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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2015

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of OLP, its wholly-owned subsidiaries, its joint ventures in which the Company, as defined, has a controlling interest, and variable interest entities ("VIEs") of which the Company is the primary beneficiary. OLP and its consolidated subsidiaries are hereinafter referred to as the "Company". Material intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investment in Joint Ventures and Variable Interest Entities

The Company assesses the accounting treatment for each joint venture investment. This assessment includes a review of each joint venture or limited liability company agreement to determine the rights of each party and whether those rights are protective or participating. The agreements typically contain certain protective rights, such as the requirement of partner approval to sell, finance or refinance the property and to pay capital expenditures and operating expenditures outside of the approved budget or operating plan. In situations where the Company and its partner, among other things, (i) approve the annual budget, (ii) approve certain expenditures, (iii) prepare or review and approve the joint venture's tax return before filing, and (iv) approve each lease at a property, the Company does not consolidate the joint venture as the Company considers these to be substantive participation rights that result in shared power over the activities that most significantly impact the performance of the joint venture.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, provides guidance for determining whether an entity is a VIE. VIEs are defined as entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support. A VIE is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which is the party that (i) has the power to control the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance and (ii) has the obligation to absorb losses, or the right to receive benefits, of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

Additionally, the Company assesses the accounting treatment for any interests pursuant to which the Company may have a variable interest as a lessor. Leases may contain certain protective rights, such as the right of sale and the receipt of certain escrow deposits. In situations where the Company does not have the power over tenant activities that most significantly impact the performance of the property, the Company would not consolidate tenant operations.

The Company accounts for its investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting. All investments in the unconsolidated joint ventures have sufficient equity at risk to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support and, as a group, the holders of the equity at risk have power through voting rights to direct the activities of these ventures. As a result, none of these joint ventures are VIEs. In addition, although the Company is the managing member in certain ventures, it does not exercise substantial operating control over these entities, and therefore the entities are not consolidated. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and subsequently adjusted for their share of equity in earnings, cash contributions and distributions. None of the joint venture debt is recourse to the Company, subject to standard carve-outs.

The Company has elected to follow the cumulative earnings approach when assessing, for the consolidated statement of cash flows, whether the distribution from the investee is a return of the investor's investment as compared to a return on its investment. The source of the cash generated by the investee to fund the distribution is not a factor in the analysis (that is, it does not matter whether the cash was generated through investee refinancing, sale of assets or operating results). Consequently, the investor only considers the relationship between the cash received from the investee to its equity in the undistributed earnings of the investee, on a cumulative basis, in assessing whether the distribution from the investee is a return on or return of its investment. Cash received from the unconsolidated entity is presumed to be a return on the investment to the extent that, on a cumulative basis, distributions received by the investor are less than its share of the equity in the undistributed earnings of the entity.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Management believes that the estimates and assumptions that are most important to the portrayal of the Company's consolidated financial condition and results of operations, in that they require management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, form the basis of the accounting policies deemed to be most significant to the Company. These significant accounting policies relate to revenues and the value of the Company's real estate portfolio. Management believes its estimates and assumptions related to these significant accounting policies are appropriate under the circumstances; however, should future events or occurrences result in unanticipated consequences, there could be a material impact on the Company's future consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Revenue Recognition

Rental income includes the base rent that each tenant is required to pay in accordance with the terms of their respective leases reported on a straight-line basis over the non-cancelable term of the lease. In determining, in its judgment, that the unbilled rent receivable applicable to each specific property is collectible, management reviews unbilled rent receivables on a quarterly basis and takes into consideration the tenant's payment history and financial condition. Some of the leases provide for increases based on the Consumer Price Index and for additional contingent rental revenue in the form of percentage rents. The percentage rents are based upon the level of sales achieved by the lessee and are recognized once the required sales levels are reached.

Substantially all of the Company's properties are subject to long-term net leases under which the tenant is typically responsible to pay for real estate taxes, insurance and ordinary maintenance and repairs for the property directly to the vendor, and the Company is not the primary obligor with respect to such items. As a result, the revenue and expenses relating to these properties are recorded on a net basis. For certain properties, in addition to base rent, the tenants pay their share of real estate taxes and operating expenses to the Company. The income and expenses associated with these properties are generally recorded on a gross basis. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded reimbursements of expenses of $3,852,000, $2,561,000 and $1,694,000, respectively, which are reported as Tenant reimbursements in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

Gains or losses are recorded when the criteria under GAAP has been met.

Fair Value Measurements

The Company measures the fair value of financial instruments based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date (exit price). As a basis for considering market participant assumptions in fair value measurements, a fair value hierarchy distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity and the reporting entity's own assumptions about market participant assumptions. In accordance with the fair value hierarchy, Level 1 assets/liabilities are valued based on quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets, Level 2 assets/liabilities are valued based on quoted prices in active markets for similar instruments, on quoted prices in less active or inactive markets, or on other "observable" market inputs and Level 3 assets/liabilities are valued based on significant "unobservable" market inputs.

Purchase Accounting for Acquisition of Real Estate

The Company records acquired real estate investments as business combinations when the real estate is occupied, at least in part, at acquisition. Costs directly related to the acquisition of such investments are expensed as incurred. Acquired real estate investments that do not meet the definition of a business combination are recorded at cost. Transaction costs incurred with asset acquisitions are capitalized. The Company allocates the purchase price of real estate among land, building, improvements and intangibles, such as the value of above, below and at-market leases, and origination costs associated with in-place leases at the acquisition date. The Company assesses the fair value of the lease intangibles based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount rates and available market information. Such inputs are categorized as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant. The value, as determined, is allocated to land, building and improvements based on management's determination of the relative fair values of these assets.

In valuing an acquired property's intangibles, factors considered by management include an estimate of carrying costs during the expected lease-up periods, such as real estate taxes, insurance, other operating expenses, and estimates of lost rental revenue during the expected lease-up periods based on its evaluation of current market demand. Management also estimates costs to execute similar leases, including leasing commissions and tenant improvements.

The values of acquired above-market and below-market leases are recorded based on the present values (using discount rates which reflect the risks associated with the leases acquired) of the difference between the contractual amounts to be received and management's estimate of market lease rates, measured over the terms of the respective leases that management deemed appropriate at the time of the acquisitions. Such valuations include a consideration of the non-cancellable terms of the respective leases, as well as any applicable renewal period(s). The fair values associated with below-market rental renewal options are determined based on the Company's experience and the relevant facts and circumstances at the time of the acquisitions. The values of above-market leases are amortized as a reduction to rental income over the terms of the respective non-cancellable lease periods. The portion of the values of below-market leases are amortized as an increase to rental income over the terms of the respective non-cancellable lease periods. The portion of the values of the leases associated with below-market renewal options that management deemed are likely to be exercised by the tenant are amortized to rental income over such renewal periods. The value of other intangible assets (including leasing commissions and tenant improvements) is recorded to amortization expense over the remaining terms of the respective leases. If a lease were to be terminated prior to its contractual expiration date or not renewed, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease would be recognized in operations at that time. The estimated useful lives of intangible assets or liabilities generally range from one to 40 years.

Accounting for Long-Lived Assets and Impairment of Real Estate Owned

The Company reviews its real estate portfolio on a quarterly basis to ascertain if there are any indicators of impairment to the value of any of its real estate assets, including deferred costs and intangibles, to determine if there is any need for an impairment charge. In reviewing the portfolio, the Company examines one or more of the following: the type of asset, the current financial statements or other available financial information of the tenant, the economic situation in the area in which the asset is located, the economic situation in the industry in which the tenant is involved, the timeliness of the payments made by the tenant under its lease, and any current communication with the tenant, including property inspection reports. For each real estate asset owned for which indicators of impairment exist, management performs a recoverability test by comparing the sum of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows attributable to the asset to its carrying amount. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the asset's carrying amount, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the estimated fair value is less than the asset's carrying amount. The estimated fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow model of the expected future cash flows through the useful life of the property. The analysis includes an estimate of the future cash flows that are expected to result from the real estate investment's use and eventual disposition. These cash flows consider factors such as expected future operating income, trends and prospects, the effects of leasing demand, competition and other factors. Real estate assets that are classified as held-for-sale are valued at the lower of carrying amount or the estimated fair value less costs to sell on an individual asset basis.

Properties Held for Sale

Properties Held-for-Sale

Real estate investments are classified as properties held-for-sale when management determines that the investment meets the applicable criteria. Real estate investments which are held-for-sale are not depreciated.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

All highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased are considered to be cash equivalents.

Escrow, Deposits and Other Assets and Receivables

Escrow, deposits and other assets and receivables include $1,390,000 and $1,376,000 at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, relating to real estate taxes, insurance and other escrows.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of its tenants to make required rent payments. If the financial condition of a specific tenant were to deteriorate resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, there was no balance in the allowance for doubtful accounts.

The Company records bad debt expense as a reduction of rental income. For the year ended December 31, 2015, the Company incurred bad debt expense of $89,000 (see Note 5). For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company did not incur any bad debt expense.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation of buildings is computed on the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 40 years. Depreciation of improvements is computed on the straight-line method over the lesser of the remaining lease term or the estimated useful life of the improvements. If the Company determines it is the owner of tenant improvements, the amounts funded to construct the tenant improvements are treated as a capital asset. Leasehold interest and the related ground lease payments are amortized over the initial lease term of the leasehold position. Depreciation expense, including amortization of a leasehold position, lease origination costs, and capitalized leasing commissions, and excluding depreciation expense included in discontinued operations (2013), amounted to $16,384,000, $14,662,000 and $11,919,000 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Deferred Financing Costs

Mortgage and credit line costs are deferred and amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the respective debt obligations, which approximates the effective interest method. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, accumulated amortization of such costs was $4,628,000 and $4,379,000, respectively.

Investment in Available-For-Sale Securities

The Company determines the classification of equity securities at the time of purchase and reassesses the classification at each reporting date. At December 31, 2015 all equity securities have been classified as available-for-sale and recorded at fair value. The fair value of the Company's equity investment in publicly-traded companies is determined based upon the closing trading price of the securities as of the balance sheet date and unrealized gains and losses on these securities are recorded as a separate component of stockholders' equity. Unrealized losses that are determined to be other-than-temporary are recognized in earnings.

At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the total cumulative net unrealized gain of $27,000 and $24,000, respectively, on all investments in equity securities is reported as accumulated other comprehensive loss in the stockholders' equity section of the consolidated balance sheets.

Realized gains and losses are determined using the average cost method. During 2014 and 2013, sales proceeds and gross realized gains and losses on securities classified as available-for-sale were (amounts in thousands):

	2014			2013
Sales proceeds	$	266		$	19
Gross realized gains		134	(a)		6	(b)


(a)	Reported as Gain on sale—investment in BRT Realty Trust (related party) on the consolidated statement of income. (See Note 9.)
(b)	Resulting from the sale of other available-for-sale securities and is included in Other income on the consolidated statement of income.

There were no sales of available-for-sale securities during 2015.

Income Taxes

The Company is qualified as a real estate investment trust under the applicable provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. Under these provisions, the Company will not be subject to Federal, and generally, state and local income taxes, on amounts distributed to stockholders, provided it distributes at least 90% of its taxable income and meets certain other conditions. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded Federal excise tax expense of $174,000, $302,000 and $45,000, respectively, which is based on taxable income generated but not yet distributed.

For 2015 and 2014, 67% and 26%, respectively, of the distributions were treated as capital gain distributions, with the balance treated as ordinary income.

The Company follows 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 more-likely-than-not will 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. The Company has not identified any uncertain tax positions requiring accrual.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company maintains cash accounts at various financial institutions. While the Company attempts to limit any financial exposure, substantially all of its deposit balances exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses on such accounts.

The Company's properties are located in 31 states. The following chart lists the states where the Company's properties contributed over 10% to the Company's total revenues, excluding the lease termination fees in 2015 and 2014:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Texas		11.6	%		13.3	%		13.0	%
New York		8.9			9.5			11.0
New Jersey		3.2			9.5			10.7

Excluding any lease termination fees, no tenant contributed over 10% to the Company's total revenues during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013.

Segment Reporting

Substantially all of the Company's real estate assets, at acquisition, are comprised of real estate owned that is leased to tenants on a long-term basis. Therefore, the Company aggregates real estate assets for reporting purposes and operates in one reportable segment.

Stock Based Compensation

The fair value of restricted stock grants and restricted stock units, determined as of the date of grant, is amortized into general and administrative expense over the respective vesting period. The deferred compensation to be recognized as expense is net of certain forfeiture and performance assumptions which are re-evaluated quarterly.

Derivatives and Hedging Activities

The Company's objective in using interest rate swaps is to add stability to interest expense and to manage its exposure to interest rate movements. The Company does not use derivatives for trading or speculative purposes.

The Company records all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value. The valuation of these instruments is determined using widely accepted valuation techniques, including discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows of the derivatives. In addition, the Company incorporates credit valuation adjustments to appropriately reflect both its own nonperformance risk and the respective counterparty's nonperformance risk in the fair value measurements. These counterparties are generally the larger financial institutions engaged in providing a variety of financial services. These institutions generally face similar risks regarding adverse changes in market and economic conditions including, but not limited to, fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates, equity and commodity prices and credit spreads.

The accounting for changes in the fair value of derivatives depends on the intended use of the derivative, whether the Company has elected to designate a derivative in a hedging relationship and apply hedge accounting and whether the hedging relationship has satisfied the criteria necessary to apply hedge accounting. Derivatives designated and qualifying as a hedge of the exposure to variability in expected future cash flows are considered cash flow hedges. For derivatives designated as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative is initially reported in accumulated other comprehensive income (outside of earnings) and subsequently reclassified to earnings in the period in which the hedged transaction becomes ineffective. For derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges, changes in the fair value of the derivative are recognized directly in earnings in the period in which the change occurs; however, the Company's policy is to not enter into such transactions.

Earnings Per Common Share

Basic earnings per share was determined by dividing net income allocable to common stockholders for each year by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable year. Net income is also allocated to the unvested restricted stock outstanding during each year, as the restricted stock is entitled to receive dividends and is therefore considered a participating security. Unvested restricted stock is not allocated net losses and/or any excess of dividends declared over net income; such amounts are allocated entirely to the common stockholders, other than the holders of unvested restricted stock. The restricted stock units awarded under the Pay-for-Performance program are excluded from the basic earnings per share calculation, as these units are not participating securities (see Note 11).

Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if securities or other rights exercisable for, or convertible into, common stock were exercised or converted or otherwise resulted in the issuance of common stock that shared in the earnings of the Company. For 2015, 2014 and 2013, the diluted weighted average number of shares of common stock includes 108,000, 100,000 and 100,000 shares, respectively (of an aggregate of 200,000 shares) of common stock underlying the restricted stock units awarded pursuant to the Pay-for-Performance Program. These amounts include 100,000 shares that would be issued pursuant to a metric based on the market price and dividends paid at the end of each quarterly period, assuming the end of that quarterly period was the end of the vesting period. Of the remaining 100,000 shares of common stock underlying the restricted stock units awarded under the Pay-for-Performance Program, 8,000 shares are included in the diluted weighted average in 2015 and none of such 100,000 shares are included in 2014 and 2013, as they did not meet the return on capital performance metric during such years.

There were no options outstanding to purchase shares of common stock or other rights exercisable for, or convertible into, common stock in 2015, 2014 and 2013.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerator and denominator of earnings per share calculations (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

	Year Ended December 31,
	2015			2014			2013
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share:
Income from continuing operations	$	21,907		$	22,197		$	17,409
Less net income attributable to non-controlling interests		(1,390	)		(94	)		(49	)
Less earnings allocated to unvested restricted stock(a)		(852	)		(722	)		(667	)

Income from continuing operations available for common stockholders		19,665			21,381			16,693
Discontinued operations		—			13			515

Net income available for common stockholders, basic and diluted	$	19,665		$	21,394		$	17,208


Denominator for basic earnings per share:
Weighted average common shares		15,971			15,563			14,948
Effect of diluted securities:
Restricted stock units awarded under Pay-for-Performance program		108			100			100

Denominator for diluted earnings per share:
Weighted average shares		16,079			15,663			15,048


Earnings per common share, basic	$	1.23		$	1.37		$	1.15


Earnings per common share, diluted	$	1.22		$	1.37		$	1.14


Amounts attributable to One Liberty Properties, Inc. common stockholders, net of non-controlling interests:
Income from continuing operations	$	20,517		$	22,103		$	17,360
Income from discontinued operations		—			13			515

Net income attributable to One Liberty Properties, Inc.	$	20,517		$	22,116		$	17,875


(a)	Represents an allocation of distributed earnings to unvested restricted stock which, as participating securities, are entitled to receive dividends.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts previously reported in the consolidated financial statements have been reclassified in the accompanying consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year's presentation.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize most leases on their balance sheets and making targeted changes to lessor accounting. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The new leases standard requires a modified retrospective transition approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, with an option to use certain transition relief. The Company is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact it may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations: Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement Period Adjustments, which eliminates the requirement for an acquirer in a business combination to account for measurement period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, acquirers must recognize measurement-period adjustments during the period in which they determine the amounts, including the effect on earnings of any amounts they would have recorded in previous periods if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. The effective date of the standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has not elected early adoption and is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact, if any, it may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest—Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which amends the balance sheet presentation for debt issuance costs. Under the amended guidance, a company will present unamortized debt issuance costs as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability. The guidance is to be applied on a retrospective basis, and is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The Company will adopt this guidance January 1, 2016. Adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which amends the current consolidation guidance, including introducing a separate consolidation analysis specific to limited partnerships and other similar entities. Under this analysis, limited partnerships and other similar entities will be considered VIEs unless the limited partners hold substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. The guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has not elected early adoption and is currently evaluating the new guidance to determine the impact, if any, it may have on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-01, Simplifying Income Statement Presentation by Eliminating the Concept of Extraordinary Items, which simplifies income statement presentation by eliminating extraordinary items from US GAAP. The ASU retains current presentation and disclosure requirements for an event or transaction that is of an unusual nature or of a type that indicates infrequency of occurrence. Transactions that meet both criteria would now also follow such presentation and disclosure requirements. The ASU is effective in annual periods, and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2015. Early adoption is permitted; however, adoption must occur at the beginning of an annual period. An entity can elect to apply the guidance prospectively or retrospectively. The Company had elected early adoption for the year ended December 31, 2014, and its adoption did not have any impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40), which provides guidance on management's responsibility in evaluating whether there is substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. For each reporting period, management will be required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that raise substantial doubt about a company's ability to continue as a going concern within one year from the date the financial statements are issued. The amendments in this update are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter. Early application is permitted. The Company has elected early adoption for the year ended December 31, 2015, and its adoption did not have any impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The core principle of the new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. Additionally, the guidance requires improved disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. The effective date of this standard will be for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted after December 15, 2016. Entities have the option of using either a full retrospective or a modified approach to adopt the guidance in the ASU. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on its consolidated financial statements.