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Significant Accounting Policies | 9 Months Ended
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Sep. 30, 2021
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Significant Accounting Policies | Significant Accounting Policies Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, which are wholly-owned or controlled by us. Entities which we do not control through our voting interest and entities which are variable interest entities, but where we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method. See Note 5, "Debt and Preferred Equity Investments" and Note 6, "Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures." All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. We consolidate a VIE in which we are considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. Investment in Commercial Real Estate Properties We allocate the purchase price of real estate to land and building (inclusive of tenant improvements) and, if determined to be material, intangibles, such as the value of above- and below-market leases and origination costs associated with the in-place leases. We depreciate the amount allocated to building (inclusive of tenant improvements) over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from 3 years to 40 years. We amortize the amount allocated to the above- and below-market leases over the remaining term of the associated lease, which generally range from 1 year to 15 years, and record it as either an increase (in the case of below-market leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income. We amortize the amount allocated to the values associated with in-place leases over the expected term of the associated lease, which generally ranges from 1 year to 15 years. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of the lease and no rental payments are being made on the lease, any unamortized balance of the related intangible will be written off. The tenant improvements and origination costs are amortized as an expense over the remaining life of the lease (or charged against earnings if the lease is terminated prior to its contractual expiration date). We assess fair value of the leases based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property. To the extent acquired leases contain fixed rate renewal options that are below-market and determined to be material, we amortize such below-market lease value into rental income over the renewal period. The Company classifies those leases under which the Company is the lessee at lease commencement as finance or operating leases. Leases qualify as finance leases if the lease transfers ownership of the asset at the end of the lease term, the lease grants an option to purchase the asset that we are reasonably certain to exercise, the lease term is for a major part of the remaining economic life of the asset, or the present value of the lease payments exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the asset. Leases that do not qualify as finance leases are deemed to be operating leases. At lease commencement the Company records a lease liability which is measured as the present value of the lease payments and a right of use asset which is measured as the amount of the lease liability and any initial direct costs incurred. The Company applies a discount rate to determine the present value of the lease payments. If the rate implicit in the lease is known, the Company uses that rate. If the rate implicit in the lease is not known, the Company uses a discount rate reflective of the Company’s collateralized borrowing rate given the term of the lease. To determine the discount rate, the Company employs a third party specialist to develop an analysis based primarily on the observable borrowing rates of the Company, other REITs, and other corporate borrowers with long-term borrowings. On the consolidated statements of operations, operating leases are expensed through operating lease rent while financing leases are expensed through amortization and interest expense. On the consolidated balance sheets, financing leases include the amounts previously captioned "Properties under capital lease." When applicable, the Company combines the consideration for lease and non-lease components in the calculation of the value of the lease obligation and right-of-use asset. On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indications that the value of our real estate properties may be impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. A property's value is considered impaired if management's estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted) to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the fair value of the property as calculated in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification, or ASC 820. We also evaluate our real estate properties for impairment when a property has been classified as held for sale. Real estate assets held for sale are valued at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell and depreciation expense is no longer recorded. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, we recognized a reduction of rental revenue of ($0.3 million) and ($4.0 million), respectively, for the amortization of aggregate above-market leases in excess of below-market leases resulting from the allocation of the purchase price of the applicable properties. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we recognized $1.6 million and $4.5 million, respectively, of additional rental revenue for the amortization of aggregate below-market leases in excess of above-market leases. The following summarizes our identified intangible assets (acquired above-market leases and in-place leases) and intangible liabilities (acquired below-market leases) as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 (in thousands):
| September 30, 2021 |  | December 31, 2020
Identified intangible assets (included in other assets): |  |  |
Gross amount | $ | 226,709 |  |  | $ | 215,673 |
Accumulated amortization | (191,758) |  |  | (190,523) |
Net (1) | $ | 34,951 |  |  | $ | 25,150 |
Identified intangible liabilities (included in deferred revenue): |  |  |
Gross amount | $ | 225,029 |  |  | $ | 241,409 |
Accumulated amortization | (218,371) |  |  | (230,479) |
Net (1) | $ | 6,658 |  |  | $ | 10,930 |
(1) As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, no net intangible assets and no net intangible liabilities were reclassified to assets held for sale or liabilities related to assets held for sale. Cash and Cash Equivalents We consider all highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Restricted Cash Restricted cash primarily consists of security deposits held on behalf of our tenants, interest reserves, as well as capital improvement and real estate tax escrows required under certain loan agreements. Fair Value Measurements See Note 16, "Fair Value Measurements." Investment in Marketable Securities At acquisition, we designate a debt security as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading. As of September 30, 2021, we did not have any debt securities designated as held-to-maturity or trading. We account for our available-for-sale securities at fair value pursuant to ASC 820-10, with the net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. The cost of marketable securities sold and the amount reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income into earnings is determined using the specific identification method. Credit losses are recognized in accordance with ASC 326. We account for our equity marketable securities at fair value pursuant to ASC 820-10, with the net unrealized gains or losses reported in net income. As of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, we held the following marketable securities (in thousands):
| September 30, 2021 |  | December 31, 2020
Commercial mortgage-backed securities | $ | 24,355 |  |  | $ | 28,570 |
Total marketable securities available-for-sale | $ | 24,355 |  |  | $ | 28,570 |
Equity marketable securities | $ | 10,073 |  |  | $ | — |
Total investment in marketable securities | $ | 34,428 |  |  | $ | 28,570 |
The cost basis of the commercial mortgage-backed securities was $23.0 million and $27.5 million as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively. These securities mature at various times through 2035. All securities were in an unrealized gain position as of September 30, 2021 and December 31, 2020 except for one security, which had an unrealized loss of $0.5 million and a fair market value of $7.2 million as of September 30, 2021, and an unrealized loss of $0.7 million and a fair value of $7.0 million as December 31, 2020. This marketable security was in a continuous unrealized loss position for more than 12 months as of September 30, 2021 and less than 12 months as of December 31, 2020. We do not intend to sell these securities, and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the investments before recovery of their amortized cost bases. We held equity marketable securities as of September 30, 2021 and no equity marketable securities as of December 31, 2020. We recognized $2.0 million and $0.1 million of unrealized gains for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2021, respectively. We did not dispose of any debt or equity marketable securities during the three months ended September 30, 2021. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we received aggregate net proceeds of $4.5 million from the repayment of one debt marketable security. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we did not dispose of or receive repayment of any debt or equity marketable securities. Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures We assess our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for recoverability and if it is determined that a loss in value of the investment is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its fair value. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment based on each joint ventures' actual and projected cash flows. We do not believe that the values of any of our equity investments were impaired at September 30, 2021. Deferred Lease Costs Deferred lease costs consist of incremental fees and direct costs that would not have been incurred if the lease had not been obtained and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term. Lease Classification Lease classification for leases under which the Company is the lessor is evaluated at lease commencement and leases not classified as sales-type leases or direct financing leases are classified as operating leases. Leases qualify as sales-type leases if the contract includes either transfer of ownership clauses, certain purchase options, a lease term representing a major part of the economic life of the asset, or the present value of the lease payments and residual guarantees provided by the lessee exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the asset. Additionally, leasing an asset so specialized that it is not deemed to have any value to the Company at the end of the lease term may also result in classification as a sales-type lease. Leases qualify as direct financing leases when the present value of the lease payments and residual value guarantees provided by the lessee and unrelated third parties exceeds substantially all of the fair value of the asset and collection of the payments is probable. Revenue Recognition Rental revenue for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental revenue recognition commences when the leased space is available for its intended use by the lessee. To determine whether the leased space is available for its intended use by the lessee, management evaluates whether we are the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes or if the tenant is. When management concludes that we are the owner of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of the finished space, which is when such tenant improvements are substantially complete. In certain instances, when management concludes that we are not the owner of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of or controls the space. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in deferred rents receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. In addition to base rent, our tenants also generally will pay variable rent, which represents their pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and certain operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in certain building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in the wage rate paid to porters over the porters' wage rate in effect during a base year or increases in the consumer price index over the index value in effect during a base year. In addition, many of our leases contain fixed percentage increases over the base rent to cover escalations. Electricity is most often supplied by the landlord either on a sub-metered basis, or rent inclusion basis (i.e., a fixed fee is included in the rent for electricity, which amount may increase based upon increases in electricity rates or increases in electrical usage by the tenant). Base building services other than electricity (such as heat, air conditioning and freight elevator service during business hours, and base building cleaning) are typically provided at no additional cost, with the tenant paying additional rent only for services which exceed base building services or for services which are provided outside normal business hours. These escalations are based on actual expenses incurred in the prior calendar year. If the expenses in the current year are different from those in the prior year, then during the current year, the escalations will be adjusted to reflect the actual expenses for the current year. Rental revenue is recognized if collectability is probable. If collectability of substantially all of the lease payments is assessed as not probable, any difference between the rental revenue recognized to date and the lease payments that have been collected is recognized as a current-period adjustment to rental revenue. A subsequent change in the assessment of collectability to probable may result in a current-period adjustment to rental revenue for any difference between the rental revenue that would have been recognized if collectability had always been assessed as probable and the rental revenue recognized to date. We recognize lease concessions related to COVID-19, such as rent deferrals and abatements, in accordance with the Lease Modification Q&A issued by the FASB in April 2020, which provides entities with the option to elect to account for lease concessions as though the enforceable rights and obligations existed in the original lease. This election is only available when total cash flows resulting from the modified lease are substantially similar to the cash flows in the original lease. When total cash flows resulting from the modified lease are not substantially similar to the cash flows in the original lease, we account for the concession agreement as a new lease. The Company provides its tenants with certain customary services for lease contracts such as common area maintenance and general security. We have elected to combine the non-lease components with the lease components of our operating lease agreements and account for them as a single lease component in accordance with ASC 842. We record a gain or loss on sale of real estate assets when we no longer have a controlling financial interest in the entity owning the real estate, a contract exists with a third party and that third party has control of the assets acquired. Investment income on debt and preferred equity investments is accrued based on the contractual terms of the instruments and when it is deemed collectible. Some debt and preferred equity investments provide for accrual of interest at specified rates, which differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management's determination that accrued interest is collectible. If management cannot make this determination, interest income above the current pay rate is recognized only upon actual receipt. Deferred origination fees, original issue discounts and loan origination costs, if any, are recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the terms of the related investments using the effective interest method. Fees received in connection with loan commitments are also deferred until the loan is funded and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Discounts or premiums associated with the purchase of loans are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method based on expected cash flows through the expected maturity date of the related investment. If we purchase a debt or preferred equity investment at a discount, intend to hold it until maturity and expect to recover the full value of the investment, we accrete the discount into income as an adjustment to yield over the term of the investment. If we purchase a debt or preferred equity investment at a discount with the intention of foreclosing on the collateral, we do not accrete the discount. For debt investments acquired at a discount for credit quality, the difference between contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at acquisition is not accreted. Anticipated exit fees, the collection of which is expected, are also recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. We consider a debt and preferred equity investment to be past due when amounts contractually due have not been paid. Debt and preferred equity investments are placed on a non-accrual status at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of interest income becomes doubtful. Interest income recognition is resumed on any debt or preferred equity investment that is on non-accrual status when such debt or preferred equity investment becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. We may syndicate a portion of the loans that we originate or sell the loans individually. When a transaction meets the criteria for sale accounting, we recognize gain or loss based on the difference between the sales price and the carrying value of the loan sold. Any related unamortized deferred origination fees, original issue discounts, loan origination costs, discounts or premiums at the time of sale are recognized as an adjustment to the gain or loss on sale, which is included in investment income on the consolidated statement of operations. Any fees received at the time of sale or syndication are recognized as part of investment income. Asset management fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the asset management agreement. Debt and Preferred Equity Investments Debt and preferred equity investments are presented at the net amount expected to be collected in accordance with ASC 326. An allowance for loan losses is deducted from the amortized cost basis of the financial assets to present the net carrying value at the amount expected to be collected through the expected maturity date of such investments. The expense for loan loss and other investment reserves is the charge to earnings to adjust the allowance for loan losses to the appropriate level. Amounts are written off from the allowance when we de-recognize the related investment either as a result of a sale of the investment or acquisition of equity interests in the collateral. The Company evaluates the amount expected to be collected based on current market and economic conditions, historical loss information, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. The Company's assumptions are derived from both internal data and external data which may include, among others, governmental economic projections for the New York City Metropolitan area, public data on recent transactions and filings for securitized debt instruments. This information is aggregated by asset class and adjusted for duration. Based on these inputs, loans are evaluated at the individual asset level. In certain instances, we may also use a probability-weighted model that considers the likelihood of multiple outcomes and the amount expected to be collected for each outcome. The evaluation of the possible credit deterioration associated with the performance and/or value of the underlying collateral property as well as the financial and operating capability of the borrower/sponsor requires significant judgment, which include both asset level and market assumptions over the relevant time period. In addition, quarterly, the Company assigns each loan a risk rating. Based on a 3-point scale, loans are rated “1” through “3,” from lower risk to higher risk, which ratings are defined as follows: 1 - Low Risk Assets - Low probability of loss, 2 - Watch List Assets - Higher potential for loss, 3 - High Risk Assets - Loss more likely than not. Loans with risk ratings of 2 or above are evaluated to determine whether the expected risk of loss is appropriately captured through the combination of our expectations of current conditions, historical loss information and supportable forecasts described above or whether risk characteristics specific to the loan warrant the use of a probability-weighted model. Financing investments that are classified as held for sale are carried at the expected amount to be collected or fair market value using available market information obtained through consultation with dealers or other originators of such investments as well as discounted cash flow models based on Level 3 data pursuant to ASC 820-10. As circumstances change, management may conclude not to sell an investment designated as held for sale. In such situations, the investment will be reclassified at its expected amount to be collected. Other financing receivables that are included in balance sheet line items other than the Debt and preferred equity investments line are also measured at the net amount expected to be collected. Accrued interest receivable amounts related to these debt and preferred equity investment and other financing receivables are recorded at the net amount expected to be collected within Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Accrued interest receivables that are written off are recognized as an expense in loan loss and other investment reserves. Income Taxes SL Green is taxed as a REIT under Section 856(c) of the Code. As a REIT, SL Green generally is not subject to Federal income tax. To maintain its qualification as a REIT, SL Green must distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and meet certain other requirements. If SL Green fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, SL Green will be subject to Federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates. SL Green may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, Federal income and excise taxes may be due on its undistributed taxable income. The Operating Partnership is a partnership and, as a result, all income and losses of the partnership are allocated to the partners for inclusion in their respective income tax returns. The only provision for income taxes included in the consolidated statements of operations relates to the Operating Partnership’s consolidated taxable REIT subsidiaries. The Operating Partnership may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. We have elected, and may elect in the future, to treat certain of our corporate subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries, or TRSs. In general, TRSs may perform non-customary services for the tenants of the Company, hold assets that we cannot hold directly and generally may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. The TRSs generate income, resulting in Federal and state income tax liability for these entities. During the three months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded no Federal, state and local tax provision. During the nine months ended September 30, 2021, we recorded a Federal, state and local tax provision of $1.5 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2020, we recorded no Federal, state and local provision. During the nine months ended September 30, 2020 we recorded a Federal, state and local provision of $2.0 million. We follow a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Recognition (step one) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon settlement. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when a company subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. The use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions is prohibited. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash investments, debt and preferred equity investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash investments with high quality financial institutions. The collateral securing our debt and preferred equity investments is located in New York City. See Note 5, "Debt and Preferred Equity Investments." We perform initial and ongoing evaluations of the credit quality of our tenants and require most tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit. Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the total value of a tenant's lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a potential source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost revenue from that tenant and the costs associated with re-tenanting a space. The properties in our real estate portfolio are located in the New York metropolitan area. The tenants located in our buildings operate in various industries. Other than one tenant, Viacom CBS Inc., which accounted for 6.3% of our share of annualized cash rent as of September 30, 2021, no other tenant in our portfolio accounted for more than 5.0% of our share of annualized cash rent, including our share of joint venture annualized rent, as of September 30, 2021. For the three months ended September 30, 2021, the following properties contributed more than 5.0% of our annualized cash rent from office properties, including our share of annualized cash rent from joint venture office properties:
Property | Three months ended September 30, 2021
11 Madison Avenue | 10.5%
420 Lexington Ave (Graybar) | 8.0%
1515 Broadway | 7.9%
1185 Avenue of the Americas | 7.6%
280 Park Avenue | 6.5%
919 Third Avenue | 5.2%
485 Lexington Avenue | 5.1%
555 West 57th Street | 5.1%
100 Church Street | 5.0%
Reclassification Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to our current year presentation. Accounting Standards Updates In August 2020, the FASB issued Accounting Standard Update, or "ASU," No. 2020-06 Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) and Derivatives and Hedging - Contracts in Entity's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40). ASU 2020-06 simplifies the accounting for convertible instruments by reducing the number of accounting models for convertible debt instruments and convertible preferred stock, removes certain settlement conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception and also simplifies the diluted earnings per share calculation in certain areas. ASU 2020-06 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2020-06 on our consolidated financial statements, but do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04 Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting and then in January 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-01. The amendments provide practical expedients for reference rate reform related activities that impact debt, leases, derivatives and other contracts. The guidance is optional and is effective between March 12, 2020 and December 31, 2022. The guidance may be elected over time as reference rate reform activities occur. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company elected to apply the hedge accounting expedients related to probability and the assessments of effectiveness for future LIBOR-indexed cash flows to assume that the index upon which future hedged transactions will be based matches the index on the corresponding derivatives. Application of these expedients preserves the presentation of derivatives consistent with past presentation. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of the guidance and may apply other elections as applicable as additional changes in the market occur. In July 2021, the FASB issued ASU No. 2021-05 Leases (Topic 842) Lessors - Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments. ASU 2021-05 amends the lease classification requirements for lessors when classifying and accounting for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference rate index or a rate. The update provides criteria, that if met, the lease would be classified and accounted for as an operating lease. ASU 2021-05 is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2021, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2021-05 on our consolidated financial statements, but do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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