| Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Lightstone REIT III and the Operating Partnership and its subsidiaries (over which Lightstone REIT III exercises financial and operating control). As of December 31, 2018, the Company had a 99% general partnership interest in the Operating Partnership. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during a reporting period. The most significant assumptions and estimates relate to the valuation of real estate and depreciable lives. Application of these assumptions requires the exercise of judgment as to future uncertainties and, as a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. Investments in other real estate entities where the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence, but does not exercise financial and operating control, and is not considered to be the primary beneficiary are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in other real estate entities where the Company has virtually no influence will be accounted for using the cost method. Cash and cash equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. Marketable Securities Marketable securities consist of debt securities that are designated as available-for-sale and are recorded at fair value. Unrealized holding gains or losses are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Realized gains or losses resulting from the sale of these securities are determined based on the specific identification of the securities sold. An impairment charge is recognized when the decline in the fair value of a security below the amortized cost basis is determined to be other-than-temporary. The Company considers various factors in determining whether to recognize an impairment charge, including the duration and severity of any decline in fair value below our amortized cost basis, any adverse changes in the financial condition of the issuers and our intent and ability to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value. Rental Revenues Revenues consist of amounts derived from hotel operations, including occupied hotel rooms and sales of food, beverage and other ancillary services and are presented on a disaggregated basis below. Revenues are recorded net of any sales or occupancy tax collected from our guests. Room revenue is generated through contracts with customers whereby the customers agree to pay a daily rate for right to use a hotel room. The Company's contractual performance obligations are fulfilled at the end of the day that the customer is provided the room and revenue is recognized daily at the contract rate. Payment from the customer is secured at the end of the contract upon check-out by the customer from our hotels. The Company participates in frequent guest programs sponsored by the brand owners of our hotels whereby the brand owner allows guests to earn loyalty points during their hotel stay. The Company recognizes revenue at the amount earned that it will receive from the brand owner when a guest redeems their loyalty points by staying at one of the Company’s hotels. Revenue from food, beverage and other ancillary services is generated when a customer chooses to purchase goods or services separately from a hotel room and revenue is recognized when these goods or services are provided to the customer and the Company’s contractual performance obligations have been fulfilled. Some contracts for rooms, food, beverage or other services require an upfront deposit which is recorded as deferred revenues (or contract liabilities) and recognized once the performance obligations are satisfied. The contractual liabilities are not significant. The Company notes no significant judgements regarding the recognition of room, food and beverage or other revenues. For the Year Ended December 31, 2018 2017 Revenues Room $ 32,696,125 $ 32,872,799 Food, beverage and other 1,270,474 1,123,412 Total revenues $ 33,966,599 $ 33,996,211 Accounts Receivable The Company analyzes accounts receivable and historical bad debt levels, customer credit worthiness and current economic trends when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company’s reported net income or loss is directly affected by management’s estimate of the collectability of accounts receivable. Investments in Real Estate Accounting for Asset Acquisitions When the Company makes an investment in real estate assets, the cost of real estate assets acquired in an asset acquisition are allocated to the acquired tangible assets, consisting of land, building and improvements, furniture and fixtures and identified intangible assets and liabilities, consisting of the value of above-market and below-market leases, acquired in-place leases, and the value of tenant relationships, based in each case on their relative fair values, at the date of acquisition, based on evaluation of information including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other relevant market data. Fees incurred related to asset acquisitions are capitalized as part of the cost of the investment. Accounting for Real Estate Acquisitions Upon the acquisition of real estate operating properties that meet the definition of a business, the Company estimates the fair value of acquired tangible assets and identified intangible assets and liabilities and certain liabilities such as assumed debt and contingent liabilities, at the date of acquisition, based on evaluation of information and estimates available at that date, including independent appraisals that may be obtained in connection with the acquisition or financing of the respective property and other relevant market data. Based on these estimates, the Company evaluates the existence of goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase and allocates the initial purchase price to the applicable assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interests, if any. As final information regarding fair value of the assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests is received and estimates are refined, appropriate adjustments are made to the purchase price allocation. The allocations are finalized as soon as all the information necessary is available and in no case later than within twelve months from the acquisition date. Fees incurred related to the acquisition of real estate operating properties that meet the definition of a business are expensed as incurred within general and administrative costs within the consolidated statements of operations. Carrying Value of Assets The amounts to be capitalized as a result of periodic improvements and additions to real estate property, when applicable, and the periods over which the assets are depreciated or amortized, are determined based on the application of accounting standards that may require estimates as to fair value and the allocation of various costs to the individual assets. Differences in the amount attributed to the assets may be significant based upon the assumptions made in calculating these estimates. Impairment Evaluation Management evaluates the recoverability of its investments in real estate assets at the lowest identifiable level, the individual property level. Long-lived assets are tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized only if the carrying amount of a long-lived asset is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. The Company evaluates the long-lived assets for potential impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable and records an impairment charge when the undiscounted projected cash flows are less than the carrying amount for a particular property. The estimated cash flows used for the impairment analysis and the determination of estimated fair value is based on the Company’s plans for the respective assets and the Company’s views of market and economic conditions. The estimates consider matters such as future operating income, market and other applicable trends and residual value, as well as the effects of demand, competition, and recent sales data for comparable properties. Changes in estimated future cash flows due to changes in the Company’s plans or views of market and economic conditions could result in recognition of impairment losses, which, under the applicable accounting guidance, may be substantial. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation expense is computed based on the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the applicable real estate asset. The Company generally uses estimated useful lives of up to thirty-nine years for buildings and improvements and five to ten years for furniture and fixtures. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Investments in Unconsolidated Entities The Company evaluates all investments in other entities for consolidation. The Company considers its percentage interest in the joint venture, evaluation of control and whether a variable interest entity exists when determining whether or not the investment qualifies for consolidation or if it should be accounted for as an unconsolidated investment under either the equity or cost method of accounting. If an investment qualifies for the equity method of accounting, the Company’s investment is recorded initially at cost, and subsequently adjusted for equity in net income or loss and cash contributions and distributions. The net income or loss of an unconsolidated investment is allocated to its investors in accordance with the provisions of the operating agreement of the entity. The allocation provisions in these agreements may differ from the ownership interest held by each investor. Differences, if any, between the carrying amount of the Company’s investment in the respective joint venture and our share of the underlying equity of such unconsolidated entity are amortized over the respective lives of the underlying assets as applicable. These items are reported as a single line item in the statements of operations as income or loss from investments in unconsolidated affiliated real estate entities. If an investment qualifies for the cost method of accounting, our investment is recorded initially at cost, and subsequently adjusted for cash contributions and distributions resulting from any capital events. Distributions received from the underlying entity are recorded as interest or dividend income. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses whether the value of its investments in unconsolidated entities have been impaired. An investment is impaired only if management’s estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment, and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. The ultimate realization of our investment in partially owned entities is dependent on a number of factors including the performance of that entity and market conditions. If the Company determines that a decline in the value of a partially owned entity is other than temporary, it will record an impairment charge. Deferred Costs The Company capitalizes initial direct costs associated with financing activities. The costs are capitalized upon the execution of the loan, presented in the consolidated balance sheets as a direct deduction from the carrying value of the corresponding loan and amortized over the initial term of the corresponding loan. Amortization of deferred loan costs will begin in the period during which the loan is originated using the effective interest method over the term of the loan. Income Taxes The Company elected to be taxed as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes commencing with the taxable year ended December 31, 2015. If the Company remains qualified as a REIT, it generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on its net taxable income that it distributes to its stockholders. To maintain its REIT qualification, the Company must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement that it annually distribute to its stockholders at least 90% of its REIT taxable income (which does not equal net income, as calculated in accordance with GAAP), determined without regard to the deduction for dividends paid and excluding any net capital gain. If the Company fails to remain qualified for taxation as a REIT in any subsequent year and does not qualify for certain statutory relief provisions, its income for that year will be taxed at regular corporate rates, and it may be precluded from qualifying for treatment as a REIT for the four-year period following its failure to qualify as a REIT. Such an event could materially adversely affect the Company’s net income and net cash available for distribution to stockholders. The Company engages in certain activities through taxable REIT subsidiaries ("TRSs"). When the Company purchases a hotel it establishes a TRS and enters into an operating lease agreement for the hotel. As such, the Company may be subject to U.S. federal and state income taxes and franchise taxes from these activities. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we had no material uncertain income tax positions. Additionally, even if we qualify as a REIT for U.S. federal income tax purposes, we may still be subject to some U.S. federal, state and local taxes on our income and property and to U.S. federal income taxes and excise taxes on our undistributed income. Organization and Offering Costs Organization costs were expensed as incurred as general and administrative costs. Offering costs were accounted for as a reduction against additional paid-in capital as costs were incurred and included all the costs incurred in connection with the Offering, which was terminated on March 31, 2017, including the Company’s legal, accounting, printing, mailing and filing fees, charges of the escrow agent, reimbursements to the Dealer Manager and participating broker-dealers for due diligence expenses set forth in detailed and itemized invoices, amounts to reimburse the Advisor for its portion of the salaries of the employees of its affiliates who provide services to the Advisor, and other costs in connection with oversight of such Offering and the marketing process, such as preparing supplemental sales materials, holding educational conferences and attending retail seminars conducted by the Dealer Manager or participating broker-dealers. Concentration of Risk The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts, which, at times, may exceed U.S. federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash. Basic and Diluted Net Earnings per Common Share Net earnings per common share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Financial Instruments The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable and other assets, accounts payable and other accrued expenses, due to/from related parties and distributions payable approximate their fair values because of the short maturity of these instruments. The estimated fair value of our mortgages payable is as follows: As of December 31, 2018 As of December 31, 2017 Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Carrying Amount Estimated Fair Value Mortgages payable $ 79,621,989 $ 78,692,677 $ 87,603,627 $ 86,729,748 The fair value of our mortgages payable was determined by discounting the future contractual interest and principal payments by market interest rates. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Effective January 1, 2018 As required by the Company’s lenders, restricted cash is held in escrow accounts for anticipated capital expenditures, real estate taxes, and other reserves for certain of our consolidated properties. Capital reserves are typically utilized for non-operating expenses such as major capital expenditures. Alternatively, a lender may require its own formula for an escrow of capital reserves. The following is a summary of the Company’s cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash total as presented in our statements of cash flows for the periods presented: December 31, 2018 2017 Cash and cash equivalents $ 9,965,724 $ 45,050,023 Restricted cash 1,672,957 1,680,056 Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 11,638,681 $ 46,730,079 Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB that clarifies the definition of a business and assists in the evaluation of whether a transaction will be accounted for as an acquisition of an asset or as a business combination. The guidance provides a test to determine when a set of assets and activities acquired is not a business. When substantially all of the fair value of the gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. Additionally, assets acquired, liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest will be measured at their relative fair values. The Company anticipates future acquisitions of real estate assets, if any, will likely qualify as an asset acquisition. Therefore, any future transaction costs associated with an asset acquisition will be capitalized and accounted for in accordance with this guidance. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted guidance issued by the FASB that outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes most of the previous revenue recognition guidance. The new guidance requires companies to apply a five-step model in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers, as well as enhance disclosures regarding revenue recognition. Additionally, the sale of real estate is required to follow the new model. The Company adopted this standard on January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective transition method. Due to the short-term nature of the Company's revenue streams, the adoption of this standard did not have an impact on the amount and timing of revenue recognition for revenues from rooms and food, beverage and other ancillary services. The adoption of this standard had no impact on the Company's revenue or net income, and, therefore, no adjustment was recorded to the Company's opening balance of accumulated deficit. The Company also considered and determined that presenting revenue disaggregated by rooms and food, beverage and other depicts the appropriate categories about the nature and timing of its revenue streams and that no additional disaggregation is needed. New Accounting Pronouncements In August 2018, the SEC adopted the final rule amending certain disclosure requirements that have become redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated, or superseded. In addition, the amendments expand the disclosure requirements on the analysis of stockholders' equity for interim financial statements. Under the amendments, an analysis of changes in each caption of stockholders' equity presented in the balance sheet must be provided in a note or separate statement. The rule was effective on November 5, 2018 and will be effective for the quarter that begins after the effective date. Since the Company already includes a year to date consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity in our interim financial statement filings, the adoption of this guidance will result in the inclusion of a quarter to date consolidated statement of stockholders equity in our second and third quarter interim financial statement filings and the inclusion of corresponding prior periods statement of stockholders’ equity for all periods presented. In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update which supersedes the existing lease accounting model, and modifies both lessee and lessor accounting. The new guidance will require lessees to recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset, initially measured at the present value of lease payments, for both operating and financing leases, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the statement of earnings. For leases with a term of 12 months or less, lessees will be permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset to not recognize lease liabilities and lease assets. The standard offers several practical expedients for transition and certain expedients specific to lessees or lessors. Both lessees and lessors are permitted to make an election to apply a package of practical expedients available for implementation under the standard. The Company intends to apply the package of practical expedients and certain other transition expedients. For transition, the Company intends to recognize all effects of transition in the beginning of the adoption reporting period on January 1, 2019. We expect that the adoption of this standard will result in the recognition of right-of-use assets and related lease liability accounts on the consolidated balance sheet but is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or our results of operations. The Company has reviewed and determined that other recently issued accounting pronouncements will not have a material impact on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows, or do not apply to its current operations |
