Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Vornado and the Operating Partnership and their consolidated subsidiaries. All inter-company amounts have been eliminated. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), which require us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recently Issued Accounting Literature

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an update (“ASU 2014-09”) establishing Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASC 606”). ASU 2014-09, as amended by subsequent ASUs on the topic, establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. This standard, which was effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years that begin after December 15, 2017, requires an entity to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services and also requires certain additional disclosures. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method applied to all existing contracts not yet completed as of January 1, 2018 and recorded a $14,519,000 cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning accumulated deficit. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on our financial statements (see Note 3 - Revenue Recognition).

In January 2016, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2016-01”) Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities to ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments. ASU 2016-01 amends certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 was effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. While the adoption of this update requires us to continue to measure “marketable securities” at fair value on each reporting date, the changes in fair value will be recognized in current period earnings as opposed to “other comprehensive income (loss).” As a result, on January 1, 2018 we recorded a decrease to beginning accumulated deficit of $111,225,000 to recognize the unrealized gains previously recorded in “accumulated other comprehensive income” on our consolidated balance sheets. Subsequent changes in the fair value of our marketable securities will be recorded to “interest and other investment income, net” on our consolidated statements of income. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we recorded a decrease of $26,453,000 in the fair value of our marketable securities which is included in “interest and other investment income, net” on our consolidated statements of income.


2.	Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies – continued

Recently Issued Accounting Literature - continued

In February 2016, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2016-02”) establishing ASC Topic 842, Leases ("ASC 842"), as amended by subsequent ASUs on the topic, which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both lessees and lessors. ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to apply a two-method approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase. Lessees are required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months. Leases with a term of 12 months or less will be accounted for similar to existing guidance for operating leases. Lessees will recognize an expense based on the effective interest method for finance leases or on a straight-line basis for operating leases. The accounting applied by the lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under the existing lease standard. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2019. We have completed our evaluation of the overall impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our consolidated financial statements and accounting policies. In transitioning to ASC 842, we elected to use the practical expedient package available to us and did not elect to use hindsight. We have a number of ground leases, which are classified as operating leases, for which we are required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability equal to the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments, and will continue to recognize expense on a straight-line basis for these leases. On January 1, 2019, we recorded an aggregate of approximately $527,000,000 of right-of-use assets and corresponding $527,000,000 of lease liabilities as a result of the adoption of this standard.

Under ASU 2016-02, initial direct costs for both lessees and lessors would include only those costs that are incremental to the arrangement and would not have been incurred if the lease had not been obtained. As a result, we will no longer capitalize internal leasing costs and instead will expense these costs as incurred. During the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we capitalized internal leasing costs of $5,538,000, $5,243,000, and $7,352,000 respectively, excluding the internal leasing costs of our former Washington, DC segment which was spun-off on July 17, 2017.

In February 2017, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2017-05”) Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition Guidance and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets to ASC Subtopic 610-20, Other Income-Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets. ASU 2017-05 clarifies the scope of recently established guidance on nonfinancial asset derecognition, as well as the accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets. This update conforms the derecognition guidance on nonfinancial assets with the model for transactions in ASC 606. ASU 2017-05 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. We adopted this update on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach applied to all contracts not yet completed. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2017-09”) Scope of Modification Accounting to ASC Topic 718, Compensation - Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). ASU 2017-09 provides guidance about which changes to the terms and conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in ASC 718. ASU 2017-09 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of this update on January 1, 2018 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2017-12”) Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities to ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging (“ASC 815”). ASU 2017-12 amends the hedge accounting recognition and presentation requirements in ASC 815. The update is intended to more closely align hedge accounting with companies’ risk management strategies, simplify the application of hedge accounting and increase transparency as to the scope and results of hedge programs. ASU 2017-12 requires subsequent changes in fair value of a hedging instrument that has been designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge to be recognized as a component of “other comprehensive income (loss).” ASU 2017-12 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We early adopted ASU 2017-12 on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.


2.	Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies – continued

In August 2018, the FASB issued an update (“ASU 2018-13”) Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement to ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement (“ASC 820”). ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements by removing, modifying, and/or adding certain disclosures. ASU 2018-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. An entity is permitted to early adopt by modifying existing disclosures and delay adoption of the additional disclosures until the effective date. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this update on our consolidated financial statements and disclosures.

In October 2018, the FASB issued an update ("ASU 2018-16") Inclusion of the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) Overnight Index Swap (OIS) Rate as a Benchmark Interest Rate for Hedge Accounting Purposes to ASC 815. ASU 2018-16 expands the list of U.S. benchmark interest rates permitted in the application of hedge accounting by adding the OIS rate based on SOFR as an eligible benchmark interest rate. ASU 2018-16 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this update effective January 1, 2019. The adoption of this update did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Real Estate

Real Estate: Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Betterments, major renewals and certain costs directly related to the improvement and leasing of real estate are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. For redevelopment of existing operating properties, the net book value of the existing property under redevelopment plus the cost for the construction and improvements incurred in connection with the redevelopment are capitalized to the extent the capitalized costs of the property do not exceed the estimated fair value of the redeveloped property when complete. If the cost of the redeveloped property, including the net book value of the existing property, exceeds the estimated fair value of the redeveloped property, the excess is charged to expense. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives which range from 7 to 40 years. Tenant allowances are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases, which approximate the useful lives of the assets. Additions to real estate include interest and debt expense capitalized during construction of $73,166,000 and $48,231,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Upon the acquisition of real estate we assess the fair value of acquired assets (including land, buildings and improvements, identified intangibles, such as acquired above and below-market leases, acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships) and acquired liabilities and we allocate the purchase price based on these assessments which are on a relative fair value basis. We assess fair value based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions. We amortize identified intangibles that have finite lives over the period they are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the property or business acquired.

Our properties, including any related intangible assets, are individually reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the aggregate projected future cash flows over the anticipated holding period on an undiscounted basis. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the property’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on our current plans, intended holding periods and available market information at the time the analyses are prepared. If our estimates of the projected future cash flows, anticipated holding periods, or market conditions change, our evaluation of impairment losses may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. The evaluation of anticipated discounted cash flows is subjective and is based, in part, on assumptions regarding future occupancy, rental rates and capital requirements that could differ materially from actual results. Plans to hold properties over longer periods decrease the likelihood of recording impairment losses. We recognized impairment losses of $12,000,000 and $160,700,000 for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2016, respectively. There were no impairment losses in the year ended December 31, 2017.

The Crowne Plaza Joint Venture is also accounted for under ASC 946 and we consolidate the accounts of the joint venture into our consolidated financial statements, retaining the fair value basis of accounting.

The Fund is accounted for under ASC 946, Financial Services – Investment Companies (“ASC 946”) and its investments are reported on its balance sheet at fair value, with changes in value each period recognized in earnings. We consolidate the accounts of the Fund into our consolidated financial statements, retaining the fair value basis of accounting.

Partially Owned Entities

Partially Owned Entities: We consolidate entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. In determining whether we have a controlling financial interest in a partially owned entity and the requirement to consolidate the accounts of that entity, we consider whether the entity is a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and whether we are the primary beneficiary, or have a majority of the voting interests of the entity. We are deemed to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have (i) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We generally do not control a partially owned entity if the approval of all of the partners/members is contractually required with respect to decisions that most significantly impact the performance of the partially owned entity. This includes decisions regarding operating/capital budgets, and the placement of new or additional financing secured by the assets of the venture, among others. We account for investments under the equity method when the requirements for consolidation are not met, and we have significant influence over the operations of the investee. Equity method investments are initially recorded at cost and subsequently adjusted for our share of net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions each period. Investments that do not qualify for consolidation or equity method accounting are accounted for under the cost method.

Investments in partially owned entities are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recorded when there is a decline in the fair value below the carrying values and we conclude such decline is other-than-temporary. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the carrying amount of an investment over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on current plans, intended holding periods and available information at the time the analyses are prepared.

220 Central Park South Condominium Units Ready For Sale

220 Central Park South Condominium Units Ready For Sale: We are constructing a residential condominium tower at 220 Central Park South ("220 CPS"). Condominium units are reclassed from development costs and construction in progress to 220 Central Park South condominium units ready for sale upon receipt of the unit's temporary certificate of occupancy. These units are substantially complete and ready for sale. Each unit is carried at the lower of its carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell. We have used the relative sales value method to allocate costs to individual condominium units. GAAP income is recognized when legal title transfers upon closing of the condominium unit sales. As of December 31, 2018, none of the 220 CPS condominium units ready for sale have a carrying value that exceeds fair value.

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents consists of (i) deposits at major commercial banks, which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit, (ii) United States Treasury Bills, and (iii) Certificate of Deposits placed through an Account Registry Service (“CDARS”).

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash: Restricted cash consists of security deposits, cash restricted for the purposes of facilitating a Section 1031 Like-Kind exchange, cash restricted in connection with our deferred compensation plan and cash escrowed under loan agreements for debt service, real estate taxes, property insurance and capital improvements.

Allowance For Doubtful Accounts

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts: We periodically evaluate the collectability of amounts due from tenants and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments under the lease agreements. We also maintain an allowance for receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents. These receivables arise from earnings recognized in excess of amounts currently due under the lease agreements. Management exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history and current credit status in developing these estimates.

Deferred Charges

Deferred Charges: Direct financing costs are deferred and amortized over the terms of the related agreements as a component of interest expense. Direct costs related to successful leasing activities are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the lives of the related leases. All other deferred charges are amortized on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest rate method, in accordance with the terms of the agreements to which they relate.

Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, we adopted ASC 606 which establishes a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition guidance. This standard requires us to recognize for certain of our revenue sources the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration we are entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method applied to all existing contracts not yet completed as of January 1, 2018 and recorded a $14,519,000 cumulative-effect adjustment to beginning accumulated deficit. The adoption of ASC 606 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Our revenues primarily consist of property rentals, tenant expense reimbursements, and fee and other income. We operate in two reportable segments: New York and Other, with a significant portion of our revenues included in the “New York” segment. We have the following revenue sources and revenue recognition policies:

•

Base rent is revenue arising from tenant leases. These rents are recognized over the non-cancelable term of the related leases on a straight-line basis which includes the effects of rent steps and rent abatements. We commence rental revenue recognition when the tenant takes possession of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. In addition, 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.


•	Hotel revenue arising from the operation of Hotel Pennsylvania consists of room revenue, food and beverage revenue, and banquet revenue. Room revenue is recognized when rooms are occupied. Food and beverage and banquet revenue are recognized when the services have been transferred.


•	Trade shows revenue arising from the operation of trade shows is primarily booth rentals. This revenue is recognized upon the occurrence of the trade shows.


•	Operating expense reimbursements is revenue arising from tenant leases which provide for the recovery of all or a portion of the operating expenses and real estate taxes of the common areas of our properties. Revenue is generally recognized in the same period as the related expenses are incurred.


•	Tenant services is revenue arising from sub-metered electric, elevator, trash removal and other services provided to tenants at their request. This revenue is recognized as the services are transferred.

•

Fee and other income includes management, leasing and other revenue arising from contractual agreements with third parties or with partially owned entities, and includes Building Maintenance Service (“BMS”) cleaning, engineering and security services. This revenue is recognized as the services are transferred. Fee and other income also includes lease termination fee income which is recognized immediately if a tenant vacates or is recognized on a straight-line basis over the shortened remaining lease term.

GAAP income from our 220 CPS project is recognized when legal title transfers upon closing of the condominium unit sales

Income Taxes

Income Taxes: Vornado operates in a manner intended to enable it to continue to qualify as a REIT under Sections 856‑860 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Under those sections, a REIT which distributes at least 90% of its REIT taxable income as a dividend to its shareholders each year and which meets certain other conditions will not be taxed on that portion of its taxable income which is distributed to its shareholders. Vornado distributes to its shareholders 100% of its REIT taxable income and therefore, no provision for Federal income taxes is required. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2018, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 91.7% ordinary income and 8.3% long-term capital gain. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2017, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as ordinary income. Dividends distributed for the year ended December 31, 2016, were characterized, for federal income tax purposes, as 83.5% ordinary income and 16.5% long-term capital gain.

We have elected to treat certain consolidated subsidiaries, and may in the future elect to treat newly formed subsidiaries, as taxable REIT subsidiaries pursuant to an amendment to the Internal Revenue Code that became effective January 1, 2001. Taxable REIT subsidiaries may participate in non-real estate related activities and/or perform non-customary services for tenants and are subject to Federal and State income tax at regular corporate tax rates.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") was signed into law. The Act includes numerous changes in existing tax law, including a permanent reduction in the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result of the reduction of federal corporate income tax rates, we decreased the value of our taxable REIT subsidiaries' deferred tax assets which resulted in additional income tax expense of $34,800,000 in the year ended December 31, 2017.

At December 31, 2018 and 2017, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances, of $109,949,000 and $69,209,000, respectively, and are included in “other assets” on our consolidated balance sheets. At December 31, 2018 and 2017, our taxable REIT subsidiaries had deferred tax liabilities of $28,676,000 and $13,697,000, respectively, which are included in "other liabilities" on our consolidated balance sheets. The deferred tax assets and liabilities relate to net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences between the book and tax basis of asset and liabilities. During 2018, we utilized $42,035,000 of deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards associated with our 220 CPS project.

For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we recognized $37,633,000, $42,375,000 and $7,923,000 of income tax expense, respectively, based on effective tax rates of approximately 8.2%, 13.3% and 1.4%, respectively. Income tax expense recorded in each of the years primarily relates to our consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries, and certain state, local, and franchise taxes. The year ended December 31, 2018 included $16,771,000 of income tax expense relating to the purchase price fair value adjustment recorded upon our acquisition of an additional 44.9% ownership interest in Farley Office and Retail Building and $13,888,000 of income tax expense recognized on the sale of 220 Central Park South condominium units. Income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 included $34,800,000 of additional tax expense resulting from the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate, as discussed above. The Company has no uncertain tax positions recognized as of December 31, 2018 and 2017.

The Operating Partnership’s partners are required to report their respective share of taxable income on their individual tax returns.

For income tax purposes, we recognize revenue associated with our 220 CPS project using the percentage of completion method.

Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests

Redeemable noncontrolling interests on Vornado’s consolidated balance sheets and redeemable partnership units on the consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership are primarily comprised of Class A Operating Partnership units held by third parties and are recorded at the greater of their carrying amount or redemption value at the end of each reporting period. Changes in the value from period to period are charged to “additional capital” in Vornado’s consolidated statements of changes in equity and to “partners’ capital” on the consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership. Class A units may be tendered for redemption to the Operating Partnership for cash; Vornado, at its option, may assume that obligation and pay the holder either cash or Vornado common shares on a one-for-one basis. Because the number of Vornado common shares outstanding at all times equals the number of Class A units owned by Vornado, the redemption value of each Class A unit is equivalent to the market value of one Vornado common share, and the quarterly distribution to a Class A unitholder is equal to the quarterly dividend paid to a Vornado common shareholder.

Stockholders' Equity

As of December 31, 2018, there were 190,535,499 Class A units outstanding that were held by Vornado. These units are classified as “partners’ capital” on the consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership. As of December 31, 2018, there were 12,544,477 Class A units outstanding, that were held by third parties. These units are classified outside of “partners’ capital” as “redeemable partnership units” on the consolidated balance sheets of the Operating Partnership (See Note 12 – Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests/Redeemable Partnership Units).

Fair Value Measurement

ASC 820 defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value. The objective of fair value is to determine the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (the exit price). ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three levels: Level 1 – quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for assets or liabilities; Level 2 – observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted in active markets, but corroborated by market data; and Level 3 – unobservable inputs that are used when little or no market data is available. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, we utilize valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, as well as consider counterparty credit risk in our assessment of fair value. Considerable judgment is necessary to interpret Level 2 and 3 inputs in determining the fair value of our financial and non-financial assets and liabilities. Accordingly, our fair value estimates, which are made at the end of each reporting period, may be different than the amounts that may ultimately be realized upon sale or disposition of these assets.