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Capital | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2016
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure, Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments and Earnings Per Share [Abstract] |
Capital | Capital During 2016, Q REIT Holding LLC, a Qatar Financial Centre limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qatar Investment Authority, a governmental authority of the State of Qatar ("QIA"), purchased 29,610,854 newly issued ESRT Class A common shares at $21.00 per share, resulting in gross proceeds of $621.8 million. The proceeds were contributed to us and we issued 29,610,854 Series PR units to ESRT. At August 23, 2016, the 29,610,854 units were equivalent to a 9.9% economic interest in us. QIA has a top-up right to maintain their ownership stake at 9.9% over time. In connection with the share issuance to QIA, ESRT agreed, subject to certain minimum thresholds and conditions, to indemnify QIA for certain applicable U.S. federal and state taxes paid by QIA in connection with any dividends ESRT pays that are attributable to capital gains from the sale or exchange of any U.S. real property interests. If ESRT were to trigger its tax indemnification obligations under this agreement, we and ESRT would be required to pay QIA for the resulting tax consequences, as applicable. As of December 31, 2016, there were approximately 299.1 million operating partnership units outstanding, of which approximately 155.8 million, or 52.1%, were owned by ESRT and approximately 143.3 million, or 47.9%, were owned by other partners, including ESRT directors, members of senior management and other employees. Long-term incentive plan ("LTIP") units are a special class of partnership interests. Each LTIP unit awarded will be deemed equivalent to an award of one share of ESRT stock under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan ("2013 Plan"), reducing the availability for other equity awards on a one-for-one basis. The vesting period for LTIP units, if any, will be determined at the time of issuance. Cash distributions on each LTIP unit, whether vested or not, will be the same as those made on the operating partnership units. Under the terms of the LTIP units, we will revalue for tax purposes its assets upon the occurrence of certain specified events, and any increase in valuation from the time of grant until such event will be allocated first to the holders of LTIP units to equalize the capital accounts of such holders with the capital accounts of unitholders. Subject to any agreed upon exceptions, once vested and having achieved parity with unitholders, LTIP units are convertible into operating partnership units on a one-for-one basis. With the exception of performance based LTIP units granted in 2016, all LTIP units issued in connection with annual equity awards, whether vested or not, receive the same per unit distributions as operating partnership units, which equal per share dividends (both regular and special) on our common stock. Performance based LTIP units granted in 2016 receive 10% of such distributions currently, unless and until such LTIP units are earned based on performance, at which time they will receive the accrued and unpaid 90% and will commence receiving 100% of such distributions thereafter. Private Perpetual Preferred Units As of December 31, 2016, there were 1,560,360 Private Perpetual Preferred Units ("Preferred Units") which have a liquidation preference of $16.62 per unit and which are entitled to receive cumulative preferential annual cash distributions of $0.60 per unit payable in arrears on a quarterly basis. The Preferred Units are not redeemable at the option of the holders and are redeemable at our option only in the case of specific defined events. Distributions The following table summarizes the dividends paid on our operating partnership units for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014:
Record Date |  | Payment Date |  | Amount per Operating Partnership Unit
December 15, 2016 |  | December 29, 2016 |  | $0.105
September 19, 2016 |  | September 30, 2016 |  | $0.105
June 15, 2016 |  | June 30, 2016 |  | $0.105
March 16, 2016 |  | March 31, 2016 |  | $0.085
December 15, 2015 |  | December 31, 2015 |  | $0.085
September 15, 2015 |  | September 30, 2015 |  | $0.085
June 15, 2015 |  | June 30, 2015 |  | $0.085
March 13, 2015 |  | March 31, 2015 |  | $0.085
December 15, 2014 |  | December 31, 2014 |  | $0.085
September 15, 2014 |  | September 30, 2014 |  | $0.085
June 13, 2014 |  | June 30, 2014 |  | $0.085
March 14, 2014 |  | March 31, 2014 |  | $0.085
Total distributions paid to OP unitholders and Preferred unitholders during 2016, 2015 and 2014 totaled $115.0 million, $91.9 million and $87.7 million, respectively. Incentive and Share-Based Compensation The 2013 Plan provides for grants to our directors, employees and consultants of our company and ESRT consisting of stock options, restricted stock, dividend equivalents, stock payments, performance shares, LTIP units, stock appreciation rights and other incentive awards. An aggregate of approximately 12.2 million shares of ESRT common stock are authorized for issuance under awards granted pursuant to the 2013 Plan, and as of December 31, 2016, approximately 8.3 million shares of ESRT common stock remain available for future issuance. In June 2016, we made grants of LTIP units to our non-employee directors under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 43,257 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting with fair market values of $0.8 million. The awards vest ratably over three years from the date of the grant, subject generally to the director's continued service on our Board of Directors. In February 2016, we made grants of LTIP units to executive officers under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 368,225 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting and 1,230,228 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $5.6 million for the time-based vesting awards and $8.8 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from January 1, 2016, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on January 1, 2017 and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on January 1, 2016. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation committee will determine the number of LTIP units to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the LTIP unit award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant. These units then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2019 and the second installment vesting on January 1, 2020, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates. In February 2016, we made a grant of LTIP units to an executive officer under the 2013 Plan. We granted a total of 62,814 LTIP units with a fair market value of $1.0 million. The award is subject to time-based vesting of 30% after three years, 30% after four years, and 40% after five years, subject to the grantee's continued employment. In February 2016, we made grants of LTIP units and restricted stock to certain other employees under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 47,168 LTIP units and 44,198 shares of restricted stock that are subject to time-based vesting and 112,925 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $1.4 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.8 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from January 1, 2016, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on January 1, 2017 and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the awards subject to performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on January 1, 2016. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation committee will determine the number of LTIP units to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant. These units and shares then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2019 and the second installment vesting on January 1, 2020, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates. We made other grants during 2016 with fair market values of $0.1 million in the aggregate. In June 2015, we made grants of LTIP units to our non-employee directors under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 35,082 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting, with fair market values of $0.6 million. The awards vest ratably over three years from the date of the grant, subject generally to the director's continued service on our Board of Directors. In February 2015, we made grants of LTIP units to executive officers under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 168,033 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting and 154,266 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $2.9 million for the time-based vesting awards and $1.3 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from January 1, 2015, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on the first-year anniversary date of January 1, 2015 and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on January 1, 2015. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation committee will determine the number of LTIP units to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the LTIP unit award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant. These units then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2018 and the second installment vesting on January 1, 2019, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates. In February 2015, we made grants of LTIP units and restricted stock to certain other employees under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 33,398 LTIP units and 14,315 shares of restricted stock that are subject to time-based vesting and 33,398 LTIP units and 14,315 shares of restricted stock that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $0.8 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.4 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from January 1, 2015, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on the first-year anniversary date of January 1, 2015 and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the awards subject to performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on January 1, 2015. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation committee will determine the number of LTIP units or shares to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant. These units and shares then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on January 1, 2018 and the second installment vesting on January 1, 2019, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates. In February 2015, we made a grant of LTIP units to an executive officer under the 2013 Plan. At such time, we granted a total of 13,736 LTIP units that are subject to time-based vesting and 13,736 LTIP units that are subject to performance-based vesting, with fair market values of $0.2 million for the time-based vesting awards and $0.1 million for the performance-based vesting awards. The awards subject to time-based vesting vest ratably over four years from the date of the grant, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. The first installment vests on the first-year anniversary date of the grant and the remainder will vest thereafter in three equal annual installments. The vesting of the LTIP units subject to performance-based vesting is based on the achievement of absolute and relative total stockholder return hurdles over a three-year performance period, commencing on February 1, 2015. Following the completion of the three-year performance period, our compensation committee will determine the number of LTIP units to which the grantee is entitled based on our performance relative to the performance hurdles set forth in the LTIP unit award agreements the grantee entered into in connection with the award grant. These units then vest in two installments, with the first installment vesting on February 1, 2018 and the second installment vesting on February 1, 2019, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment on those dates. In January 2015, we made a grant of LTIP units to an employee under the 2013 Plan. We granted a total of 9,531 LTIP units with a fair market value of $0.2 million. The award is subject to time-based vesting and all LTIP units vest on April 1, 2020, subject generally to the grantee's continued employment. We made other grants during 2015 with fair market values of less than $0.1 million in the aggregate. Share-based compensation is measured at the fair value of the award on the date of grant and recognized as an expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For the performance-based LTIP units and restricted stock awards, the fair value of the awards was estimated using a Monte Carlo Simulation model. Our stock price, along with the prices of the comparative indexes, is assumed to follow the Geometric Brownian Motion Process. Geometric Brownian motion is a common assumption when modeling in financial markets, as it allows the modeled quantity (in this case, the stock price) to vary randomly from its current value and take any value greater than zero. The volatilities of the returns on our stock price and the comparative indexes were estimated based on implied volatilities and historical volatilities using a six-year look-back period. The expected growth rate of the stock prices over the performance period is determined with consideration of the risk free rate as of the grant date. For LTIP units and restricted stock grants that are time-vesting, we estimate the stock compensation expense based on the fair value of the stock at the grant date. Share-based compensation expense has been adjusted by an amount of estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated based on historical experience at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Based on an analysis of historical data, we have calculated a 0% annual forfeiture rate for members of the Board of Directors, a 0% annual forfeiture rate for executive officers, and for all other employees a 5% annual forfeiture rate. We reevaluate this analysis periodically and adjust these estimated forfeiture rates as necessary. To the extent actual results or updated estimates differ from our current estimates, such amounts will be recorded as a cumulative adjustment in the period estimates are revised. LTIP units and ESRT restricted stock issued during the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 were valued at $18.4 million, $6.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively. The weighted-average per unit or share fair value was $9.60, $13.36 and $10.65 for grants issued in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The per unit or share granted in 2016 was estimated on the respective dates of grant using the following assumptions: an expected life of 2.8 years, a dividend rate of 2.10%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.84% and an expected price volatility of 24.0%. The per unit or share granted in 2015 was estimated on the respective dates of grant using the following assumptions: an expected life of 3.0 and 2.9 years, a dividend rate of 1.9%, a risk-free interest rate of 0.8% and 1.0%, and an expected price volatility between 24.0% and 29.0%. The per unit or share granted in 2014 was estimated on the respective dates of grant using the following assumptions: an expected life of 3.0 years, a dividend rate of 2.60% a risk-free interest rate of 0.8%, and an expected price volatility of 26.0%. No other stock options, dividend equivalents, or stock appreciation rights were issued or outstanding in 2016, 2015 and 2014. The following is a summary of ESRT restricted stock and LTIP unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2016:
| ESRT Restricted Stock |  | LTIP Units |  | Weighted Average Grant Fair Value
Unvested balance at December 31, 2015 | 97,592 |  |  | 1,415,895 |  |  | $ | 11.04 |
Vested | (36,592 | ) |  | (402,895 | ) |  | 11.69 |
Granted | 47,071 |  |  | 1,868,629 |  |  | 9.58 |
Forfeited | (278 | ) |  | — |  |  | 17.97 |
Unvested balance at December 31, 2016 | 107,793 |  |  | 2,881,629 |  |  | $ | 10.01 |
The total fair value of LTIP units and restricted stock that vested during 2016, 2015 and 2014 was $5.1 million, $3.5 million and $3.0 million, respectively. The LTIP unit and ESRT restricted stock award agreements will immediately vest when a grantee attains the (i) age of 60 and (ii) the date on which grantee has first completed ten years of continuous service with our company or its affiliates. For award agreements that qualify, we recognize noncash compensation expense on the grant date for the time-based awards and ratably over the vesting period for the performance-based awards, and accordingly we recognized $0.7 million, $0.5 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $0.4 million at December 31, 2016, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years. For the remainder of the LTIP unit and ESRT restricted stock awards, we recognize noncash compensation expense ratably over the vesting period, and accordingly, we recognized $9.0 million, $5.0 million and $3.5 million in noncash compensation expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $18.5 million at December 31, 2016, which will be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years. Earnings Per Unit Earnings per unit for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 is computed as follows (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):
| Year ended December 31, 2016 |  | Year ended December 31, 2015 |  | Year ended December 31, 2014
Numerator: |  |  |  |  |
Net income | $ | 107,250 |  |  | $ | 79,928 |  |  | $ | 70,210 |
Private perpetual preferred unit distributions | (936 | ) |  | (936 | ) |  | (476 | )
Earnings allocated to unvested shares | (747 | ) |  | (550 | ) |  | (482 | )
Net income attributable to common unitholders - basic and diluted | $ | 105,567 |  |  | $ | 78,442 |  |  | $ | 69,252 |
Denominator: |  |  |  |  |
Weighted average units outstanding - basic | 276,848 |  |  | 265,914 |  |  | 254,506 |
Effect of dilutive securities: |  |  |  |  |
Stock-based compensation plans | 454 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Exchangeable senior notes | 266 |  |  | — |  |  | — |
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted | 277,568 |  |  | 265,914 |  |  | 254,506 |
Earnings per unit - basic and diluted | $ | 0.38 |  |  | $ | 0.29 |  |  | $ | 0.27 |
There were 800,746, 706,865 and 631,251 antidilutive shares and LTIP units for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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