BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Interim Financial Information—The accompanying interim consolidated financial statements of CIM Commercial have been prepared by our management in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). Certain information and note disclosures required for annual financial statements have been condensed or excluded pursuant to SEC rules and regulations. Accordingly, the interim consolidated financial statements do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying financial information reflects all adjustments which are, in the opinion of our management, of a normal recurring nature and necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods. Operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016. Our accompanying interim consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto, included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 15, 2016.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CIM Commercial and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments in Real Estate

Investments in Real Estate—Real estate acquisitions are recorded at cost as of the acquisition date. Costs related to the acquisition of properties are expensed as incurred. Investments in real estate are stated at depreciated cost. Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight line basis over the estimated useful lives as follows:



Buildings and improvements		15 - 40 years
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment		3 - 5 years
Tenant improvements		Shorter of the useful lives or the terms of the related leases

Improvements and replacements are capitalized when they extend the useful life, increase capacity, or improve the efficiency of the asset. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred.

Investments in real estate are evaluated for impairment on a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount to the future net cash flows, undiscounted and without interest, expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the estimated fair value of the assets. The estimated fair value of the asset group identified for step two of the impairment testing under GAAP is based on either the income approach with market discount rate, terminal capitalization rate and rental rate assumptions being most critical, or on the sales comparison approach to similar properties. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. No impairment of long-lived assets was recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments—As part of risk management and operational strategies, from time to time, we may enter into derivative contracts with various counterparties. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at their estimated fair value. On the date that we enter into a derivative contract, we designate the derivative as a fair value hedge, a cash flow hedge, a foreign currency fair value or cash flow hedge, a hedge of a net investment in a foreign operation, or a trading or non-hedging instrument.

Changes in the estimated fair value of a derivative that is highly effective and that is designated and qualifies as a cash flow hedge, to the extent that the hedge is effective, are initially recorded in other comprehensive income ("OCI"), and are subsequently reclassified into earnings as a component of interest expense when the variability of cash flows of the hedged transaction affects earnings (e.g., when periodic settlements of a variable-rate asset or liability are recorded in earnings). Any hedge ineffectiveness (which represents the amount by which the changes in the estimated fair value of the derivative differ from the variability in the cash flows of the forecasted transaction) is recognized in current-period earnings as a component of interest expense. When an interest rate swap designated as a cash flow hedge no longer qualifies for hedge accounting, we recognize changes in estimated fair value of the hedge previously deferred to accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), along with any changes in estimated fair value occurring thereafter, through earnings. We classify cash flows from interest rate swap agreements as net cash provided from operating activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows as our accounting policy is to present the cash flows from the hedging instruments in the same category in the consolidated statements of cash flows as the category for the cash flows from the hedged items. See Note 12 for disclosures about our derivative financial instruments and hedging activities.

Loans Receivable

Loans Receivable—Our loans receivable included in other assets or assets held for sale are carried at their unamortized principal balance less unamortized acquisition discounts and premiums, retained loan discounts and loan loss reserves. For loans originated under the Small Business Administration's ("SBA") 7(a) Guaranteed Loan Program ("SBA 7(a) Program"), we sell the portion of the loan that is guaranteed by the SBA. Upon sale of the SBA guaranteed portion of the loans, which are accounted for as sales, the unguaranteed portion of the loan retained by us is valued on a fair value basis and a discount (the "Retained Loan Discount") is recorded as a reduction in basis of the retained portion of the loan.

At the Acquisition Date, the carrying value of our loans was adjusted to estimated fair market value and acquisition discounts of $33,907,000 were recorded, which are being accreted to interest and other income using the effective interest method. We sold substantially all of our commercial mortgage loans with unamortized acquisition discounts of $15,951,000 to an unrelated third party in December 2015 (see Note 7). Acquisition discounts of $2,067,000 remained as of September 30, 2016 which have not yet been accreted to income.

A loan receivable is generally classified as non-accrual (a "Non-Accrual Loan") if (i) it is past due as to payment of principal or interest for a period of 60 days or more, (ii) any portion of the loan is classified as doubtful or is charged-off or (iii) the repayment in full of the principal and/or interest is in doubt. Generally, loans are charged-off when management determines that we will be unable to collect any remaining amounts due under the loan agreement, either through liquidation of collateral or other means. Interest income, included in interest and other income or discontinued operations, on a Non-Accrual Loan is recognized on either the cash basis or the cost recovery basis.

On a quarterly basis, and more frequently if indicators exist, we evaluate the collectability of our loans receivable. Our evaluation of collectability involves judgment, estimates, and a review of the ability of the borrower to make principal and interest payments, the underlying collateral and the borrowers' business models and future operations in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 450-20, Contingencies—Loss Contingencies, and ASC 310-10, Receivables. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded a net recovery of $3,000 and $239,000 on our impaired loans receivable, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, we recorded a net impairment of $2,000 and $67,000 on our impaired loans receivable, respectively. We establish a general loan loss reserve when available information indicates that it is probable a loss has occurred based on the carrying value of the portfolio and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Significant judgment is required in determining the general loan loss reserve, including estimates of the likelihood of default and the estimated fair value of the collateral. The general loan loss reserve includes those loans, which may have negative characteristics which have not yet become known to us. In addition to the reserves established on loans not considered impaired that have been evaluated under a specific evaluation, we establish the general loan loss reserve using a consistent methodology to determine a loss percentage to be applied to loan balances. These loss percentages are based on many factors, primarily cumulative and recent loss history and general economic conditions.

Deferred Rent Receivable and Charges

Deferred Rent Receivable and Charges—Deferred rent receivable and charges consist of deferred rent, deferred leasing costs, and deferred charges associated with the preferred stock offering (see Note 11). Deferred rent receivable is $61,990,000 and $58,612,000 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Deferred leasing costs, which represent lease commissions and other direct costs associated with the acquisition of tenants, are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related leases. Deferred leasing costs of $65,689,000 and $59,225,000 are presented net of accumulated amortization of $25,008,000 and $20,612,000 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Deferred charges associated with the preferred stock offering are $1,868,000 and $0 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Noncontrolling Interests

Noncontrolling Interests—Noncontrolling interests represent the interests in various properties owned by third parties.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash—Our mortgage loan and hotel management agreements provide for depositing cash into restricted accounts reserved for property taxes, insurance, capital expenditures, free rent, tenant improvement and leasing commission obligations.

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations

Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations—We classify assets as held for sale, if material, when they meet the necessary criteria, which include: a) management commits to and actively embarks upon a plan to sell the assets, b) the assets to be sold are available for immediate sale in their present condition, c) the sale is expected to be completed within one year under terms usual and customary for such sales and d) actions required to complete the plan indicate that it is unlikely that significant changes to the plan will be made or that the plan will be withdrawn. We generally believe that we meet these criteria when the plan for sale has been approved by our board of directors (the "Board of Directors"), there are no known significant contingencies related to the sale and management believes it is probable that the sale will be completed within one year.

Assets held for sale are recorded at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less cost to sell. In addition, if we were to determine that the asset disposal associated with assets held for sale or disposed of represents a strategic shift, the revenues, expenses and net gain (loss) on dispositions would be recorded in discontinued operations for all periods presented through the date of the applicable disposition.

Consolidation Considerations for Our Investments in Real Estate

Consolidation Considerations for Our Investments in Real Estate—ASC 810-10, Consolidation, addresses how a business enterprise should evaluate whether it has a controlling interest in an entity through means other than voting rights that would require the entity to be consolidated. We analyze our investments in real estate in accordance with this accounting standard to determine whether they are variable interest entities, and if so, whether we are the primary beneficiary. Our judgment with respect to our level of influence or control over an entity and whether we are the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity involves consideration of various factors, including the form of our ownership interest, our voting interest, the size of our investment (including loans), and our ability to participate in major policy-making decisions. Our ability to correctly assess our influence or control over an entity affects the presentation of these investments in our consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates—The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Reclassifications—Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income or cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements—In April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which is intended to simplify the presentation of debt issuance costs. These amendments require that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this ASU. For public entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2015. We adopted ASU 2015-03 retrospectively in our fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2016. As a result of the retrospective adoption, we reclassified unamortized debt issuance costs of $6,113,000 as of December 31, 2015 from deferred rent receivable and charges to debt on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Adoption of this standard did not impact results of operations, retained earnings, or cash flows in the current or previous interim and annual reporting periods.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, which is designed to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments through targeted changes to existing GAAP. The ASU requires an entity to: (i) measure equity investments at fair value through net income, with certain exceptions; (ii) present in OCI the changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option; (iii) present financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset; (iv) calculate the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes based on an exit price; and (v) assess a valuation allowance on deferred tax assets related to unrealized losses of available-for-sale debt securities in combination with other deferred tax assets. In addition, the ASU provides an election to subsequently measure certain nonmarketable equity investments at cost less any impairment and adjusted for certain observable price changes. The ASU also requires a qualitative impairment assessment of such equity investments and amends certain fair value disclosure requirements. For public business entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption by public entities to financial statements that have not yet been issued is permitted only for the provision related to instrument-specific credit risk. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which is intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. Under the new guidance, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Consistent with current GAAP, the recognition, measurement, and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease by a lessee primarily will depend on its classification as a finance or operating lease. However, unlike current GAAP, which requires a lessee to recognize only capital leases on the balance sheet, the new ASU will require a lessee to recognize both types of leases on the balance sheet. The lessor accounting will remain largely unchanged from current GAAP. However, the ASU contains some targeted improvements that are intended to align, where necessary, lessor accounting with the lessee accounting model and with the updated revenue recognition guidance issued in 2014. For public entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-05, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), which clarifies that a change in the counterparty to a derivative instrument that has been designated as the hedging instrument under Topic 815 does not require de-designation of that hedging relationship provided that all other hedging criteria continue to be met. The new standard is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, the new standard may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), which is intended to improve the operability and understandability of the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations included in Topic 606 by clarifying the following: (i) an entity determines whether it is a principal or an agent for each specified good or service promised to the customer; (ii) an entity determines the nature of each specified good or service; (iii) when another party is involved in providing goods or services to a customer, an entity that is a principal obtains control of (a) a good or another asset from the other party, (b) a right to a service that will be performed by another party, or (c) a good or service from the other party that it combines with other goods or services; and (iv) the purpose of the indicators in the guidance is to support or assist in the assessment of control. For public entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which is intended to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including accounting for income taxes, classification of excess tax benefits on the statement of cash flows, forfeitures, minimum statutory tax withholding requirements, and classification of employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows when an employer withholds shares for tax-withholding purposes. In addition, the ASU eliminates certain guidance in ASC 718, which was indefinitely deferred shortly after the issuance of FASB Statement No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. For public entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted and an entity that elects early adoption must adopt all of the amendments in the same period. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing, which is intended to clarify the following two aspects of Topic 606: identifying performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance, while retaining the related principles for those areas. The amendments in the ASU are expected to reduce the cost and complexity of applying the guidance on identifying promised goods or services and improve the operability and understandability of the licensing implementation guidance. For public entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2016. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, which is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity. The amendments in the ASU replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. For public entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2018. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which provides guidance on how certain cash receipts and cash payments are to be presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. For public entities, the ASU is effective for annual reporting periods (including interim reporting periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of this new accounting guidance on our consolidated financial statements.