| SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of HomeFed Corporation (the “Company,”) and its consolidated subsidiaries. We also own equity interests in Brooklyn Renaissance Plaza, RedSky JZ Fulton Investors and the Builder LLCs, which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. We are currently engaged, directly and through our subsidiaries, in the investment in and development of residential and commercial real estate properties in California, Virginia, South Carolina, Florida, Maine and New York. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. There is no other comprehensive income for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016. During 2018, other than the following, there were no significant updates made to the Company’s significant accounting policies. The accounting policy changes are attributable to the adoption of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance on Revenue from Contracts with Customers (the "new revenue standard"). These revenue recognition policy updates are applied prospectively in our financial statements from January 1, 2018 forward using the modified retrospective approach. Reported financial information for the historical comparable period was not revised and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during the historical periods. Revenue Recognition Policies Real estate sales revenues: • Real estate sales revenues are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed. • Variable consideration, such as profit participation, is included in the transaction price for real estate sales at the point in time when the transaction is completed only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainties with respect to the amount are resolved. Contract service revenues: • Contract service revenues are recognized over time as performance obligations are met. Co-op marketing fee income: • Co-op marketing fee income is recognized over time as performance obligations are met, generally the term of the master marketing program that relates to the selling period of the associated home product being sold by our customer. See Accounting Developments - Adopted Accounting Standards below and Note 9 for further information. Basis of Consolidation – Our policy is to consolidate all entities in which we can vote a majority of the outstanding voting stock. In addition, we consolidate entities which meet the definition of a variable interest entity for which we are the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the party who has the power to direct the activities of a variable interest entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and who has an obligation to absorb losses of the entity or a right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the entity. We consider special allocations of cash flows and preferences, if any, to determine amounts allocable to noncontrolling interests. All intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation. In situations where we have significant influence, but not control, of an entity that does not qualify as a variable interest entity, we apply the equity method of accounting. Provision (Benefit) for Deferred Income Taxes – We provide for income taxes using the balance sheet approach. We record a valuation allowance to reduce our net deferred tax asset to an amount that we expect is more likely than not to be realized. If our estimate of the realizability of our deferred tax asset changes in the future, an adjustment to the valuation allowance would be recorded which would impact income tax expense in such period. The valuation allowance is determined after considering all relevant facts and circumstances, and is based, in significant part, on our projection of taxable income in the future. Since any projection of future profitability is inherently uncertain, changes in the valuation allowance can be expected. On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) was enacted. The Tax Act is one of the most comprehensive changes in the U.S. corporate income tax since 1986 and certain provisions are highly complex in their application. The Tax Act revises the U.S. Corporate income tax by, among other things, lowering the corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% and adopting a territorial income tax system. We have evaluated the impact that the Tax Act will have on both our Consolidated Balance Sheets and Consolidated Statements of Operations. At that time, based on information currently available, results for the fourth quarter of 2017 reflect a provisional expense of $2,150,000. During 2018, the IRS announced that refunds of AMT credits pursuant to the Tax Act would be subject to sequestration. Accordingly, in the third quarter of 2018 we recorded a $1,700,000 increase to our income tax expense related to sequestration on our corporate AMT credits. On January 14, 2019, the Internal Revenue Service announced that refunds of AMT credits will not be subject to sequestration for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Consequently, during the fourth quarter of 2018, we reversed $1,700,000 of income tax expense related to our AMT credits. In 2018, we completed our determination of the accounting implications of the Tax Act, and no material adjustment was necessary. During 2016, we determined that we had enough positive evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that we will be able to generate enough future taxable income to fully utilize all of our Federal minimum tax credits. The primary positive evidence considered was the formation of Village III Master with three national builders to develop and build homes at the Otay Land project and the projections of taxable income from the Otay Land and other of our projects. In addition, our minimum tax credits have no expiration. As a result, we were able to conclude that it was more likely than not that we will be able to realize the entire portion of our net deferred tax asset; accordingly, approximately $31,850,000 of the deferred tax valuation allowance was released as a credit to income tax expense during 2016. The projection of future taxable income is based upon numerous assumptions about the future, including future market conditions where our projects are located, regulatory requirements, estimates of future real estate revenues and development costs, future interest expense, operating and overhead costs and other factors. We evaluate all positive and negative evidence with respect to our realizability of our deferred tax asset. To the extent there is sufficient negative evidence, an increase to the valuation allowance and tax expense would be recorded to reflect the appropriate amount of the change. We also record reserves for unrecognized tax benefits based on our assessment of the probability of successfully sustaining tax filing positions. Management exercises significant judgment when assessing the probability of successfully sustaining tax filing positions, and in determining whether a contingent tax liability should be recorded and if so estimating the amount. If our tax filing positions are successfully challenged, payments could be required that are in excess of reserved amounts or we may be required to reduce the carrying amount of our net deferred tax asset, either of which could be significant to our Consolidated Balance Sheets or results of operations. We record interest and penalties, if any, with respect to uncertain tax positions as components of income tax expense. During the third quarter of 2015, resulting from a tax matter related to the acquisition of real estate properties and operations from Leucadia in 2014, we recorded an unrecognized tax benefit of approximately $2,550,000 which is reflected in Other liabilities and a corresponding reduction in our Deferred tax liability. During the fourth quarter of 2015, we increased the unrecognized tax benefit by $400,000 related to this tax matter. In 2016, we increased the unrecognized tax benefit by approximately $1,350,000 related to this tax matter. During 2017, we effectively settled our 2014 federal tax examination with the IRS and, as a result, recorded an $8,600,000 reduction to deferred tax liabilities and a $4,700,000 reduction to unrecognized tax benefits. Provision for Environmental Remediation – We record environmental liabilities when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount or range of the liability is reasonably estimable. During 2002, we recorded a charge of $11,150,000 representing our estimate of the cost (including legal fees) to implement the most likely remediation alternative with respect to approximately 30 acres of undeveloped land owned by a subsidiary of Otay Land Company. The estimated liability was neither discounted nor reduced for claims for recovery from previous owners and users of the land who may be liable, and may increase or decrease based upon the actual extent and nature of the remediation required, the actual cost of the remediation, the expenses of the regulatory process, the costs of post-remediation monitoring requirements, inflation and other items. At December 31, 2018, we have a remaining balance of $1,450,000. We have periodically examined, and when appropriate, adjusted our liability for environmental remediation to reflect our current best estimate. A change to the current estimate could result from, among other things, that the cost to implement the remediation is different than our current estimate, that the cost of future on-going monitoring efforts is different than our current estimate, and/or requirements imposed by regulatory authorities that we did not anticipate but is nevertheless required to implement. Provision for Impairment Losses on Real Estate – Our real estate is carried at cost. Whenever events or changes in circumstances suggest that the carrying amount may not be recoverable, management assesses the recoverability of the carrying amount of its real estate in accordance with GAAP. Some of the events or changes in circumstances that we consider as indicators of potential impairment include: (i) a change in market conditions in the local markets where we own real estate, (ii) a change in the availability of mortgages for retail buyers or a significant change in interest rates for mortgages, (iii) a change in expected use or development plans for properties, (iv) continuing operating or cash flow losses for real estate held for investment purposes, (v) an accumulation of costs in a development property that significantly exceeds its historical basis in property held long-term and (vi) a significant weather event that may have a negative impact on the property value. We use varying methods to determine if impairment exists, such as considering indicators of potential impairment and analyzing expected future cash flows and comparing the expected future undiscounted cash flows of the property to the carrying value. The accounting estimate related to the real estate impairment evaluation is susceptible to the use of assumptions about future sales proceeds and future expenditures. For projects under development, an estimate of future cash flows on an undiscounted basis is performed using estimated future expenditures necessary to maintain the existing project and using management’s best estimates about future sales prices and planned holding periods. If a property is considered impaired, the impairment charge is determined by the amount of the property’s carrying value that exceeds its fair value. During 2018, we concluded that our Pacho leasehold was impaired and recorded a$17,450,000 pre-tax charge (the entire carrying value of the leasehold), of which $1,750,000 is attributable to the non-controlling interest. See Note 2 for more information. During 2018, we concluded that our real estate in Maine was partially impaired due to a recent weakness in local housing market conditions. We recorded a write-down of $750,000 and thus reducing the carrying value to $3,300,000 which we believe reflects the fair value of the property. During the fourth quarter of 2018, we evaluated the damages caused by Hurricane Michael to our SweetBay project and recorded a write-down of $1,800,000. We did not record any provisions for impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016. Purchase Price Allocation – Under current authoritative accounting guidance, we determine whether a transaction or other event is a business combination, which requires that the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed constitute a business. Each business combination is then accounted for by applying the acquisition method of accounting. We record our investments based on the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired, intangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any noncontrolling interest in the acquired entity, as well as recognizing and measuring goodwill or a gain from a bargain purchase at the acquisition date. Assets are recorded at fair value using appraisals and valuations performed by management and independent third parties. Fair values are based on the exit price (i.e. the price that would be received in an orderly transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability between market participants at the measurement date). We evaluate several factors, including market data for similar assets, expected cash flows discounted at risk adjusted rates and replacement cost for the assets to determine an appropriate exit cost when evaluating the fair value of our assets. We immediately expense acquisition-related costs and fees associated with business combinations. Asset Acquisitions – When an asset acquisition occurs that is not deemed a business combination, the acquired assets including related transaction costs are recorded at cost when cash consideration is used. If the consideration is non-cash, then the recording of the assets is based on the fair value of the assets acquired. Real Estate – Real estate includes all expenditures incurred in connection with the acquisition, development and construction of the property, including interest paid to third parties and property taxes. At acquisition, land costs are allocated to individual parcels or lots based on relative fair values or specific identification. Interest, payroll related to construction, property taxes and other professional fees attributable to land and property construction are capitalized and added to the cost of those properties when active development begins and ends when the property development is fully completed and ready for its intended use. Subsequent to acquisition, substantially all development costs are specifically identifiable to individual parcels or lots, or are considered allocated costs that are allocated principally based on relative sales value. Interest, however, is allocated to each property principally based on the percentage of development costs incurred for the property compared to the total development costs incurred for the period. Capitalized land costs are charged to cost of sales at the time that revenue is recognized. For Real estate held for investment, maintenance costs are expensed when incurred and depreciation is expensed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the assets or, if less, the term of the underlying lease. Cash and Cash Equivalents – Cash equivalents are money market accounts and short-term, highly liquid investments that have maturities of less than three months at the time of acquisition. Restricted Cash – Restricted cash consisted of amounts escrowed pursuant to the terms of our Purchase Agreement related to BRP Leasing's obligation under the master lease with Brooklyn Renaissance Plaza. Restricted cash also consisted of funds held in an interest bearing bank account serving as collateral for a letter of credit for the benefit of the City of Myrtle Beach related to future development improvements planned at The Market Common. Contract Assets and Liabilities – As we develop the Village of Escaya community infrastructure, we are entitled to receive up to $78,600,000 for our costs incurred from the sale of homes by the Builder LLCs at the Village of Escaya. The Builder LLCs are contractually obligated to pay us an allocated amount of the proceeds of each home closing. As a result, a contract asset is recorded to reflect the amount due to us by the respective builders under these agreements. A contract liability would arise if we received cash in advance of completing the performance obligations related to the development of the project. Fair Value Hierarchy-- In determining fair value, we maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs by requiring that observable inputs be used when available. Observable inputs are inputs that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources. Unobservable inputs reflect our assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability developed based on the best information available in the circumstances. We apply a hierarchy to categorize our fair value measurements broken down into three levels based on the transparency of inputs as follows: Level 1: Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date. Level 2: Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date. The nature of these financial instruments includes cash instruments for which quoted prices are available but traded less frequently, derivative instruments whose fair value have been derived using a model where inputs to the model are directly observable in the market, or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data, and instruments that are fair valued using other financial instruments, the parameters of which can be directly observed. Level 3: Instruments that have little to no pricing observability as of the reported date. These financial instruments are measured using management’s best estimate of fair value, where the inputs into the determination of fair value require significant management judgment or estimation. The valuation of financial instruments may include the use of valuation models and other techniques. Adjustments to valuations derived from valuation models may be made when, in management’s judgment, features of the financial instrument such as its complexity, the market in which the financial instrument is traded and risk and uncertainties about market conditions require that an adjustment be made to the value derived from the models. Adjustments from the price derived from a valuation model reflect management’s judgment that other participants in the market for the financial instrument being measured at fair value would also consider in valuing that same financial instrument. To the extent that valuation is based on models or inputs that are less observable or unobservable in the market, the determination of fair value requires more judgment. The availability of observable inputs can vary and is affected by a wide variety of factors, including, for example, the type of financial instrument and market conditions. As the observability of prices and inputs may change for a financial instrument from period to period, this condition may cause a transfer of an instrument among the fair value hierarchy levels. Transfers among the levels are recognized at the beginning of each period. The degree of judgment exercised in determining fair value is greatest for instruments categorized in Level 3. Equity Method Investments – In situations where we have significant influence, but not control, of an entity we apply the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method of accounting, our share of the investee’s underlying net income or loss is recorded as income (loss) from equity method investments. The recognition of our share of the investees’ results takes into account any special rights or priorities of investors; accordingly, we employ the hypothetical liquidation at book value model to calculate our share of the investees’ profits or losses, and additionally, amortizing the difference between the fair value of the assets at the date of acquisition and the historical book basis over the remaining useful life of each asset, to calculate our share of the investment. Our equity interests in Brooklyn Renaissance Plaza, RedSky JZ Fulton Investors and the Builder LLCs are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. We are required to periodically compare an investment’s carrying value to its estimated fair value. We would recognize an impairment charge if the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value and is determined to be other than temporary. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - We provide an allowance for doubtful accounts against the portion of accounts receivable, including straight-line rents, which is estimated to be uncollectible. Such allowances are reviewed periodically based upon our recovery experience. Deferred Leasing Commissions - Deferred leasing commissions represent costs to obtain tenants at retail and office rental properties. We amortize these charges over the original term of the lease and reflect them in Depreciation and amortization expense. Intangible Assets (Liabilities), Net – Intangibles include above market lease value and lease in place value as assets and below market lease value as a liability, all recorded at fair value at the date of Acquisition. Above market lease value is amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the underlying leases, and below market lease values are amortized on a straight-line basis over the initial terms plus the terms of any below market renewal options of the underlying leases and is included in Rental income. Lease in place value is amortized over the term of the underlying lease and is included in Depreciation and amortization expense. Intangible assets are reviewed for impairment on an interim basis when certain events or circumstances exist, primarily changes in the underlying lease. An intangible asset with an indefinite useful life is not amortized but assessed for impairment annually, or more frequently, when certain events or circumstances exist indicating an assessment for impairment is necessary. Impairment exists when the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. Fair value is determined using valuation techniques consistent with what a market participant would use. Asset Held for Sale - We classify an asset held for sale in the period in which we commit to a plan to sell the asset, are actively seeking a buyer, the asset is being marketed for sale at a price that is reasonable in relation to its fair value, the asset is readily available for sale in its current condition, and the sale of the asset is likely to occur within one year. The sale of the Rampage property is not considered a strategic shift and has therefore not been presented as discontinued operations. Option Deposits – Option payments received from prospective buyers are recognized as liabilities until the title of the real estate is transferred or the option is forfeited, or in the case of refundable deposits, the prospective buyer decides not to purchase the real estate and the deposit is returned. Debt discount and issuance costs –We net the debt discount and issuance costs against the carrying value of the debt. These costs are amortized as capitalized expenditures on a straight-line basis, which approximates the effective interest method, over the expected life of the respective debt liability. Sales of Real Estate – Prior to the adoption of the new Revenue Recognition standard on January 1, 2018, revenues from real estate sales were recognized when a sale closed and title transferred to the buyer, the buyer’s initial investment was adequate, any receivables were probable of collection and the usual risks and rewards of ownership had been transferred to the buyer. (See "Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements" below for information on the new accounting guidelines for real estate sales revenue recognition.) Recognition of Fee Income – Prior to the adoption of the new Revenue Recognition standard on January 1, 2018, we may have been contractually entitled to receive co-op marketing and advertising fees that was due when builders sell homes. These fees were generally based upon a fixed percentage of the homes’ selling prices and were recorded as revenue when the homes were sold. (See "Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements" below for information on the new accounting guidelines for real estate sales revenue recognition - variable.) Revenue and Profit Sharing Arrangements – Prior to the adoption of the new Revenue Recognition standard on January 1, 2018, certain of our lot purchase agreements with homebuilders included provisions that entitled us to a share of the revenues or profits realized by the homebuilders upon their sale of the homes, after certain thresholds were achieved. The actual amount which could have been received by us was generally based on a formula and other specified criteria contained in the lot purchase agreements, and were generally not payable and could not be determined with reasonable certainty until the builder had completed the sale of a substantial portion of the homes covered by the lot purchase agreement. Our policy was to accrue revenue earned pursuant to these agreements when amounts were fully earned and payable pursuant to the lot purchase agreements, which were recorded as Sales of real estate. Any amounts received from homebuilders prior to then were deferred. (See "Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements" below for information on the new accounting guidelines for real estate sales revenue recognition - variable.) Rental Income – Rental income is recognized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases. Any rent payments received in excess of the amounts recognized as revenue are deferred and reflected as Deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheets. For those leases that provide for billing of common area maintenance, such revenue is recognized in the period that the related estimated expenses are incurred based upon the tenant lease provision. Contract Service Revenues and Expenses – As we develop the Village of Escaya community infrastructure, we are entitled to receive up to $78,600,000 for costs from sale of homes by the Builder LLCs at the Village of Escaya. The Builder LLCs are contractually obligated to pay us an allocated amount of the proceeds of each home closing. Contract service revenues are recognized and corresponding contract service expenses are incurred as we perform the required infrastructure improvements on the project. At such time as management can estimate profit, the cumulative profit on costs incurred to date will be recognized and deemed as a change in estimate. Farming Revenues and Expenses – Income from farming related activities were recognized when grapes were sold, and expenses from farming related activities were recognized when incurred. Share-Based Compensation – The cost of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options and warrants, are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values. The cost is recognized as an expense over the vesting period of the award on the straight-line basis. The fair value of each award is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Revenue Recognition. In May 2014, the FASB issued new guidance that defines how companies report revenues from contracts with customers, and also requires enhanced disclosures. The core principle of this new guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. In addition, the FASB issued guidance on gain or loss from the derecognition of nonfinancial assets which would include real estate. We have adopted both of the new standards as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach and recorded cumulative earnings to our opening accumulated deficit of $1,250,000, which is net of taxes of $550,000. The cumulative earnings adjustment was comprised of variable consideration for real estate transactions and recognition of previously deferred revenue offset by costs to complete improvements for closed real estate transactions. Accordingly, the new revenue standard is applied in our financial statements from January 1, 2018 forward and reported financial information for historical comparable periods is not revised and continues to be reported under the accounting standards in effect during those historical periods. Our implementation efforts included the identification of revenue streams within the scope of the guidance and the evaluation of certain revenue contracts. The impact of adoption is primarily related to real estate revenues that were deferred on open sales contracts as of December 31, 2017 under the previously existing accounting guidance, which would have been recognized in prior periods under the new revenue standard, and costs to complete related to the previously deferred revenue that are not related to performance obligations under the contract with the customer but are costs associated with completion of real estate improvements that would have been expensed in prior periods under the new revenue standard. The impact of the adoption is also related to the timing of recognition of fee income. The new revenue guidance does not apply to revenue associated with leasing activities or interest income. The new revenue standard primarily impacts the following revenue recognition and presentation accounting policies: • Real estate sales revenues. Revenues from the sales of real estate are recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is completed. The majority of our real estate sales of land, lots, and homes transfer the goods and services to the customer ("buyer") at the close of escrow when title transfers to the buyer and the buyer has the benefit and control of the goods and services. If performance obligations under the contract with the customer related to a parcel of land, lot or home are not yet complete when title transfers to the buyer, revenue associated with the incomplete performance obligation is deferred until the performance obligation is completed. • Real estate sales revenues - variable. Revenues under real estate contracts with customers that are associated with price or profit participation were historically recognized as participation thresholds were met by the customer. Under the new revenue standard, revenue from these activities is recognized at a point in time when the related transaction is complete, performance obligations by us have been met, and only to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the estimated amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainties with respect to the amount are resolved. • Real estate costs to complete. Costs to complete improvements related to sold real estate was not expensed until the work was complete under the previously existing guidance and revenue associated with the costs to complete was deferred until the work was complete under the percentage of completion method. Under the new revenue standard, costs to complete improvements that are associated with the sold real estate but do not transfer to the customer as performance obligations under the terms of the contract are estimated at the completion of the real estate transaction and expensed as a cost of the sale. • Co-op marketing and advertising fees. Co-op marketing fees were recognized at the time of sale of a home by our builder customer to a homebuyer under the previously existing accounting guidance. Under the new revenue standard, the co-op fees are recognized over time as performance obligations by us are met, generally the term of the master marketing program that relates to the sales period for the home product being sold by our builder customer. • Contract servic |
