SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for annual financial information and with the instructions of Form 10-K

Consolidation and Noncontrolling Interests

The consolidated financial statements as of and for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 reflect the consolidation of the Company, the Operating Partnership, wholly-owned subsidiaries and those entities in which we have a controlling financial interest. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and 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.

Real Estate

Real Estate — Real estate is carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures for ordinary maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as they are incurred. Significant renovations that improve or extend the useful lives of assets are capitalized. As real estate is undergoing redevelopment activities, all property operating expenses directly associated with and attributable to the redevelopment, including interest, are capitalized to the extent the capitalized costs of the property do not exceed the estimated fair value of the property when completed. If the cost of the redeveloped property, including the net book value of the existing property, exceeds the estimated fair value of redeveloped property, the excess is charged to impairment expense. The capitalization period begins when redevelopment activities are underway and ends when the project is substantially complete. Depreciation is recognized on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives which range from 3 to 40 years.

Upon the acquisition of real estate, we assess the fair value of acquired assets (including land, buildings and improvements, identified intangibles, such as acquired above and below-market leases, acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships) and acquired liabilities and we allocate the purchase price based on these assessments on a relative fair value basis. We assess fair value based on estimated cash flow projections utilizing appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions. We record acquired intangible assets (including acquired above-market leases, acquired in-place leases and tenant relationships) and acquired intangible liabilities (including below-market leases) at their estimated fair value. We amortize identified intangibles that have finite lives over the period they are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the future cash flows of the property or business acquired.

Our properties are individually reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment exists when the carrying amount of an asset exceeds the aggregate projected future cash flows over the anticipated holding period on an undiscounted basis. An impairment loss is measured based on the excess of the property’s carrying amount over its estimated fair value. Impairment analyses are based on our current plans, intended holding periods and available market information at the time the analyses are prepared. If our estimates of the projected future cash flows, anticipated holding periods, or market conditions change, our evaluation of impairment losses may be different and such differences could be material to our consolidated financial statements. Plans to hold properties over longer periods decrease the likelihood of recording impairment losses.

Real Estate Held for Sale

Real Estate Held For Sale — When a real estate asset is identified by management as held for sale, we cease depreciation of the asset and estimate its fair value, net of estimated costs to sell. If the estimated fair value, net of estimated costs to sell, of an asset is less than its net carrying value, an adjustment is recorded to reflect the estimated fair value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less and are carried at cost, which approximates fair value due to their short-term maturities. The majority of our cash and cash equivalents consists of (i) deposits at major commercial banks, which may at times exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limit, (ii) United States Treasury Bills, and (iii) Certificate of Deposits placed through an Account Registry Service (“CDARS”). To date we have not experienced any losses on our invested cash.

Restricted Cash

Restricted Cash — Restricted cash consists of security deposits and cash escrowed under loan agreements for debt service, real estate taxes, property insurance, tenant improvements, leasing commissions and capital expenditures.

Accounts Receivables and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — Accounts receivable includes unpaid amounts billed to tenants and accrued revenues for future billings to tenants for property expenses. We periodically evaluate the collectibility of amounts due from tenants and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of tenants to make required payments under the lease agreements. We also maintain an allowance for receivables arising from the straight-lining of rents. These receivables arise from earnings recognized in excess of amounts currently due under the lease agreements. Management exercises judgment in establishing these allowances and considers payment history and current credit status in developing these estimates. Accounts receivable are written-off when they are deemed to be uncollectible and we are no longer actively pursuing collection.

Deferred Leasing Costs

Deferred Leasing Costs — Deferred leasing costs include direct salaries, third-party fees and other costs incurred by us to originate a lease. Such costs are capitalized and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred Financing Costs — Deferred financing costs include fees associated with our revolving credit agreement. Such fees are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related revolving credit agreement as a component of interest expense, which approximates the effective interest rate method, in accordance with the terms of the agreement.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition — We have the following revenue sources and revenue recognition policies:


•	Rental revenue comprises revenue from property rentals and tenant expense reimbursements, as designated within tenant operating leases.

◦

Property Rentals: We generate revenue from minimum lease payments from tenant operating leases. These rents are recognized over the noncancelable terms of the related leases on a straight-line basis which includes the effects of rent steps and rent abatements under the leases in accordance with ASC 840 Leases. We satisfy our performance obligations over time, under the noncancelable lease term, commencing when the tenant takes possession of the leased space and the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use. In addition, in circumstances where we provide a lease incentive to tenants, we recognize the incentive as a reduction of rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the lease. The underlying leased asset remains on our consolidated balance sheet and continues to depreciate. In addition to minimum lease payments, certain rental income derived from our tenant leases is contingent and dependent on percentage rent. Percentage rents are earned by the Company in the event the tenant's gross sales exceed certain amounts. Terms of percentage rent are agreed upon in the tenant's lease and will vary based on the tenant's sales.


◦	Tenant expense reimbursements: In accordance with ASC 840, revenue arises from tenant leases, which provide for the recovery of all or a portion of the operating expenses, real estate taxes and capital improvements of the respective property. This revenue is accrued in the period the expenses are incurred.

•

Income from acquired leasehold interest: Income from acquired leasehold interest was revenue generated in connection with the write-off of an unamortized intangible liability balance related to the below-market ground lease as well as the balance of the straight-line receivable balance, upon acquisition of the leasehold interest of the property. This revenue was recognized in accordance with ASC 840.


•	Other Income: Other income is generated in connection with certain services provided to tenants for which we earn a fee. This revenue is recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC 606, with the exception of lease termination fee income, which is recognized when received in accordance with ASC 840.


•	Management and development fees: We generate management and development fee income from contractual property management agreements with third parties. This revenue is recognized as the services are transferred in accordance with ASC 606.

Noncontrolling Interest

Noncontrolling Interests — Noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries represent the portion of equity that we do not own in those entities that we consolidate. We identify our noncontrolling interests separately within the equity section on the consolidated balance sheets. Noncontrolling interests in Operating Partnership include OP units and limited partnership interests in the Operating Partnership in the form of long-term incentive plan (“LTIP”) unit awards classified as equity.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities — Certain entities that do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or which do not have the obligation to absorb expected losses, do not have the right to receive expected residual returns, or do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest qualify as VIEs. VIEs are required to be consolidated by their primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact economic performance of the VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The consolidated and financial statements reflect the consolidation of VIEs in which the Company is the primary beneficiary.

Earnings Per Share and Unit

Earnings Per Share and Unit — Basic earnings per common share and unit is computed by dividing net income attributable to common shareholders and unitholders by the weighted average common shares and units outstanding during the period. Unvested share-based payment awards that entitle holders to receive non-forfeitable dividends, such as our restricted stock awards, are classified as “participating securities.” Because the awards are considered participating securities, the Company and the Operating Partnership are required to apply the two-class method of computing basic and diluted earnings that would otherwise have been available to common shareholders and unitholders. Under the two-class method, earnings for the period are allocated between common shareholders and unitholders and other shareholders and unitholders, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. During periods of net loss, losses are allocated only to the extent the participating securities are required to absorb their share of such losses. Diluted earnings per common share and unit reflects the potential dilution of the assumed exercises of shares including stock options and unvested restricted shares to the extent they are dilutive.

Share-Based Compensation

Share-Based Compensation — We grant stock options, LTIP units, OP units, deferred share units, restricted share awards and performance-based units to our officers, trustees and employees. The term of each award is determined by the compensation committee of our Board of Trustees (the “Compensation Committee”), but in no event can such term be longer than ten years from the date of grant. The vesting schedule of each award is determined by the Compensation Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, at the date of grant of the award. Dividends are paid on certain shares of unvested restricted stock, which makes the restricted stock a participating security.

Fair value is determined, depending on the type of award, using either the Black-Scholes option-pricing model or the Monte Carlo method, both of which are intended to estimate the fair value of the awards at the grant date. In using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, expected volatilities and dividend yields are primarily based on available implied data and peer group companies’ historical data. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.

Compensation expense for restricted share awards is based on the fair value of our common shares at the date of the grant and is recognized ratably over the vesting period. For grants with a graded vesting schedule or a cliff vesting schedule, we have elected to recognize compensation expense on a straight-line basis. Also included in Share-based compensation expense is the unrecognized compensation expense of awards issued under Vornado’s outperformance plan (“OPP”) prior to the separation for the Company’s employees who were previously Vornado employees. The OPP unrecognized compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the remaining life of the OPP awards issued. Share-based compensation expense is included in general and administrative expenses on the consolidated and statements of income.

When the Company issues common shares as compensation, it receives a like number of common units from the Operating Partnership. Accordingly, the Company’s ownership in the Operating Partnership will increase based on the number of common shares awarded under our 2015 Omnibus Share Plan. As a result of the issuance of common units to the Company for share-based compensation, the Operating Partnership accounts for share-based compensation in the same manner as the Company.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes — Our two Puerto Rico malls are subject to income taxes which are based on estimated taxable income and are included in income tax expense in the consolidated statements of income. Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which these temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Earnings and profits, which determine the taxability of dividends to shareholders, differs from net income reported for financial reporting purposes primarily because of differences in depreciable lives and cost bases of the malls, as well as other timing differences.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk — A concentration of credit risk arises in our business when a national or regionally-based tenant occupies a substantial amount of space in multiple properties owned by us. In that event, if the tenant suffers a significant downturn in its business, it may become unable to make its contractual rent payments to us, exposing us to potential losses in rental revenue, expense recoveries, and percentage rent. Further, the impact may be magnified if the tenant is renting space in multiple locations. Generally, we do not obtain security from our national or regionally-based tenants in support of their lease obligations to us. We regularly monitor our tenant base to assess potential concentrations of credit risk.

Recently Issued Accounting Literature

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted (“ASU 2017-09”) Scope of Modification Accounting, which clarifies when to account for a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award as a modification. Under the new guidance, modification accounting will not apply if the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. We applied these amendments prospectively to awards modified on and after the adoption date. The adoption of this standard resulted in no impact to our consolidated financial statements. If we encounter a change to the terms or conditions of any of our share-based payment awards we will evaluate the need to apply modification accounting based on the new guidance. The general treatment for modifications of share-based payment awards is to record the incremental value arising from the change as additional compensation cost in the period of modification.

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted (“ASU 2017-05”) Other Income - Gains and Losses from the Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets, to clarify the scope and accounting for derecognition of nonfinancial assets using the modified retrospective approach. ASU 2017-05 eliminated the guidance specific to real estate sales and partial sales of real estate. ASU 2017-05 defines “in-substance nonfinancial assets” and includes guidance on partial sales of nonfinancial assets. The adoption of this standard resulted in no material impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted (“ASU 2014-09”) Revenue from Contracts with Customers to ASC Topic 606, which supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. ASU 2014-09 requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract. We adopted the standard using the modified retrospective approach which requires applying the new standard to all existing contracts not yet completed as of the effective date. We have completed our evaluation of the standard’s impact on our revenue sources. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Effective for the fiscal period beginning January 1, 2019, we adopted (“ASU 2016-02”) Leases, which sets out the principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases for both parties to a contract (i.e. lessees and lessors). We initially applied the standard at the beginning of the period of adoption through the transition method issued by (“ASU 2018-11”) Leases: Targeted Improvements. The new standard requires lessees to apply a two-model approach, classifying leases as either finance or operating leases based on the principle of whether or not the lease is effectively a financed purchase by the lessee. This classification will determine whether lease expense is recognized based on an effective interest method or on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. A lessee is also required to record a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all leases with a term of greater than 12 months regardless of their classification. The new standard requires lessors to account for the leases using an approach that is substantially equivalent to existing guidance for sales-type leases, direct financing leases and operating leases. We have completed our evaluation of the standard’s impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and accounting policies. For purposes of transition, we did not elect the hindsight practical expedient but did elect the practical expedient package, which has been applied consistently to all of our leases.

From a lessee perspective, the adoption will result in the recognition of a right-of-use ("ROU") asset and lease liability for 24 leases of approximately $100 million, which will be presented on our consolidated balance sheet beginning with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019. The standard's adoption will also impact the presentation of our consolidated income statement beginning with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019, due to accounting for the lease and non-lease components as a single lease component, which will be presented as "lease expense" on the consolidated statement of income. Prior to the adoption of ASC 842, related lease expense amounts were recognized within ground rent and general administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of income.

From a lessor perspective, the adoption will also result in additional general and administrative expenses, attributable to internal leasing department costs not meeting the definition of initial direct costs under ASC 842. Capitalized internal leasing costs were $0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The adoption of this standard will also result in additional quantitative and qualitative footnote disclosures beginning with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019.

Any other recently issued accounting standards or pronouncements not disclosed above have been excluded as they are not relevant to the Company or the Operating Partnership, or they are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Literature

The adoption of this standard will also result in additional quantitative and qualitative footnote disclosures beginning with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending March 31, 2019.