| Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
We have prepared the accompanying interim financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) as set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (the “Codification”) of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB"), and in conformity with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In our opinion, the interim financial statements presented herein reflect all adjustments, of a normal recurring nature, that are necessary to fairly present the interim financial statements. Because they do not include all of the disclosures required by GAAP for complete annual financial statements, 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, 2016.
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 VIEs when we have (i) the power to direct the activities most significantly impacting economic performance, and (ii) either the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE. We have no involvement with any material VIEs. 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 or loss 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, 2017, the Company and the Subsidiaries own 2,342 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, 2017, 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.
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 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 met 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, 2017, 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 acquire, develop, construct, renovate and improve facilities, including interest and property taxes incurred during the construction period and, effective October 1, 2016, the external transaction costs associated with acquisitions of real estate. Prior to October 1, 2016, transaction costs for acquisitions were included in general and administrative expense on our income statements. This change was made due to a change in GAAP, which results in real estate facility acquisitions generally being considered acquisitions of assets rather than business combinations. We allocate the net acquisition cost of acquired real estate facilities to the underlying land, buildings, and identified intangible assets based upon their respective individual estimated fair values.
Costs associated with dispositions of real estate, as well as repairs and maintenance costs, are expensed as incurred. We depreciate buildings and improvements on a straight-line basis over estimated useful lives ranging generally between 5 to 25 years.
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 believe the fair value of our accrued and other liabilities approximates book value, due to the short period until repayment. 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. We believe that the book value of all such financial instruments for all periods presented approximates fair value, due to the short period to maturity.
Fair Value
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. 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 estimate the fair value of our cash and cash equivalents, marketable securities, other assets, debt, and other liabilities by applying a discount rate to the future cash flows of the financial instrument. The discount rate is based upon quoted interest rates for securities that have similar characteristics such as credit quality and time to maturity; such quoted interest rates are referred to generally as “Level 2” inputs.
Currency and Credit Risk
Financial instruments 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 & Poor’s, commercial paper that is rated A1 by Standard & Poor’s or deposits with highly rated commercial banks.
At March 31, 2017, due primarily to our investment in Shurgard Europe (Note 4) 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016. 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, 2017 and December 31, 2016. 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 assets 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, 2017, these intangibles had a net book value of $ 16.2 million ( $ 19.3 million at December 31, 2016). Accumulated amortization totaled $ 38.1 million at March 31, 2017 ( $54. 0 million at December 31, 2016), and amortization expense of $ 4.6 million and $ 5.6 million was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The estimated future amortization expense for our finite-lived intangible assets at March 31, 2017 is approximately $ 7.6 million in the remainder of 2017, $2.7 million in 2018 and $ 5.9 million thereafter. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, intangibles were increased $ 1.5 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 acquired for estimated fair value.
We evaluate other indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as 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 are primarily composed of rental income earned pursuant to month-to-month leases, 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 1.0 68 U.S. Dollars per Euro at March 31, 2017 ( 1. 052 at December 31, 2016), and average exchange rates of 1.065 and 1.103 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, 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.
Recently 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, primarily because most of our revenue is from rental revenue, which this standard does not cover and because we do not provide any material associated services to our tenants.
In August, 2014, the FASB issued new accounting guidance, which defines management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an organization’s ability to continue as a going concern. This guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted the new guidance during the fourth quarter of 2016 and the adoption did not require any disclosures about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.
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 do not believe this standard will have a material impact on our results of operations or financial condition, because substantially all of our lease revenues are derived from month-to-month self-storage leases, and we do not have material amounts of lease expense.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows – Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments . The new standard provides guidance on certain specific cash flow issues, including, but not limited to, debt prepayment or extinguishment costs and distributions received from equity method investees. The standard is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted and shall be applied retrospectively where practicable. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2017 and has elected to use the cumulative earnings approach to classify distributions received from equity method investees. Under the cumulative earnings approach, distributions up to the amount of cumulative equity in earnings recognized will be treated as returns on investment and those in excess of that amount will be treated as returns of investment. The adoption of the cumulative earnings approach had no impact on our consolidated financial statements for the periods presented.
In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Restricted Cash , which requires the statement of cash flows to explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The new guidance also requires entities to reconcile such total to amounts on the balance sheet and disclose the nature of the restrictions. The standard is effective on January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The standard requires the use of the retrospective transition method. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
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 is 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 and diluted net income per common share are each calculated based upon net income allocable to common shareholders presented on the face of our income statement, divided by (i) in the case of basic net income per common share, weighted average common shares, and (ii) in the case of diluted income per share, weighted average common shares adjusted for the impact, if dilutive, of stock options outstanding (Note 9). The following table reconciles from basic to diluted common shares outstanding:
For the Three Months Ended March 31,
2017
2016
(Amounts in thousands)
Weighted average common shares and equivalents
outstanding:
Basic weighted average common
shares outstanding
173,364
172,977
Net effect of dilutive stock options -
based on treasury stock method
705
873
Diluted weighted average common
shares outstanding
174,069
173,850
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