SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of GGP, our subsidiaries and joint ventures in which we have a controlling interest. For consolidated joint ventures, the noncontrolling partner's share of the assets, liabilities and operations of the joint ventures (generally computed as the joint venture partner's ownership percentage) is included in noncontrolling interests in consolidated real estate affiliates as permanent equity of the Company. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Noncontrolling interests are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheets related to the Common, Preferred, and LTIP Units of GGPOP and are presented either as redeemable noncontrolling interests or as noncontrolling interests in our permanent equity. E ach of the Operating Partnerships are variable interest entities as the limited partners do not have substantive kick-out rights or substantive participating rights. However, as the Company holds a majority voting interest in the Operating Partnerships, it qualifies for the exemption from providing certain of the disclosure requirements associated with variable interest entities. We operate in a single reportable segment, which includes the operation, development and management of retail and other rental properties. Our portfolio is targeted to a range of market sizes and consumer tastes. Each of our operating properties is considered a separate operating segment, as each property earns revenues and incurs expenses, individual operating results are reviewed and discrete financial information is available. The Company's chief operating decision maker is comprised of a team of several members of executive management who use Company NOI in assessing segment operating performance. We do not distinguish or group our consolidated operations based on geography, size or type for purposes of making property operating decisions. Our operating properties have similar economic characteristics and provide similar products and services to our tenants. There are no individual operating segments that are greater than 10% of combined revenue, Company NOI or combined assets. Company NOI excludes certain non-cash and non-comparable items such as straight-line rent and intangible asset and liability amortization, which are a result of our emergence, acquisition accounting and other capital contribution or restructuring events. Further, all material operations are within the United States and no customer or tenant comprises more than 10% of consolidated revenues. As a result, the Company's operating properties are aggregated into a single reportable segment. Properties Real estate assets are stated at cost less any provisions for impairments. Expenditures for significant betterments and improvements are capitalized. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred. Construction and improvement costs incurred in connection with the development of new properties or the redevelopment of existing properties are capitalized. Real estate taxes, interest costs, and internal costs associated with leasing and development overhead incurred during construction periods are capitalized. Capitalization is based on qualified expenditures and interest rates. Capitalized real estate taxes, interest costs, and internal costs associated with leasing and development overhead are amortized over lives which are consistent with the related assets. Pre-development costs, which generally include legal and professional fees and other third-party costs directly related to the construction assets, are capitalized as part of the property being developed. In the event a development is no longer deemed to be probable of occurring, the capitalized costs are expensed (see also our impairment policies in this note below). We periodically review the estimated useful lives of our properties, and may adjust them as necessary. The estimated useful lives of our properties range from 10 - 45 years. Depreciation or amortization expense is computed using the straight-line method based upon the following estimated useful lives: Years Buildings and improvements 10 - 45 Equipment and fixtures 3 - 20 Tenant improvements Shorter of useful life or applicable lease term Acquisitions of Operating Properties ( Note 3 ) Acquisitions of properties are accounted for utilizing the acquisition method of accounting and, accordingly, the results of operations of acquired properties have been included in the results of operations from the respective dates of acquisition. Estimates of future cash flows and other valuation techniques are used to allocate the purchase price of acquired property between land, buildings and improvements, equipment, assumed debt liabilities and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities such as amounts related to in-place tenant leases, acquired above and below-market tenant and ground leases, and tenant relationships. Identifiable intangible assets and liabilities are calculated for above-market and below-market tenant and ground leases where we are either the lessor or the lessee. The difference between the contractual rental rates and our estimate of market rental rates is measured over a period equal to the remaining non-cancelable term of the leases, including significantly below-market renewal options for which exercise of the renewal option appears to be reasonably assured. The remaining term of leases with renewal options at terms significantly below market reflect the assumed exercise of such below-market renewal options and assume the amortization period would coincide with the extended lease term. The gross asset balances of the in-place value of tenant leases are included in buildings and equipment in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Gross Asset Accumulated Amortization Net Carrying Amount As of March 31, 2017 Tenant leases: In-place value $ 286,795 $ (185,432 ) $ 101,363 As of December 31, 2016 Tenant leases: In-place value $ 306,094 $ (214,111 ) $ 91,983 The above-market tenant leases and below-market ground leases are included in prepaid expenses and other assets ( Note 14 ); the below-market tenant leases, above-market ground leases and above-market headquarters office lease are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses ( Note 15 ) in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization/accretion of all intangibles, including the intangibles in Note 14 and Note 15 , had the following effects on our income from continuing operations: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Amortization/accretion effect on continuing operations $ (24,919 ) $ (24,184 ) Future amortization/accretion of all intangibles, including the intangibles in Note 14 and Note 15 , is estimated to decrease results from continuing operations as follows: Year Amount 2017 Remaining $ 46,119 2018 41,819 2019 26,050 2020 19,247 2021 14,275 Marketable Securities Marketable securities are comprised of equity securities that are classified as available-for-sale. Available-for-sale securities are presented in prepaid expenses and other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses resulting from the mark-to-market of these securities are included in other comprehensive income. Realized gains and losses are recognized in earnings only upon the sale of the securities and are recorded based on the weighted average cost of such securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , we recognized gains of $13.1 million in management fees and other corporate revenues on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income from the sale of Seritage Growth Properties stock. Investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates ( Note 5 ) We account for investments in joint ventures where we own a non-controlling joint interest using either the equity method or the cost method. If we have significant influence but not control over the investment, we utilize the equity method. If we have neither control nor significant influence, we utilize the cost method. Under the equity method, the cost of our investment is adjusted for our share of the earnings of such Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates from the date of acquisition, increased by our contributions and reduced by distributions received. Under the cost method, the cost of our investment is not adjusted for our share of the earnings of such Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates from the date of acquisition and distributions are treated as earnings when received. To determine the method of accounting for partially owned joint ventures, we evaluate the characteristics of associated entities and determine whether an entity is a variable interest entity ("VIE"). A limited partnership or other similar entity is considered a VIE unless a simple majority of limited partners (excluding limited partners that are under common control with the general partner) have substantive kick-out rights or participating rights. Accounting guidance amended the following: (i) modified the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs") or voting interest entities, (ii) eliminated the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, (iii) affected the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, and (iv) provided a scope exception for certain entities. If an entity is determined to be a VIE, we determine which party is the primary beneficiary by analyzing whether we have both the power to direct the entity's significant economic activities and the obligation to absorb potentially significant losses or receive potentially significant benefits. Significant judgments and assumptions inherent in this analysis include the nature of the entity's operations, future cash flow projections, the entity's financing and capital structure, and contractual relationship and terms. The adoption of the consolidation guidance did not materially impact our consolidated financial statements. Primary risks associated with our VIEs include the potential of funding the entities' debt obligations or making additional contributions to fund the entities' operations. Generally, the operating agreements with respect to our Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates provide that assets, liabilities and funding obligations are shared in accordance with our ownership percentages. Therefore, we generally also share in the profit and losses, cash flows and other matters relating to our Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates in accordance with our respective ownership percentages. Except for Retained Debt (as described in Note 5 ), differences between the carrying amount of our investment in the Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates and our share of the underlying equity of our Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates are typically amortized over lives ranging from 5 to 45 years. When cumulative distributions exceed our investment in the joint venture, the investment is reported as a liability in our consolidated financial statements. The liability is limited to our maximum potential obligation to fund contractual obligations, including recourse related to certain debt obligations. Partially owned, non-variable interest joint ventures over which we have controlling financial interest are consolidated in our consolidated financial statements. In determining if we have a controlling financial interest, we consider factors such as ownership interest, authority to make decisions, kick-out rights and substantive participating rights. Partially owned joint ventures where we do not have a controlling financial interest, but have the ability to exercise significant influence, are accounted for using the equity method. To the extent that we contribute assets to a joint venture accounted for using the equity method, our investment in the joint venture is recorded at our cost basis in the assets that were contributed to the joint venture. We will recognize gains and losses on the contribution of our real estate to joint ventures, relating solely to the outside partner's interest, to the extent the buyer is independent of the Company, the collection of the sales price is reasonably assured, and we will not be required to support the operations of the property or its related obligations to an extent greater than our proportionate interest. The combined summarized financial information of unconsolidated joint ventures is disclosed in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We continually analyze and assess reconsideration events, including changes in the factors mentioned above, to determine if the consolidation treatment remains appropriate. Decisions regarding consolidation of partially owned entities frequently require significant judgment by our management. Revenue Recognition and Related Matters Minimum rents are recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the related operating leases, including the effect of any free rent periods. Minimum rents also include lease termination income collected from tenants to allow for the tenant to vacate their space prior to their scheduled termination dates, as well as accretion related to above-market and below-market tenant leases on acquired properties and properties that were recorded at fair value at the emergence from bankruptcy. Overage rent is paid by a tenant when the tenant's sales exceed an agreed upon minimum amount and is recognized on an accrual basis once tenant sales exceed contractual tenant lease thresholds and is calculated by multiplying the sales in excess of the minimum amount by a percentage defined in the lease. Tenant recoveries are established in the leases or computed based upon a formula related to real estate taxes, insurance and other property operating expenses and are generally recognized as revenues in the period the related costs are incurred. Real estate sales are recognized whenever (1) a sale is consummated, (2) the buyer has demonstrated an adequate commitment to pay for the property, (3) our receivable is not subject to future subordination, and (4) we have transferred to the buyer the risks and rewards of ownership and do not have continuing involvement. Unless all conditions are met, recognition of all or a portion of the profit shall be postponed. We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts against the portion of accounts receivable, net including straight-line rents, which is estimated to be uncollectible. Such allowances are reviewed periodically based upon our recovery experience. Management Fees and Other Corporate Revenues Management fees and other corporate revenues primarily represent management and leasing fees, development fees, financing fees and fees for other ancillary services performed for the benefit of certain of the Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates. Management fees are reported at 100% of the revenue earned from the joint venture in management fees and other corporate revenues on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income. Our share of the management fee expense incurred by the Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates is reported within equity in income of Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and in property management and other costs in the Condensed Combined Statements of Income in Note 5 . The following table summarizes the management fees from affiliates and our share of the management fee expense: Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 2016 Management fees from affiliates (1) $ 28,143 $ 20,669 Management fee expense (8,803 ) (7,902 ) Net management fees from affiliates $ 19,340 $ 12,767 (1) Excludes a $13.1 million gain recognized in management fees and other corporate revenues on the divestiture of our investment in Seritage Growth Properties during the three months ended March 31, 2016 . Impairment Operating properties We regularly review our consolidated properties for potential impairment indicators whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Impairment indicators are assessed separately for each property and include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in real estate property net operating income, significant decreases in occupancy percentage, debt maturities, changes in management's intent with respect to the properties and prevailing market conditions. If an indicator of potential impairment exists, the property is tested for recoverability by comparing its carrying amount to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. Although the carrying amount may exceed the estimated fair value of certain properties, a real estate asset is only considered to be impaired when its carrying amount cannot be recovered through estimated future undiscounted cash flows. To the extent an impairment provision is determined to be necessary, the excess of the carrying amount of the property over its estimated fair value is expensed to operations. In addition, the impairment provision is allocated proportionately to adjust the carrying amount of the asset group. The adjusted carrying amount, which represents the new cost basis of the property, is depreciated over the remaining useful life of the property. Although we may market a property for sale, there can be no assurance that the transaction will be complete until the sale is finalized. However, GAAP requires us to utilize the Company's expected holding period of our properties when assessing recoverability. If we cannot recover the carrying value of these properties within the planned holding period, we will estimate the fair values of the assets and record impairment charges for properties when the estimated fair value is less than their carrying value. Impairment indicators for pre-development costs, which are typically costs incurred during the beginning stages of a potential development and construction in progress, are assessed by project and include, but are not limited to, significant changes in the Company's plans with respect to the project, significant changes in projected completion dates, tenant demand, anticipated revenues or cash flows, development costs, market factors and sustainability of development projects. Impairment charges are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income when the carrying value of a property is not recoverable and it exceeds the estimated fair value of the property, which can occur in accounting periods preceding disposition and/or in the period of disposition. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 , we recorded a $40.7 million impairment charge on our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income related to two operating properties. We received a bona fide purchase offer during the three months ended March 31, 2016 for one property which was less than the carrying value. The other property had non-recourse debt that matured during 2016 and exceeded the fair value of the operating property. This property was transferred to a special servicer during 2016. No provisions for impairment were recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2017 . Changes in economic and operating conditions that occur subsequent to our review of recoverability of our properties could impact the assumptions used in that assessment and could result in future impairment if assumptions regarding those properties differ from actual results. Investment in Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates A series of operating losses of an investee or other factors may indicate that an other-than-temporary decline in value of our investment in an Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliate has occurred. The investment in each of the Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates is evaluated for valuation declines below the carrying amount. Accordingly, in addition to the property-specific impairment analysis that we performed for such joint ventures (as part of our operating property impairment process described above), we also considered whether there were other-than-temporary declines with respect to the carrying values of our Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates. No impairments related to our investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates were recognized for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 . Changes in economic and operating conditions that occur subsequent to our review of recoverability of our investments in Unconsolidated Real Estate Affiliates could impact the assumptions used in that assessment and could result in future impairment if assumptions regarding those investments differ from actual results. Fair Value Measurements ( Note 4 ) The accounting principles for fair value measurements establish a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: • Level 1 - defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; • Level 2 - defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and • Level 3 - defined as unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions. Note 4 includes a discussion of properties measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs and the fair value of debt, which is estimated on a recurring basis using Level 2 and Level 3 inputs. Note 9 includes a discussion of certain redeemable noncontrolling interests that are measured at fair value using Level 1 inputs. Concentrations of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject us to significant concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and cash equivalents. We are exposed to credit risk with respect to cash held at various financial institutions and access to our credit facility. Our credit risk exposure with regard to our cash and the $1.5 billion , including the uncommitted accordion feature, available under our credit facility is spread among a diversified group of investment grade financial institutions. We had $240.0 million outstanding and no outstanding balance under our credit facility as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2018, companies will be required to apply a five-step model in accounting for revenue. The core principle of the revenue model is that a company recognizes 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. Lease contracts will be excluded from this revenue recognition criteria; however, the sale of real estate will be required to follow the new model. Expanded quantitative and qualitative disclosures regarding revenue recognition will be required for contracts that are subject to this pronouncement. The Company has completed a preliminary review of the potential impact of this pronouncement to determine specific areas that will be affected by the adoption of this standard. Once the new guidance setting forth principles for the recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of leases (discussed below) goes into effect, the new revenue standard may apply to executory costs and other components of revenue due under leases that are deemed to be non-lease components (such as common area maintenance and provision of utilities), even when the revenue for such activities is not separately stipulated in the lease. In that case, then revenue from these items previously recognized on a straight-line basis under current lease guidance would be recognized under the new revenue guidance as the related services are delivered. As a result, while the total revenue recognized over time would not differ under the new guidance, the recognition pattern would be different. The new standard can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative effect adjustment as of the date of adoption. The company is currently evaluating the adoption method that will be used for the implementation. In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02 which will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. Under ASU 2016-02, a lessee will be required to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. Lessor accounting remains substantially similar to current GAAP. However, leasing costs that are currently eligible to be capitalized as initial direct costs are limited by ASU 2016-02. In addition, disclosures of leasing activities are to be expanded to include qualitative along with specific quantitative information. For public entities, ASU 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. ASU 2016-02 mandates a modified retrospective transition method. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07 which eliminates the requirement for retrospective application of equity method accounting when an investment previously accounted for by another method initially qualifies for the equity method. This standard is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 with earlier application permitted. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company's consolidated financial statements. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09 which simplifies the accounting for stock compensation related items such as income tax accounting, award classification, estimation of forfeitures, and cash flow presentation. The amendments in the ASU are effective for public business entities for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company accounted for this compensation award adjustment by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of January 1, 2017. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13 which changes the model for the measurement of credit losses on financial instruments. Specifically, the amendments in the ASU replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. The amendments in this ASU will be effective January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted on January 1, 2019. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this pronouncement on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15 which provides guidance on the statement of cash flows presentation of certain transactions where diversity in practice exists. The effective date will be the first quarter of fiscal year 2019, with early adoption permitted. The ASU will be adopted using a retrospective transition approach. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this pronouncement on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18 which requires that a statement of cash flows explain the change during the reporting period in the total of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. This standard is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. If an entity early adopts the amendments in an interim period, any adjustments should be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year that includes that interim period. The Company is evaluating the potential impact of this pronouncement on its Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-01 which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The definition of a business affects many areas of accounting including acquisitions, disposals, goodwill and consolidation. Public entities should apply the amendments in this standard to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. The Company adopted this pronouncement early in the first fiscal quarter of 2017. The adoption of this standard resulted in less real estate acquisitions qualifying as businesses and, accordingly, acquisition costs for those acquisitions that are not businesses are capitalized rather than expensed. In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05 which clarifies the accounting for the derecognition of nonfinancial assets by eliminating the exception in current GAAP for transfers of investments in real estate entities (including equity method investments). The amendments in this update provide guidance on the accounting of partial sales of nonfinancial assets and contributions of nonfinancial assets to a joint venture or other noncontrolling investee. Once this guidance is adopted, an entity would use the guidance in the new revenue recognition standard (discussed above) to determine whether it is transferring multiple, distinct assets and would recognize a gain or loss for each distinct asset transferred. When an entity transfers nonfinancial assets included in a subsidiary and retains or receives an equity interest, it first determines whether it has retained a controlling financial interest in the subsidiary. If so, the entity does not derecognize the assets and accounts for the sale of noncontrolling interest in the subsidiary under the consolidation guidance covering decreases in ownership which would result in recognizing a gain or loss in equity. If an entity retains or receives a noncontrolling interest in the entity that owns the asset post-sale, that noncontrolling interest is considered noncash consideration and is included in the transaction price at its fair value. The retained noncontrolling interest is included at its fair value and results in an entity recognizing 100% of the gain on sale of the asset which differs from current applicable GAAP. Public entities should apply the amendments in this standard to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those periods. Entities are required to adopt this standard in conjunction with the new revenue recognition standard which we will adopt on January 1, 2018. The adoption of this standard will result in higher gains on the sale of partial real estate interests due to recognizing 100% of the gain on sale of the partial interest and recording the retained noncontrolling interest at fair value. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. For example, estimates and assumptions have been made with respect to fair values of assets and liabilities for purposes of applying the acquisition method of accounting, the useful lives of assets, capitalization of development and leasing costs, provision for income taxes, recoverable amounts of receivables and deferred taxes, provision for loan loss, initial valuations and related amortization periods of deferred costs and intangibles, particularly with respect to acquisitions, impairment of long-lived assets, litigation related accruals and disclosures and fair value of debt. Actual results could differ from these and other estimates. |