Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) | 6 Months Ended |
Jun. 30, 2017 |
Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
Basis of Presentation | The accompanying unaudited interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for complete financial statements. These statements reflect all normal and recurring adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company for the interim periods presented. However, the results of operations for the interim period presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017, or any other future period. These interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements of NSAM, Colony and NRF and notes thereto included in, or presented as exhibits to, the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its controlled subsidiaries and consolidated variable interest entities. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. The portions of the equity, net income and other comprehensive income of consolidated subsidiaries that are not attributable to the parent are presented separately as amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in the consolidated financial statements. A substantial portion of noncontrolling interests represents interests held by private investment funds or other investment vehicles managed by the Company and which invest alongside the Company and membership interests in OP primarily held by certain employees of the Company. |
Merger and Business Combinations | Merger The Merger is accounted for under the acquisition method for a business combination as a reverse acquisition. NSAM is the legal acquirer in the Merger for certain legal and regulatory matters, however, Colony was determined to be the accounting acquirer in the Merger for financial reporting purposes. While NSAM is the legal entity which initiated the transaction and issued its shares to consummate the Merger, the fact that the senior management of Colony NorthStar primarily consists of Colony senior executives, along with other qualitative considerations, resulted in Colony being designated the accounting acquirer. The financial statements of Colony NorthStar, as set forth herein, represent a continuation of the financial information of Colony as the accounting acquirer, except that the equity structure of Colony NorthStar is adjusted to reflect the equity structure of the legal acquirer, including for comparative periods, by applying the Colony share exchange ratio of 1.4663 . The historical financial information included herein as of any date or for any periods on or prior to the Closing Date represents the pre-Merger financial information of Colony. The assets and liabilities of Colony are reflected by Colony NorthStar at their pre-Merger carrying values while the assets and liabilities of NSAM and NRF are accounted for at their acquisition date fair value. The results of operations of NSAM and NRF are incorporated into Colony NorthStar effective from January 11, 2017. Accordingly, comparison of period to period results of operations and financial positions may not be meaningful. Business Combinations The Company evaluates each purchase transaction to determine whether the acquired assets meet the definition of a business. If substantially all of the fair value of gross assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, then the set of transferred assets and activities is not a business. If not, for an acquisition to be considered a business, it would have to include an input and a substantive process that together significantly contribute to the ability to create outputs (i.e., there is a continuation of revenue before and after the transaction). A substantive process is not ancillary or minor, cannot be replaced without significant cost, effort or delay or is otherwise considered unique or scarce. To qualify as a business without outputs, the acquired assets would require an organized workforce with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience that performs a substantive process. Prior to the Company's adoption of the new definition of a business effective October 1, 2016, the concentration of acquired fair values in a single or group of similar identifiable assets did not preclude the acquisition of such assets from meeting the definition of a business. As a result, acquisition of real estate assets with existing in place leases, other than sale leaseback transactions, were generally recognized as business combinations. Net cash paid to acquire a business or assets is classified as investing activities on the accompanying statements of cash flows. The Company accounts for business combinations by applying the acquisition method. Transaction costs related to acquisition of a business are expensed as incurred and excluded from the fair value of consideration transferred. The identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests in acquired entity are recognized and measured at their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of consideration transferred over the fair values of identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity, net of fair value of any previously held interest in the acquired entity, is recorded as goodwill. Such valuations require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. For acquisitions that are not deemed to be businesses, the assets acquired are recognized based on their cost to the Company as the acquirer and no gain or loss is recognized unless the fair value of non-cash assets given as consideration differs from the carrying amount of the assets acquired. The cost of assets acquired in a group is allocated to individual assets within the group based on their relative fair values and does not give rise to goodwill. Transaction costs related to acquisition of assets are included in the cost basis of the assets acquired. Contingent consideration is classified as a liability or equity, as applicable. Contingent consideration in connection with the acquisition of a business is measured at fair value on acquisition date, and unless classified as equity, is remeasured at fair value each reporting period thereafter until the consideration is settled, with changes in fair value included in net income. For contingent consideration in connection with the acquisition of assets, subsequent changes to the recorded amount are adjusted against the cost of the acquisition. |
Principles of Consolidation | The Company consolidates entities in which it has a controlling financial interest by first considering if an entity meets the definition of a variable interest entity ("VIE") for which the Company is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, or if the Company has the power to control an entity through a majority of voting interest or through other arrangements. Variable Interest Entities —A VIE is an entity that lacks sufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties, or whose equity holders lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary, which is defined as the party who has a controlling financial interest in the VIE through (a) power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly affect the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits of the VIE that could be significant to the VIE. The Company also considers interests held by its related parties, including de facto agents. The Company assesses whether it is a member of a related party group that collectively meets the power and benefits criteria and, if so, whether the Company is most closely associated with the VIE. In performing this analysis, the Company considers both qualitative and quantitative factors, including, but not limited to: the amount and characteristics of its investment relative to the related party; the Company’s and the related party's ability to control or significantly influence key decisions of the VIE including consideration of involvement by de facto agents; the obligation or likelihood for the Company or the related party to fund operating losses of the VIE; and the similarity and significance of the VIE’s business activities to those of the Company and the related party. The determination of whether an entity is a VIE, and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary, may involve significant judgment, including the determination of which activities most significantly affect the entities’ performance, and estimates about the current and future fair values and performance of assets held by the VIE. Voting Interest Entities —Unlike VIEs, voting interest entities have sufficient equity to finance their activities and equity investors exhibit the characteristics of a controlling financial interest through their voting rights. The Company consolidates such entities when it has the power to control these entities through ownership of a majority of the entities' voting interests or through other arrangements. At each reporting period, the Company reassesses whether changes in facts and circumstances cause a change in the status of an entity as a VIE or voting interest entity, and/or a change in the Company's consolidation assessment. Changes in consolidation status are applied prospectively. An entity may be consolidated as a result of this reassessment, in which case, the assets, liabilities and noncontrolling interest in the entity are recorded at fair value upon initial consolidation. Any existing equity interest held by the Company in the entity prior to the Company obtaining control will be remeasured at fair value, which may result in a gain or loss recognized upon initial consolidation. However, if the consolidation represents an asset acquisition of a voting interest entity, the Company's existing interest in the acquired assets, if any, is not remeasured to fair value but continues to be carried at historical cost. The Company may also deconsolidate a subsidiary as a result of this reassessment, which may result in a gain or loss recognized upon deconsolidation depending on the carrying values of deconsolidated assets and liabilities compared to the fair value of any interests retained. |
Noncontrolling Interests | Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests —This represents interests in an investment management subsidiary, Townsend Holdings, LLC ("Townsend"), in which the holders have the ability to require the Company to redeem a certain percentage of their interests through December 31, 2020 or upon the occurrence of certain triggering events. Redemptions may be settled in cash, the Company’s common stock, or a combination thereof, at the Company's option, subject to certain conditions, and payable by the end of the fiscal quarter following the exercise of the redemption. Redeemable noncontrolling interests is presented outside of permanent equity. Allocation of net income or loss to redeemable noncontrolling interests is based upon their ownership percentage of Townsend during the period. The carrying amount of redeemable noncontrolling interests is adjusted to its redemption value at the end of each reporting period, but no less than its initial carrying value, with such adjustments recognized in additional paid-in capital. Noncontrolling Interests in Investment Entities —This represents interests in consolidated investment entities held by private investment funds or retail companies managed by the Company, or by third party joint venture partners. Allocation of net income or loss is generally based upon relative ownership interests held by equity owners in each investment entity, or based upon contractual arrangements that may provide for disproportionate allocation of economic returns among equity interests, including using a hypothetical liquidation at book value basis, where applicable and substantive. Noncontrolling Interests in Operating Company —This represents membership interests in OP held primarily by certain employees of the Company. Noncontrolling interests in OP are allocated a share of net income or loss in OP based on their weighted average ownership interest in OP during the period. Noncontrolling interests in OP have the right to require OP to redeem part or all of such member’s membership units in OP ("OP Units") for cash based on the market value of an equivalent number of shares of class A common stock at the time of redemption, or at the Company's election as managing member of OP, through issuance of shares of class A common stock (registered or unregistered) on a one -for-one basis. At the end of each reporting period, noncontrolling interests in OP is adjusted to reflect their ownership percentage in OP at the end of the period, through a reallocation between controlling and noncontrolling interests in OP, as applicable. |
Use of Estimates | The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. |
Foreign Currency | Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is a foreign currency are translated using the exchange rate in effect at balance sheet date and the corresponding results of operations for such entities are translated using the average exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss in stockholders’ equity. Upon sale, complete or substantially complete liquidation of a foreign subsidiary, or upon partial sale of a foreign equity method investment, the translation adjustment associated with the investment, or a proportionate share related to the portion of equity method investment sold, is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss into earnings. Assets and liabilities denominated in a foreign currency for which the functional currency is the U.S. dollar are remeasured using the exchange rate in effect at balance sheet date and the corresponding results of operations for such entities are remeasured using the average exchange rate in effect during the period. The resulting foreign currency remeasurement adjustments are recorded in other gain (loss) on the statements of operations. Disclosures of non-US dollar amounts to be recorded in the future are translated using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. |
Fair Value Measurement and Fair Value Option | Fair Value Measurement Fair value is based on an exit price, defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Where appropriate, the Company makes adjustments to estimated fair values to appropriately reflect counterparty credit risk as well as the Company's own credit-worthiness. The estimated fair value of financial assets and financial liabilities are categorized into a three-tier hierarchy, prioritized based on the level of transparency in inputs used in the valuation techniques, as follows: Level 1 —Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 —Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices in non-active markets, or valuation techniques utilizing inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable data directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 —At least one assumption or input is unobservable and it is significant to the fair value measurement, requiring significant management judgment or estimate. Where the inputs used to measure the fair value of a financial instrument falls into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the financial instrument is categorized within the hierarchy based on the lowest level of input that is significant to its fair value measurement. Fair Value Option The fair value option provides an option to elect fair value as an alternative measurement for selected financial instruments. The fair value option may be elected only upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including when the Company enters into an eligible firm commitment, at initial recognition of the financial instrument, as well as upon a business combination or consolidation of a subsidiary. The election is irrevocable unless a new election event occurs. The Company has elected to account for certain cost method investments, specifically limited partnership interests in third party sponsored funds, at fair value. |
Discontinued Operations | If the disposition of a component, being an operating or reportable segment, business unit, subsidiary or asset group, represents a strategic shift that has or will have a major effect on the Company’s operations and financial results, the operating profits or losses of the component when classified as held for sale, and the gain or loss upon disposition of the component, are presented as discontinued operations in the statements of operations. A business or asset group acquired in connection with a purchase business combination that meets the criteria to be accounted for as held for sale at the date of acquisition are reported as discontinued operations, regardless of whether it meets the strategic shift criteria. |
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Short-term, highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. The Company's cash and cash equivalents are held with major financial institutions and may at times exceed federally insured limits. |
Restricted Cash | Restricted cash consists primarily of amounts related to operating real estate and loans receivable as well as cash held by the Company’s foreign subsidiaries due to certain regulatory capital requirements. |
Real Estate Assets | Real Estate Acquisitions— Real estate acquisitions are recorded at the fair values of the acquired components at the time of acquisition, allocated among land, building, improvements, equipment, lease-related tangible and identifiable intangible assets and liabilities, such as tenant improvements, deferred leasing costs, in-place lease values, above- and below-market lease values. The estimated fair value of acquired land is derived from recent comparable sales of land and listings within the same local region based on available market data. The estimated fair value of acquired buildings and building improvements is derived from comparable sales, discounted cash flow analysis using market-based assumptions, or replacement cost, as appropriate. The fair value of site and tenant improvements is estimated based upon current market replacement costs and other relevant market rate information. Real Estate Held for Investment Real estate held for investment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Costs Capitalized or Expensed— Expenditures for ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred, while expenditures for significant renovations that improve or extend the useful life of the asset are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives. Depreciation— Real estate held for investment, other than land, are depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Real Estate Assets Term Building (fee interest) 15 to 40 years Building leasehold interests Lesser of remaining term of the lease or remaining life of the building Building improvements Lesser of useful life or remaining life of the building Land improvements 10 to 30 years Tenant improvements Lesser of useful life or remaining term of the lease Furniture, fixtures and equipment 5 to 15 years Impairment —The Company evaluates its real estate held for investment for impairment periodically or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable. The Company evaluates cash flows and determines impairments on an individual property basis. In making this determination, the Company reviews, among other things, current and estimated future cash flows associated with each property, market information for each sub-market, including, where applicable, competition levels, foreclosure levels, leasing trends, occupancy trends, lease or room rates, and the market prices of similar properties recently sold or currently being offered for sale, and other quantitative and qualitative factors. If an impairment indicator exists, the Company evaluates whether the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, and if the Company determines that the carrying value is not recoverable, an impairment loss is recorded for the difference between the estimated fair value and the carrying amount of the asset. Real Estate Held for Sale Classification as Held for Sale —Real estate is classified as held for sale in the period when (i) management approves a plan to sell the asset, (ii) the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition, subject only to usual and customary terms, (iii) a program is initiated to locate a buyer and actively market the asset for sale at a reasonable price, and (iv) completion of the sale is probable within one year. Real estate held for sale is stated at the lower of its carrying amount or estimated fair value less disposal cost, with any write-down to fair value less disposal cost recorded as an impairment loss. For any increase in fair value less disposal cost subsequent to classification as held for sale, the impairment loss may be reversed, but only up to the amount of cumulative loss previously recognized. Depreciation is not recorded on assets classified as held for sale. If circumstances arise that were previously considered unlikely and, as a result, the Company decides not to sell the real estate asset previously classified as held for sale, the real estate asset is reclassified as held for investment. Upon reclassification, the real estate asset is measured at the lower of (i) its carrying amount prior to classification as held for sale, adjusted for depreciation expense that would have been recognized had the real estate been continuously classified as held for investment, or (ii) its estimated fair value at the time the Company decides not to sell. Real Estate Sales —The Company evaluates if real estate sale transactions qualify for recognition under the full accrual method, considering whether, among other criteria, the buyer’s initial and continuing investments are adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay, any receivable due to the Company is not subject to future subordination, the Company has transferred to the buyer the usual risks and rewards of ownership and the Company does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the sold real estate. At the time the sale is consummated, a gain or loss is recognized as the difference between the sale price less disposal cost and the carrying value of the real estate. Foreclosed Properties The Company receives foreclosed properties in full or partial settlement of loans receivable by taking legal title or physical possession of the properties. Foreclosed properties are recognized, generally, at the time the real estate is received at foreclosure sale or upon execution of a deed in lieu of foreclosure. Foreclosed properties are initially measured at fair value. Deficiencies compared to the carrying value of the loan, after reversing any previously recognized loss provision on the loan, are recorded as impairment loss. The Company periodically evaluates foreclosed properties for subsequent decrease in fair value which is recorded as additional impairment loss. Fair value of foreclosed properties is generally based on third party appraisals, broker price opinions, comparable sales or a combination thereof. |
Loans Receivable, Loans Held for Investment (other than Purchased Credit-Impaired Loans) | Loans that the Company has the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future are classified as held-for-investment. Originated loans are recorded at amortized cost, or outstanding unpaid principal balance less net deferred loan fees. Net deferred loan fees include unamortized origination and other fees charged to the borrower less direct incremental loan origination costs incurred by the Company. Purchased loans are recorded at amortized cost, or unpaid principal balance plus purchase premium or less unamortized discount. Costs to purchase loans are expensed as incurred. |
Loans Receivable, Interest Income | Interest income is recognized based upon contractual interest rate and unpaid principal balance of the loans. Net deferred loan fees on originated loans are deferred and amortized as adjustments to interest income over the expected life of the loans using the effective yield method. Premium or discount on purchased loans are amortized as adjustments to interest income over the expected life of the loans using the effective yield method. For revolving loans, net deferred loan fees, premium or discount are amortized to interest income using the straight-line method. When a loan is prepaid, prepayment fees and any excess of proceeds over the carrying amount of the loan are recognized as additional interest income. |
Loans Receivable, Nonaccrual | Accrual of interest income is suspended on nonaccrual loans. Loans that are past due 90 days or more as to principal or interest, or where reasonable doubt exists as to timely collection, are generally considered nonperforming and placed on nonaccrual. Interest receivable is reversed against interest income when loans are placed on nonaccrual status. Interest collection on nonaccruing loans for which ultimate collectability of principal is uncertain is recognized using a cost recovery method by applying interest collected as a reduction to loan principal; otherwise, interest collected is recognized on a cash basis by crediting to income when received. Loans may be restored to accrual status when all principal and interest is current and full repayment of the remaining contractual principal and interest is reasonably assured. |
Loans Receivable, Impairment and Allowance for Loan Losses | On a periodic basis, the Company analyzes the extent and effect of any credit migration from underwriting and the initial investment review associated with the performance of a loan and/or value of its underlying collateral, financial and operating capability of the borrower or sponsor, as well as amount and status of any senior loan, where applicable. Specifically, operating results of collateral properties and any cash reserves are analyzed and used to assess whether cash from operations are sufficient to cover debt service requirements currently and into the future, ability of the borrower to refinance the loan, liquidation value of collateral properties, financial wherewithal of any loan guarantors as well as the borrower’s competency in managing and operating the collateral properties. Such analysis is performed at least quarterly, or more often as needed when impairment indicators are present. The Company does not utilize a statistical credit rating system to monitor and assess the credit risk and investment quality of its acquired or originated loans. Given the diversity of the Company's portfolio, management believes there is no consistent method of assigning a numerical rating to a particular loan that captures all of the various credit metrics and their relative importance. Therefore, the Company evaluates impairment and allowance for loan losses on an individual loan basis. Loans are considered to be impaired when it is probable that the Company will not be able to collect all amounts due in accordance with contractual terms of the loans, including consideration of underlying collateral value. Allowance for loan losses represents the estimated probable credit losses inherent in loans held for investment at balance sheet date. Changes in allowance for loan losses are recorded in the provision for loan losses on the statement of operations. Allowance for loan losses generally exclude interest receivable as accrued interest receivable is reversed when a loan is placed on nonaccrual status. Allowance for loan losses is generally measured as the difference between the carrying value of the loan and either the present value of cash flows expected to be collected, discounted at the original effective interest rate of the loan or an observable market price for the loan. Subsequent changes in impairment are recorded as adjustments to the provision for loan losses. Loans are charged off against allowance for loan losses when all or a portion of the principal amount is determined to be uncollectible. A loan is considered to be collateral-dependent when repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral. Impaired collateral-dependent loans are written down to the fair value of the collateral less disposal cost, first through a charge-off against allowance for loan losses, if any, then recorded as impairment loss. |
Loans Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring | A loan with contractual terms modified in a manner that grants concession to the borrower who is experiencing financial difficulty is classified as a TDR. Concessions could include term extensions, payment deferrals, interest rate reductions, principal forgiveness, forbearance, or other actions designed to maximize the Company's collection on the loan. As a TDR is generally considered to be an impaired loan, it is measured for impairment based on the Company's allowance for loan losses methodology. |
Loans Receivable, Loans Held for Sale | Loans that the Company intends to sell or liquidate in the foreseeable future are classified as held-for-sale. Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value less disposal cost, with valuation changes recognized as impairment loss. Loans held for sale are not subject to allowance for loan losses. Net deferred loan origination fees and loan purchase premiums or discounts are deferred and capitalized as part of the carrying value of the held-for-sale loan until the loan is sold, therefore included in the periodic valuation adjustments based on lower of cost or fair value less disposal cost. |
Loans Receivable, Purchased Credit-Impaired (PCI) Loans | PCI loans are acquired loans with evidence of credit quality deterioration for which it is probable at acquisition that the Company will collect less than the contractually required payments. PCI loans are recorded at the initial investment in the loans and accreted to the estimated cash flows expected to be collected as measured at acquisition date. The excess of cash flows expected to be collected, measured as of acquisition date, over the estimated fair value represents the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the loan using the effective interest method. The difference between contractually required payments as of the acquisition date and the cash flows expected to be collected ("nonaccretable difference") is not recognized as an adjustment of yield, loss accrual or valuation allowance. The Company evaluates estimated future cash flows expected to be collected on a quarterly basis, starting with the first full quarter after acquisition, or earlier if conditions indicating impairment are present. If the cash flows expected to be collected cannot be reasonably estimated, either at acquisition or in subsequent evaluation, the Company may consider placing such PCI loans on nonaccrual, with interest income recognized using the cost recovery method or on a cash basis. Subsequent decreases in cash flows expected to be collected are evaluated to determine whether a provision for loan loss should be established. If decreases in expected cash flows result in a decrease in the estimated fair value of the loan below its amortized cost, the Company records a provision for loan losses calculated as the difference between the loan’s amortized cost and the revised cash flows, discounted at the loan’s effective yield. Subsequent increases in cash flows expected to be collected are first applied to reverse any previously recorded allowance for loan losses, with any remaining increases recognized prospectively through an adjustment to yield over its remaining life. Factors that most significantly affect estimates of cash flows expected to be collected, and accordingly the accretable yield, include: (i) estimate of the remaining life of acquired loans which may change the amount of future interest income; (ii) changes to prepayment assumptions; (iii) changes to collateral value assumptions for loans expected to foreclose; and (iv) changes in interest rates on variable rate loans. PCI loans may be aggregated into pools based upon common risk characteristics, such as loan performance, collateral type and/or geographic location of the collateral. A pool is accounted for as a single asset with a single composite yield and an aggregate expectation of estimated future cash flows. A PCI loan modified within a pool remains in the pool, with the effect of the modification incorporated into the expected future cash flows. A loan resolution within a loan pool, which may involve the sale of the loan or foreclosure on the underlying collateral, results in the removal of an allocated carrying amount, including an allocable portion of any existing allowance. |
Loans Receivable, Acquisition, Development and Construction (ADC) Loan Arrangements | The Company provides loans to third party developers for the acquisition, development and construction of real estate. Under an ADC arrangement, the Company participates in the expected residual profits of the project through the sale, refinancing or other use of the property. The Company evaluates the characteristics of each ADC arrangement, including its risks and rewards, to determine whether they are more similar to those associated with a loan or an investment in real estate. ADC arrangements with characteristics implying loan classification are presented as loans receivable and result in the recognition of interest income. ADC arrangements with characteristics implying real estate joint ventures are presented as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures and are accounted for using the equity method. The classification of each ADC arrangement as either loan receivable or real estate joint venture involves significant judgment and relies on various factors, including market conditions, amount and timing of expected residual profits, credit enhancements in the form of guaranties, estimated fair value of the collateral, significance of borrower equity in the project, among others. The classification of ADC arrangements is performed at inception, and periodically reassessed when significant changes occur in the circumstances or conditions described above. |
Investments in Unconsolidated Ventures | A noncontrolling, unconsolidated ownership interest in an entity may be accounted for using the equity method, cost method or under the fair value option, if elected. The Company accounts for investments under the equity method of accounting if it has the ability to exercise significant influence over the operating and financial policies of an entity, but does not have a controlling financial interest. The equity method investment is initially recorded at cost and adjusted each period for capital contributions, distributions and the Company's share of the entity’s net income or loss as well as other comprehensive income or loss. The Company's share of net income or loss may differ from the stated ownership percentage interest in an entity if the governing documents prescribe a substantive non-pro rata earnings allocation formula or a preferred return to certain investors. The Company's share of net income or loss from its interests in funds, which are accounted for under the equity method, reflects fair value changes in the underlying investments of the fund, which are reported at fair value in accordance with investment company guidelines. For certain equity method investments, the Company records its proportionate share of income on a one to three month lag. Distributions of operating profits from equity method investments are reported as operating activities, while distributions in excess of operating profits or those related to capital transactions, such as a financing transactions or sales, are reported as investing activities in the statement of cash flows. Investments that do not qualify for equity method accounting are accounted for under the cost method. Dividends from cost method investments, when received, are recorded as dividend income to the extent they are not considered a return of capital; otherwise such amounts are recorded as a reduction of the cost of investment. The Company elected the fair value option for certain cost method and equity method investments. The Company records the change in fair value of such investments in earnings from investments in unconsolidated ventures in the consolidated statements of operations. Impairment —If indicators of impairment exist, the Company performs an evaluation of its equity method and cost method investments to assess whether the fair value of its investment is less than its carrying value. To the extent the decrease in value is considered to be other-than-temporary and an impairment has occurred, the investment is written down to its estimated fair value, recorded as an impairment loss. |
Securities | Debt securities and marketable equity securities are recorded as of the trade date. Securities designated as available-for-sale (“AFS”) are carried at fair value with unrealized gains or losses included as a component of other comprehensive income. Upon disposition of AFS securities, the cumulative gains or losses in other comprehensive income (loss) that are realized are recognized in other gain (loss), net, on the statement of operations based on specific identification. Dividend income —Dividend income from marketable equity securities is recognized on the ex-dividend date. Interest Income —Interest income from debt securities, including stated coupon interest payments and amortization of purchase premiums or discounts, is recognized using the effective interest method over the expected lives of the debt securities. For beneficial interests in debt securities that are not of high credit quality (generally credit rating below AA) or that can be contractually settled such that the Company would not recover substantially all of its recorded investment, interest income is recognized as the accretable yield over the life of the securities using the effective yield method. The accretable yield is the excess of current expected cash flows to be collected over the net investment in the security, including the yield accreted to date. The Company evaluates estimated future cash flows expected to be collected on a quarterly basis, starting with the first full quarter after acquisition, or earlier if conditions indicating impairment are present. If the cash flows expected to be collected cannot be reasonably estimated, either at acquisition or in subsequent evaluation, the Company may consider placing the securities on nonaccrual, with interest income recognized using the cost recovery method. Impairment —The Company performs an assessment, at least quarterly, to determine whether a decline in fair value below amortized cost of AFS debt securities is other than temporary. Other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") exists when either (i) the holder has the intent to sell the impaired security, (ii) it is more likely than not the holder will be required to sell the security, or (iii) the holder does not expect to recover the entire amortized cost of the security. For beneficial interests in debt securities that are not of high credit quality or that can be contractually settled such that the Company would not recover substantially all of its recorded investment, OTTI also exists when there has been an adverse change in cash flows expected to be collected from the last measurement date. If the Company intends to sell the impaired security or more likely than not will be required to sell the impaired security before recovery of its amortized cost, the entire impairment amount is recognized in earnings. If the Company does not intend to sell the security and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company further evaluates the security for impairment due to credit losses. In determining whether a credit loss exists, an assessment is made of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security. The credit component of OTTI is recognized in earnings, while the remaining non-credit component is recognized in other comprehensive income. The amortized cost basis of the security is written down by the amount of impairment recognized in earnings and will not be adjusted for subsequent recoveries in fair value. The difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected will be accreted as interest income. In assessing OTTI and estimating future expected cash flows, factors considered include, but are not limited to, credit rating of the security, financial condition of the issuer, defaults for similar securities, performance and value of assets underlying an asset-backed security. PCI Debt Securities —Debt securities acquired that are deemed to be credit impaired at acquisition date are recorded at their initial investment and accreted to the estimated cash flows expected to be collected as measured at acquisition date. The excess of cash flows expected to be collected, measured at acquisition date, over the estimated fair value represents the accretable yield and is recognized in interest income over the remaining life of the security using the effective yield method. The difference between contractually required payments at the acquisition date and the cash flows expected to be collected ("nonaccretable difference"), which reflects estimated future credit losses expected to be incurred over the life of the security, is not accreted to interest income nor recorded on the balance sheet. Subsequent decreases in undiscounted expected cash flows attributable to further credit deterioration as well as changes in expected timing of future cash flows can result in recognition of OTTI. Subsequent increases in expected cash flows, other than due to interest rate changes on variable rate securities, are recognized prospectively over the remaining life of the security as an adjustment to accretable yield. |
Identifiable Intangibles | In a business combination or asset acquisition, the Company may recognize identifiable intangibles that meet either or both the contractual-legal criterion or the separability criterion. Indefinite-lived intangibles are not subject to amortization until such time that its useful life is determined to no longer be indefinite, at which point, it will be assessed for impairment and its adjusted carrying amount amortized over its remaining useful life. Finite-lived intangibles are amortized over their useful life in a manner that reflects the pattern in which the intangible is being consumed if readily determinable, such as based upon expected cash flows; otherwise they are amortized on a straight line basis. The useful life of all identified intangibles will be periodically reassessed and if useful life changes, the carrying amount of the intangible will be amortized prospectively over the revised useful life. Finite-lived intangibles are periodically reviewed for impairment and an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying amount of the intangible is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. An impairment establishes a new basis for the identifiable intangibles and any impairment loss recognized is not subject to subsequent reversal. Identifiable intangibles recognized in acquisitions of operating real estate properties generally include in-place leases, above- or below-market leases and deferred leasing costs. In-place leases generate value over and above the tangible real estate because a property that is occupied with leased space is typically worth more than a vacant building without an operating lease contract in place. The estimated fair value of acquired in-place leases is derived based on management's assessment of costs avoided from having tenants in place, including lost rental income, rent concessions and tenant allowances or reimbursements, that hypothetically would be incurred to lease a vacant building to its actual existing occupancy level on the valuation date. The net amount recorded for acquired in-place leases is included in intangible assets and amortized on a straight-line basis as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable leases. If an in-place lease is terminated, the unamortized portion is charged to depreciation and amortization expense. The estimated fair value of the above- or below-market component of acquired leases represents the present value of the difference between contractual rents of acquired leases and market rents at the time of the acquisition for the remaining lease term, discounted for tenant credit risks. Above- or below-market operating lease values are amortized on a straight-line basis as a decrease or increase to rental income, respectively, over the applicable lease terms. This includes fixed rate renewal options in acquired leases that are below-market, which is amortized to decrease rental income over the renewal period. Above- or below-market ground lease obligations are amortized on a straight-line basis as a decrease or increase to rent expense, respectively, over the applicable lease terms. If the above- or below-market operating lease values or above- or below-market ground lease obligations are terminated, the unamortized portion of the lease intangibles are recorded in rental income or rent expense, respectively. Deferred leasing costs represent management's estimation of the avoided leasing commissions and legal fees associated with an existing in-place lease. The net amount is included in intangible assets and amortized on a straight-line basis as an increase to depreciation and amortization expense over the remaining term of the applicable lease. |
Goodwill | Goodwill is an unidentifiable intangible asset and is recognized as a residual, generally measured as the excess of consideration transferred in a business combination over the identifiable assets acquired, liabilities assumed and noncontrolling interests in the acquiree. Goodwill is assigned to reporting units that are expected to benefit from the synergies of the business combination. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the reporting units to which it is assigned at least on an annual basis in the fourth quarter of each year, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances occur that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying value. The assessment of goodwill for impairment may initially be performed based on qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit to which the goodwill is assigned is less than its carrying value. If so, a two-step quantitative assessment is performed to determine if an impairment has occurred and measure the impairment loss. In the first step, if the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value (including goodwill), then the goodwill is considered to be impaired. In the second step, the implied fair value of the goodwill is determined by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit (in step one) to the fair value of the net assets of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit is being acquired in a business combination. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds the resulting implied fair value of goodwill, then an impairment charge is recognized for the excess. An impairment establishes a new basis for the goodwill and any impairment loss recognized is not subject to subsequent reversal. Goodwill impairment tests require judgment, including identification of reporting units, assignment of assets and liabilities to reporting units, assignment of goodwill to reporting units, and determination of the fair value of each reporting unit. |
Accounts Receivable and Related Allowance | Property Operating Income Receivables —The Company periodically evaluates aged receivables as well as considers the collectability of unbilled receivables for each tenant, operator, resident or guest, individually. The Company establishes an allowance when, based upon current information and events, it is probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under existing contractual terms, and the amount can be reasonably estimated. Cost Reimbursements and Recoverable Expenses —The Company is entitled to reimbursements and/or recovers certain costs paid on behalf of the retail companies and private funds managed by the Company, which include: (i) organization and offering costs associated with the formation and offering of the retail companies not to exceed a certain percentage of the proceeds expected to be raised from the offering and excluding shares being offered pursuant to distribution reinvestment plans; (ii) direct and indirect operating costs associated with managing the operations of the retail companies; and (iii) costs incurred in performing investment due diligence. Indirect operating costs are recorded as expenses of the Company when incurred and amounts allocated and reimbursable are recorded as other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company facilitates the payments of organization and offering costs, due diligence costs to the extent the related investments are consummated and direct operating costs, all of which are recorded as due from affiliates on the consolidated balance sheets, until such amounts are repaid. Due diligence costs related to unconsummated investments are borne by the Company and expensed as investment, servicing and commission expense in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company assesses the collectability of such receivables considering the offering period, historical and forecasted sales of shares and capital reinvestment of the proceeds from the sale of shares under the respective offerings of the retail companies, and establishes an allowance for any balances considered not collectible. |
Fixed Assets | Fixed assets of the Company are presented within other assets and carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Major replacements and betterments which improve or extend the life of assets are capitalized and depreciated over their useful life. Depreciation and amortization is recognized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets, which range between 3 to 5 years for furniture, fixtures, equipment and capitalized software, 15 years for aircraft and over the shorter of the lease term or useful life for leasehold improvements. |
Transfers of Financial Assets | Sale accounting for transfers of financial assets is limited to the transfer of an entire financial asset, a group of financial assets in their entirety, or a component of a financial asset which meets the definition of a participating interest by having characteristics that are similar to the original financial asset. Transfers of financial assets are accounted for as sales when control over the assets has been surrendered. If the Company has any continuing involvement, rights or obligations with the transferred financial asset (outside of standard representations and warranties), sale accounting would require that the transfer meets the following conditions: (1) the transferred asset has been legally isolated; (2) the transferee has the right (free of conditions that constrain it from taking advantage of that right) to pledge or exchange the transferred asset; and (3) the Company does not maintain effective control over the transferred asset through an agreement that provides for (a) both an entitlement and an obligation by the Company to repurchase or redeem the asset before its maturity, (b) the unilateral ability by the Company to reclaim the asset and a more than trivial benefit attributable to that ability, or (c) the transferee requiring the Company to repurchase the asset at a price so favorable to the transferee that it is probable the repurchase will occur. If the criteria for sale accounting are met, the transferred financial asset is removed from the balance sheet and a net gain or loss is recognized upon sale, taking into account any retained interests. Transfers of financial assets that do not meet the criteria for sale are accounted for as financing transactions. |
Derivatives Instruments and Hedging Activities | The Company uses derivative instruments to manage its foreign currency risk and interest rate risk. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. All derivative instruments are recorded at fair value and included in other assets or other liabilities on a gross basis on the balance sheet. The accounting for changes in fair value of derivatives depends upon whether or not the Company has elected to designate the derivative in a hedging relationship and the derivative qualifies for hedge accounting. The Company has economic hedges that have not been designated for hedge accounting. Changes in fair value of derivatives not designated as accounting hedges are recorded in the statement of operations in other gain (loss). For designated accounting hedges, the relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items, risk management objectives and strategies for undertaking the accounting hedges as well as the methods to assess the effectiveness of the derivative prospectively and retrospectively, are formally documented at inception. Hedge effectiveness relates to the amount by which the gain or loss on the designated derivative instrument exactly offsets the change in the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk. If it is determined that a derivative is not expected to be or has ceased to be highly effective at hedging the designated exposure, hedge accounting is discontinued. Cash Flow Hedges —The Company uses interest rate caps and swaps to hedge its exposure to interest rate fluctuations in forecasted interest payments on floating rate debt. The effective portion of the change in fair value of the derivative is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, while hedge ineffectiveness is recorded in earnings. If the derivative in a cash flow hedge is terminated or the hedge designation is removed, related amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) are reclassified into earnings. Net Investment Hedges —The Company uses foreign currency hedges to protect the value of its net investments in foreign subsidiaries or equity method investees whose functional currencies are not U.S. dollars. Changes in the fair value of derivatives used as hedges of net investment in foreign operations, to the extent effective, are recorded in the cumulative translation adjustment account within accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). At the end of each quarter, the Company reassesses the effectiveness of its net investment hedges and as appropriate, dedesignates the portion of the derivative notional that is in excess of the beginning balance of its net investments as nondesignated hedges. Release of accumulated other comprehensive income related to net investment hedges occurs upon losing a controlling financial interest in an investment or obtaining control over an equity method investment. Upon sale, complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign subsidiary, or partial sale of an equity method investment, the gain or loss on the related net investment hedge is reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to earnings. |
Financing Costs | Debt discounts and premiums as well as debt issuance costs (except for revolving credit arrangements) are presented net against the associated debt on the balance sheet and amortized into interest expense using the effective interest method over the contractual term of the debt or expected life of the debt instrument. Costs incurred in connection with revolving credit arrangements are recorded as deferred financing costs in other assets, and amortized on a straight-line basis over the expected term of the credit facility. |
Property Operating Income | Property operating income includes the following. Rental Income —Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the noncancelable term of the related lease which includes the effects of minimum rent increases and rent abatements under the lease. Rents received in advance are deferred. When it is determined that the Company is the owner of tenant improvements, the cost to construct the tenant improvements, including costs paid for or reimbursed by the tenants, is capitalized. For Company-owned tenant improvements, the amount funded by or reimbursed by the tenants are recorded as deferred revenue, which is amortized on a straight-line basis as additional rental income over the term of the related lease. Rental income recognition commences when the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use and the tenant takes possession of the leased space. When it is determined that the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements, the Company's contribution towards those improvements is recorded as a lease incentive, included in deferred leasing costs and intangible assets on the balance sheet, and amortized as a reduction to rental income on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental income recognition commences when the tenant takes possession of the lease space. Tenant Reimbursements —In net lease arrangements, the tenant is generally responsible for operating expenses relating to the property, including real estate taxes, property insurance, maintenance, repairs and improvements. Costs reimbursable from tenants and other recoverable costs are recognized as revenue in the period the recoverable costs are incurred. When the Company is the primary obligor with respect to purchasing goods and services for property operations and has discretion in selecting the supplier and retains credit risk, tenant reimbursement revenue and property operating expenses are presented on a gross basis in the statements of operations. For certain triple net leases where the lessee self-manages the property, hires its own service providers and retains credit risk for routine maintenance contracts, no reimbursement revenue and expense are recognized. Resident Fee Income —Resident fee income is recorded when services are rendered and includes resident room and care charges, community fees and other resident charges. Hotel Operating Income —Hotel operating income includes room revenue, food and beverage sales and other ancillary services. Revenue is recognized upon occupancy of rooms, consummation of sales and provision of services. |
Fee Income | Fee income consists of the following: Base Management Fees —The Company earns base management fees for the day-to-day operations and administration of its managed private funds, traded and non-traded REITs and investment companies. Base management fees are recognized over the period in which the related services are performed in accordance with contractual terms of the underlying management agreements. Asset Management Fees (including fees related to acquisition and disposition of investments) —The Company receives a one-time asset management fee upon closing of each investment made by certain managed private funds. In accordance with contractual terms of the underlying management and advisory agreements, a portion of asset management fees is recognized upon completion of initial underwriting, with remaining fees deferred and recognized over the holding period of each investment in which the related services are performed for each investment. The Company also earns fees related to acquisition and disposition of investments by certain managed non-traded REITs, which are recognized upon closing of the respective acquisition or disposition of underlying investments. Incentive Fees —The Company may earn incentive fees from its managed private funds, traded and non-traded REITs and investment companies. Incentive fees are determined based on the performance of the investment vehicles subject to the achievement of minimum return levels in accordance with the terms set out in the respective governing agreements. Incentive fees are recognized when fixed or determinable and related contingencies have been resolved, which is generally at the end of the measurement period of the respective investment vehicles. Any incentive fees received prior to that date are recorded as deferred income. Advisory Fees —The Company earns advisory fees from its clients at a fixed annual retainer. Advisory fees are recognized over the period in which the related services are performed in accordance with contractual terms of the underlying advisory agreements. Selling Commission and Dealer Manager Fees —These fees are earned by the Company for selling equity in the non-traded REITs and investment companies, and are recognized on trade date. |
Other Income | Other income includes the following: Expense Recoveries from Borrowers —Expenses, primarily legal costs incurred in administering non-performing loans and foreclosed properties held by investment entities, may be subsequently recovered through payments received when these investments are resolved. The Company recognizes income when the cost recoveries are determinable and repayment is assured. Collateral Management Fees —These fees are earned in the Company's capacity as collateral manager or collateral manager delegate of collateralized debt obligation vehicles ("CDOs") sponsored by the Company or by third parties. Collateral management fees are recognized over the period in which the related services are performed in accordance with contractual terms of the underlying agreements. If amounts distributable on any payment date are insufficient to pay the collateral management fees according to the priority of payments, any shortfall is deferred and payable on subsequent payment dates. Collateral management fees earned from consolidated CDOs are eliminated in consolidation. Cost Reimbursements from Affiliates —For various services provided to certain affiliates, including managed investment vehicles, the Company is entitled to receive reimbursements of expenses incurred, generally based on expenses that are directly attributable to providing those services and/or a portion of overhead costs. The Company acts in the capacity of a principal under these arrangements. Accordingly, the Company records the expenses and corresponding reimbursement income on a gross basis in the period the services are rendered and costs are incurred. |
Compensation | Compensation comprises salaries, bonus including discretionary awards and contractual amounts for certain senior executives, benefits, severance payments and equity-based compensation. Bonus is accrued over the employment period to which it relates. |
Equity-Based Compensation | Equity-classified stock awards granted to employees that have a service condition only are measured at fair value at date of grant and remeasured at fair value only upon a modification of the award. Stock awards granted to non-employees that have a service condition only are remeasured at fair value at the end of each reporting period until the award is fully vested. Fair value is determined based on the closing price of the Company's class A common stock at date of grant or date of remeasurement. The Company recognizes compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the awards, with the amount of compensation expense recognized at the end of a reporting period at least equal to the fair value of the portion of the award that has vested through that date. Compensation expense is adjusted for actual forfeitures upon occurrence. |
Income Taxes | A REIT is generally not subject to corporate-level federal and state income tax on net income it distributes to its stockholders. To qualify as a REIT, the Company must meet a number of organizational and operational requirements, including a requirement to distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders. If the Company fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year and if the statutory relief provisions were not to apply, the Company would be subject to federal and state income taxes at regular corporate rates (including any applicable alternative minimum tax) and may not be able to qualify as a REIT for four subsequent taxable years. Even if the Company qualifies as a REIT, it and its subsidiaries may be subject to certain U.S federal, state and local as well as foreign taxes on its income and property and to U.S federal income and excise taxes on its undistributed taxable income. The Company has elected or may elect to treat certain of its existing or newly created corporate subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (each a “TRS”). In general, a TRS may perform non-customary services for tenants of the REIT, hold assets that the REIT cannot or does not intend to hold directly and, subject to certain exceptions related to hotels and healthcare properties, may engage in any real estate or non-real estate related business. The Company uses TRS entities to conduct certain activities that cannot be conducted directly by a REIT, such as investment management, property management including hotel operations as well as loan servicing and workout activities. A TRS is treated as a regular, taxable corporation for U.S income tax purposes and therefore, is subject to U.S federal corporate tax on its income and property. Deferred Income Taxes —The provision for income taxes includes current and deferred portions. The current income tax provision differs from the amount of income tax currently payable because of temporary differences in the recognition of certain income and expense items between financial reporting and income tax reporting. The Company uses the asset and liability method to provide for income taxes, which requires that the Company's income tax expense reflect the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets or liabilities for financial reporting versus income tax purposes. Accordingly, a deferred tax asset or liability for each temporary difference is determined based on enacted tax rates that the Company expects to be in effect when the underlying items of income and expense are realized and the differences reverse. A deferred tax asset is also recognized for net operating loss carryforwards and the income tax effect of accumulated other comprehensive income items of the TRS entities. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is established if the Company believes it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent on the Company's TRS entities generating sufficient taxable income in future periods or employing certain tax planning strategies to realize such deferred tax assets. Uncertain Tax Positions —Income tax benefits are recognized for uncertain tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained based solely on their technical merits. Such uncertain tax positions are measured as the largest amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon settlement. The difference between the benefit recognized and the tax benefit claimed on a tax return results in an unrecognized tax benefit. The Company periodically evaluates whether it is more likely than not that its uncertain tax positions would be sustained upon examination by a tax authority for all open tax years, as defined by the statute of limitations. |
Earnings Per Share | The Company calculates basic earnings per share using the two-class method which defines unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends as participating securities. The two-class method is an allocation formula that determines earnings per share for each share of common stock and participating securities according to dividends declared and participation rights in undistributed earnings. Under this method, all earnings (distributed and undistributed) are allocated to common shares and participating securities based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Earnings per common share is calculated by dividing earnings allocated to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per common share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares and the effect of potentially dilutive common share equivalents outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common share equivalents include shares to be issued upon the assumed conversion of the Company's outstanding convertible notes, which are included under the if-converted method when dilutive. The earnings allocated to common shareholders is adjusted to add back the after-tax amount of interest expense associated with the convertible notes, except when doing so would be antidilutive. |
Reclassification | Certain prior period amounts on the balance sheet and statement of cash flows have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation for the combined company. Significant reclassifications include presentation of all assets held for sale and related liabilities separately on the consolidated balance sheet as well as the presentation of preferred stock at carrying value, which was previously presented at par. Additionally, $2.4 million was reclassified from allowance for bad debts, which was netted against other assets, to allowance for loan losses, which is netted against loans receivable. Such reclassifications did not have a material effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or its cash flows. |
Recent Accounting Updates | Accounting Standards Adopted in 2017 Equity-Based Compensation —In March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-09, Improvements to Share-Based Payment Accounting , which amends certain aspects of accounting for share-based payments to employees. This includes accounting for income tax effects in the income statement, increasing the fair value of shares applied for income tax withholding without triggering liability accounting, allowing forfeitures related to service condition to be recognized upon occurrence, as well as changes in cash flow classifications. This guidance may be adopted prospectively or on a modified retrospective transition basis depending on the requirements of each provision. ASU No. 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company adopted this new guidance prospectively on January 1, 2017. The Company has made a policy election to account for forfeitures upon occurrence. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Modification of Equity-Based Awards —In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718), Scope of Modification Accounting , which limits the scope of modification accounting for equity-based awards. Modification accounting would not be applied if the fair value, vesting conditions and classification of the award as an equity or liability instrument are the same immediately before and after the modification. In assessing the fair value criterion, if the modification does not affect any of the inputs to the valuation technique used to value the award, then an actual estimate of fair value before and after the modification is not required. Disclosure of significant changes to the terms and conditions of a modified equity award continues to be required even if modification accounting is not applied. ASU 2017-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, to be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after the adoption date . Early adoption is permitted in any interim period for which financial statements have not yet been issued. The adoption of this guidance would limit instances of incremental compensation cost being recognized when a non-substantive change is made to an equity award, which under modification accounting, would have otherwise resulted in a remeasurement of the award at a higher fair value on modification date. The Company adopted this guidance prospectively on April 1, 2017. There were no award modifications subsequent to adoption. Future Application of Accounting Standards Revenue Recognition —In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which amends existing revenue recognition standards by establishing principles for a single comprehensive model for revenue measurement and recognition, along with enhanced disclosure requirements. Key provisions include, but are not limited to, determining which goods or services are capable of being distinct in a contract to be accounted for separately as a performance obligation and recognizing variable consideration only to the extent that it is probable a significant revenue reversal would not occur. The new revenue standard may be applied retrospectively to each prior period presented (full retrospective) or retrospectively to contracts not completed as of date of initial application with the cumulative effect recognized in retained earnings (modified retrospective). ASU No. 2014-09 was originally effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of the new standard by one year to fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted but not before the original effective date. The FASB has subsequently issued several amendments to the standard, including clarifying the guidance on assessing principal versus agent based on the notion of control, which affects recognition of revenue on a gross or net basis. These amendments have the same effective date and transition requirements as the new standard. The Company plans to adopt the standard on its required effective date of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. The standard excludes from its scope the areas of accounting that most significantly affect revenue recognition for the core activities of the Company, including accounting for financial instruments and leases. However, non-lease service components within a gross lease such as common area maintenance reimbursed by tenants as well as resident service charges embedded within resident fee income and other separate resident charges will be considered individual performance obligations and be subject to the new revenue recognition standard, with such revenue recognized over the period in which the related services are performed. The Company expects to apply the new revenue guidance to non-lease components within gross tenant leases upon adoption of the lease standard effective January 1, 2019. Additionally, while incentive income from sponsored investment vehicles will be subject to the new revenue recognition provisions for variable consideration, it is not expected to deviate significantly from the Company's current revenue recognition policy. Evaluation of the impact of this guidance to the Company is on-going. Financial Instruments —In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , which affects accounting for investments in equity securities, financial liabilities under the fair value option, as well as presentation and disclosures, but does not affect accounting for investments in debt securities and loans . Investments in equity securities, other than equity method investments, will be measured at fair value through earnings, except for equity securities without readily determinable fair values which may be measured at cost less impairment and adjusted for observable price changes. This provision eliminates cost method accounting and recognition of unrealized holding gains or losses on equity investments in other comprehensive income. For financial liabilities under fair value option, changes in fair value due to instrument specific credit risk will be recorded separately in other comprehensive income. Fair value disclosures of financial instruments measured at amortized cost will be based on exit price and corresponding disclosures of valuation methodology and significant inputs will no longer be required. ASU No. 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is limited to specific provisions. ASU 2016-01 is to be applied retrospectively with cumulative effect as of the beginning of the first reporting period adopted recognized in retained earnings, except for provisions related to equity investments without readily determinable fair values and exit price fair value disclosures for financial instruments measured at amortized cost, which are to be applied prospectively. The Company plans to adopt the new guidance on its required effective date of January 1, 2018. Upon adoption, unrealized holding gains or losses on the Company's investment in equity securities, classified as available for sale, will no longer be recorded in other comprehensive income but in earnings. As it relates to cost method investments, the Company has elected the fair value option to account for its limited partnership interests in private funds while its interests in non-traded REITs in aggregate are not material. The Company does not have any other cost method investments as of June 30, 2017 that would have readily determinable fair values and would be affected by this new guidance. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this new guidance but does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on its financial condition or results of operations. Leases —In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases , which amends existing lease accounting standards, primarily requiring lessees to recognize most leases on balance sheet, as well as making targeted changes to lessor accounting. ASU No. 2016-02 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The new leases standard requires adoption using a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after, the date of initial application, and provides for certain practical expedients. Full retrospective application is prohibited. Transition will require application of the new guidance at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. As lessor, gross leases will be subject to allocation between lease and non-lease service components, with the latter accounted for under the new revenue recognition standard. The Company expects to apply the new revenue guidance to non-lease components within gross tenant leases upon adoption of the lease standard effective January 1, 2019. As the new lease standard requires congruous accounting treatment between lessor and lessee in a sale-leaseback transaction, if the seller/lessee does not achieve sale accounting, it would be considered a financing transaction to the Company, as the buyer/lessor. As lessee, the Company will recognize a right-of-use asset and corresponding liability for future obligations under its leasing arrangements, such as ground leases and office leases, which as of June 30, 2017 , have future contractual payments of $150.1 million and $78.1 million , respectively. Additionally, under the new lease standard, only incremental initial direct costs incurred in the execution of a lease can be capitalized by the lessor and lessee. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this guidance on its financial statements. Credit Losses —In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit Losses , which amends the credit impairment model for financial instruments. The existing incurred loss model will be replaced with a lifetime current expected credit loss ("CECL") model for financial instruments carried at amortized cost and off-balance sheet credit exposures, such as loans, loan commitments, held-to-maturity ("HTM") debt securities, financial guarantees, net investment in leases, reinsurance and trade receivables, which will generally result in earlier recognition of allowance for losses. For AFS debt securities, unrealized credit losses will be recognized as allowances rather than reductions in amortized cost basis and elimination of the OTTI concept will result in more frequent estimation of credit losses. The accounting model for purchased credit impaired loans and debt securities will be simplified, including elimination of some of the asymmetrical treatment between credit losses and credit recoveries, to be consistent with the CECL model for originated and purchased non-credit impaired assets. The existing model for beneficial interests that are not of high credit quality will be amended to conform to the new impairment models for HTM and AFS debt securities. Expanded disclosures on credit risk include credit quality indicators by vintage for financing receivables and net investment in leases. Transition will generally be on a modified retrospective basis, with prospective application for other-than-temporarily impaired debt securities and purchased credit impaired assets. ASU No. 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company expects that recognition of credit losses will generally be accelerated under the CECL model. Evaluation of the impact of this new guidance is on-going. Cash Flow Classifications —In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows: Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments , which is intended to reduce diversity in practice in certain classifications on the statement of cash flows. This guidance addresses eight types of cash flows, which includes clarifying how the predominance principle should be applied when cash receipts and cash payments have aspects of more than one class of cash flows, as well as requiring an accounting policy election for classification of distributions received from equity method investees using either the cumulative earnings or nature of distributions approach, among others. Transition will generally be on a retrospective basis. ASU No. 2016-15 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted, provided that all amendments within the guidance are adopted in the same period. The Company anticipates making an accounting policy election for classification of distributions from its equity method investees using the cumulative earnings approach. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on presentation in its statement of cash flows. Restricted Cash —In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows: Restricted Cash , which requires that cash and cash equivalent balances in the statement of cash flows include restricted cash and restricted cash equivalent amounts, and therefore, changes in restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents be presented in the statement of cash flows. This will eliminate the presentation of transfers between cash and cash equivalents with restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. When cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are presented in more than one line item on the balance sheet, this ASU requires disclosure of a reconciliation between the totals in the statement of cash flows and the related captions in the balance sheet. The new guidance also requires disclosure of the nature of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents, similar to existing requirements under Regulation S-X; however, it does not define restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents. ASU No. 2016-18 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, to be applied retrospectively, with early adoption permitted. If early adopted in an interim period, adjustments are to be reflected as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material effect on presentation in its statement of cash flows. Goodwill Impairment —In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) : Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment , which removes the second step of the goodwill impairment test that requires a hypothetical purchase price allocation. Goodwill impairment is now measured as the excess in carrying value over fair value of the reporting unit, with the loss recognized not to exceed the amount of goodwill assigned to that reporting unit. The one-step impairment test will also be applied to goodwill at reporting units that have zero or negative carrying values, with a disclosure of the amount of goodwill at these reporting units. ASU 2017-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, to be applied prospectively . Early adoption is permitted for interim and annual goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The Company will early adopt this new guidance for its annual goodwill impairment assessment in 2017. Derecognition and Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets —In February 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Clarifying the Scope of Asset Derecognition and Accounting for Partial Sales of Nonfinancial Assets , which clarifies the scope and application of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 610-20, Other Income — Gains and Losses from Derecognition of Nonfinancial Assets , and defines in substance nonfinancial assets. ASC 610-20 applies to derecognition of all nonfinancial assets which are not contracts with customers or revenue transactions under ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. Derecognition of a business is governed by ASC 810, Consolidation , while derecognition of financial assets, including equity method investments, even if the investee holds predominantly nonfinancial assets, is governed by ASC 860, Transfers and Servicing . The ASU also aligns the accounting for partial sales of nonfinancial assets to be more consistent with accounting for sale of a business. Specifically, in a partial sale to a noncustomer, when a noncontrolling interest is received or retained, the latter is considered a noncash consideration and measured at fair value in accordance with ASC 606, which would result in full gain or loss recognized upon sale. This ASU removes guidance on partial exchanges of nonfinancial assets in ASC 845, Nonmonetary Transactions , and eliminates the real estate sales guidance in ASC 360-20, Property, Plant and Equipment — Real Estate Sales . ASU 2017-05 has the same effective date as the new revenue guidance, which is January 1, 2018, with early adoption permitted beginning January 1, 2017. Both ASC 606 and ASC 610-20 must be adopted concurrently. While the transition method is similar to the new revenue guidance, either full retrospective or modified retrospective, the transition approach applied need not be aligned between both standards. The Company plans to adopt this standard on January 1, 2018, consistent with its adoption of the new revenue standard, using the modified retrospective approach. Under the new standard, if the Company sells a partial interest in its real estate assets to noncustomers or contributes real estate assets to unconsolidated ventures, and the Company retains a noncontrolling interest in the asset, such transactions could result in a larger gain on sale. The adoption of this standard could have a material impact to the Company's results of operations in a period if the Company sells a significant partial interest in a real estate asset. There were no such sales in the six months ended June 30, 2017 . |