value estimates are based on limited available market information for similar transactions, including our tax increment revenue bonds, investments held to maturity and debt, and there can be no assurance that the disclosed value of any financial instrument could be realized by immediate settlement of the instrument. The following provides information about the methods used to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments, including their estimated fair values:

Investments and Deferred Compensation Plan Obligations

Investments in mutual funds held in a grantor trust and mutual funds are valued based on publicly-quoted market prices for identical assets. The deferred compensation plan obligations corresponds to the value of our investments held in a grantor trust. Investments held to maturity are carried at amortized cost and are adjusted using the interest method for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts.

Derivative Instruments

We use interest rate contracts with major financial institutions to manage our interest rate risk. The valuation of these instruments is determined based on assumptions that management believes market participants would use in pricing, using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of each derivative. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the derivatives, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, including interest rate curves and implied volatilities. The fair values of our interest rate contracts have been determined using the market standard methodology of netting the discounted future fixed cash receipts (or payments) and the discounted expected variable cash payments (or receipts). The variable cash payments (or receipts) are based on an expectation of future interest rates (forward curves) derived from observable market interest rate curves.

We incorporate credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both our own nonperformance risk and the respective counter-party’s nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. In adjusting the fair value of our derivative contracts for the effect of nonperformance risk, we have considered the impact of netting and any applicable credit enhancements, such as collateral, thresholds and guarantees. An accounting policy election was made to measure the credit risk of its derivative financial instruments that are subject to master netting agreements on a net basis by counterparty portfolio.

Although we have determined that the majority of the inputs used to value our derivatives fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments associated with our derivatives utilize Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by ourselves and our counter-parties. However, we have assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of our derivative positions and have determined that the credit valuation adjustments are not significant to the overall valuation of our derivatives. As a result, we have determined that the derivative valuations in their entirety are classified in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Tax Increment Revenue Bonds

The fair value estimates of our held to maturity tax increment revenue bonds, which were issued by the Agency in connection with our investment in a development project in Sheridan, Colorado, are based on assumptions that management believes market participants would use in pricing, using widely accepted valuation techniques including discounted cash flow analysis based on the expected future sales tax revenues of the development project. This analysis reflects the contractual terms of the bonds, including the period to maturity, and uses observable market-based inputs, such as market discount rates and unobservable market-based inputs, such as future growth and inflation rates.

Debt

The fair value of our debt may be based on quoted market prices for publicly-traded debt, on a third-party established benchmark for inactively traded debt and on the discounted estimated future cash payments to be made for non-traded debt. For inactively traded debt, our third-party provider establishes a benchmark for all REIT securities based on the largest, most liquid and most frequent investment grade securities in the REIT bond market. This benchmark is then adjusted to consider how a market participant would be compensated for risk premiums such as, longevity of maturity dates, lack of liquidity and credit quality of the issuer. The discount rates used approximate current lending rates for loans or groups of loans with similar maturities and credit quality, assumes the debt is outstanding through maturity and considers the debt’s collateral (if applicable). We have utilized market information as available or present value techniques to estimate the amounts required to be disclosed.

Reportable Segments

Our primary focus is to lease space to tenants in shopping centers that we own, lease or manage. We evaluate the performance of the reportable segments based on net operating income, defined as total revenues less operating expenses and real estate taxes. Management does not consider the effect of gains or losses from the sale of property or interests in real estate joint ventures and partnerships in evaluating segment operating performance.

No individual property constitutes more than 10% of our revenues or assets, and we have no operations outside of the United States of America. Therefore, our properties have been aggregated into one reportable segment since such properties and the tenants thereof each share similar economic and operating characteristics.

Newly Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Adopted

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting." This ASU was issued to simplify several aspects of share-based payment transactions, including: income tax consequences, classification of awards as equity or a liability, an option to recognize share compensation forfeitures as they occur and changes to classification within the statement of cash flows. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-09 were effective for us as of January 1, 2017. The adoption of this ASU resulted in a retrospective reclassification of $6.0 million and $1.8 million in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, from cash flows from operating activities in changes in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, net to cash flows from financing activities in other, net for shares used to pay employees' tax withholdings.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, "Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments." This ASU amends guidance to either add or clarify the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows. Eight specific issues were identified for further clarification and include: debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of company-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity method investees, beneficial interests in securitization transactions and the classification of cash flows that have aspects of more than one class of cash flows. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-15 are effective for us as of January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. We have adopted this update as of December 31, 2017 on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this ASU resulted in a retrospective reclassification of $.5 million and $.8 million in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, from cash flows from operating activities in accrued rent and accounts receivable, net to cash flows from investing activities in other, net for the settlement of insurance claims associated with capital assets. Also, our distributions received from equity method investees are accounted for using the cumulative earnings approach.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, "Interests Held through Related Parties That Are Under Common Control." This ASU amends the consolidation guidance on how a reporting entity that is a single decision maker of a VIE should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that VIE. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-17 were effective for us as of January 1, 2017 on a retrospective basis. We have adopted this update, and the adoption did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, "Restricted Cash." This ASU amends prior guidance on restricted cash presentation and requires that restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be included in the statement of cash flows. Changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents that result from transfers between different cash categories should not be presented as cash flow activities in the statement of cash flows. The ASU also requires an entity to disclose information about the nature of restricted cash, as well as a reconciliation between the statement of financial position and the statement of cash flows when the statement of financial position has more than one line item for cash, cash equivalent, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalent. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-18 are effective for us as of January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. We have adopted this ASU as of December 31, 2017 on a retrospective basis, as reflected in our cash flow statement presentation and related notes (see Notes 1 and 14 for additional information). For the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, cash flows from investing activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows no longer reflects the change in restricted deposits and mortgage escrows totaling $20.0 million and $76.6 million, respectively.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, "Business Combinations." This ASU narrows the definition of a business and provides a framework for evaluating whether a transaction is an acquisition of a business or an asset. The amendment provides a screen to evaluate whether a transaction is a business and requires that when substantially all of the fair value of the acquired assets can be concentrated in a single asset or identifiable group of similar assets, then the assets acquired are not a business. If the screen is not met, then to be considered a business, the assets must have an input and a substantive process to create outputs. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-01 are effective for us as of January 1, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We have adopted this ASU prospectively as of January 1, 2017. Under this guidance, we expect most acquisitions of property to be accounted for as an asset acquisition. Additionally, certain acquisition costs that were previously expensed may be capitalized. For for the year ended December 31, 2016, we expensed acquisition costs of $1.4 million.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation: Scope of Modification Accounting." This ASU provides guidance about the types of changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award which would require an entity to apply modification accounting. This ASU requires an entity to account for the effects of a modification in the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award, unless three criteria are met relating to the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the modified awards. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-09 are effective for us as of January 1, 2018 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. We have adopted this update as of December 31, 2017, and the adoption did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Not Yet Adopted

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This ASU's core objective is for an entity to recognize revenue based on the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for goods or services. Additionally, this ASU requires entities to use a single model in accounting for revenues derived from contracts with customers. ASU No. 2014-09 replaces prior guidance regarding the recognition of revenue from sales of real estate, except for revenue from sales that are part of a sale-leaseback transaction. The provisions of ASU No. 2014-09, as amended in subsequently issued amendments, are effective for us on January 1, 2018, and are required to be applied either on a retrospective or a modified retrospective approach. We have elected to apply this guidance on a modified retrospective approach upon adoption.

Our evaluation has resulted in the identification of primarily three types of customer contracts: (1) management contracts with partially owned real estate joint ventures or partnerships or third parties, (2) licensing and occupancy agreements and (3) certain non-tenant contracts. Based on our evaluation, we will continue to recognize these fees as we currently do with the exception of the timing associated with the performance obligation in our management contracts related to leasing and lease preparation related services. Upon adoption at January 1, 2018, we recognized the cumulative effect for these fees which has increased retained earnings and contract assets by $.3 million, respectively. In addition, we evaluated controls around the implementation of this ASU and have concluded there will be no significant impact on our control structure. We are still evaluating the impact to the notes in our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, "Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities." This ASU will require equity investments, excluding those investments accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with the changes in fair value recognized in net income; will simplify the impairment assessment of those investments; will eliminate the disclosure of the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost and change the fair value calculation for those investments; will change the disclosure in other comprehensive income for financial liabilities that are measured at fair value in accordance with the fair value options for financial instruments; and will clarify that a deferred asset related to available-for-sale securities should be included in an entity's evaluation for a valuation allowance. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-01 are effective for us as of January 1, 2018 and is required to be applied on a modified retrospective approach. Upon adoption, we recognized the cumulative effect for the fair value of equity investments which has increased retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss each by $1.5 million and includes the effects of ASU No. 2018-02, "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income."

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases." The ASU sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. The ASU requires lessees to adopt a right-of-use asset approach that will bring substantially all leases onto the balance sheet, with the exception of short-term leases. The subsequent accounting for this right-of-use asset will be based on a dual-model approach, under which the lease will be classified as either a finance or an operating lease. The lessor accounting model under this ASU is similar to current guidance, but certain underlying principles in the lessor model have been aligned with the new revenue recognition standard. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-02 are effective for us as of January 1, 2019, are required to be applied on a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. We anticipate adopting this ASU on January 1, 2019.

In January 2018, the FASB issued an exposure draft ("2018 Exposure Draft") which, if adopted as written, would allow lessors a practical expedient by class of underlying assets to account for lease and non-lease components as a single lease component if certain criteria are met. Also, the 2018 Exposure Draft indicates that companies may be permitted to recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption in lieu of the modified retrospective approach and provides other optional practical expedients.

We are in the process of evaluating the impact to our 5,400 lessor leases and other lessee leases, if any, that the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements. Within our lessor leases, we are entitled to receive tenant reimbursements for operating expenses such as real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance (“CAM”). Currently upon adoption of this ASU, CAM reimbursement revenue will be accounted for in accordance with Topic 606 (ASU No. 2014-09 as discussed above). We have currently identified some areas we believe may be impacted by this ASU. These include:


•	The bifurcation of lease arrangements in which contractual amounts due are on a gross basis and the amount under contract is not allocated between rental and expense reimbursements, such as real estate taxes and insurance. This process would be based on the underlying fair values of these items.

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We have ground lease agreements in which we are the lessee for land underneath all or a portion of 13 centers and three administrative office leases that we account for as operating leases. Rental expense associated with these operating leases was, in millions: $2.9 in 2017; $3.0 in 2016 and $3.2 in 2015. We have one capital lease in which we are the lessee of two centers with a $21 million lease obligation. We will record any rights and obligations under these leases as an asset and liability at fair value in our consolidated balance sheets.

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Determination of costs to be capitalized associated with leases. This ASU will limit the capitalization associated with certain costs, primarily certain internally-generated leasing and legal costs, of which we capitalized internal costs of $10.8 million and $10.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. We believe we will be able to continue to capitalize internal leasing commissions that are a direct result of obtaining a lease.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, "Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments." This ASU amends prior guidance on the impairment of financial instruments, and adds an impairment model that is based on expected losses rather than incurred losses with the recognition of an allowance based on an estimate of expected credit losses. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-13 are effective for us as of January 1, 2020, and early adoption is permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently assessing the impact, if any, that the adoption of this ASU will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-05, "Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets." The ASU clarifies that a financial asset is within the scope of Subtopic 610-20 if it meets the definition, as amended, of an in substance nonfinancial asset. If substantially all of the fair value of assets that are promised to a counterparty in a contract is concentrated in nonfinancial assets, then all of the financial assets promised to the counterparty are in substance nonfinancial assets within the scope of Subtopic 610-20, including a parent transferring control of a nonfinancial asset through a transfer of ownership interests of a consolidated subsidiary. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-05 are effective for us as of January 1, 2018 and depending on the contract type may be recorded on a retrospective or modified retrospective approach. As a result of our contract analysis under ASU 2014-09, the majority of our contracts relate to property sales to be accounted for under this ASU and could result in future gains being recognized sooner. Upon adoption, we applied the modified retrospective approach for all contract types. We recognized the cumulative effect for contracts in which gains would have been realized and have increased retained earnings and other assets by $4.0 million, respectively, at January 1, 2018.

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, "Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pensions Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost." The ASU requires the service cost component to be reported as compensation costs arising from services rendered by pertinent employees during the period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and outside income from operations. Additionally, only the service cost component will be eligible for capitalization when applicable. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-07 are effective for us as of January 1, 2018 on a retrospective basis for the presentation within the income statement and prospectively for the capitalization of costs. Upon adoption of this ASU, our income statement presentation and notes will be impacted, but it does not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements. For the year ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, net periodic benefit cost, excluding the service cost component, of $.4 million, $.7 million and $.2 million, respectively, will be restated as non-operating expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities." The ASU amends current hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements. Items focused on include: alignment of an entity’s risk management activities and its financial reporting for hedging relationships, the use of hedge accounting for risk components in hedging relationships involving nonfinancial risk and interest rate risk, updates for designating fair value hedges of interest rate risk and measuring the related change in fair value of the hedged item, alignment of the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item, and permits an entity to exclude certain amounts related to currency swaps. Lastly, the ASU also provides additional relief on effectiveness testing methods and disclosures. The provisions of ASU No. 2017-12 are effective for us as of January 1, 2019, and early adoption is permitted. We have adopted this ASU as of January 1, 2018, which requires a modified retrospective transition method upon adoption. The adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-01, "Leases (Topic 842)-Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842." The ASU provides an optional transition practical expedient to not evaluate existing or expired land easements under ASU No. 2016-02, if they were not previously accounted for as leases under prior guidance. The provisions of ASU No. 2018-01 are effective for us as of January 1, 2019, are required to be applied on a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. We anticipate adopting this ASU upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-02.

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, "Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." ASU No. 2018-02 allows for the reclassification of the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act to retained earnings. The provisions of ASU No. 2018-02 are effective for us as of January 1, 2019, may be applied either at the beginning of the period of adoption or retrospectively, and early adoption is permitted. We anticipate adopting this ASU upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-01.