Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2018

The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our subsidiaries, which are wholly-owned or controlled by us. Entities which we do not control through our voting interest and entities which are variable interest entities, but where we are not the primary beneficiary, are accounted for under the equity method. See Note 5, "Debt and Preferred Equity Investments" and Note 6, "Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures." All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

We consolidate a variable interest entity, or VIE, in which we are considered the primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary is the entity that has (i) the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and (ii) the obligation to absorb losses of the VIE or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could be significant to the VIE.

A noncontrolling interest in a consolidated subsidiary is defined as the portion of the equity (net assets) in a subsidiary not attributable, directly or indirectly, to us. Noncontrolling interests are required to be presented as a separate component of equity in the consolidated balance sheet and the presentation of net income is modified to present earnings and other comprehensive income attributed to controlling and noncontrolling interests.

We assess the accounting treatment for each joint venture and debt and preferred equity investment. This assessment includes a review of each joint venture or limited liability company agreement to determine the rights provided to each party and whether those rights are protective or participating. For all VIEs, we review such agreements in order to determine which party has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance. In situations where we and our partner approve, among other things, the annual budget, receive a detailed monthly reporting package, meet on a quarterly basis to review the results of the joint venture, review and approve the joint venture's tax return before filing, and approve all leases that cover more than a nominal amount of space relative to the total rentable space at each property, we do not consolidate the joint venture as we consider these to be substantive participation rights that result in shared power of the activities that most significantly impact the performance of the joint venture. Our joint venture agreements typically contain certain protective rights such as requiring partner approval to sell, finance or refinance the property and the payment of capital expenditures and operating expenditures outside of the approved budget or operating plan.

Investment in Commercial Real Estate Properties

On a periodic basis, we assess whether there are any indications that the value of our real estate properties may be impaired or that their carrying value may not be recoverable. A property's value is considered impaired if management's estimate of the aggregate future cash flows (undiscounted) to be generated by the property is less than the carrying value of the property. To the extent impairment has occurred, the loss will be measured as the excess of the carrying amount of the property over the calculated fair value of the property.

We also evaluate our real estate properties for impairment when a property has been classified as held for sale. Real estate assets held for sale are valued at the lower of their carrying value or fair value less costs to sell and depreciation expense is no longer recorded.

Investment in Commercial Real Estate Properties

Real estate properties are presented at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Costs directly related to the development or redevelopment of properties are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred; major replacements and betterments, which improve or extend the life of the asset, are capitalized and depreciated over their estimated useful lives.

We recognize the assets acquired, liabilities assumed (including contingencies) and any noncontrolling interests in an acquired entity at their respective fair values on the acquisition date. When we acquire our partner's equity interest in an existing unconsolidated joint venture and gain control over the investment, we record the consolidated investment at fair value. The difference between the book value of our equity investment on the purchase date and our share of the fair value of the investment's purchase price is recorded as a purchase price fair value adjustment in our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 3, "Property Acquisitions."

We allocate the purchase price of real estate to land and building (inclusive of tenant improvements) and, if determined to be material, intangibles, such as the value of above- and below-market leases and origination costs associated with the in-place leases. We depreciate the amount allocated to building (inclusive of tenant improvements) over their estimated useful lives, which generally range from three to 40 years. We amortize the amount allocated to the above- and below-market leases over the remaining term of the associated lease, which generally range from one to 14 years, and record it as either an increase (in the case of below-market leases) or a decrease (in the case of above-market leases) to rental income. We amortize the amount allocated to the values associated with in-place leases over the expected term of the associated lease, which generally ranges from one to 14 years. If a tenant vacates its space prior to the contractual termination of the lease and no rental payments are being made on the lease, any unamortized balance of the related intangible will be written off. The tenant improvements and origination costs are amortized as an expense over the remaining life of the lease (or charged against earnings if the lease is terminated prior to its contractual expiration date). We assess fair value of the leases based on estimated cash flow projections that utilize appropriate discount and capitalization rates and available market information. Estimates of future cash flows are based on a number of factors including the historical operating results, known trends, and market/economic conditions that may affect the property. To the extent acquired leases contain fixed rate renewal options that are below-market and determined to be material, we amortize such below-market lease value into rental income over the renewal period. As of December 31, 2018, the weighted average amortization period for above-market leases, below-market leases, and in-place lease costs is 4.2 years, 7.7 years, and 4.6 years, respectively.

We incur a variety of costs in the development and leasing of our properties. After the determination is made to capitalize a cost, it is allocated to the specific component of a project that is benefited. Determination of when a development project is substantially complete and capitalization must cease involves a degree of judgment. The costs of land and building under development include specifically identifiable costs. The capitalized costs include, but are not limited to, pre-construction costs essential to the development of the property, development costs, construction costs, interest costs, real estate taxes, salaries and related costs and other costs incurred during the period of development. We consider a construction project as substantially completed and held available for occupancy upon the completion of tenant improvements, but no later than one year after major construction activity ceases. We cease capitalization on the portions substantially completed and occupied or held available for occupancy, and capitalize only those costs associated with the portions under construction.

Properties are depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We consider all highly liquid investments with maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash primarily consists of security deposits held on behalf of our tenants, interest reserves, as well as capital improvement and real estate tax escrows required under certain loan agreements.

Investment in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures

We account for our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures under the equity method of accounting in cases where we exercise significant influence over, but do not control, these entities and are not considered to be the primary beneficiary. We consolidate those joint ventures that we control or which are VIEs and where we are considered to be the primary beneficiary. In all these joint ventures, the rights of the joint venture partner are both protective as well as participating. Unless we are determined to be the primary beneficiary in a VIE, these participating rights preclude us from consolidating these VIE entities. These investments are recorded initially at cost, as investments in unconsolidated joint ventures, and subsequently adjusted for equity in net income (loss) and cash contributions and distributions. Equity in net income (loss) from unconsolidated joint ventures is allocated based on our ownership or economic interest in each joint venture and includes adjustments related to basis differences that were identified as part of the initial accounting for the investment. When a capital event (as defined in each joint venture agreement) such as a refinancing occurs, if return thresholds are met, future equity income will be allocated at our increased economic interest. We recognize incentive income from unconsolidated real estate joint ventures as income to the extent it is earned and not subject to a clawback feature. Distributions we receive from unconsolidated real estate joint ventures in excess of our basis in the investment are recorded as offsets to our investment balance if we remain liable for future obligations of the joint venture or may otherwise be committed to provide future additional financial support. None of the joint venture debt is recourse to us. See Note 6, "Investments in Unconsolidated Joint Ventures."

We assess our investments in unconsolidated joint ventures for recoverability, and if it is determined that a loss in value of the investment is other than temporary, we write down the investment to its fair value. We evaluate our equity investments for impairment based on the joint ventures' projected discounted cash flows. We do not believe that the values of any of our equity investments were impaired at December 31, 2018.

We may originate loans for real estate acquisition, development and construction, where we expect to receive some of the residual profit from such projects. When the risk and rewards of these arrangements are essentially the same as an investor or joint venture partner, we account for these arrangements as real estate investments under the equity method of accounting for investments. Otherwise, we account for these arrangements consistent with the accounting for our debt and preferred equity investments.

Deferred Lease Costs

Deferred lease costs consist of fees and direct costs incurred to execute operating leases and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related lease term.

Deferred Financing Costs

Deferred financing costs represent commitment fees, legal, title and other third party costs associated with obtaining commitments for financing which result in a closing of such financing. These costs are amortized over the terms of the respective agreements. Unamortized deferred financing costs are expensed when the associated debt is refinanced or repaid before maturity. Costs incurred in seeking financing transactions, which do not close, are expensed in the period in which it is determined that the financing will not close. Deferred financing costs related to a recognized debt liability are presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability.

Revenue Recognition

Investment income on debt and preferred equity investments is accrued based on the contractual terms of the instruments and when, in the opinion of management, it is deemed collectible. Some debt and preferred equity investments provide for accrual of interest at specified rates, which differ from current payment terms. Interest is recognized on such loans at the accrual rate subject to management's determination that accrued interest is ultimately collectible, based on the underlying collateral and operations of the borrower. If management cannot make this determination, interest income above the current pay rate is recognized only upon actual receipt.

Deferred origination fees, original issue discounts and loan origination costs, if any, are recognized as an adjustment to interest income over the terms of the related investments using the effective interest method. Fees received in connection with loan commitments are also deferred until the loan is funded and are then recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield. Discounts or premiums associated with the purchase of loans are amortized or accreted into interest income as a yield adjustment on the effective interest method based on expected cash flows through the expected maturity date of the related investment. If we purchase a debt or preferred equity investment at a discount, intend to hold it until maturity and expect to recover the full value of the investment, we accrete the discount into income as an adjustment to yield over the term of the investment. If we purchase a debt or preferred equity investment at a discount with the intention of foreclosing on the collateral, we do not accrete the discount. For debt investments acquired at a discount for credit quality, the difference between contractual cash flows and expected cash flows at acquisition is not accreted. Anticipated exit fees, the collection of which is expected, are also recognized over the term of the loan as an adjustment to yield.

Debt and preferred equity investments are placed on a non-accrual status at the earlier of the date at which payments become 90 days past due or when, in the opinion of management, a full recovery of interest income becomes doubtful. Interest income recognition on any non-accrual debt or preferred equity investment is resumed when such non-accrual debt or preferred equity investment becomes contractually current and performance is demonstrated to be resumed. Interest is recorded as income on impaired loans only to the extent cash is received.

We may syndicate a portion of the loans that we originate or sell the loans individually. When a transaction meets the criteria for sale accounting, we derecognize the loan sold and recognize gain or loss based on the difference between the sales price and the carrying value of the loan sold. Any related unamortized deferred origination fees, original issue discounts, loan origination costs, discounts or premiums at the time of sale are recognized as an adjustment to the gain or loss on sale, which is included in investment income on the consolidated statement of operations. Any fees received at the time of sale or syndication are recognized as part of investment income.

Asset management fees are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the asset management agreement.

Revenue Recognition

Rental revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. Rental revenue recognition commences when the tenant takes possession or controls the physical use of the leased space. In order for the tenant to take possession, the leased space must be substantially ready for its intended use. To determine whether the leased space is substantially ready for its intended use, management evaluates whether we are or the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes. When management concludes that we are the owner of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of the finished space, which is when such tenant improvements are substantially complete. In certain instances, when management concludes that we are not the owner (the tenant is the owner) of tenant improvements, rental revenue recognition begins when the tenant takes possession of or controls the space. When management concludes that we are the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, we record amounts funded to construct the tenant improvements as a capital asset. For these tenant improvements, we record amounts reimbursed by tenants as a reduction of the capital asset. When management concludes that the tenant is the owner of tenant improvements for accounting purposes, we record our contribution towards those improvements as a lease incentive, which is included in deferred costs, net on our consolidated balance sheets and amortized as a reduction to rental revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The excess of rents recognized over amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying leases are included in deferred rents receivable on the consolidated balance sheets. We establish, on a current basis, an allowance for future potential tenant credit losses, which may occur against this account. The balance reflected on the consolidated balance sheets is net of such allowance.

In addition to base rent, our tenants also generally will pay their pro rata share of increases in real estate taxes and operating expenses for the building over a base year. In some leases, in lieu of paying additional rent based upon increases in building operating expenses, the tenant will pay additional rent based upon increases in the wage rate paid to porters over the porters' wage rate in effect during a base year or increases in the consumer price index over the index value in effect during a base year. In addition, many of our leases contain fixed percentage increases over the base rent to cover escalations. Electricity is most often supplied by the landlord either on a sub-metered basis, or rent inclusion basis (i.e., a fixed fee is included in the rent for electricity, which amount may increase based upon increases in electricity rates or increases in electrical usage by the tenant). Base building services other than electricity (such as heat, air conditioning and freight elevator service during business hours, and base building cleaning) are typically provided at no additional cost, with the tenant paying additional rent only for services which exceed base building services or for services which are provided outside normal business hours. These escalations are based on actual expenses incurred in the prior calendar year. If the expenses in the current year are different from those in the prior year, then during the current year, the escalations will be adjusted to reflect the actual expenses for the current year.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our tenants to make required payments. If the financial condition of a specific tenant were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required.

Rent Expense

Rent expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease. The excess of the rent expense recognized over the amounts contractually due pursuant to the underlying lease is included in the deferred lease payable on the consolidated balance sheets.

Exchangeable Debt Instruments

The initial proceeds from exchangeable debt that may be settled in cash, including partial cash settlements, are bifurcated between a liability component and an equity component associated with the embedded conversion option. The objective of the accounting guidance is to require the liability and equity components of exchangeable debt to be separately accounted for in a manner such that the interest expense on the exchangeable debt is not recorded at the stated rate of interest but rather at an effective rate that reflects the issuer's conventional debt borrowing rate at the date of issuance. We calculate the liability component of exchangeable debt based on the present value of the contractual cash flows discounted at our comparable market conventional debt borrowing rate at the date of issuance. The difference between the principal amount and the fair value of the liability component is reported as a discount on the exchangeable debt that is accreted as additional interest expense from the issuance date through the contractual maturity date using the effective interest method. A portion of this additional interest expense may be capitalized to the development and redevelopment balances qualifying for interest capitalization each period. The liability component of the exchangeable debt is reported net of discounts on our consolidated balance sheets. We calculate the equity component of exchangeable debt based on the difference between the initial proceeds received from the issuance of the exchangeable debt and the fair value of the liability component at the issuance date. The equity component is included in additional paid-in-capital, net of issuance costs, on our consolidated balance sheets. We allocate issuance costs for exchangeable debt between the liability and the equity components based on their relative values.

Income Taxes

SL Green is taxed as a REIT under Section 856(c) of the Code. As a REIT, SL Green generally is not subject to Federal income tax. To maintain its qualification as a REIT, SL Green must distribute at least 90% of its REIT taxable income to its stockholders and meet certain other requirements. If SL Green fails to qualify as a REIT in any taxable year, SL Green will be subject to Federal income tax on its taxable income at regular corporate rates. SL Green may also be subject to certain state, local and franchise taxes. Under certain circumstances, Federal income and excise taxes may be due on its undistributed taxable income.

ROP is a disregarded entity of SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P. for federal income tax purposes, and, as a result, all income and losses of ROP are considered income and losses of SL Green Operating Partnership, L. P. No provision has been made for income taxes in the consolidated financial statements since such taxes, if any, are the responsibility of the individual partners of SL Green Operating Partnership, L.P.

We follow a two-step approach for evaluating uncertain tax positions. Recognition (step one) occurs when an enterprise concludes that a tax position, based solely on its technical merits, is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon examination. Measurement (step two) determines the amount of benefit that is more-likely-than-not to be realized upon settlement. Derecognition of a tax position that was previously recognized would occur when a company subsequently determines that a tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. The use of a valuation allowance as a substitute for derecognition of tax positions is prohibited.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the ‘‘Tax Act’’) was signed into law and makes substantial changes to the Code. The Tax Act has not had a material impact on our financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 or December 31, 2017.

Derivative Instruments

In the normal course of business, we use a variety of commonly used derivative instruments, such as interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors, to manage, or hedge, interest rate risk. Effectiveness is essential for those derivatives that we intend to qualify for hedge accounting. Some derivative instruments are associated with an anticipated transaction. In those cases, hedge effectiveness criteria also require that it be probable that the underlying transaction occurs. Instruments that meet these hedging criteria are formally designated as hedges at the inception of the derivative contract.

To determine the fair values of derivative instruments, we use a variety of methods and assumptions that are based on market conditions and risks existing at each balance sheet date. For the majority of financial instruments including most derivatives, long-term investments and long-term debt, standard market conventions and techniques such as discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models, replacement cost, and termination cost are used to determine fair value. All methods of assessing fair value result in a general approximation of value, and such value may never actually be realized.

In the normal course of business, we are exposed to the effect of interest rate changes and limit these risks by following established risk management policies and procedures including the use of derivatives. To address exposure to interest rates, derivatives are used primarily to fix the rate on debt based on floating-rate indices and manage the cost of borrowing obligations.

We use a variety of conventional derivative products. These derivatives typically include interest rate swaps, caps, collars and floors. We expressly prohibit the use of unconventional derivative instruments and using derivative instruments for trading or speculative purposes. Further, we have a policy of only entering into contracts with major financial institutions based upon their credit ratings and other factors.

We may employ swaps, forwards or purchased options to hedge qualifying forecasted transactions. Gains and losses related to these transactions are deferred and recognized in net income as interest expense in the same period or periods that the underlying transaction occurs, expires or is otherwise terminated.

Hedges that are reported at fair value and presented on the balance sheet could be characterized as cash flow hedges or fair value hedges. Interest rate caps and collars are examples of cash flow hedges. Cash flow hedges address the risk associated with future cash flows of interest payments. For all hedges held by us and which were deemed to be fully effective in meeting the hedging objectives established by our corporate policy governing interest rate risk management, no net gains or losses were reported in earnings. The changes in fair value of hedge instruments are reflected in accumulated other comprehensive income. For derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments, the gain or loss, resulting from the change in the estimated fair value of the derivative instruments, is recognized in current earnings during the period of change.

Shares Contributed by Parent Company

We record contributed shares of SL Green common stock as a reduction to general partner's capital in our financial statements.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States 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.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash investments, debt and preferred equity investments and accounts receivable. We place our cash investments with high quality financial institutions. The collateral securing our debt and preferred equity investments is located in the New York metropolitan area. See Note 5, "Debt and Preferred Equity Investments."

We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our tenants and require most tenants to provide security deposits or letters of credit. Though these security deposits and letters of credit are insufficient to meet the total value of a tenant's lease obligation, they are a measure of good faith and a source of funds to offset the economic costs associated with lost revenue and the costs associated with re-tenanting a space. The properties in our real estate portfolio are located in the New York metropolitan area. The tenants located in our buildings operate in various industries.

Reclassification

Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to our current year presentation

Accounting Standards Updates

Fair Value Measurements

We are required to disclose fair value information with regard to our financial instruments, whether or not recognized in the consolidated balance sheets, for which it is practical to estimate fair value. The FASB guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. We measure and/or disclose the estimated fair value of financial assets and liabilities based on a hierarchy that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions. This hierarchy consists of three broad levels: Level 1 - quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date; Level 2 - inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly; and Level 3 - unobservable inputs for the asset or liability that are used when little or no market data is available. We follow this hierarchy for our assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring and nonrecurring basis. In instances in which the determination of the fair value measurement is based on inputs from different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the entire fair value measurement falls is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Our assessment of the significance of the particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.

The following tables set forth the assets and liabilities that we measure at fair value on a recurring and non-recurring basis by their levels in the fair value hierarchy at December 31, 2018 and 2017 (in thousands):

December 31, 2018

Total

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Assets:

Interest rate cap and swap agreements (included in other assets)

—



	December 31, 2017
	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
Assets:
Interest rate cap and swap agreements (included in other assets)	$	167	$	—	$	167	$	—

We determine impairment in real estate investments and debt and preferred equity investments, including intangibles primarily utilizing cash flow projections that apply, among other things, estimated revenue and expense growth rates, discount rates and capitalization rates, as well as sales comparison approach, which utilizes comparable sales, listings and sales contracts. All of which are classified as Level 3 inputs.

In December 2018, the Company determined that it was more likely than not that its suburban properties would be sold or otherwise disposed of significantly before the end of their previously estimated useful life. The Company tested the recoverability of the assets and, as a result of the carrying amount of the assets not being deemed recoverable and exceeding their fair value as measured on a asset by asset basis, recorded a $106.4 million impairment loss. These charges are included in depreciable real estate reserves and impairment in the consolidated statement of operations. The fair value of the assets were determined primarily utilizing cash flow projections that apply, among other things, estimated revenue and expense growth rates, discount rates and capitalization rates, as well as sales comparison approach, which utilizes comparable sales, listings and sales contracts. All of which are classified as Level 3 inputs.

In January 2018, the partnership agreement for our investment in 919 Third Avenue was modified resulting in the Company no longer having a controlling interest in this investment. As a result the investment was deconsolidated as of January 1, 2018. The Company recorded its non-controlling interest at fair value resulting in a $54.9 million fair value adjustment in the consolidated statement of operations. This fair value was determined using a third party valuation which primarily utilized cash flow projections that apply, among other things, estimated revenue and expense growth rates, discount rates and capitalization rates, as well as sales comparison approach, which utilizes comparable sales, listings and sales contracts. All of which are classified as Level 3 inputs.

The fair value of derivative instruments is based on current market data received from financial sources that trade such instruments and are based on prevailing market data and derived from third party proprietary models based on well-recognized financial principles and reasonable estimates about relevant future market conditions, which are classified as Level 2 inputs.

The financial assets and liabilities that are not measured at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets include cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, debt and preferred equity investments, mortgages and other loans payable and other secured and unsecured debt. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued expenses reported in our consolidated balance sheets approximates fair value due to the short term nature of these instruments. The fair value of debt and preferred equity investments, which is classified as Level 3, is estimated by discounting the future cash flows using current interest rates at which similar loans with the same maturities would be made to borrowers with similar credit ratings. The fair value of borrowings, which is classified as Level 3, is estimated by discounting the contractual cash flows of each debt instrument to their present value using adjusted market interest rates, which is provided by a third-party specialist.

RECKSON OPERATING PARTNERSHIP LP 10-K