| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation and Consolidation. The Company's consolidated financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of accounting in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). The financial statements reflect the accounts of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. The Company consolidates its wholly-owned subsidiaries, partnerships and joint ventures which it controls (i) through voting rights or similar rights or (ii) by means other than voting rights if the Company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). Entities which the Company does not control and entities which are VIEs in which the Company is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under appropriate GAAP.
If an investment is determined to be a VIE, the Company performs an analysis to determine if the Company is the primary beneficiary of the VIE. GAAP requires a VIE to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party that has a controlling financial interest in an entity. In order for a party to have a controlling financial interest in an entity, it must have (1) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (2) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of an entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.
Consolidated Variable Interest Entity. The Company's consolidated VIE was determined to be a VIE primarily because the entity's equity holders' obligation to absorb losses is protected. The Company determined that it was the primary beneficiary of the VIE because it has a controlling financial interest in the entity.
The Company's wholly-owned entity which owns an office building in Greenville, South Carolina is a VIE and is consolidated by the Company. The tenant has an option to purchase the property on December 31, 2014 at fair market value, but not for less than $10,710 and not for greater than $11,550. If the tenant does not exercise the purchase option, the Company has the right to require the tenant to purchase the property for $10,710.
Non-Consolidated Variable Interest Entities. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held variable interests in certain non-consolidated VIEs; however, the Company was not the primary beneficiary of these VIEs as the Company does not have a controlling financial interest in the entities. The Company has certain acquisition commitments and/ or acquisition, development and construction arrangements with VIEs. The Company is obligated to fund certain amounts as discussed in note 4. Earnings Per Share. Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) reduced by preferred dividends and amounts allocated to certain non-vested share-based payment awards, if applicable, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share amounts are similarly computed but include the effect, when dilutive, of in-the-money common share options, OP units and put options of certain convertible securities. Use of Estimates. Management has made a number of significant estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses to prepare these consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP. These estimates and assumptions are based on management's best estimates and judgment. Management evaluates its estimates and assumptions on an ongoing basis using historical experience and other factors, including the current economic environment. The current economic environment has increased the degree of uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions. Management adjusts such estimates when facts and circumstances dictate. The most significant estimates made include the recoverability of accounts receivable, allocation of property purchase price to tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, the determination of VIEs and which entities should be consolidated, the determination of impairment of long-lived assets, loans receivable and equity method investments, valuation of derivative financial instruments and the useful lives of long-lived assets. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Fair Value Measurements. The Company follows the guidance in the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures ("Topic 820"), to determine the fair value of financial and non-financial instruments. Topic 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Topic 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, which 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, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible, as well as considering counterparty credit risk. The Company has formally elected to apply the portfolio exception within Topic 820 with respect to measuring counterparty risk for all of its derivative transactions subject to master netting arrangements. Revenue Recognition. The Company recognizes lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease unless another systematic and rational basis is more representative of the time pattern in which the use benefit is derived from the leased property. Renewal options in leases with rental terms that are lower than those in the primary term are excluded from the calculation of straight-line rent if the renewals are not reasonably assured. If the Company funds tenant improvements and the improvements are deemed to be owned by the Company, revenue recognition will commence when the improvements are substantially completed and possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant. If the Company determines that the tenant allowances are lease incentives, the Company commences revenue recognition when possession or control of the space is turned over to the tenant for tenant work to begin. The lease incentive is recorded as a deferred expense and amortized as a reduction of revenue on a straight-line basis over the respective lease term. The Company recognizes lease termination fees as rental revenue in the period received and writes off unamortized lease-related intangible and other lease-related account balances, provided there are no further Company obligations under the lease. Otherwise, such fees and balances are recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining obligation period with the termination payments being recorded as a component of rent receivable-deferred or deferred revenue on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Gains on sales of real estate are recognized based upon the specific timing of the sale as measured against various criteria related to the terms of the transactions and any continuing involvement associated with the properties. If the sales criteria are not met, the gain is deferred and the finance, installment or cost recovery method, as appropriate, is applied until the sales criteria are met. To the extent the Company sells a property and retains a partial ownership interest in the property, the Company recognizes gain to the extent of the third-party ownership interest.
Accounts Receivable. The Company continuously monitors collections from tenants and makes a provision for estimated losses based upon historical experience and any specific tenant collection issues that the Company has identified. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company's allowance for doubtful accounts was not significant.
Purchase Accounting and Acquisition of Real Estate. The fair value of the real estate acquired, which includes the impact of fair value adjustments for assumed mortgage debt related to property acquisitions, is allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and improvements and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases, other value of in-place leases and value of tenant relationships, based in each case on their fair values. Acquisition costs are expensed as incurred and are included in property operating expense in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations. Also, noncontrolling interests acquired are recorded at estimated fair market value.
The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property (which includes land, building and improvements and fixtures and equipment) is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant. The “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and building and improvements based on management's determination of relative fair values of these assets. Factors considered by management in performing these analyses include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods considering current market conditions and costs to execute similar leases. In estimating carrying costs, management includes real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on current market demand. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases including leasing commissions.
In allocating the fair value of the identified intangible assets and liabilities of an acquired property, above-market and below-market lease values are recorded based on the difference between the current in-place lease rent and management's estimate of current market rents. Below-market lease intangibles are recorded as part of deferred revenue and amortized into rental revenue over the non-cancelable periods and bargain renewal periods of the respective leases. Above-market leases are recorded as part of intangible assets and amortized as a direct charge against rental revenue over the non-cancelable portion of the respective leases.
The aggregate value of other acquired intangible assets, consisting of in-place leases and tenant relationship values, is measured by the excess of (1) the purchase price paid for a property over (2) the estimated fair value of the property as if vacant, determined as set forth above. This aggregate value is allocated between in-place lease values and tenant relationship values based on management's evaluation of the specific characteristics of each tenant's lease. The value of in-place leases is amortized to expense over the remaining non-cancelable periods and any bargain renewal periods of the respective leases. The value of tenant relationships is amortized to expense over the applicable lease term plus expected renewal periods.
Depreciation is determined by the straight-line method over the remaining estimated economic useful lives of the properties. The Company generally depreciates its real estate assets over periods ranging up to 40 years.
Impairment of Real Estate. The Company evaluates the carrying value of all tangible and intangible real estate assets held for investment for possible impairment when an event or change in circumstance has occurred that indicates its carrying value may not be recoverable. The evaluation includes estimating and reviewing anticipated future undiscounted cash flows to be derived from the asset. If such cash flows are less than the asset's carrying value, an impairment charge is recognized to the extent by which the asset's carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, which may be below the balance of any non-recourse financing. Estimating future cash flows and fair values is highly subjective and such estimates could differ materially from actual results.
Investments in Non-Consolidated Entities. The Company accounts for its investments in 50% or less owned entities under the equity method, unless consolidation is required. If the Company's investment in the entity is insignificant and the Company has no influence over the control of the entity then the entity is accounted for under the cost method.
Impairment of Equity Method Investments. The Company assesses whether there are indicators that the value of its equity method investments may be impaired. An impairment charge is recognized only if the Company determines that a decline in the value of the investment below its carrying value is other-than-temporary. The assessment of impairment is highly subjective and involves the application of significant assumptions and judgments about the Company's intent and ability to recover its investment given the nature and operations of the underlying investment, including the level of the Company's involvement therein, among other factors. To the extent an impairment is deemed to be other-than-temporary, the loss is measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the estimated fair value of the investment.
Loans Receivable. Loans held for investment are intended to be held to maturity and, accordingly, are carried at cost, net of unamortized loan origination costs and fees, loan purchase discounts, and net of an allowance for loan losses when such loan is deemed to be impaired. Loan origination costs and fees and loan purchase discounts are amortized over the term of the loan. The Company considers a loan impaired when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that it will be unable to collect all amounts due for both principal and interest according to the contractual terms of the loan agreement. Significant judgments are required in determining whether impairment has occurred. The Company performs an impairment analysis by comparing either the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, the loan's observable current market price or the fair value of the underlying collateral to the net carrying value of the loan, which may result in an allowance and corresponding loan loss charge. Interest income is recorded on a cash basis for impaired loans.
Acquisition, Development and Construction Arrangements. The Company evaluates loans receivable where the Company participates in residual profits through loan provisions or other contracts to ascertain whether the Company has the same risks and rewards as an owner or a joint venture partner. Where the Company concludes that such arrangements are more appropriately treated as an investment in real estate, the Company reflects such loan receivable as an equity investment in real estate under construction in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. In these cases, no interest income is recorded on the loan receivable and the Company records capitalized interest during the construction period. In arrangements where the Company engages a developer to construct a property or provide funds to a tenant to develop a property, the Company will capitalize the funds provided to the developer/tenant and internal costs of interest and real estate taxes, if applicable, during the construction period.
Properties Held For Sale. Assets and liabilities of properties that meet various held for sale criteria, including whether it is probable that a sale will occur within 12 months, are presented separately in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, with assets and liabilities being separately stated. The operating results of these properties are reflected as discontinued operations in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Properties classified as held for sale are carried at the lower of net carrying value or estimated fair value less costs to sell and depreciation and amortization are no longer recognized. Properties that do not meet the held for sale criteria are accounted for as operating properties.
Deferred Expenses. Deferred expenses consist primarily of debt and leasing costs. Debt costs are amortized using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method, over the terms of the debt instruments and leasing costs are amortized over the term of the related lease.
Derivative Financial Instruments. The Company accounts for its interest rate swap agreements in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 815, Derivatives and Hedging ("Topic 815"). In accordance with Topic 815, these agreements are carried on the balance sheet at their respective fair values, as an asset if fair value is positive, or as a liability if fair value is negative. If the interest rate swap is designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of the interest rate swap's change in fair value is reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss); the ineffective portion, if any, is recognized in earnings as an increase or decrease to interest expense. Upon entering into hedging transactions, the Company documents the relationship between the interest rate swap agreement and the hedged item. The Company also documents its risk-management policies, including objectives and strategies, as they relate to its hedging activities. The Company assesses, both at inception of a hedge and on an on-going basis, whether or not the hedge is highly effective. The Company will discontinue hedge accounting on a prospective basis with changes in the estimated fair value reflected in earnings when (1) it is determined that the derivative is no longer effective in offsetting cash flows of a hedged item (including forecasted transactions), (2) it is no longer probable that the forecasted transaction will occur or (3) it is determined that designating the derivative as an interest rate swap is no longer appropriate. The Company does and may continue to utilize interest rate swap and cap agreements to manage interest rate risk, but does not anticipate entering into derivative transactions for speculative trading purposes. Stock Compensation. The Company maintains an equity participation plan. Non-vested share grants generally vest either based upon (1) time, (2) performance and/or (3) market conditions. Options granted under the plan in 2010 vest over a five-year period and expire ten years from the date of grant. Options granted under the plan in 2008 vest upon attainment of certain market performance measures and expire ten years from the date of grant. All share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, are recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations based on their fair values. Tax Status. The Company has made an election to qualify, and believes it is operating so as to qualify, as a REIT for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, the Company generally will not be subject to federal income tax, provided that distributions to its shareholders equal at least the amount of its REIT taxable income as defined under Sections 856 through 860 of the Code.
The Company is permitted to participate in certain activities from which it was previously precluded in order to maintain its qualification as a REIT, so long as these activities are conducted in entities which elect to be treated as taxable REIT subsidiaries under the Code. As such, the Company is subject to federal and state income taxes on the income from these activities.
Income taxes, primarily related to the Company's taxable REIT subsidiaries, are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash. Restricted cash is comprised primarily of cash balances held in escrow with lenders.
Environmental Matters. Under various federal, state and local environmental laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations, an owner of real property may be liable for the costs of removal or remediation of certain hazardous or toxic substances at, on, in or under such property as well as certain other potential costs relating to hazardous or toxic substances. These liabilities may include government fines, penalties and damages for injuries to persons and adjacent property. Such laws often impose liability without regard to whether the owner knew of, or was responsible for, the presence or disposal of such substances. Although most of the tenants of properties in which the Company has an interest are primarily responsible for any environmental damage and claims related to the leased premises, in the event of the bankruptcy or inability of the tenant of such premises to satisfy any obligations with respect to such environmental liability, or if the tenant is not responsible, the Company's property owner subsidiary may be required to satisfy any such obligations, should they exist. In addition, the property owner subsidiary, as the owner of such a property, may be held directly liable for any such damages or claims irrespective of the provisions of any lease. As of December 31, 2013, the Company was not aware of any environmental matter relating to any of its investments that would have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
Segment Reporting. The Company operates generally in one industry segment, single-tenant real estate assets.
Reclassifications. Certain amounts included in prior years' financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation, including certain statement of operations captions including activities for properties sold during 2013, which are presented as discontinued operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance. In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2013-02: Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, to improve the transparency of reporting the reclassifications of significant amounts out of accumulated other comprehensive income. This guidance requires entities to present the effects on the line items of net income of significant reclasses from accumulated other comprehensive income, either where net income is presented or in the notes, as well as cross-reference to other disclosures currently required under GAAP for other reclassification items (that are not required under GAAP) to be reclassified directly to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. The new disclosure requirements are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The new disclosures are required for both interim and annual reporting. The implementation of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. |
