Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation/Basis of Preparation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company, the Operating Partnership, its subsidiaries, and certain joint venture partnerships in which it participates. The Company consolidates all variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which it is the primary beneficiary. Generally, a VIE is an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (1) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (2) as a group, the holders of the equity investment at risk (a) lack the power through voting or similar rights to make decisions about the entity’s activities that significantly impact the entity’s performance, (b) have no obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (c) have no right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, or (3) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests, and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately fewer voting rights. A VIE is required to be consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary of a VIE has (1) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance, and (2) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. Significant judgments related to these determinations include estimates about the current and future fair values, performance of real estate held by these VIEs, and general market conditions.

The Company has a 60%-owned joint venture originally formed to develop the project known as Crossroads II. This joint venture is consolidated as it is deemed to be a VIE and the Company is the primary beneficiary. The Company (1) guarantees all related debt, (2) does not require its partners to fund additional capital requirements, (3) has an economic interest greater than its voting proportion and (4) participates in the management activities that significantly impact the performance of the joint venture. At December 31, 2014, this VIE owned real estate with a carrying value of $40.5 million and no mortgage loan payable.

With respect to its two other consolidated joint venture properties at December 31, 2014 (New London Mall and San Souci Plaza), the Company is the general partner and has a partnership interest of 40% in each. As such entities are not VIEs, and the Company is the sole general partner and exercises substantial operating control over these entities, the Company has determined that such entities should be consolidated. On January 23, 2015, the Company acquired the New London joint venture’s 60% ownership interest, giving the Company a 100% ownership interest in this property. The purchase price was $27.3 million, consisting of $10.9 million in cash, and $16.4 million representing the 60% share of the in-place mortgage financing.

The Company also had two 60%-owned joint ventures originally formed to develop the projects known as Heritage Crossings and Upland Square. Heritage Crossings was sold in May 2013 (see Note 4 – “Discontinued Operations”) and the Company acquired the remaining 40% interest in Upland Square in October 2013 (see Note 3 – “Real Estate”). Prior to these respective dates, these joint ventures were consolidated as they were deemed to be VIEs and the Company was the primary beneficiary. The Company (1) had guaranteed all related debt, (2) did not require its partners to fund additional capital requirements, (3) had an economic interest greater than its voting proportion, and (4) participated in the management activities that significantly impacted the performance of the joint venture.

The Company also had a 20% interest in the Cedar/RioCan joint venture, which the Company accounted for under the equity method (the Company exited the joint venture in October 2012). Although the Company provided management and other services, RioCan had significant management participation rights, thus the Company had determined that this joint venture was not a VIE (see Note 5 - “Investment in Cedar/RioCan Joint Venture”).

With respect to its interest in the Homburg joint venture properties (buy/sell provisions were concluded in October 2012 - see Note 4 – “Discontinued Operations”), the Company was the general partner and had partnership interests of 20% in each of the venture’s nine properties. As (1) such entities were not VIEs, and (2) the Company was the sole general partner and exercised substantial operating control over these entities, the Company had determined that such entities should be consolidated for financial statement purposes.

The accompanying financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), which requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods covered by the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

The consolidated financial statements reflect reclassifications of prior period amounts relating primarily to one operating property previously classified as discontinued operations that was determined in 2014 to be treated as continuing operations. Accordingly, applicable amounts have been reclassified from “real estate held for sale/conveyance” to “real estate held for use” on the prior-year consolidated balance sheet, and from “discontinued operations” to “continuing operations” on all prior years’ consolidated statements of operations. The reclassifications had no impact on previously-reported net income attributable to common shareholders or earnings per share.

Real Estate Investments

Real estate investments are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. The provision for depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method based upon the estimated useful lives of the respective assets of between 3 and 40 years. Depreciation expense amounted to $35.0 million, $41.1 million and $40.0 million for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Expenditures for betterments that substantially extend the useful lives of the assets are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance, repairs, and betterments that do not substantially prolong the normal useful life of an asset are charged to operations as incurred.

Real estate investments include costs of ground-up development and redevelopment activities, and construction in progress. Capitalized costs, including interest and other carrying costs during the construction and/or renovation periods, are included in the cost of the related asset and charged to operations through depreciation over the asset’s estimated useful life. A variety of costs are incurred in the development and leasing of a property, such as pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs, and other costs incurred during the period of development. After a determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. The Company ceases capitalization on the portions substantially completed and occupied, or held available for occupancy, and capitalizes only those costs associated with the portions under development. The Company considers a construction project to be substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements, but not later than one year from cessation of major construction activity.

The Company allocates the fair value of real estate acquired to land, buildings and improvements. In addition, the fair value of in-place leases is allocated to intangible lease assets and liabilities. The fair value of the tangible assets of an acquired property is determined by valuing the property as if it were vacant, which value is then allocated to land, buildings and improvements based on management’s determination of the 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, tenant improvements, legal and other related costs.

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 differences 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 periods. The fair values associated with below-market rental renewal options are determined based on the Company’s experience and the relevant facts and circumstances that existed at the time of the acquisitions. The values of above-market leases are amortized to rental income over the terms of the respective non-cancelable lease periods. The portion of the values of below-market leases associated with the original non-cancelable lease terms are amortized to rental income over the terms of the respective non-cancelable lease periods. The portion of the values of the leases associated with below-market renewal options that are likely of exercise are amortized to rental income over the respective renewal periods. The value of other intangible assets (including leasing commissions, tenant improvements, etc.) is amortized to expense over the applicable terms of the respective leases. If a lease were to be terminated prior to its stated expiration or not renewed, all unamortized amounts relating to that lease would be recognized in operations at that time.

Management reviews each real estate investment for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of a real estate investment may not be recoverable. The review of recoverability of real estate investments held for use is based on 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, as well as the effects of leasing demand, capital expenditures, competition and other factors. If an impairment event exists due to the projected inability to recover the carrying value of a real estate investment, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value.

Sales of real estate are recognized only when sufficient down payments have been obtained, possession and other attributes of ownership have been transferred to the buyer and the Company has no significant continuing involvement. The Company believes these criteria were met for all real estate sold during 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Properties Held For Sale/Conveyance

In accordance with the newly-adopted guidance for reporting discontinued operations (see below), the carrying values of the assets and liabilities of properties determined to be held for sale/conveyance, principally the net book values of the real estate and the related mortgage loans payable to be assumed by the buyers (or conveyed to the mortgagees), are reclassified as “held for sale/conveyance” on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets at the time such determinations are made, on a prospective basis only. In addition, the Company anticipates that sales of all such properties remaining classified as “held for sale/conveyance” at the balance sheet date will be concluded within one year from such date .

The Company conducts a continuing review of the values for all remaining properties “held for sale/conveyance” based on final sales prices and sales contracts entered into. Impairment charges/reversals, if applicable, are based on a comparison of the carrying values of the properties with either (1) actual sales prices less costs to sell for properties sold, or contract amounts for properties in the process of being sold, (2) estimated sales prices based on discounted cash flow analyses, if no contract amounts were as yet being negotiated (see Note 6 — “Fair Value Measurements”), or (3) with respect to land parcels, estimated sales prices, less cost to sell, based on comparable sales completed in the selected market areas. Prior to the Company’s determination to dispose of properties, which are subsequently reclassified to “held for sale/conveyance”, the Company performs recoverability analyses based on the estimated undiscounted cash flows that were expected to result from the real estate investments’ use and eventual disposal. The projected undiscounted cash flows of each property reflects that the carrying value of each real estate investment would be recovered. However, as a result of the properties’ meeting the “held for sale” criteria, such properties were written down to the lower of their carrying value and estimated fair values less costs to sell.

Cash and Cash Equivalents / Restricted Cash

Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash in banks and short-term investments with original maturities when purchased of less than ninety days, and include cash at consolidated joint ventures of $0.8 million and $1.5 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

The terms of several of the Company’s mortgage loans payable require the Company to deposit certain replacement and other reserves with its lenders. Such “restricted cash” is generally available only for property-level requirements for which the reserves have been established.

Fair Value Measurements

The accounting guidance for fair value measurement establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three levels:

Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.

Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to Level 1 inputs and the lowest priority to Level 3 inputs. In determining fair value, the Company utilizes valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs to the extent possible while also considering counterparty credit risk in the assessment of fair value.

Revenue Recognition and Receivables

Management has determined that all of the Company’s leases with its various tenants are operating leases. Rental income with scheduled rent increases is recognized using the straight-line method over the respective non-cancelable terms of the leases. The aggregate excess of rental revenue recognized on a straight-line basis over the contractual base rents is included in receivables on the consolidated balance sheet. Leases also generally contain provisions under which the tenants reimburse the Company for a portion of property operating expenses and real estate taxes incurred, generally attributable to their respective allocable portions of gross leasable area. Such income is recognized in the periods earned. In addition, a limited number of operating leases contain contingent rent provisions under which tenants are required to pay, as additional rent, a percentage of their sales in excess of a specified amount. The Company defers recognition of contingent rental income until those specified sales targets are met. Revenues also include items such as lease termination fees, which tend to fluctuate more than rents from year to year. Termination fees are fees that the Company has agreed to accept in consideration for permitting certain tenants to terminate their lease prior to the contractual expiration. The Company recognizes lease termination income when the following conditions are met: (1) the lease termination agreement has been executed, (2) the lease termination fee is determinable, (3) all the Company’s landlord services pursuant to the terminated lease have been rendered, and (4) collectability of the lease termination fee is assured.

The Company must make estimates as to the collectability of its accounts receivable related to base rent, straight-line rent, percentage rent, expense reimbursements and other revenues. When management analyzes accounts receivable and evaluates the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts, it considers such things as historical bad debts, tenant creditworthiness, current economic trends, current developments relevant to a tenant’s business specifically and to its business category generally, and changes in tenants’ payment patterns. The allowance for doubtful accounts was $4.3 million and $5.1 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The provision for doubtful accounts (included in operating, maintenance and management expenses) was $1.9 million, $1.8 million and $1.9 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Income Taxes

The Company has elected to be taxed as a REIT under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). A REIT will generally not be subject to federal income taxation on that portion of its income that qualifies as REIT taxable income, to the extent that it distributes at least 90% of such REIT taxable income to its shareholders and complies with certain other requirements. As of December 31, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all REIT requirements.

The Company follows a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain federal, state and local 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 Company has not identified any uncertain tax positions which would require an accrual.

Derivative Financial Instruments

The Company occasionally utilizes derivative financial instruments, principally interest rate swaps, to manage its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. The Company has established policies and procedures for risk assessment, and the approval, reporting and monitoring of derivative financial instruments. Derivative financial instruments must be effective in reducing the Company’s interest rate risk exposure in order to qualify for hedge accounting. When the terms of an underlying transaction are modified, or when the underlying hedged item ceases to exist, all changes in the fair value of the instrument are marked-to-market with changes in value included in net income for each period until the derivative financial instrument matures or is settled. Any derivative financial instrument used for risk management that does not meet the hedging criteria is marked-to-market with the changes in value included in net income. The Company has not entered into, and does not plan to enter into, derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes.

Noncontrolling Interest - Limited Partners’ Mezzanine OP Units

The Company follows the accounting guidance related to noncontrolling interests in consolidated financial statements, which states that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary (minority interests or certain limited partners’ interest, in the case of the Company), subject to the classification and measurement of redeemable securities, is an ownership interest in a consolidated entity which should be reported as equity in the parent company’s consolidated financial statements. The guidance requires a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of equity attributable to noncontrolling interests and disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of those amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the noncontrolling interests. The Company classifies the balances related to minority interests in consolidated joint ventures and limited partners’ interest in the Operating Partnership into the consolidated equity accounts, as appropriate. Certain noncontrolling interests of the Company are classified in the mezzanine section of the balance sheet (the “mezzanine OP Units”) as such OP Units do not meet the requirements for equity classification (certain of the holders of such OP Units have registration rights that provide such holders with the right to demand registration under the federal securities laws of the common stock of the Company issuable upon conversion of such OP Units). The Company adjusts the carrying value of the mezzanine OP Units each period to equal the greater of its historical carrying value or its redemption value. Through December 31, 2014, there have been no cumulative net adjustments recorded to the carrying amounts of the mezzanine OP Units.

Share-Based Compensation

The Company’s 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2012 Plan”) establishes the procedures for the granting of, among other things, restricted stock awards. The maximum number of shares of the Company’s common stock that may be issued pursuant to the 2012 Plan is 4.5 million, and the maximum number of shares that may be granted to a participant in any calendar year may not exceed 500,000. All grants issued pursuant to the 2012 Plan generally vest (1) at the end of designated time periods for time-based grants, or (2) upon the completion of a designated period of performance for performance-based grants and satisfaction of performance criteria. Time–based grants are valued according to the market price for the Company’s common stock at the date of grant. For performance-based grants, the Company generally engages an independent appraisal company to determine the value of the shares at the date of grant, taking into account the underlying contingency risks associated with the performance criteria. The value of all grants are being expensed on a straight-line basis over their respective vesting periods (irrespective of achievement of the performance-based grants) adjusted, as applicable, for forfeitures. For restricted share grants subject to graded vesting, the amounts expensed are at least equal to the measured expense of each vested tranche. Based on the terms of the 2012 Plan, those grants of restricted shares that are contributed to the Rabbi Trusts are classified as treasury stock on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

Supplemental Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Information


	Years ended
	2014	2013	2012
Supplemental disclosure of cash activities:
Cash paid for interest	$ 32,275,000	$ 36,114,000	$ 43,663,000
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash activities:
Capitalization of interest and financing costs	757,000	915,000	1,314,000
Mortgage loans payable assumed upon acquisition	(53,439,000)	-	-
Mortgage loans payable assumed by buyer	15,557,000	-	76,632,000
Conversions of OP Units into common stock	371,000	24,000	7,895,000
Issuance of OP Units in connection with a property acquisition	-	(1,500,000)	-
Deed-in-lieu of foreclosure of properties:
Real estate transferred	(6,238,000)	(4,724,000)	-
Mortgage loans payable and related obligations settled	7,661,000	13,878,000	-
Acquisition of noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint venture properties	-	-	7,595,000
Disposition of noncontrolling interests in consolidated joint venture properties	-	-	(36,840,000)
Exchange of joint venture interest for 100% interest in unconsolidated joint venture property:
Real estate and related assets acquired	-	-	75,127,000
Mortgage loan payable assumed	-	-	(43,112,000)

Recently-Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In April 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance which amends the requirements for reporting discontinued operations. Under the amended guidance, a disposal of an individual property or group of properties is required to be reported in “discontinued operations” only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has, or will have, a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results. The amended guidance also requires additional disclosures about both discontinued operations and the disposal of an individually significant component of an entity that does not qualify for discontinued operations presentation in the financial statements. The Company has adopted the provisions of this guidance as of January 1, 2014, and has applied the provisions prospectively. The results of operations for properties classified as “held for sale/conveyance” prior to the adoption of this guidance will continue to be reported as “discontinued operations” in the consolidated statements of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued guidance which amends the accounting for revenue recognition. Under the amended guidance, a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption not permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact the adoption of the guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued guidance which requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions and events that raise substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, and to provide disclosures when it is probable that the entity will be unable to meet its obligations as they become due within one year after the date that the financial statements are issued. The guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.