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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures and Recent Accounting Pronouncements | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures and Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures and Recent Accounting Pronouncements | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies and Procedures and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Federal Income Taxes. We have elected to be taxed as a REIT, as defined above, under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code. We believe we have qualified and continue to qualify as a REIT. Under the REIT operating structure, we are permitted to deduct dividends paid to our stockholders in determining our taxable income. Assuming our dividends equal or exceed our taxable net income, we generally will not be required to pay federal corporate income taxes on such income. Accordingly, no provision has been made for federal income taxes in the accompanying consolidated financial statements, except for federal income taxes of our taxable REIT subsidiaries. The income taxes recorded on our consolidated statements of income represent amounts paid by Realty Income and its subsidiaries for city and state income and franchise taxes. Earnings and profits that determine the taxability of distributions to stockholders differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due to differences in the estimated useful lives and methods used to compute depreciation and the carrying value (basis) of the investments in properties for tax purposes, among other things. We regularly analyze our various federal and state filing positions and only recognize the income tax effect in our financial statements when certain criteria regarding uncertain income tax positions have been met. We believe that our income tax positions would more likely than not be sustained upon examination by all relevant taxing authorities. Therefore, no provisions for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded in our financial statements. Net Income per Common Share. Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders, plus income attributable to dilutive shares and convertible common units, for the period by the weighted average number of common shares that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares for all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The following is a reconciliation of the denominator of the basic net income per common share computation to the denominator of the diluted net income per common share computation.
|  | 2017 |  | 2016 |  | 2015 |
Weighted average shares used for the basic net income per share computation |  | 273,465,680 |  | 255,066,500 |  | 235,767,932 |
Incremental shares from share-based compensation |  | 154,050 |  | 240,728 |  | 123,436 |
Weighted average partnership common units convertible to common shares that were dilutive |  | 317,022 |  | 317,022 |  | 317,022 |
Weighted average shares used for diluted net income per share computation |  | 273,936,752 |  | 255,624,250 |  | 236,208,390 |
Unvested shares from share-based compensation that were anti-dilutive |  | 32,205 |  | 475 |  | 106,103 |
Weighted average partnership common units convertible to common shares that were anti-dilutive |  | 88,182 |  | 198,429 |  | 417,060 |
Revenue Recognition and Accounts Receivable. All leases are accounted for as operating leases. Under this method, leases that have fixed and determinable rent increases are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Any rental revenue contingent upon a tenant’s sales is recognized only after the tenant exceeds their sales breakpoint. Rental increases based upon changes in the consumer price indexes are recognized only after the changes in the indexes have occurred and are then applied according to the lease agreements. Contractually obligated reimbursements from tenants for recoverable real estate taxes and operating expenses are included in tenant reimbursements in the period when such costs are incurred. We recognize an allowance for doubtful accounts relating to accounts receivable for amounts deemed uncollectible. We consider tenant specific issues, such as financial stability and ability to pay, when determining collectability of accounts receivable and appropriate allowances to record. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $337,000 at December 31, 2017 and $74,000 at December 31, 2016. Other revenue, which comprises property-related revenue not included in rental revenue or tenant reimbursements, was $3.5 million in 2017, $2.7 million in 2016 and $4.4 million in 2015. Principles of Consolidation. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Realty Income and other subsidiaries for which we make operating and financial decisions (i.e. control), after elimination of all material intercompany balances and transactions. We consolidate entities that we control and record a noncontrolling interest for the portion that we do not own. Noncontrolling interest that was created or assumed as part of a business combination was recognized at fair value as of the date of the transaction (see note 10). We have no unconsolidated investments. Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash. We consider all short-term, highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to cash and have an original maturity of three months or less at the time of purchase to be cash equivalents. Our cash equivalents are primarily investments in United States government money market funds. Restricted cash includes cash proceeds from the sale of assets held by qualified intermediaries in anticipation of the acquisition of replacement properties in tax-free exchanges under Section 1031 of the Code, impounds related to mortgages payable and cash that is not immediately available to Realty Income (i.e. escrow deposits for future acquisitions). Cash accounts maintained on behalf of Realty Income in demand deposits at commercial banks and money market funds may exceed federally insured levels or may be held in accounts without any federal insurance or any other insurance or guarantee. However, Realty Income has not experienced any losses in such accounts. Gain on Sales of Properties. When real estate is sold, the related net book value of the applicable assets is removed and a gain from the sale is recognized in our consolidated statements of income. We record a gain from the sale of real estate provided that various criteria, relating to the terms of the sale and any subsequent involvement by us with the real estate, have been met. Allocation of the Purchase Price of Real Estate Acquisitions. During the first quarter of 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, 2017-01 to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. We elected to adopt this ASU early, effective October 1, 2017. As a result of this new guidance, our real state acquisitions during the fourth quarter of 2017 qualified as asset acquisitions and the transaction costs associated with those acquisitions were capitalized. When acquiring a property for investment purposes, we typically allocate the cost of real estate acquired, inclusive of transaction costs, to: (1) land, (2) building and improvements, and (3) identified intangible assets and liabilities, based in each case on their relative estimated fair values. Intangible assets and liabilities consist of above-market or below-market lease value of in-place leases and the value of in-place leases. In an acquisition of multiple properties, we must also allocate the purchase price among the properties. The allocation of the purchase price is based on our assessment of estimated fair value and is often based upon the expected future cash flows of the property and various characteristics of the markets where the property is located. In addition, any assumed mortgages receivable or payable are recorded at their estimated fair values. The estimated fair values of our mortgages payable have been calculated by discounting the future cash flows using applicable interest rates that have been adjusted for factors, such as industry type, tenant investment grade, maturity date, and comparable borrowings for similar assets. The initial allocation of the purchase price is based on management’s preliminary assessment, which may differ when final information becomes available. The use of different assumptions in the allocation of the purchase price of the acquired properties and liabilities assumed could affect the timing of recognition of the related revenue and expenses. Our estimated fair value determinations are based on management’s judgment, utilizing various factors, including: (1) market conditions, (2) industry that the tenant operates in, (3) characteristics of the real estate, i.e.: location, size, demographics, value and comparative rental rates, (4) tenant credit profile, (5) store profitability and the importance of the location of the real estate to the operations of the tenant’s business, and/or (6) real estate valuations, prepared internally by our real estate research department or, in rare circumstances, by an independent valuation firm. Our methodologies for measuring fair value related to the allocation of the purchase price of real estate acquisitions include both observable market data (and thus should be categorized as level 2 on the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB’s, three-level valuation hierarchy) and unobservable inputs that reflect our own internal assumptions and calculations (and thus should be categorized as level 3 on FASB’s three-level valuation hierarchy). The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property with an in-place operating lease (which includes land and buildings/improvements) is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, and the “as-if-vacant” value is then allocated to land and buildings/improvements based on our determination of the fair value of these assets. Our fair value determinations are based primarily on internally prepared real estate valuations for each property, and consider estimates of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, current market conditions, as well as costs to execute similar leases. In allocating the fair value to identified intangibles for above-market or below-market leases, an amount is recorded based on the present value of the difference between (i) the contractual amount to be paid pursuant to the in-place lease and (ii) our estimate of fair market lease rate for the corresponding in-place lease, measured over the remaining term of the lease. The values of the above-market and below-market leases are amortized over the term of the respective leases, including any bargain renewal options, as an adjustment to rental revenue on our consolidated statements of income. The value of in-place leases, exclusive of the value of above-market and below-market in-place leases, is amortized to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining periods of the respective leases. If a lease is terminated prior to its stated expiration, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease are recorded to revenue or expense as appropriate. In allocating the fair value to assumed mortgages, amounts are recorded to debt premiums or discounts based on the present value of the estimated cash flows, which is calculated to account for either above or below-market interest rates. Our assumed net debt premiums are amortized as a reduction to interest expense over the remaining term of the respective mortgages. In allocating noncontrolling interests, amounts are recorded based on the proportional share of equity issued or contributions made at the date of acquisition, as determined by the terms of the applicable agreement. Depreciation and Amortization. Land, buildings and improvements are recorded and stated at cost. Major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives, while ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Buildings and improvements that are under redevelopment, or are being developed, are carried at cost and no depreciation is recorded on these assets. Additionally, amounts essential to the development of the property, such as pre-construction, development, construction, interest and other costs incurred during the period of development are capitalized. We cease capitalization when the property is available for occupancy upon substantial completion of tenant improvements, but in any event no later than one year from the completion of major construction activity. Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The estimated useful lives are as follows:
Buildings | 25 years or 35 years
Building improvements | 4 to 20 years
Tenant improvements and lease commissions | The shorter of the term of the related lease or useful life
Acquired in-place leases | Remaining terms of the respective leases
Provision for Impairment. We review long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. A provision is made for impairment if estimated future operating cash flows (undiscounted and without interest charges) plus estimated disposition proceeds (undiscounted) are less than the current book value of the property. Key factors that we utilize in this analysis include projected rental rates, estimated holding periods, historical sales and releases, capital expenditures and property sales capitalization rates. If a property is classified as held for sale, it is carried at the lower of carrying cost or estimated fair value, less estimated cost to sell, and depreciation of the property ceases. If a property was previously reclassified as held for sale but the applicable criteria for this classification are no longer met, the property is reclassified to real estate held for investment. A property that is reclassified to held for investment is measured and recorded at the lower of (i) its carrying amount before the property was classified as held for sale, adjusted for any depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the property been continuously classified as held for investment, or (ii) the fair value at the date of the subsequent decision not to sell. Nine properties were classified as held for sale at December 31, 2017. We do not depreciate properties that are classified as held for sale. In 2017, we recorded total provisions for impairment of $14.8 million on three properties classified as held for sale, five properties classified as held for investment, and 18 sold properties. In 2016, we recorded total provisions for impairment of $20.7 million on four properties classified as held for investment and 35 sold properties. In 2015, we recorded total provisions for impairment of $10.6 million on two properties classified as held for investment, 12 sold properties, and one property disposed of other than by sale. Goodwill. Goodwill is tested for impairment during the second quarter of each year as well as when events or circumstances occur indicating that our goodwill might be impaired. Based on our analysis of goodwill during the second quarters of 2017, 2016 and 2015, we determined, that the fair values of our reporting units were not more likely than not to be less than their respective carrying amounts and no impairment was recorded on our existing goodwill during 2017, 2016 or 2015. Equity Offering Costs. Underwriting commissions and offering costs have been reflected as a reduction of additional paid-in-capital on our consolidated balance sheets. Noncontrolling Interests. Noncontrolling interests are reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as a component of equity. Noncontrolling interests acquired prior to our adoption of ASU 2017-01, were recorded initially at fair value based on the price of the applicable units issued or contributions made, and subsequently adjusted each period for distributions, additional contributions and the allocation of net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests. Noncontrolling interests issued or assumed subsequent to our adoption of ASU 2017-01 on October 1, 2017, were recorded based on the proportional share of equity in the entity. As consideration for two separate acquisitions during 2013, partnership units of Tau Operating Partnership, L.P. and Realty Income, L.P. were issued to third parties. These common units (discussed in note 10) do not have voting rights, are entitled to monthly distributions equal to the amount paid to our common stockholders, and are redeemable in cash or our common stock, at our option and at a conversion ratio of one to one, subject to certain exceptions. As the general partner for each of these partnerships, we have operating and financial control over these entities, consolidate them in our financial statements, and record the partnership units held by third parties as noncontrolling interests. Additionally, in 2016 we completed the acquisition of two properties by acquiring a controlling interest in two separate joint ventures. We are the managing member of each of these joint ventures, and possess the ability to control the business and manage the affairs of these entities. As the managing member for each of these joint ventures, we have operating and financial control over these entities, consolidate them in our financial statements, and record the ownership interests held by third parties as noncontrolling interests. Use of Estimates. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Recent Accounting Pronouncements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. This ASU, as amended by ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Deferral of the Effective Date, outlines a comprehensive model for companies to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, and will apply to transactions such as the sale of real estate. This ASU, which is effective for interim and annual periods beginning 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 to provide certain additional disclosures. We adopted this standard effective as of January 1, 2018 and utilized the cumulative effect transition method of adoption. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations. In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02 (Topic 842, Leases), which amended Topic 840, Leases. Under this amended topic, the accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from that applied under Topic 840, Leases. The large majority of operating leases should remain classified as operating leases, and lessors should continue to recognize lease income for those leases on a generally straight-line basis over the lease term. The amendments included in this topic are effective, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. We have not yet adopted this topic and are currently evaluating the impact this amendment may have on our consolidated financial statements. In November 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-18, which amends Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash. The amendments in this ASU, which are effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, require that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. We have elected adoption of this ASU early, as of December 31, 2017. Therefore, amounts generally described as restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the consolidated statement of cash flows. The adoption of this topic required retrospective revision to the statement of cash flows for the year’s 2016 and 2015, and additional disclosure for items classified as restricted cash, see note 15. The adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or related disclosures. In January 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-01, which amends Topic 805, Business Combinations. The FASB issued this ASU to clarify the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. We elected to adopt this ASU early, effective October 1, 2017. As a result of this new guidance, we believe the majority of our future real estate transactions will qualify as asset acquisitions (or disposals), and future transaction costs associated with these acquisitions will be capitalized. The adoption of this topic did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or related disclosures.

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