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SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2023
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES |
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES ​ Principles of Consolidation ​ The accompanying consolidated financial statements include all of the accounts of the Company and its majority-owned and/or controlled subsidiaries. The portion of these entities not owned by the Company is presented as noncontrolling interests as of and during the periods consolidated. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. ​ When the Company obtains an economic interest in an entity, the Company evaluates the entity to determine if the entity is deemed a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and if the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary in accordance with authoritative guidance issued on the consolidation of VIEs. To the extent that the Company (i) has the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (ii) has the obligation or rights to absorb the VIE's losses or receive its benefits, then the Company is considered the primary beneficiary. When an entity is not deemed to be a VIE, the Company considers the provisions of additional guidance to determine whether a general partner, or the general partners as a group, controls a limited partnership or similar entity when the limited partners have certain rights. The Company consolidates (i) entities that are VIEs and of which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, and (ii) entities that are non-VIEs which the Company controls and which the limited partners do not have the ability to dissolve or remove the Company without cause nor substantive participating rights. ​ The Operating Partnership meets the criteria as a VIE. The Parent Company’s sole significant asset is its investment in the Operating Partnership. As a result, substantially all of the Parent Company’s assets and liabilities represent those assets and liabilities of the Operating Partnership. All of the Parent Company’s debt is an obligation of the Operating Partnership. ​ Noncontrolling Interests ​ Noncontrolling interests are the portion of equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to a parent. The ownership interests in the subsidiary that are held by owners other than the parent are noncontrolling interests. Such noncontrolling interests are reported on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets within equity, separately from the Company’s equity. Within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, revenues, expenses and net income or loss from controlled or consolidated entities that are less than wholly owned are reported at the consolidated amounts, including both the amounts attributable to the Company and noncontrolling interests. Presentation of consolidated equity activity is included for both quarterly and annual financial statements, including beginning balances, activity for the period and ending balances for shareholders’ equity, noncontrolling interests and total equity. ​ However, per the FASB-issued authoritative guidance on the classification and measurement of redeemable securities, securities that are redeemable for cash or other assets at the option of the holder, not solely within the control of the issuer, must be classified outside of permanent equity. This would result in certain outside ownership interests being included as redeemable noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company makes this determination based on terms in applicable agreements, specifically in relation to redemption provisions. Additionally, with respect to noncontrolling interests for which the Company has a choice to settle the contract by delivery of its own shares, the Company considered the FASB-issued guidance on accounting for derivative financial instruments indexed to, and potentially settled in, a company’s own stock to evaluate whether the Company controls the actions or events necessary to issue the maximum number of shares that could be required to be delivered under share settlement of the contract. The guidance also requires that noncontrolling interests are adjusted each period so that the carrying value equals the greater of its carrying value based on the accumulation of historical cost or its redemption fair value. ​ The consolidated results of the Company include results attributable to units of the Operating Partnership that are not owned by the Company. These interests were issued in the form of OP Units and were a component of the consideration the Company paid to acquire certain self-storage properties. Limited partners who acquired OP Units have the right to require the Operating Partnership to redeem part or all of their OP Units for, at the Company’s option, an equivalent number of common shares of the Company or cash based upon the fair value of an equivalent number of common shares of the Company. However, the operating agreement contains certain circumstances that could result in a net cash settlement outside the control of the Company, as the Company does not have the ability to settle in unregistered shares. Accordingly, consistent with the guidance discussed above, the Company will continue to record these noncontrolling interests outside of permanent equity on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Net income or loss related to these noncontrolling interests is excluded from net income or loss within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The Company has adjusted the carrying value of its noncontrolling interests subject to redemption value to the extent applicable. Based on the Company’s evaluation of the redemption value of the redeemable noncontrolling interests, the Operating Partnership reflected these interests at their redemption value as of December 31, 2023, as the estimated redemption value exceeded their carrying value. ​ Estimates ​ The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Although management believes the assumptions and estimates made are reasonable and appropriate, as discussed in the applicable sections throughout these consolidated financial statements, different assumptions and estimates could materially impact the Company’s reported results. There is a degree of uncertainty inherent in these estimates and assumptions, and changes in market conditions could impact the Company’s future operating results. ​ Reclassifications ​ Certain amounts on the Company’s and the Operating Partnership’s consolidated balance sheets have been reclassified in prior years to conform to the current year presentation. Additionally, the Operating Partnership’s consolidated statements of operations have been updated to conform to the current year presentation. ​ Self-Storage Properties ​ Self-storage properties are carried at historical cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. The cost of self-storage properties reflects their purchase price or development cost. Costs incurred for the renovation of a store are capitalized to the Company’s investment in that store. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. The costs to develop self-storage properties are capitalized to construction in progress while the projects are under development. ​ Purchase Price Allocation ​ When stores are acquired in an asset acquisition, the purchase price and acquisition-related costs are allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated relative fair values. Allocations to land, building and improvements and equipment are recorded based upon their respective relative fair values as estimated by management. If appropriate, the Company allocates a portion of the purchase price to an intangible asset attributed to the value of in-place leases. This intangible is generally amortized to expense over the expected remaining term of the respective leases. Substantially all of the storage leases in place at acquired stores are at market rates, as the majority of the leases are month-to-month contracts. Accordingly, to date, no portion of the purchase price has been allocated to above- or below-market lease intangibles associated with storage leases assumed at acquisition. Above- or below- market lease intangibles associated with assumed leases in which the Company serves as lessee are recorded as an adjustment to the right-of-use asset and reflect the difference between the contractual amounts to be paid pursuant to each in-place lease and management’s estimate of fair market lease rates. These amounts are amortized over the term of the lease. To date, no intangible asset has been recorded for the value of customer relationships, because the Company does not have any concentrations of significant customers and the average customer turnover is fairly frequent. ​ Depreciation and Amortization ​ The costs of self-storage properties and improvements are depreciated using the straight-line method based on useful lives ranging from five to 39 years. Right-of-use assets associated with finance leases are amortized from the lease commencement date to the earlier of the useful life of the right-to-use asset or the end of the lease term. Fully depreciated or amortized assets and the associated accumulated depreciation or amortization are written off. The Company wrote off fully depreciated or amortized real estate assets and in-place lease intangible assets of $29.1 million and $3.4 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2023, and $32.3 million and $121.6 million, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2022. ​ Impairment of Long-Lived Assets ​ We evaluate long-lived assets for impairment when events or circumstances such as declines in occupancy and operating results indicate that there may be an impairment. The carrying value of these long-lived assets is compared to the undiscounted future net operating cash flows, plus a terminal value, attributable to the assets to determine if the asset’s basis is recoverable. If a store’s basis is not considered recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent the net carrying value of the asset exceeds the fair value. The impairment loss recognized equals the excess of net carrying value over the related fair value of the asset. There were no impairment losses recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021. ​ Long-Lived Assets Held for Sale ​ We consider long-lived assets to be “held for sale” upon satisfaction of the following criteria: (a) management commits to a plan to sell an asset (or group of assets), (b) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition subject only to terms that are usual and customary for sales of such assets, (c) an active program to locate a buyer and other actions required to complete the plan to sell the asset have been initiated, (d) the sale of the asset is probable and transfer of the asset is expected to be completed within one year, (e) the asset is being actively marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its current fair value and (f) 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. ​ Typically these criteria are all met when the relevant asset is under contract, significant non-refundable deposits have been made by the potential buyer, the assets are immediately available for transfer, and there are no contingencies related to the sale that may prevent the transaction from closing. However, each potential transaction is evaluated based on its separate facts and circumstances. Assets classified as held for sale are reported at the lesser of carrying value or fair value less estimated costs to sell and are not depreciated. There were no assets classified as held for sale as of December 31, 2023. ​ Cash and Cash Equivalents ​ Cash and cash equivalents are highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The Company may maintain cash equivalents in financial institutions in excess of insured limits, but believes this risk is mitigated by only investing in or through major financial institutions. Restricted Cash ​ Restricted cash generally consists of cash deposits required for debt service, capital replacement and expense reserves in connection with the terms of our loan agreements, as well as utility deposits. ​ Loan Procurement Costs ​ Loan procurement costs related to borrowings were $53.7 million and $53.9 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and are reported net of accumulated amortization of $25.3 million and $19.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In accordance with ASU No. 2015-03, Loan procurement costs, net are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability. If there is not an associated debt liability recorded on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, the costs are recorded as an asset net of accumulated amortization. Loan procurement costs associated with the Company’s revolving credit facility remain in Loan procurement costs, net of amortization on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The costs are amortized over the estimated life of the related debt using the effective interest method and are reported as Loan procurement amortization expense within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. ​ Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Ventures ​ The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures under the equity method of accounting when it is determined that the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence over the venture. Under the equity method of accounting, investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures are recorded initially at cost, as investments in real estate ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in earnings (losses), cash contributions, distributions and impairments. On a periodic basis, management assesses whether there are any indicators that the value of the Company’s investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures may be other than temporarily impaired. An investment is impaired only if the fair value of the investment, as estimated by management, is less than the carrying value of the investment and the decline is other than temporary. To the extent impairment that is other than temporary has occurred, the loss shall be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the investment over the fair value of the investment, as estimated by management. The determination as to whether impairment exists requires significant management judgment about the fair value of the Company’s ownership interest. Fair value is determined through various valuation techniques, including but not limited to, discounted cash flow models, quoted market values and third-party appraisals. There were no impairment losses related to the Company’s investments in unconsolidated real estate ventures recognized during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022. ​ Differences between the Company's net investment in unconsolidated real estate ventures and its underlying equity in the net assets of the ventures are primarily a result of the Company acquiring interests in existing unconsolidated real estate ventures. As of December 31, 2023 and 2022, the Company’s net investment in unconsolidated real estate ventures was greater than its underlying equity in the net assets of the unconsolidated real estate ventures by an aggregate of $31.8 million and $32.7 million, respectively. These differences are amortized over the lives of the self-storage properties owned by the real estate ventures. This amortization is included in equity in earnings of real estate ventures within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. ​ Other Assets ​ Other assets are comprised of the following as of December 31, 2023 and 2022:
​ | ​ | ​ | ​ | ​ | ​ | ​
​ | ​ | December 31,
​ |  | 2023 |  | 2022
​ | ​ | (in thousands)
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $164 and $2,263, respectively | ​ | $ | 1,806 | ​ | $ | 1,181
Accounts receivable, net | ​ |  | 8,944 | ​ |  | 7,932
Prepaid property taxes | ​ |  | 8,171 | ​ |  | 8,033
Prepaid insurance | ​ |  | 4,879 | ​ |  | 2,129
Amounts due from affiliates (see note 14) | ​ | ​ | 18,045 | ​ | ​ | 15,947
Assets related to deferred compensation arrangements | ​ | ​ | 60,038 | ​ | ​ | 55,572
Right-of-use assets - operating leases | ​ | ​ | 50,476 | ​ | ​ | 49,491
Ground lease receivable | ​ | ​ | 6,193 | ​ | ​ | 6,138
Other | ​ |  | 4,732 | ​ |  | 7,559
Total other assets, net | ​ | $ | 163,284 | ​ | $ | 153,982
​ Revenue Recognition ​ Management has determined that substantially all of the Company’s leases are operating leases. Rental income is recognized in accordance with the terms of the leases, which generally are month-to-month. ​ The Company recognizes gains from sales of real estate in accordance with the guidance on transfer of nonfinancial assets. Payments received from purchasers prior to closing are recorded as deposits. Gains on real estate sold are recognized when a valid contract exists, the collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured and the control of the property has transferred. ​ Advertising and Marketing Costs ​ The Company incurs advertising and marketing costs primarily attributable to internet marketing and other media advertisements. These costs are expensed as incurred. The Company incurred $24.5 million, $22.4 million and $21.0 million in advertising and marketing expenses for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively, which are included in Property operating expenses within the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. ​ Equity Offering Costs ​ Underwriting discounts and commissions, financial advisory fees and other offering costs are reflected as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company recognized $0.3 million, $0.2 million and $28.3 million, respectively, of equity offering costs related to the issuance of common shares. ​ Other Property Related Income ​ Other property related income consists of late fees, administrative charges, customer storage protection plan fees, sales of storage supplies and other ancillary revenues and is recognized in the period that it is earned. ​ Capitalized Interest ​ The Company capitalizes interest incurred that is directly associated with construction activities until the asset is placed into service. Interest is capitalized to the related asset(s) using the weighted average rate of the Company’s outstanding debt. For the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, the Company capitalized $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of interest incurred that is directly associated with construction activities. ​ Derivative Financial Instruments ​ The Company carries all derivatives on the balance sheet at fair value. The Company determines the fair value of derivatives using observable prices that are based on inputs not quoted on active markets, but corroborated by market data. The accounting for changes in the fair value of a derivative instrument depends on whether the derivative has been designated and qualifies as part of a hedging relationship and, if so, the reason for holding it. The Company’s use of derivative instruments has been limited to cash flow hedges of certain interest rate risks. The Company had no outstanding derivatives as of December 31, 2023 or 2022. ​ Income Taxes ​ The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under Sections 856-860 of the Internal Revenue Code since the Company’s commencement of operations in 2004. Management believes that the requirements to maintain these elections are being met. Accordingly, no provision for federal income taxes has been reflected in the consolidated financial statements other than for operations conducted through our taxable REIT subsidiaries. ​ Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of distributions to shareholders, differ from net income reported for financial reporting purposes due to differences in cost basis, the estimated useful lives used to compute depreciation, and the allocation of net income and loss for financial versus tax reporting purposes. The net tax basis in the Company’s assets was approximately $6,022.1 million and $6,145.8 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. ​ Since the Company’s initial quarter as a publicly-traded REIT, it has made regular quarterly distributions to its shareholders. Distributions to shareholders are usually taxable as ordinary income, although a portion of the distribution may be designated as capital gain or may constitute a tax-free return of capital. Annually, the Company provides each of its shareholders a statement detailing the tax characterization of dividends paid during the preceding year as ordinary income, capital gain or return of capital. The Company’s dividends for 2023 consisted entirely of ordinary income distributions. ​ The Company is subject to a 4% federal excise tax if sufficient taxable income is not distributed within prescribed time limits. The excise tax equals 4% of the annual amount, if any, by which the sum of (a) 85% of the Company’s ordinary income, (b) 95% of the Company’s net capital gains and (c) 100% of prior year undistributed taxable income exceeds cash distributions and certain taxes paid by the Company. No excise tax was incurred in 2023, 2022 or 2021. ​ Taxable REIT subsidiaries are subject to federal and state income taxes. Our taxable REIT subsidiaries had a net deferred tax liability of $1.1 million and $1.0 million as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. ​ Earnings per Share and Unit ​ Basic earnings per share and unit are calculated based on the weighted average number of common shares and restricted shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share and unit is calculated by further adjusting for the dilutive impact of share options, unvested restricted shares and contingently issuable shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method. Potentially dilutive securities calculated under the treasury stock method were 817,000, 953,000 and 1,177,000 for the years ended December 31, 2023, 2022 and 2021, respectively. ​ Share-Based Payments ​ We apply the fair value method of accounting for contingently issued shares and share options issued under our incentive award plan. Accordingly, share compensation expense is recorded ratably over the vesting period relating to such contingently issued shares and options. The Company has recognized compensation expense on a straight-line method over the requisite service period, which is included in general and administrative expense within the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Company recognizes forfeitures on share-based payments as they occur. ​ Recent Accounting Pronouncements ​ In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07 – Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. The amended guidance requires the disclosure of incremental segment information, including significant segment expenses that are regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) and a reconciliation of segment profit or loss to net income. The title and position of the CODM must also be disclosed, along with how the CODM uses the reported measures to assess segment performance and to allocate resources. Entities with a single reportable segment (such as the Company) will be required to provide the disclosures required by Topic 280, as amended. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. ​ Concentration of Credit Risk ​ The Company’s stores are located in major metropolitan and rural areas and have numerous customers per store. No single customer represents a significant concentration of our revenues. The stores in New York, Florida, California and Texas provided approximately 17%, 15%, 11% and 9%, respectively, of the Company’s total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2023. The stores in New York, Florida, California and Texas provided approximately 16%, 15%, 11% and 9%, respectively, of the Company’s total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022. The stores in New York, Florida, Texas and California provided approximately 19%, 15%, 9% and 8%, respectively, of the Company’s total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021.

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