| Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements were prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB") Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”), including guidance with respect to interim financial information and in conformity with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. While they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements, we believe that we have included all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016 due to seasonality and other factors. These interim financial statements should be read together with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.
Certain amounts previously reported in our March 31, 2015 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the March 31, 2016 presentation. We reclassified the revenues and cost of operations, net for our wholly-owned commercial facilities and property management operations as interest and other income (an aggregate of approximately $ 4.5 million and $ 1.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, respectively), rather than as ancillary revenues and ancillary cost of operations. We also revised our reportable segment presentation in Note 10, including renaming (i) our “Domestic Self-Storage” segment to “Self-Storage Operations,” (ii) our “European Self-Storage” segment to “Investment in Shurgard Europe,” (iii) our “Commercial” segment to “Investment in PSB,” removing our commercial facilities’ operations from this segment, and (iv) presenting a new segment called “Ancillary Operations” reflecting the sale of merchandise at our self-storage facilities and reinsurance of policies covering losses to goods stored by our tenants at our facilities. Each of these reclassifications reflects changes to enhance the usefulness of this information based upon the relative significance of these activities to our aggregate operating results.
On our statement of cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015, we reclassified as cash flows from financing activities the $13.3 million we paid for the restricted share units that we withheld upon their vesting for tax requirements, in connection with a recently issued accounting pronouncement related to employee share-based payment accounting we early adopted effective January 1, 2016. We previously included these amounts within operating activities (see “Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Guidance” below).
Consolidation and Equity Method of Accounting
We consider entities to be Variable Interest Entities (“VIEs”) when they have insufficient equity to finance their activities without additional subordinated financial support provided by other parties, or the equity holders as a group do not have a controlling financial interest. We consolidate VIE s when we have i) the power to direct the activities most significantly impacting economic performance, and ii) either the obligation to absorb l osses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We have no i nvolvement with any material VIE s. We consolidate all other entities when we control them through voting shares or contractual rights. The entities we consolidate, for the period in which the reference applies, are referred to collectively as the “Subsidiaries”, and we eliminate intercompany transactions and balances.
We account for our investments in entities that we do not consolidate but have significant influence over using the equity method of accounting. These entities, for the periods in which the reference applies, are referred to collectively as the “Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities”, eliminating intra-entity profits and losses and amortizing any differences between the cost of our investment and the underlying equity in net assets against equity in earnings as if the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entity were a consolidated subsidiary.
When we begin consolidating an entity, we record a gain representing the differential between the book value and fair value of any preexisting equity interest. All changes in consolidation status are reflected prospectively.
Collectively, at March 31, 2016, the Company and the Subsidiaries own 2,279 self-storage facilities in the U.S., one self-storage facility in London, England and three commercial facilities in the U.S. At March 31, 2016, the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities are comprised of PSB, Shurgard Europe, as well as limited partnerships that own an aggregate of 12 self-storage facilities in the U.S. (these limited partnerships, for the periods in which the reference applies, are referred to as the “Other Investments”).
Use of Estimates
The financial statements and accompanying notes reflect our estimates and assumptions. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Income Taxes
We have elected to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”), as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). As a REIT, we do not incur federal income tax if we distribute 100% of our REIT taxable income each year, and if we meet certain organizational and operational rules. We believe we have me t these REIT requirements for all periods presented herein. Accordingly, we have recorded no federal income tax expense related to our REIT taxable income.
Our merchandise and tenant reinsurance operations are subject to corporate income tax and such taxes are included in ancillary cost of operations. We also incur income and other taxes in certain states, which are included in general and administrative expense.
We recognize tax benefits of uncertain income tax positions that are subject to audit only if we believe it is more likely than not that the position would ultimately be sustained assuming the relevant taxing authorities had full knowledge of the relevant facts and circumstances of our positions. As of March 31, 201 6 , we had no tax benefits that were not recognized.
Real Estate Facilities
Real estate facilities are recorded at cost. We capitalize all costs incurred to develop, construct, renovate and improve facilities, including interest and property taxes incurred during the construction period. We expense internal and external transaction costs associated with acquisitions or dispositions of real estate, as well as repairs and maintenance costs, as incurred. We depreciate buildings and improvements on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging generally between 5 to 25 years.
We allocate the net acquisition cost of acquired operating self-storage facilities to the underlying land, buildings, identified intangible assets, and any noncontrolling interests that remain outstanding based upon their respective individual estimated fair values. Any difference between the net acquisition cost and the estimated fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired is recorded as goodwill.
Other Assets
Other assets primarily consist of rents receivable from our tenants, prepaid expenses and restricted cash.
Accrued and Other Liabilities
Accrued and other liabilities consist primarily of rents prepaid by our tenants, trade payables, property tax accruals, accrued payroll, accrued tenant reinsurance losses, and contingent loss accruals when probable and estimable. We disclose the nature of significant unaccrued losses that are reasonably possible of occurring and, if estimable, a range of exposure.
Cash Equivalents, Marketable Securities and Other Financial Instruments
Cash equivalents represent highly liquid financial instruments such as money market funds with daily liquidity or short-term commercial paper or treasury securities maturing within three months of acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents which are restricted from general corporate use are included in other assets. Commercial paper not maturing within three months of acquisition, which we intend and have the capacity to hold until maturity, are included in marketable securities and accounted for using the effective interest method.
Transfers of financial assets are recorded as sales when the asset is put presumptively beyond our and our creditors’ reach, there is no impediment to the transferee’s right to pledge or exchange the asset, we have surrendered effective control of the asset, we have no actual or effective right or requirement to repurchase the asset and, in the case of a transfer of a participating interest, there is no impediment to our right to pledge or exchange the participating interest we retain.
Fair Value Accounting
As used herein, the term “fair value” is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. We prioritize the inputs used in measuring fair value based upon a three-tier hierarchy described in Codification Section 820-10-35. Our estimates of fair value involve considerable judgment and are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in current market exchanges.
We believe that, during all periods presented, the carrying values approximate the estimated fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, other assets, and accrued and other liabilities, based upon our evaluation of the underlying characteristics, market data, and short maturity of these financial instruments, which involved considerable judgment. The characteristics of these financial instruments, market data, and other comparative metrics utilized in determining these fair values are “Level 2” inputs as the term is defined in Codification Section 820-10-35-47.
We estimate fair values in recording our business combinations, to evaluate real estate, investments in unconsolidated real estate entities, goodwill, and other intangible assets for impairment, and to determine the fair values of notes payable and receivable. In estimating these fair values, we consider significant unobservable inputs such as market prices of land, market capitalization rates and earnings multiples for real estate facilities, projected levels of earnings, costs of construction, functional depreciation, and market interest rates for debt securities with a similar time to maturity and credit quality, which are “Level 3” inputs as the term is defined in Codification Section 820-10-35-52.
Currency and Credit Risk
Financial assets that are exposed to credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, certain portions of other assets including rents receivable from our tenants and restricted cash. Cash equivalents we invest in are either money market funds with a rating of at least AAA by Standard and Poor’s, commercial paper that is rated A1 by Standard and Poor’s or deposits with highly rated commercial banks.
At March 31, 201 6 , due primarily to our investment in Shurgard Europe and our senior unsecured notes denominated in Euros (Note 5) , our operating results and financial position are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates between the Euro, and to a lesser extent, other European currencies, against the U.S. Dollar.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Intangible assets are comprised of goodwill, the “Shurgard” trade name, acquired customers in place, and leasehold interests in land.
Goodwill totaled $174.6 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . The “Shurgard” trade name, which is used by Shurgard Europe pursuant to a fee-based licensing agreement, has a book value of $18.8 million at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Goodwill and the “Shurgard” trade name have indefinite lives and are not amortized.
Acquired customers in place and leasehold interests in land are finite-lived and are amortized relative to the benefit of the customers in place or the benefit to land lease expense to each period. At March 31, 201 6 , these intangibles had a net book value of $19.0 million ( $18.0 million at December 31, 201 5 ). Accumulated amortization totaled $57.6 million at March 31, 201 6 ( $66.4 million at December 31, 201 5 ), and amortization expense of $5.6 million and $9.2 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for our finite-lived intangible assets at March 31, 2016 is approximately $9.1 million in the remainder of 2016, $3.6 million in 2017 and $6.3 million thereafter. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, intangibles were increased $6.6 million in connection with the acquisition of self-storage facilities (Note 3).
Evaluation of Asset Impairment
We evaluate our real estate and finite-lived intangible assets for impairment each quarter. If there are indicators of impairment and we determine that the asset is not recoverable from future undiscounted cash flows to be received through the asset’s remaining life (or, if earlier, the expected disposal date), we record an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s estimated fair value or net proceeds from expected disposal.
We evaluate our investments in unconsolidated real estate entities for impairment on a quarterly basis. We record an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount exceeds estimated fair value, when we believe any such shortfall is other than temporary.
We evaluate goodwill for impairment annually and whenever relevant events, circumstances and other related factors indicate that fair value of the related reporting unit may be less than the carrying amount. If we determine that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the aggregate carrying amount, no impairment charge is recorded. Otherwise, we record an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds the amount that would be allocated to goodwill if the reporting unit were acqui red for estimated fair value.
We evaluate the “Shurgard” trade name for impairment at least annually and whenever relevant events, circumstances and other related factors indicate that the fair value is less than the carrying amount. When we conclude that it is likely that the asset is not impaired, we do not record an impairment charge and no further analysis is performed. Otherwise, we record an impairment charge to the extent the carrying amount exceeds the asset’s estimated fair value.
No impairments were recorded in any of our evaluations for any period presented herein.
Revenue and Expense Recognition
Revenues from self-storage facilities, which is primarily composed of rental income earned pursuant to month-to-month leases for storage space, as well as associated late charges and administrative fees, are recognized as earned. Promotional discounts reduce rental income over the promotional period, which is generally one month. Ancillary revenues and interest and other income are recognized when earned. Equity in earnings of unconsolidated real estate entities represents our pro-rata share of the earnings of the Unconsolidated Real Estate Entities.
We accrue for property tax expense based upon actual amounts billed and, in some circumstances, estimates when bills or assessments have not been received from the taxing authorities. If these estimates are incorrect, the timing and amount of expense recognition could be incorrect. Cost of operations, general and administrative expense, interest expense, as well as advertising expenditures are expensed as incurred.
Foreign Currency Exchange Translation
The local currency (primarily the Euro) is the functional currency for our interests in foreign operations. The related balance sheet amounts are translated into U.S. Dollars at the exchange rates at the respective financial statement date, while amounts on our statements of income are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective period. When financial instruments denominated in a currency other than the U.S. Dollar are expected to be settled in cash in the foreseeable future, the impact of changes in the U.S. Dollar equivalent are reflected in current earnings. The Euro was translated at exchange rates of approximately 1.136 U.S. Dollars per Euro at March 31, 2016 ( 1.091 at December 31, 2015), and average exchange rates of 1.103 and 1.127 for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Cumulative translation adjustments, to the extent not included in cumulative net income, are included in equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss).
Comprehensive Income
Total comprehensive income represents net income, adjusted for changes in other comprehensive income (loss) for the applicable period. The aggregate foreign currency exchange gains and losses reflected on our statements of comprehensive income are comprised primarily of foreign currency exchange gains and losses on our investment in Shurgard Europe and our senior unsecured notes denominated in Euros .
Recent Accounting Pronouncements and Guidance
In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers , which requires revenue to be based upon the consideration expected from customers for promised goods or services. The new standard, effective on January 1, 2018, permits either the retrospective or cumulative effects transition method and allows for early adoption on January 1, 2017. We do not believe this standard will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition.
In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation – Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis , which modifies (i) the criteria for and the analysis of the identification of consolidation of variable interest entities, particularly when fee arrangements and related party relationships are involved, and (ii) the consolidation analysis for partnerships. We adopted this standard effective January 1, 2016. The adoption of this standard did not change the consolidation status of any entities in which we have an interest; however, certain entities began to be considered VIE’s as a result of the change .
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 new standard, effective on January 1, 2019, 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 and allows for early adoption on January 1, 2016. We have not yet determined whether this standard will have a material effect on our results of operations or financial condition.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplifies various aspects of how share-based payments to employees are accounted for and presented in the financial statements. We early adopted this standard effective January 1, 2016. The updated guidance requires that when an employer withholds shares upon the exercise of stock options or the vesting of restricted shares for the purpose of meeting withholding tax requirements, that the cash paid for withholding taxes be classified as a financing activity on its statement of cash flows. This provision of the standard requires retrospective application. We previously presented these amounts within operating activities. See “Basis of Presentation” above. The updated guidance further provides that companies may elect whether to account for forfeitures of share-based payments by (i) recognizing forfeitures of awards as they occur or (ii) estimating the number of awards expected to be forfeited and adjusting the estimate when it is likely to change, as is currently required. This election must be applied using a modified retrospective transition method, with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings. We have elected to account for forfeitures of share-based payments as they occur, rather than estimating them in advance. Accordingly, we recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment of $0.8 million to increase accumulated deficit and increase paid-in capital as of January 1, 2016, representing the impact of estimated forfeitures on our cumulative share-based compensation expense recorded through December 31, 2015 (Note 9).
Net Income per Common Share
Net income is allocated to (i) noncontrolling interests based upon their share of the net income of the Subsidiaries, (ii) preferred shareholders, to the extent redemption cost exceeds the related original net issuance proceeds (an “EITF D-42 allocation”), and (iii) the remaining net income allocated to each of our equity securities based upon the dividends declared or accumulated during the period, combined with participation rights in undistributed earnings.
Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted average common shares outstanding, adjusted for the impact, if dilutive, of stock options outstanding (Note 9 ).
The following table reflects net income allocable to common shareholders and the weighted average common shares and equivalents outstanding, as used in our calculations of basic and diluted net income per share :
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
2016
2015
(Amounts in thousands)
Net income allocable to common shareholders
$ 241,335
$ 212,613
Weighted average common shares and equivalents
outstanding:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
172,977
172,520
Net effect of dilutive stock options -
based on treasury stock method
873
846
Diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding
173,850
173,366
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